Last week I decided to experiment with a protein mug cake recipe.
I loved how my Gluten Free Chocolate Mug Cake turned out, but I wanted to try making one with protein powder in place of flour.
Despite the odd looks from my husband as I added mashed avocado (this replaces the oil in the recipe), I was confident that this cake was going to be delicious!
I was right! It is super rich and fluffy and so deliciously chocolatey!
This cake is oil free, dairy free, and flourless, making it gluten free and safe for anyone who avoids it in their diets.
It’s also packed with protein and can technically be eaten as a post-workout snack (anything in the name of fitness, right?)
It’s also perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This magic protein mug cake is the perfect dessert to help you keep your New Year’s Resolutions and enjoy chocolate cake at the same time!

Chocolate Protein Mug Cake
magic chocolate protein mug cake
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
- 2 tablespoons protein powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg
- 2-3 tablespoons chocolate chips
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a mug and mix very well
- Microwave for 2 minutes, or until done (2 ½ minutes max)
- Serve with ice cream or by itself, enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 538Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 190mgSodium: 490mgCarbohydrates: 81gFiber: 5gSugar: 69gProtein: 27g
Kathy McLaughlin
Saturday 20th of January 2018
What are the macros in this?
Joy Shull
Friday 26th of January 2018
Hi Kathy,
I do not include nutritional info on my recipes, as it can vary based on brand or any substitutions used. You can use an online calculator such as my fitness pal for the exact info. Hope that helps :)
Alissa Keith
Friday 12th of January 2018
Had a dessert emergency and this saved the day. Thanks!
Joy Shull
Friday 12th of January 2018
So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Taylot
Thursday 9th of November 2017
I made this vegan by using brown rice protein and a flax egg. SO FREAKING GOOD!
Joy Shull
Friday 10th of November 2017
Awesome, so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Steph
Wednesday 11th of January 2017
It sounds delicious but I cannot eat protein powders, do you think oat flour would work?
Joy Shull
Friday 13th of January 2017
Hi Steph,
Here is another mug cake recipe that I have made that uses oat and coconut flour - https://buildyourbite.com/gluten-free-chocolate-mug-cake/ Hope you enjoy it!
Amanda
Monday 9th of January 2017
Hi Joy! Do you think you could make it with applesauce? What would the ratio be? We don't really eat avocados, so I don't want to buy one just to throw half away.
Joy Shull
Monday 9th of January 2017
Hi Amanda!
I tested this out for you tonight and it works great! Just use 3 tablespoons of applesauce to replace the avocado. The texture is more soft and fluffier, so be sure to use a bigger mug. It overflowed the ramekin I used (the one in the pictures) so I would use something bigger next time.