Protein Lava Cake (Gluten Free, Low Sugar)

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This Protein Lava Cake is gluten free, high protein, and low in sugar. All you need are a few simple ingredients and this decadent dessert will be ready in less than five minutes! It’s pillowy soft, moist texture combined with the melted chocolate center will have your mouth watering with every bite.

If you’ve ever had a lava cake from a restaurant, you know it’s one of the most delicious desserts! There’s nothing like taking a spoon to the center for a bite and having all of the melted chocolate pour out into a pool that gets soaked into the cake. If you’re a chocolate lover, it’s a must have dessert. But what if you didn’t have to wait until you’re eating at a restaurant to enjoy this decadent treat or have to put in a ton of effort baking at home??

We’ll that’s EXACTLY why I made this recipe but here’s the thing, unlike most lava cakes, this one is higher in protein, has less sugar, and takes less than TWO minutes to bake. No need to use a ton of ingredients or time to still enjoy and satisfy that sweet tooth. And because we’re using simple ingredients with a balance of healthy fats, protein, and carbs, you won’t have to worry about a big blood sugar crash or constant cravings after! You most likely already have these ingredients on hand and I promise that once you try it, you’ll want to make this a nightly treat (like I have 🙋‍♀️).

If you also have a special love for higher protein desserts that taste just as decadent and indulgent as the classic, you’ll want to try my High Protein Cottage Cheese Fudge, Reese’s Blizzard Ninja Creami, High Protein Mini Cheesecakes too!

Why You’ll Love This

• Single-serve – No need to share this one, this recipe is for one ramekin.
• Quick and easy – You probably have all or a majority of the ingredients in your kitchen. All you have to do is mix, microwave, and you have a delicious dessert in under five minutes!
• Balanced treat – We have a balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbs to make this a blood sugar supporting sweet treat. There’s protein from the protein powder, carbs from the flour and optional sweetener, and healthy fats from the chocolate, milk of choice.
• Dietary friendly – This is gluten free, high protein, lower sugar, and can easily be made dairy free, vegan, or with regular flour too.

What You’ll Need

• Chocolate protein powder – This one from Flavcity has been my favorite recently (code: CALLA for 15% off). I also love using Truvani in my recipes.
• Gluten free flour – My favorite is Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Flour but any measure for measure flour will work. You can use regular flour if you don’t need this to be gluten free!
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – Make sure it’s unsweetened and cocoa is the only ingredient. You can also use cacao powder but might need to add more sweetener to cut the bitterness.
• Milk of choice – If you need this to be dairy free, use a non-dairy milk. Otherwise, use regular milk.
• Sweetener of choice – This is optional and can be added depending on how your sweet tooth is. You can use any sweetener like maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar, monkfruit, etc.
• Chocolate square or chocolate chips – Either one will work, just depends on what you prefer or already have on hand!
• Powdered sugar – Optional to top your cake with, I prefer to use organic powdered sugar or powdered monkfruit for a lower sugar option.

How To Make

1. Lightly grease an eight ounce ramekin or similar baking dish with a neutral oil.
2. In a mixing bowl, add all ingredients except the chocolate square/chips and mix well until a thick batter forms. (Tip: Start slow with milk, using 1/4 cups and adding a splash at a time until a cake batter consistency forms.)
3. Pour the batter into the greased baking dish.
4. Add the chocolate square/chips to the center and gently press down and cover with batter.
5. Microwave for 45 seconds or until cooked through. The cake should be risen and firm. (Tip: Don’t overcook or it will be dry.)
6. Let it cool a couple of minutes.
7. Optional to go around the edges of the dish with a butter knife to loosen the cake and then remove it from the baking dish.
8. Top with powdered sugar and enjoy!

Recommended Tools

• 8oz ramekin
• Glass mixing bowls
• Silicone spatula
• Stainless steel measuring cups and spoons

Even Single-Serve Chocolate Fixes

Cottage Cheese Microwave Brownie (Gluten Free, High Protein)

Healthy Chocolate Pudding (Gluten Free, Vegan)

Hostess Cupcake Baked Oatmeal (Gluten Free)

If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest!