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Hi Bold Bakers!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: You’re really in for a treat with this Chocolate Protein Mug Cake Recipe, and it’s one you can feel good about enjoying!
- Fast & Easy: Ready in just 1 minute with minimal effort. No need for a blender.
- High-Protein: Packed with protein from banana, egg, and peanut butter. NO need for whey protein powder!
- Chocolatey & Delicious: Rich cocoa flavor with a moist, tender texture.
- Healthy Treat: Guilt-free indulgence made with simple, wholesome ingredients.
If you’ve ever made any of our Microwave Mug Meal recipes, then you know we mean business! For dessert, these treats are tiny but mighty—seriously delicious, super simple, and incredibly fast. From fun new flavors like our Rainbow Mug Cake to classic comforts like a 1-minute Red Velvet Mug Cake, we’ve got you covered. The best part? All of these delightful desserts are made in just 1 minute in your trusty microwave.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 8/26/2024, to include NEW STEP-BY-STEP photography, explanations of key ingredients, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and Pro Chef Tips.
Table of Contents
- What are Chocolate Protein Mug Cakes?
- Tools You Need for Protein Mug Cake Recipe
- Key Ingredients of Protein Mug Cake Recipe
- How to Make Chocolate Protein Mug Cake Recipe
- Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
- Make Ahead & Storage Instructions
- How to make this protein mug cake recipe in an air fryer?
- FAQs
- More High-Protein Recipes
What are Chocolate Protein Mug Cakes?
This Chocolate Protein Mug Cake is a fast and healthy single-serving dessert that’s both nutritious and rich in flavor, made with just five everyday ingredients.
- Convenient: Ready in 1 minute with no baking required.
- Nutritious: Features a base of mashed banana and egg for natural sweetness and protein. It’s a go-to choice for breakfast, after-school snacks, or post-workout snacks.
- Flavorful: Includes peanut butter and cocoa for a chocolatey, satisfying taste and a brownie-like texture because it does not use baking powder.
- Comforting: Soft, moist texture with minimal effort.
- Gluten-free: It’s gluten-free without using special homemade oat flour, almond flour, or pea protein powder.
Tools You Need
- Two 8-10 oz microwave-safe mugs
- Measuring spoons
- Fork
Key Ingredients of Protein Mug Cake Recipe
Banana
- Provides natural sweetness and moisture while adding fiber and potassium.
- Also contributes to the microwave protein cake’s tender texture.
Peanut Butter (or any nut butter)
- Adds healthy fats, protein, and a creamy texture.
- Helps bind the ingredients while enhancing flavor.
- Substitutes: you can also use Perfect Keto Chocolate Macadamia Nut Butter, Pecan Butter or Ultimate Keto Coconut Butter.
Egg
- Acts as a binder, giving structure to the cake.
- Adds additional protein.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- Provides rich chocolate flavor.
- Balances the sweetness with a hint of bitterness.
Granulated Sugar
- Enhances sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
- Balances the bitterness of the cocoa.
How to Make Chocolate Protein Mug Cakes?
Make the batter
- Mash the banana in a small bowl with a fork.
- Add the nut butter and egg and mix thoroughly.
- Stir in the cocoa and sugar and mix until smooth.
- Divide the batter between two small mugs.
Microwave the batter
- Microwave one at a time for 45 seconds, and then in 10-second increments until risen and firm. (Take care not to overcook or the cake will dry out fast.)
- This is best eaten straight away. If you only need to make one, cover and refrigerate the second mug before baking. Cook and eat within two days.
Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
- Add a few drops of vanilla extract for a mild floral hint.
- This is best eaten as soon as its cooked but if you only need one serving, fill both mugs and cover and refrigerate the second one before cooking. Cook and eat within 2 days.
- You can use honey or agave in place of the granulated sugar if you prefer to use an unrefined sweetener.
- For an extra boost of nutrition, stir in a teaspoon of spirulina powder into the dry ingredients.
- Try our Microwave Granola in a Mug for another healthy microwave mug meal.
- This can be made with another nut or seed butter if you wish. Try making this with our Homemade Almond Butter!
- Important note: The cooking time is based on our microwave which is 1200 watts. Check the wattage of your microwave as your cooking time might be very different. Some microwaves can take up to 2 minutes to cook this cake but it’s better to go slow and check frequently so it doesn’t overcook and get tough.
- To level it up to a dessert, top it with whipped cream, fudge frosting, whipped ganache, salted caramel, or even sprinkles.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions:
- Mix batter for both mugs and refrigerate the unbaked second portion, covered, for up to 1 day.
- Microwave the refrigerated batter before eating.
Storage Instructions:
- Cover and refrigerate any leftover cooked cake for up to 1 day.
- Reheat in the microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out.
How to Make This Protein Mug Cake Recipe in an air fryer?
- Prepare the Batter: Follow the recipe to mix the batter and divide it into air fryer-safe ramekins or small oven-safe dishes.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- Cook the Cake: Place the ramekins in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cake is set and firm to the touch. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so start checking at 8 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick or knife into the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Let the mug cakes cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make this mug cake vegan?
- To make it vegan, use a flax egg or chia egg instead of a regular egg. and ensure your nut butter is plant-based.
Can I freeze the mug cake?
- It’s best to eat the mug cake fresh. Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture and flavor.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
- Yes, feel free to stir in a few chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor. Just be sure not to overload the batter.
Can I bake this protein mug cake recipe?
- You can bake my mug meals in the oven at 350°F /180°C (for conventional oven) or 325F/165C (for convection oven or air fryers ) for roughly 10-12 minutes.
- However, every mug is different so I advise checking on it after 10 and then make a call.
More High-Protein Recipes:
- Microwave Egg Mug Muffin
- How To Make Quiche
- Microwave Breakfast Burrito in a Mug
- Homemade Yogurt
- Maple Bacon Cheddar Mug Muffin
MPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 8/26/2024, to include NEW STEP-BY-STEP photography, explanations of key ingredients, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and Pro Chef Tips.
Try These Recipes!
Watch The Recipe Video!
Chocolate Protein Mug Cake (1 Minute)
You only need 5 ingredients to make our 1 Minute Chocolate Banana High-Protein Mug Cake featuring tons of flavors and lots of good protein.
Servings: 2 mugs
You only need 5 ingredients to make our 1 Minute Chocolate Banana High-Protein Mug Cake featuring tons of flavors and lots of good protein.
Servings: 2 mugs
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized banana, ripe
- ¼ cup (2 oz/57 g) peanut butter (or any nut butter)
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Mash the banana in a small bowl with a fork.
- Add the nut butter and egg and mix thoroughly.
- Stir in the cocoa and sugar and mix until smooth.
- Divide the batter between two small mugs.
- Microwave one at a time for 45 seconds, and then in 10 second increments until risen and firm. (Take care not to over cook or the cake will dry out fast.)
- Important note: The cooking time is based on our micrwave which is 1200 watts. Check the wattage of your micrwave as your cooking time might be very different. Some micrwaves can take up to 2 minutes to cook this cake but it's better to go slow and check frequently so it doesn't overcook and get tough.
- This is best eaten straight away. If you only need to make one, cover and refrigerate the second mug before baking. Cook and eat within two days.
Recipe Notes
- Add a few drops of vanilla extract for a mild floral hint.
- This is best eaten as soon as its cooked but if you only need one serving, fill both mugs and cover and refrigerate the second one before cooking. Cook and eat within 2 days.
- You can use honey or agave in place of the granulated sugar if you prefer to use an unrefined sweetener.
- For an extra boost of nutrition, stir in a teaspoon of spirulina powder into the dry ingredients.
- Try our Microwave Granola in a Mug for another healthy microwave mug meal.
- This can be made with another nut or seed butter if you wish. Try making this with our Homemade Almond Butter!
- Important note: The cooking time is based on our microwave which is 1200 watts. Check the wattage of your microwave as your cooking time might be very different. Some microwaves can take up to 2 minutes to cook this cake but it's better to go slow and check frequently so it doesn't overcook and get tough.
- To level it up to a dessert, top it with whipped cream, fudge frosting, whipped ganache, salted caramel, or even sprinkles.
Nutrition Facts
Chocolate Protein Mug Cake (1 Minute)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 306
Calories from Fat 171
% Daily Value*
Fat 19g29%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Cholesterol 81mg27%
Sodium 181mg8%
Potassium 565mg16%
Carbohydrates 28g9%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 14g16%
Protein 12g24%
Vitamin A 155IU3%
Vitamin C 5.1mg6%
Calcium 36mg4%
Iron 2.2mg12%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
IF YOU HAVE NUT ALLERGIES – Just swap out PB for sunflower butter!
You might need to add a little more sweetener depending on the brand but otherwise this works fine.
Hi, I made this today. It’s insane!
I substituted the egg with half a banana (following the chart).
I also got inspired by another Gemma’s mug chocolate cake recipe, so I added some extra peanut butter on the bottom of the mug (under the batter).
I couldn’t feel the banana at all, it just tasted like rich chocolate.
The texture was very soft and marshmallow-like.
Hi Gemma,
May I substitute the egg with more banana?How will it affect the texture?
Hi Gemma! Can I prepare the batter 12 hours in advance?
Yumm can’t wait to try this ????????????
If I don’t have cocoa powder, can I just leave it out? If not what can I put instead? It doesn’t have to have chocolate.
I’ve tried this recipe today with 2 small banana and sugar substitute since my father is diabetic. It was so good and he enjoyed it for breakfast. Made it in 800 watts microwave for 1 minute 20 seconds and turned out just great. Thanks gemma
Love,
Ika
Made this today and it was delicious! Can’t wait to try your other mug cakes.
I wanna try this but can I use plantain instead of normal banana?
These sound great! Could frozen bananas work (if thawed of course)? Liquid drained or no?