Chocolate Protein Mug Cake
on Mar 10, 2025
This Chocolate Protein Mug Cake is oil free and made with protein powder in place of flour. A delicious way to add a little extra protein to your day!
This mug cake is delicious!
Mug cakes are one of my favorite single serve desserts when I need chocolate FAST.
One day I decided to try replacing the flour in the mug cake with protein powder and to my surprise it worked perfectly!
I also replaced the oil typically used in cakes with applesauce which worked like a charm.
This chocolate protein mug cake comes together in just a couple of minutes and is perfect for when you need to satisfy that sweet tooth and get a little protein in too!
I sweeten my cake with a little bit of pure maple syrup, but you can skip this if you want to. The protein powder you use will also sweeten it.
Protein Mug Cake Ingredients
This easy mug cake is both oil free and flour free, made entirely using protein powder as flour. Here is what you will need to make it!
- Unsweetened applesauce: this replaces the need for any oil in the recipe.
- Maple syrup: optional, but adds some additional sweetness to the cake.
- Cocoa powder: to add a richer chocolate flavor.
- Chocolate protein powder: this replaces the need for flour in a mug cake!
- Baking powder & salt
- Egg
- Dark chocolate chips
- Vanilla extract
How to make chocolate protein mug cake
Step 1: Add the applesauce, maple syrup, cocoa powder, chocolate protein powder, baking powder, egg, vanilla extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of the chocolate chips to a microwave safe mug.
Step 2: Use a fork to vigorously whisk it all together until completely combined. You want to make sure there aren’t any streaks of egg in there.
Step 3: Microwave the mug cake for around 1.5 – 2 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Mine is usually perfect right at 2 minutes.
The last tablespoon of chocolate chips can be added in the last 30 seconds of cook time, or at the end if you want those big melty chunks of chocolate on top!
Otherwise you can just stir all the chocolate chips in on the first step.
Every time I eat this, I usually split it with my husband but to be honest I could easily eat it all myself!
It is absolutely delicious topped with a scoop of ice cream on top. I usually add a scoop of store bought protein ice cream, or just regular vanilla ice cream.
Chances are you already have everything in your pantry to make this easy protein mug cake.
Treat yourself to this tonight after the kids go to bed!
Joy’s Tip
I love the rich flavor of dark chocolate in cake, but you can substitute them for any variety of chocolate chips to mix up the flavor.
More Protein Recipes
This protein mug cake is the perfect dessert when you need something fast! Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments.
Chocolate Protein Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons chocolate protein powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons dark chocolate chips, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add the applesauce, maple syrup, cocoa powder, chocolate protein powder, baking powder, egg, vanilla extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of the chocolate chips to a microwave safe mug.
- Whisk/stir the mixture together until completely combined using a fork.
- Microwave the mug cake for 1.5 – 2 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Top with the remaining chocolate chips at the end of cook time, or add them on top in the last 30 seconds.
What are the macros in this?
Hi Kathy,
Rough estimates can be found in the recipe card but keep in mind that actual amounts can vary based on brands or any substitutions used. Hope that helps 🙂
Had a dessert emergency and this saved the day. Thanks!
So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
I made this vegan by using brown rice protein and a flax egg. SO FREAKING GOOD!
Awesome, so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
It sounds delicious but I cannot eat protein powders, do you think oat flour would work?
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!
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.
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.
I don’t own a microwave…Any idea how long and at what temperature I could bake this baby?
Thanks!
Hi Sophie! I have read that an oven can take up to 4 times longer to cook. Maybe try 5-8 minutes at 350? Just watch until it looks done!