Protein Mug Cake - Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Recipe - Chenée Today (2024)

by Chenée Lewis

Easy 3 ingredient protein powder mug cake recipe in the microwave! This protein mug cake with no flour and no banana is a simple, protein-packed dessert or post-workout snack that’s ready in 2 minutes!

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And for more goodies, try my Protein Baked Oats for One, my Vegan Pumpkin Smoothie, and my 40 Biscoff Recipes You Need to Try!

3 Ingredient Protein Powder Mug Cake - Microwave Recipe

You'll only need three ingredients for this easy protein mug cake: no flour and no banana, only protein powder, egg, and baking powder! That's all you'll need! It's even easier than my Apple Mug Cake recipe! If you like, you can add in a few optional ingredients to boost the sweetness and chocolatey goodness.

Can I have a protein shake for dessert?

This 3 ingredient protein powder mug cake is the best of both worlds! It gives you all the protein of a shake or smoothie, but with a light cake texture that you'll love! Because it's mostly protein, it's definitely got a denser, spongier texture than most cakes, but it's still such a delicious indulgence that you can feel great about!

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Protein Mug Cake Ingredients

See below in the recipe card for the full ingredients and quantities, but here's a look at the basic ingredients you'll need:

  • protein powder - use your favorite brand of protein powder for this recipe -- any flavor you like! I used chocolate protein powder. It's important to pick a protein powder that has a flavor that you enjoy, since it's the main ingredient in this easy protein mug cake!
  • egg - we'll add a large egg to give this protein mug cake more richness and a bit of a lift. Your egg should ideally be room temperature before adding it in to this healthy mug cake recipe.
  • baking powder - helps to provide a bit more lift to our mug cake!
  • water - add in a few splashes of water (or unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or other non-dairy milk) to thin out the batter.
  • sweetener - this is optional, but you can add in a bit of sweetener to taste. It can be white sugar, maple syrup, coconut sugar, or any no calorie sweetener you like!
  • cocoa powder - optional, to feed your chocolate cravings and add a more fluffy texture. And for an even more chocolatey treat, try my Mini Chocolate Cake or my Keto Chocolate Mousse for Two!
  • vanilla extract - optional, to deepen the vanilla flavor in this delicious mug cake!
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Equipment

This recipe is incredibly simple, so you won't need a lot of special tools to make this protein mug cake: microwave-safe mug or ramekin to make sure the cake will fit after it rises in the microwave.

I also like to use a mini whisk to help whip up the batter. But if you don't have one a fork will do just fine. If you like, you can mix the batter in a mixing bowl, but I usually just whip it all up directly in the mug.

How do you bake with protein powder?

This three ingredient protein mug cake is as easy as mixing in the mug and popping in the microwave! Here are the steps for this recipe:

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Whisk together dry ingredients in your mug.

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Stir in egg until smooth.

Hint: Watch your mug cake as it cooks in the microwave, checking it after 30 seconds so that it doesn't overcook and create a rubbery texture!

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Variations

This three ingredient protein mug cake recipe is so easy to switch up according to your preference!

  • Change the flavor - use any flavor of protein powder you like to give this easy protein mug cake a vanilla, caramel, strawberry, or cinnamon flavor!
  • Add ins - add semisweet or white chocolate chips, fresh or freeze-dried berries, or a dollop of peanut butter!
  • À la Mode - add vanilla ice cream or my Amarena Cherry Chocolate Sauce on top to really feed your sweet tooth!
  • Birthday Cake - use vanilla protein powder and add sprinkles and whipped cream.

See my Mango Kale Smoothie with Collagen for another high protein sweet treat full of fruit flavors, or try this Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream for another easy high-protein recipe!

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Storage

You most likely won't need to store this single serving dessert, but you can store it in the mug in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a substitute for milk in a mug cake?

In this mug cake, we're substituting water for milk to thin out the consistency of the batter. You can also use any dairy milk or plant milk that you like!

How many calories are in a protein mug cake?

This three ingredient protein mug cake recipe has 197 calories and 4 net carbs per serving, excluding any toppings or add-ins. See the recipe card below for full nutritional information.

Top tip

Be sure to use a protein powder that has a flavor you love! Since this protein powder mug cake is made with just protein powder and a few other ingredients, it makes up most of the flavors in the recipe.

If you try this recipe,I would love it if you couldleave a star review rating and comment below! It’s so wonderful hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to share your creations with me by tagging@chenee_today on Instagram!

📖 Recipe

Protein Mug Cake - Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Recipe - Chenée Today (10)

Protein Mug Cake - Microwave Recipe

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Three ingredient protein mug cake - microwave recipe! This easy protein mug cake with no flour and no banana is a simple, protein-packed dessert or post-workout snack that’s ready in 2 minutes!

Prep Time: 3 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 2 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine :American

Servings: 1 mug cake

Calories: 197kcal

Recipe Source: Chenée Lewis

Equipment you may need

Ingredients

  • 1 scoop protein powder - chocolate, vanilla, or any flavor you like
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder - optional
  • 1-2 teaspoon sweetener of your choice - optional; if you want it a bit sweeter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1-2 teaspoon water - to loosen consistency; you can also use the milk of your choice instead of water
  • Toppings of your choice

Instructions

  • In a microwave safe mug, whisk together protein powder and baking powder. Stir in cocoa powder and sweetener, if using.

    1 scoop protein powder, ½ teaspoon baking powder, 2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder, 1-2 teaspoon sweetener of your choice

  • Stir in egg until mixture is smooth.

    1 large egg

  • Add water as needed to thin out consistency and stir to combine.

    1-2 teaspoon water

  • Microwave on high for 30-40 seconds, adding time in 5-second increments until top of cake is mostly dry.

  • Add toppings and enjoy warm.

    Toppings of your choice

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1 mug cake | Calories: 197 kcal | Carbohydrates: 5 g | Protein: 32 g | Fat: 7 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g | Trans Fat: 0.02 g | Cholesterol: 236 mg | Sodium: 329 mg | Potassium: 190 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 2 g | Vitamin A: 350 IU | Calcium: 246 mg | Iron: 3 mg

Nutrition Disclaimer

Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can't wait to see (and share) your results! Follow me on Instagram at @chenee_today and tag #cheneetoday!

Protein Mug Cake - Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Recipe - Chenée Today (11)

Last Updated on February 24, 2024 by Chenée Lewis

Protein Mug Cake - Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Recipe - Chenée Today (2024)

FAQs

Why is my protein mug cake rubbery? ›

If your mug cake has a rubbery texture, then you either used a bit too much oil or cooked it for too long. Add a splash more of almond milk and it should have a better texture.

Why is my protein mug cake dry? ›

They use wheat or oat flour, protein powder, and no eggs or oils. Naturally, it's going to be very dry with these ingredients. However this keto chocolate mug cake derives moisture from the nut butter. As long as you don't overcook it, it's deliciously moist and gooey.

Why did my mug cake fail? ›

Don't overfill your mug with ingredients

Even with the perfect mini whisk, things can still go wrong when making a mug cake. One big mistake involves overfilling the mug. Just like with any other baked good, mug cakes rise during the cooking process.

Why is my mug cake chewy? ›

A rubbery mug cake is indicative of being overcooked, or incorrect measurements. Please be precise with the measurements and stop cooking once the cake is soft but not wet on the top.

Why is my mug cake rock hard? ›

If your mug cake is rock hard, it has been over-baked! Next time, lower the amount of time it cooks, because microwaves vary in wattage, causing some to cook faster than others. Also, be sure to use a standard-size regular coffee cup, not a deep mug.

Why does my mug cake taste bitter? ›

One of the most common misfortunes among bakers is that they are using too much baking soda or baking powder. Know that too much baking soda or baking powder in cakes will not just lead to a metallic and bitter taste, but it can also make a big mess in the oven as it will rise beyond expectations.

How do you make protein cakes less dry? ›

Always use a moisturiser when making protein pancakes or baking protein cakes or muffins. A moisturiser is an ingredient that will 'weigh down' your protein powder and add moisture to your food. You need a moisturiser when you're cooking with whey and casein (otherwise will food will come out dry and rubbery).

Why is my cake fluffy but dry? ›

The ratio of wet to dry ingredients determines a cake's moisture level. If there's simply too much flour and not enough butter, a cake will taste dry. On the other hand, if there's too much milk and not enough flour, a cake will taste too wet. Finding the right balance between wet and dry ingredients is key.

How do I make sure my cake stays moist? ›

10 WAYS TO MAKE CAKE MOIST
  1. USE THE CORRECT TEMPERATURE AND BAKING TIME. Consider lowering your oven temperature slightly when baking a cake. ...
  2. USE VEGETABLE OIL. ...
  3. USE BUTTERMILK INSTEAD OF MILK. ...
  4. ADD INSTANT PUDDING MIX. ...
  5. ADD MAYONNAISE. ...
  6. USE SIMPLE SYRUP OR GLAZE. ...
  7. USE CAKE FLOUR. ...
  8. DON'T OVERMIX.

Can you eat undercooked mug cake? ›

Can you eat slightly undercooked cake? It is not recommended to eat raw flour, so eating a slightly undercooked cake is not a good idea. Make sure your cake is thoroughly baked before eating it.

How do you know if your mug cake is done? ›

Microwave for 5-8 minutes (start with 5 minutes and increase the time if the cake isn't done after 5). A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

What is the shelf life of mug cake? ›

However, if for some reason you have leftover mug cake or you want to make it in advance, it can generally stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature, and up to a week if refrigerated.

Are mug cakes okay to eat? ›

To make a double portion, we recommend using two separate mugs! Are microwave mug cakes safe to eat? Yes! Mug cakes are completely safe to consume.

Can we keep mug cake in the fridge? ›

If you have leftovers from your mug cake, you can store them in the fridge until they are ready to heat. For the best texture, bring it to room temperature before eating.

Why does my mug cake taste like egg? ›

Skip eggs - Since mug cakes are usually single serving, one egg tends to be too much for the portion and it ends up tasting "eggy". So, mug cakes amade without eggs have the best soft and light texture. Add the right amount of leavening - Baking powder is generally the go-to leavening for mug cakes.

How do you make protein pancakes less rubbery? ›

Lastly, don't overmix the batter. Instead, mix just until everything is combined. If you overmix, the pancakes will be tough and rubbery. Keep these tips in mind next time you make protein pancakes, and you'll be sure to end up with a stack of fluffy, delicious pancakes.

Why does my cake have a rubbery texture? ›

It is essential to follow the recipe instructions, especially the measurement part. If you mix incorrect measurements of sugar, butter, and eggs, the cake will become rubbery.

Why is my vegan cake rubbery? ›

The ratio of wet ingredients (fat and vegan milk) to dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder etc.) has to be in perfect balance. If you have too much fat and too little milk and/or flour, you'll get a greasy cake. If you have too much milk and not enough fat, you'll end up with a gummy, dense cake.

Why is my mug cake not spongy? ›

You didn't use self-rising flour

This type of flour gives these baked goods a light and fluffy consistency. Without all the right science involved with flour and other ingredients, cakes can be too dense and dry.

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