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This Three Ingredient Protein Mug Cake is gluten free, high protein, low carb, and low sugar. You’ll be amazed that only three simple ingredients can create such a rich, fluffy, indulgent dessert made just for you. When you need a chocolate fix but also want something nourishing, you have to give this mug cake a try!

By now, I’d like to consider myself the queen of single-serve recipes. Especially when it comes to desserts. They’re perfect for when you want just enough to satisfy your craving but without a ton of effort, extra trip to the store for ingredients, or a sugar high afterwards. Some of my favorite higher protein recipes have been my Protein Lava Cake, Giant Protein Cookie, Cottage Cheese Banana Pudding, and now THIS mug cake! Not only are these delicious, but they also have a focus on protein which makes it more of a well-rounded snack or dessert that will help keep blood sugar balanced, cravings lower, and keep you full and satisfied for longer. It’s not a must-have for desserts AT ALL but I like when I can have my (mug) cake and eat it too 😉

This little mug cake has become one of my go-tos for a quick evening treat, especially when I want something warm and cozy without a ton of effort. By the end of the day my energy is lower and my mind is tired so the less thinking I have to do, the better! There’s nothing better than having a moment of self-care to end my day – on the couch with my dog, favorite show, and a sweet treat.

All you have to do is mix everything, pop it in the microwave, and you’re ready to enjoy! If you don’t like to use the microwave, I also included a method for baking it in the oven. Either way, you can’t go wrong and I think you’ll be just as obsessed as I am!

This Why You’ll Love This

Single-serve – It’s perfect for when you want just enough of something sweet and comforting.
No fancy ingredients or steps – It’s all simple stuff and in one bowl!
Customizable – You can dress it up or down depending on your mood and what you’re craving. I’ve shared some of my favorite topping ideas below!
Dietary friendly – This mug cake is gluten free, low carb, low sugar, high protein, and can easily be kept dairy free, vegan, and paleo friendly depending on ingredients used.

This easy healthy three ingredient protein mug cake is gluten free, dairy free, vegan, low carb, low sugar, high protein, paleo friendly, plant based, clean eating. In a small 8oz white ramekin is freshly baked mug cake. It's a rich dark chocolate color, with a cracked top, topped with a drizzle of runny peanut butter. The inside texture is pillowy soft and moist.

What You’ll Need

Chocolate protein powder – My favorite right now is from Flavcity (code: CALLA) , they have both whey and plant based options. Any chocolate protein powder or other flavor you like will work!
Unsweetened cocoa powder – Cacao powder also works but it will be more bitter so add a little sweetener if your protein powder doesn’t already have any.
Milk of choice – You can use either dairy milk or non-dairy milk depending on what your dietary needs are!

Classic Topping Ideas

Drizzle of peanut butter or nut/seed butter
A few chocolate chips or a square of dark chocolate on top (let it melt!)
Sliced banana or berries (warm frozen strawberries would be delicious)
A little coconut whipped cream, dairy free yogurt, or greek yogurt
Granola or chopped nuts for a bit of crunch

How To Make

In a small mixing bowl, mix together the protein powder and cocoa powder.
Then, add the milk and mix again until a batter forms. (Tip: You might need to add more milk a dash at a time until you get a thin batter consistency because every protein powder is different.)
Lightly grease an 8oz ramekin or mug and pour the batter in.
Microwave for 45 seconds to one minute, until it’s firm and the consistency you want. If you’re baking this in the oven, us an 8oz baking dish and bake at 350F for twelve to fifteen minutes. (Tip: Less time will lead to a more fudgey, gooey mug cake and more time will firm it up!)
Let it cool slightly, drizzle with peanut butter, and enjoy!

Recommended Tools

8oz ramekin or microwave safe mug – You can use either, if you’re choosing to bake this in the oven then I would use an 8oz baking dish! I use these for almost all of my single-serve desserts.
Stainless steel measuring cups and spoons
Glass mixing bowls
Silicone spatula

More High Protein Treats

Viral Bone Broth Hot Cocoa (Gluten Free, High Protein)

High Protein Reese’s Cheesecake (Gluten Free, Low Carb)

Greek Yogurt Brownies (Gluten Free, High Protein)

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