Shop
My
Custom
This protein mug cake is like a chocolate cake in a single-serve, protein-packed package. I love sneaking protein into treats (hello, protein pancakes, protein waffles, protein balls, and protein pudding!) because they’re the best of both worlds—delicious and good for you. But let’s be real, some days there’s no time to bake a whole batch of treats. That’s where my protein mug cake recipe comes in: It’s rich, chocolaty, and perfect for a quick fix when those cravings hit. Make it with me in less than 5 minutes!
Why You Need My Protein Mug Cake Recipe
- Rich, moist, and chocolaty – This seriously tastes like a rich chocolate cake in a mug, and it’s incredibly moist! You’ll forget about the protein.
- No sugar or white flour – Most mug cakes (even ones with protein powder) rely on refined sugar and white flour as main ingredients, so they aren’t exactly healthy. My protein mug cake is gluten-free, with less than 1 gram of sugar in the whole thing.
- Packed with protein – This little cake has 17 grams of protein! A healthy dessert or snack that fuels you? Yes, please!
- Ready in 3 minutes – Just mix it up, pop it in the microwave, and you’re done! If you’d rather bake it, I’ve got you covered with an easy option for that, too.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my protein powder mug cake, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Protein Powder – Any kind works, but I recommend this whey protein isolate for the best texture in your cake. I’ve also made it with bone broth protein. You can use plant-based protein powder if you like; just avoid egg white protein, which will make the cake dense.
- Wholesome Yum Blanched Almond Flour – It has a finer grind than other brands, giving your protein mug cake a soft, delicate crumb. And it’s gluten-free. Don’t use coconut flour (too dry) or almond meal (too gritty). For a nut-free option, sunflower seed flour will work.
- Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – Unlike most sweetener options, this one doesn’t dry out your cake, so it stays soft and moist — with a taste just like sugar, minus the carbs and calories. Other sweeteners work, but this one’s the best for texture!
- Cocoa Powder – A Dutch processed like this works best, because it tastes smooth and chocolaty without bitterness. If you don’t want chocolate, I’ve got other flavor options below.
- Egg – You can substitute a flax egg, but your cake won’t be as fluffy.
- Butter – I use unsalted grass-fed butter, but salted is just fine. For dairy-free or paleo, use coconut oil or ghee.
- Baking Powder – Helps the cake rise! I like this non-GMO brand. Don’t confuse it with baking soda, which is different.
- Vanilla Extract – I like this brand.
- Chocolate Chips – Optional, for topping! I use these sugar-free ones.
FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook
GET IT NOW
How To Make This Protein Mug Cake
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Mix the butter and vanilla. Melt the butter right in your mug or ramekin. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients. Stir in the protein powder, sweetener, cocoa powder, almond flour, and baking powder.
- Add the egg. Crack the egg in, whisk a bit, and mix it all together. Smooth the top if it looks uneven.
- Microwave or bake. The fastest way to cook your protein mug cake is in the microwave, but feel free to pop it in the oven if you prefer. It’s ready when an inserted toothpick comes out clean. (I added chocolate chips on mine — see my tips below!)
My Recipe Tips
- What size mug works best? I used an 8-ounce mug because I wanted the cake to rise over the top, but this runs some risk of the batter spilling over. Use at least a 12-ounce mug (the standard size) to avoid this issue, or even a small bowl is fine.
- Don’t you have to mix the dry ingredients first? You can, but honestly, I don’t — to keep this protein mug cake recipe super simple without extra dishes to wash.
- Can you use flavored protein powder? Yes, you can use vanilla or chocolate protein powder, but I avoid these because they usually have added sugar or processed fillers.
- Be careful not to overcook. Mug cakes can dry out or get rubbery if microwaved too long. Start with the minimum time and check. It’s better to add a few seconds than overdo it!
- Want melty chocolate chips on top? Add them immediately while the cake is still warm so they start to melt, or you can microwave for 5-10 more seconds.
- Prefer a version without protein powder? Try my chocolate mug cake or sugar-free mug brownie instead.
Meal Prep Option
This recipe makes one protein mug cake, but you can easily scale it up!
Just change the number of servings on the recipe card below to the number you want, and mix the ingredients in a bigger bowl all together. Transfer the batter to ramekins or mugs, and microwave or bake.
I do recommend cooking right away, because the baking powder will lose effectiveness if you save the batter for later. You can refrigerate or freeze the cakes afterward.
Toppings & Flavors
You can easily customize this high protein mug cake with flavors and toppings. Here are some variations I like to make:
- Vanilla – For a vanilla version, replace the cocoa powder with the same amount of additional almond flour. I also recommend doubling the vanilla extract, or you can add the seeds from a vanilla bean pod, like I do for my vanilla mug cake recipe.
- Cinnamon – Make it like the vanilla version above, and add a teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Blueberry – Again, start with the vanilla version above and mix blueberries into the batter before cooking.
- Chocolate Chip – I added them on top, but you can totally stir them into the batter.
- Fruit Toppings – I love topping my protein mug cake with fresh strawberries. Raspberries or bananas are also amazing with chocolate.
- Whipped Cream – I use my homemade whipped cream.
- Sprinkles – I get chocolate ones to avoid artificial colors, or make my colorful sugar-free sprinkles that use natural colors.
- Drizzle – Take it up a notch by drizzling your cake with caramel sauce, almond butter, or peanut butter (I like this one with no sugar added) thinned out with a little coconut oil.
More Chocolate Protein Recipes
If you’re as obsessed with chocolate and protein as I am, you’re going to love my other high protein recipes:
Protein Mug Cake (Chocolate)
By
Make this easy protein mug cake for a feel-good treat in just 3 minutes! It's moist, chocolaty, and packed with 17g of protein.
Instructions
[ See step photos See my tips ]Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
-
Melt the butter in a mug by heating for about 30 seconds in the microwave.
-
Stir in the vanilla extract.
-
Stir in Besti, protein powder, cocoa powder, almond flour, baking powder, and egg. Mix well, then smooth the top.
-
Microwave for 60-75 seconds, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean, but the cake is still moist.
Alternatively, if you don't want to use the microwave, bake in a large ramekin in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees F.
-
If you like, top with chocolate chips and sugar-free whipped cream. (If you want the chocolate chips melty, you can microwave the cake for another 5-10 seconds before adding cream.)
Did you make it? Leave a review or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 mug cake
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get a rich, moist texture and melty chocolate chips like mine. I also have notes about mug sizes and other tips.
- Flavor variations: See my toppings and flavors section above for ideas to top your protein mug cake, or to make other flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, and blueberry.
- Storage & meal prep: If you opt for my meal prep option above, you can keep your cakes in the fridge for up to 3-5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
Add Your Notes Your Notes
Try More Of My Recipes
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.
Protein Mug Cake
40 Comments
Bernice
0These mug cakes are way too easy, delicious, and convenient!!
Kristyn
0I will be making this for myself weekly!! It’s the perfect individual size & so gooey!
Kim
0This tasted much better than I expected because I’m not a fan of protein powders, but this recipe cut my sweet tooth needs and was easy to make. Thank you.
Paula
0This was perfect when I just wanted a small dessert.
Taylor
0Whenever I get a sweet craving, this is the first recipe I reach for! It’s so moist and has the perfect amount of chocolate flavor. I just love it!
Toni
0I seriously enjoyed this!! Perfect for my cravings!!