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Chocolate Protein Mug Cake

Tastes like your favorite chocolate cake, but with only 4 ingredients and 15g of protein! Get your mugs ready for this chocolate protein mug cake.

Chocolate protein powder mug cake

Whether you are looking to add some extra protein into your day, or to satisfy a craving for chocolate, this recipe is perfect for you. It's a healthier version of a chocolate mug cake! Who could say no to that?

This chocolate protein mug cake is delicious, quick, and easy. You only need 4 ingredients and 5 minutes to make this recipe your reality. This mug cake is super high in protein - 15g in just one mug!

Chocolate protein mug cake ingredients

As promised, only 4 ingredients (plus one optional) needed to make this chocolate protein mug cake:

  • devils cake mix
  • chocolate protein powder
  • milk
  • mini chocolate chips
  • Toppings: whipped cream

Protein mug cake substitutions

  • Milk: I use almond milk, but you could use whichever milk works for you. Water would also work.
  • Protein: I use Bad Athletics dark chocolate protein, but you can use whatever. If you're interested in Bad Athletics, use my code JORDO for a discount on anything Bad Athletics!
  • Chocolate Chips: You could use any type of mix-in you'd like. Nuts, your favorite candy bar crushed, or a different variety of chip (white chocolate, butterscotch, etc.) all would be great options.
  • Toppings: I suggest whipped cream but you can top with fruit, frosting, chocolate sauce - really anything you like!

How to make a chocolate protein mug cake

Here are the steps to follow to get to chocolate heaven!

  • In a small bowl, add the cake mix, protein powder, and milk. Stir until combined and smooth.
  • Mix in chocolate chips.
  • Cook in the microwave for 75 seconds.
  • Top with whipped cream and any other desired toppings.
  • Enjoy!
There is a white bowl with chocolate mug cake and chocolate chips. It's topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. There is a spoon dipped into the mug with a bite on top.

Can I bake with protein powder?

Baking with protein powder is totally safe and actually a great way to reach your protein goals! Protein powder goes really well in tons of different recipes - like waffles, cookies, and oatmeal. (And mug cakes...)

Here are some other recipes that bake with protein powder:

How much water do you put in a protein mug cake?

While creating this recipe, I found that 3 tablespoons was a sweet spot considering the amount of cake mix and protein powder used. You want the 'batter' to be liquidy and runny, and this was the perfect amount.

Remember, I use almond milk in this recipe, not water. You really could use water or any type of milk, though!

Can you add protein powder to cake mix?

If you are asking this question, then you've come to the right place and prepare to be amazed! You can add protein powder to cake mix and that is this essentially this entire recipe.

Protein powder does tend to make the end result drier. However, this recipe adds a perfect amount of milk to counter the dryness and create a delicious result. Dessert can be both tasty and protein rich and this recipe proves it!

There is a white bowl with chocolate mug cake and chocolate chips. It's topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. There is a spoon dipped into the mug with a bite on top.

How do you make chocolate protein dessert?

You can add protein to all kinds of desserts, and even substitute protein powder for flour. Some of my favorite ways to add protein into dessert is with a frosty, peanut butter cups, or yummy protein bars.

Does heat destroy whey protein?

In short, no - heat does not destroy whey protein. The drastic change in temperature may alter the form, it won't take away any of the nutritional benefits of the protein powder.

Since heat does not affect the protein's properties, you can consider this recipe as a fantastic way to hit your protein goals!

There is a white bowl filled with the chocolate mug cake and it's topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce.

How much protein do I need in a day?

I've done a lot of research on different nutrients and what our bodies need. What I've found is that it varies for everyone! This is a great resource to learn about and calculate how much protein your body needs.

Everyone has different protein needs each day, based on their lifestyle, goals, and life stage. However, this recipe is a great way to get some extra (extremely delicious) protein into your day.

More healthy dessert recipes

Check out some more dessert recipes right here on the blog:

This is a chocolate protein mug cake. There's a white bowl filled with chocolate mug cake and topped with whipped cream and mini chocolate chips. There's a spoon taking a bite out of it.
Print Recipe
5 from 4 votes

Chocolate Protein Mug Cake

Tastes like your favorite chocolate cake, but with only 4 ingredients and 15g of protein! Get your mugs ready for this chocolate protein mug cake.
Prep Time2 minutes
Cook Time2 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chocolate mug cake, healthy mug cake, mug cake, protein mug cake
Servings: 1
Calories: 287kcal
Author: Jordan Smith

Equipment

  • microwave-safe mug
  • measuring spoons

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup devils cake mix I use Betty Crocker Extra-Moist
  • 1 scoop chocolate protein powder (I use Bad Athletics -- use JORDO for a discount)
  • 3 tbsp milk I use almond milk
  • 1 tbsp mini chocolate chips
  • Toppings: whipped cream, mini chocolate chips, caramel, anything you want

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, add the cake mix, protein powder, and milk. Stir until combined and smooth.
  • (Note: If the mixture is dry, add another tbsp of milk to make it wet to be similar to a brownie batter consistency)
  • Mix in chocolate chips.
  • Cook in the microwave for 75 seconds.
  • Top with whipped cream and any other desired toppings.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

  • You can use any protein powder and any cake mix
  • This also works with ⅓ cup of cake mix and an extra tbsp of milk

Nutrition

Calories: 287kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 6g
5 from 4 votes (1 rating without comment)
Recipe Rating




Olivia Patrick

Saturday 17th of February 2024

I made this tonight in my RV and it was the perfect treat to end the day! Simple and minimal ingredients that I can store in the camper. Will definitely be making this again!

Jordan Smith

Tuesday 20th of February 2024

Olivia, I love that you were able to enjoy this in your RV! How fun! So glad it was simple and you enjoyed.

Kim

Sunday 22nd of January 2023

Ok this is freaking delicious! I needed to add a little bit more milk (4-5) TBLS. I added sugar free whipped creme to the top and it was perfect!

Holly

Friday 13th of January 2023

This is the perfect protein filled treat. I have tried many mug cake recipes over the years and this really is the best one I’ve had! So easy and delicious and within my macros.

Miki

Saturday 7th of January 2023

Could you skip the cake mix and add baking powder or something to make it rise like cake?

Jordan Smith

Thursday 12th of January 2023

Hi Miki,

Interesting idea—I think if you were starting with flour or something, that might work. However, if you leave the cake mix out of this particular recipe, you'll just be adding baking powder to protein powder, which I don't think is going to produce a cake-like result. If you end up trying another substitute, let me know!