If you're looking for a quick and satisfying sweet treat post-dinner (or post-workout), you're going to love this protein mug cake recipe. Just 60 seconds in the microwave and you're good to go! Gluten and sugar free.
Why you'll love this protein mug cake
Well, let's start out with the obvious - it's cake! I think you'll also love the speediness of it. Sixty seconds is about all I want to wait to eat a fun treat. You can also sprinkle in extra goodies if you want to make it more decadent, like Lily's sugar-free chocolate chips (so yummy)!
Standout ingredients - stevia and protein powder (that's what makes it so low calorie!)
What protein should you use?
This is the most common question that I get. Baking healthy treats with protein powder can be finicky, but if you follow a few simple rules, it's not that hard to figure out. I recommend using a whey protein if you can tolerate dairy. It always provides the best results, but if you can't, a pea or soy protein will work too. Just make sure it doesn't have a grainy texture as it will come through in the final product. For this recipe, I used Nicole Wilkins nPower Protein, Vanilla Cupcake flavored whey protein as she has done a great job making a very clean (and tasty) protein, but I also love Trutien and Designer Whey. Use what you have and experiment!
Protein Mug Cake is great if you're tracking macros!
I have been working super hard on tracking macros lately. Not just because I think it's beneficial for my own accountability, but also because I'm working on a simple macro planning and tracking program for you guys.
Personally, I think macros and flexible "dieting" (if you can call it that) is the most successful way to understand exactly how much you're consuming and where you can have the greatest success with nutrition improvement.
To that end, I have been playing around with super simple recipes that are easy to track and delicious to consume! This is one of the many that I've been working on. I hope you enjoy not only how good it tastes and how it will quickly curb a craving while feeding you oodles of healthy protein, but how simple it is to make - 60 seconds in the microwave, baby!
PS - this is so much better topped with Walden Farms Sugar-free Pancake Syrup 🙂
Do you love protein baking recipes?
Try these next...
- Vanilla Blueberry Protein Mug Cake with Pumpkin
- The BEST protein pancake recipe
- Low Carb Protein Crepes
Caren is a certified yoga teacher, fitness instructor and ADHD Coach. As the founder of The Fit Habit, she shares ADHD-friendly self-care, food & fitness inspiration, along with practical ways to foster mind + body wellness.
Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli
This mug cake would be perfect after my yoga class! 60 seconds and it's ready to satisfy my sweet cravings. Plus, protein. Yes to that!
Caren
Hey Nicoletta, I think I heard you on Dishes with Delicious. Is that you?
Jacqui Debono
My husband made this after his cycle ride and he loved it! Tasty and healthy! Thank you for sharing!
Caren
awesome! Glad he liked it!
Jess
What a delicious treat! I can't believe that it only takes 60 seconds! I can't wait to try it out! YUM!
Caren
Let me know what you think!
Kelly Anthony
I am ALWAYS looking for something sweet after dinner. Yikes! I won't feel quite so guilty with this cake though 😉 I can't believe how quick it all comes together!
Vera
I have liquid stevia or swerve sugar replacement. What is the equivalent to "two sachets" of Stevie listed in this recipe?
Sharon
This mug cake is just what I need in the afternoon that includes a sweet treat and the protein I need to get me through the day.
Caren
Yes! I love it in the afternoon around 2pm when I'm ready to keel over 🙂
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness
I am OBSESSED with mug cakes! This one definitely looks like a winner. Bookmarking it to make later!! 🙂
Caren
Enjoy!
Tammy
Crazy but I don't have a microwave but I wish I had one just for this mug cake! looks so good!
Caren
I think my husband would starve to death without a microwave 🙂
Elaine
So excited to try the maple syrup with this - just like you recommend. I haven't made a mug cake in a while now, so this recipe is such a great way to fix that. Fantastic mug cake!
Caren
Thanks Elaine, I love your podcast, btw. Keep up the great work.
Aline
This will be a perfect treat to have this week without the guilt. So excited to try!
Caren
Hope you like it!
Jacque Hastert
I absolutely love mug cakes and this one is perfect! It might be a new favorite of mine when I need to satisfy my sweet tooth.
Anastacia
Heyy I tried the recipe and I think I used the wrong protein powder so the taste was kinda off, other than that the consistency was perfect. Light and fluffy.
Caren
Was it not sweet enough?
Laurie
Can you use almond or coconut flour instead of the gluten free flour?
Caren
You can try, but the results won't be the same.