Next time you’re craving a sweet treat, but you’re short on time, this 3-Ingredient Protein Powder Mug Cake is the perfect healthy dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth with 35 grams of protein!
Made with simple ingredients like protein powder, oat flour (simply made from oats) and your choice of milk, this high-protein mug cake comes together in minutes for a quick and delicious treat.
With its high protein content, it’s a great option for a post-workout snack or a macro-friendly dessert that fits right into your health goals.
The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a microwave-safe mug and a blender! Plus, you can customize this 3 ingredient chocolate protein mug cake with toppings like Greek yogurt, peanut butter, or fresh fruit for an extra boost of flavor and protein.
This recipe uses pantry staples and works well with plant-based protein powders, whey protein powder, or even pea protein. Whether you’re looking for a vegan protein mug cake or simply a low-calorie chocolate cake, this one is guaranteed to become your go-to high-protein dessert.
Jump to Recipe- WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS EASY PROTEIN MUG CAKE
- INGREDIENTS TO MAKE A MOIST CHOCOLATE PROTEIN MUG CAKE
- How to Make 3 Ingredient Chocolate Protein Mug Cake
- TIPS FOR MAKING THE PERFECT PROTEIN CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
- POPULAR SUBSTITUTIONS & ADDITIONS
- HOW TO STORE YOUR PROTEIN MUG CAKE
- HOW LONG WILL THIS HIGH-PROTEIN MUG CAKE LAST IN THE FRIDGE?
- CAN I FREEZE A MUG CAKE?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More High Protein Breakfast Ideas
- 3 ingredient protein powder mug cake no banana (chocolate)
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS EASY PROTEIN MUG CAKE
- Single-serving indulgence. Craving something sweet but don’t want to bake an entire chocolate cake? This ingredient protein powder mug cake is the perfect healthy dessert to enjoy solo. It’s a satisfying treat without the temptation of leftovers—ideal for portion control or a quick pick-me-up.
- Quick and easy protein-packed treat. This high-protein mug cake is so simple to make. With just a few basic ingredients blended together and microwaved, you can have a delicious dessert ready in under 2 minutes. No need for messy bowls or long cooking times—clean-up is a breeze!
- Customizable and versatile. Whether you prefer pea protein, whey protein powder, or even vegan protein powder, this recipe works with a variety of plant-based protein powders or your favorite protein powder. Add toppings like Greek yogurt, dark chocolate chips, or a drizzle of peanut butter for extra flavor and a dose of protein.
- A healthier dessert option. Made with wholesome healthy ingredients like oat flour (made by simply blending oats) and milk of choice, this mug cake offers a guilt-free way to curb those chocolate cravings. It’s also low calorie and packed with enough protein to double as a post-workout snack or a light meal prep option.
- Say goodbye to rubbery textures! Unlike some high protein desserts, this chocolate protein mug cake tastes soft and decadent, with none of the dryness you might expect. Achieve perfect results every time with this foolproof recipe.
INGREDIENTS TO MAKE A MOIST CHOCOLATE PROTEIN MUG CAKE
Dry ingredients: This mug cake uses oats, protein powder, and cocoa powder to create a rich, chocolatey flavor while keeping things simple and nutritious. If you don’t have oat flour, just blend regular oats into a fine texture—it’s an easy swap!
Protein powder: I used vanilla protein powder to pack in that extra dose of protein and get all the amino acids. You can also try it with any type of protein powder like vegan protein powder, whey protein powder. It just depends on your preference.
Cocoa powder: This gives the mug cake its deep chocolate flavor. For extra richness, opt for a high-quality, unsweetened cocoa powder.
Wet ingredients: This delicious mug cake recipe has just one wet ingredient: milk! You can also add maple syrup, but that will depend on your personal preference and whether or not your protein powder is sweetened.
Milk: I use lactose-free milk but you can use any non-dairy milk like unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or even regular dairy milk if that’s what you have on hand. It adds just the right amount of moisture to the cake batter.
Optional toppings: I love adding a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of peanut butter, and a few fresh strawberries for a fun and delicious finish. Of course, you can skip the toppings or try something else, like dark chocolate chips or extra peanut butter—it’s totally up to you!
How to Make 3 Ingredient Chocolate Protein Mug Cake
- Prepare your bowl (optional): Lightly grease a microwave-safe mug or bowl with cooking spray if you’d like easier cleanup, but it’s not a must!
- Combine the ingredients: Add the dry ingredients—oats, chocolate protein powder or vanilla protein powder, and cocoa powder—to a blender, followed by the milk. Blend everything until smooth and lump-free.
- Pour and microwave: Pour the batter into your prepared bowl or mug. Make sure you use a medium to large size bowl versus a small bowl since the batter does expand. Microwave on high for about 1.5 minutes. The edges should be set, and the center should remain slightly soft.
- Cool and top: Let the mug cake rest for a minute before adding your favorite toppings, like Greek yogurt, fresh strawberries, or a drizzle of peanut butter. Dig in and enjoy!
TIPS FOR MAKING THE PERFECT PROTEIN CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
Pick the right size bowl or mug. Your protein mug cake recipe will rise as it cooks, so use a microwave-safe mug or bowl that holds at least 12 ounces to prevent overflow. This is especially important for high-protein recipes, as the batter can expand significantly.
Straight sides for even baking. If possible, use a mug or bowl with straight sides to help the cake bake evenly. While wide mugs are fun, they can sometimes lead to uneven cooking.
Avoid messy cleanups. If your mug isn’t large enough, place it on a plate or paper towel before microwaving. This trick is a lifesaver for catching any potential spills from your chocolate protein mug cake.
Microwave strength matters. Cooking time can vary depending on your microwave. Start with 1 minute and add 10-second intervals until your protein cake is set around the edges but still soft in the center. Remember, wider mugs or bowls will cook faster than taller ones.
Don’t overcook! Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture, so keep an eye on your mug cake to ensure it stays moist and delicious. It’s better to undercook slightly for that gooey, decadent center.
Experiment with protein powders. Different types of protein powders can affect the texture and flavor of your healthy mug cake recipe. Try whey protein powder, pea protein, or even vegan protein powder to find the best option for your preferences. Also, since protein powder is usually pretty sweet, I do not add maple syrup. However, if your protein powder is unsweetened, you may need to add about 1/2 tablespoon of maple syrup.
POPULAR SUBSTITUTIONS & ADDITIONS
Get creative with toppings! While this protein mug cake recipe is delicious as is, try adding a drizzle of peanut butter, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or fresh fruit like strawberries for a healthier dessert. For an indulgent twist, top it with dark chocolate chips or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Switch up the milk. This recipe works great with oat milk, unsweetened almond milk, or any other non-dairy milk. Want to boost the flavor? Try sweetened vanilla almond milk or even regular dairy milk, but be mindful of how it might affect the sweetness.
Play with extracts. Feel free to add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or experiment with almond, peppermint, or coconut extracts for a new flavor profile. This ingredient protein powder mug cake is versatile enough to match any flavor mood.
Customize your mix-ins. Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter powders, chopped nuts, or coconut sugar to make your mug cake uniquely yours. A sprinkle of cocoa powder or some dark chocolate chips in the batter is a great way to satisfy those chocolate cravings.
Add maple syrup. Since protein powder is usually pretty sweet, I do not add maple syrup. However, if your protein powder is unsweetened, you may need to add about 1/2 tablespoon of maple syrup.
Try different protein powders. Test out different types of protein powders like vegan protein powder, pea protein, or whey protein powder. This is an easy way to change the flavor and texture of the cake, so find your favorite protein powder for the best results.
Event-specific touches. Add a touch of fun with sprinkles for any occasion—red and green for Christmas, orange for Halloween, or your school colors for a graduation treat. This healthy mug cake recipe easily transforms into a festive dessert.
Mix it up for texture. For an extra protein boost, stir in a small handful of protein brownies crumbles or sprinkle coconut flour on top after baking. It’s a great way to turn this macro-friendly dessert into something even more special!
HOW TO STORE YOUR PROTEIN MUG CAKE
If you somehow don’t finish your chocolate protein mug cake in one sitting, you can store leftovers in the fridge. To maintain the best texture, allow the cake to come to room temperature before enjoying it again.
HOW LONG WILL THIS HIGH-PROTEIN MUG CAKE LAST IN THE FRIDGE?
Store any leftover mug cake in an airtight container or covered mug in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly, but it will still be a satisfying high-protein dessert.
CAN I FREEZE A MUG CAKE?
Yes, you can freeze this healthy mug cake recipe, but it’s best when made fresh. Freezing works if you’re prepping ahead, but the quick cooking time in the microwave makes this an ideal recipe to whip up on demand. If you freeze it, thaw it in the fridge and reheat gently in the microwave to avoid a rubbery texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
A rubbery texture in your protein mug cake usually happens when the batter is overmixed or overcooked. Protein powder can sometimes make baked goods denser, so it’s important to measure accurately and not exceed the recommended cooking time. For the best texture, microwave the mug cake just until the center is slightly soft, as it will continue to set as it cools.
Yes, you can safely microwave recipes with protein powder! Heating protein powder in a recipe, like this chocolate protein mug cake, doesn’t destroy its nutritional value. Just be cautious about the cooking time to prevent overcooking and a tough texture.
In baking, protein powder can replace some or all of the flour, depending on the recipe. It adds a boost of protein content while creating a slightly denser texture. In this recipe, protein powder acts as both a binding and a structural ingredient, helping to create a moist, fluffy cake with a high-protein profile.
If you don’t want to use protein powder, there are plenty of alternatives! Try adding ingredients like Greek yogurt, egg whites, nut butters, or cottage cheese to the batter to boost the protein content. For example, replace the protein powder in this recipe with a combination of oat flour and egg whites to maintain the right consistency while keeping it high-protein.
This protein mug cake takes just a few minutes to make! I love whipping this up in the morning as a quick and easy breakfast or in the evening when I’m craving something sweet. It’s also perfect if you want a quick post-workout snack, a treat for yourself.
More High Protein Breakfast Ideas
Lemon Blueberry Baked Oatmeal (High Protein, no Banana)
High Protein Cottage Cheese Muffins (Blueberry)
High Protein Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Blended Chocolate Overnight Oats
3 ingredient protein powder mug cake no banana (chocolate)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup oats
- 2/3 cup milk of choice
- 1 serving protein powder of choice
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder optional, if you want chocolate
- 1 tbsp maple syrup optional
Toppings
- 1 tbsp peanut or almond butter
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- Fresh fruit of choice sliced
Instructions
- Grease a 12-ounce mug or medium-sized bowl with cooking spray.
- Add all the ingredients (except for the toppings) into a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Cook in the microwave for 75-90 seconds or until the cake is just set and pulls away from the mug corners but the center should still be a little soft.
- Add your toppings and enjoy!