Late-night craving? Post-workout sweet fix?
This protein-packed mug cake is the answer to every βI want dessert but I want gainsβ moment πͺ
Made in one mug, takes less than 5 minutes, no fancy ingredients β and tastes like a soft, warm brownieβ¦ but better.
π Ingredients You’ll Need:
π₯ 1 whole egg
β Binds everything + adds healthy fats and protein
π Β½ ripe banana
β Adds natural sweetness & moist texture (use applesauce if you donβt like banana)
πͺ 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
β Choose a high-quality whey or plant protein (flavored = bonus!)
π₯ 2 tbsp almond milk (or water, oat milk)
β Adjust consistency of the batter
π₯ 1 tbsp almond flour (or oat flour)
β Adds thickness and βcake feelβ β not dry or crumbly
π« 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
β Deepens that chocolate flavor π£
π§ Pinch of salt
β Brings out sweetness and richness
π₯ Optional Add-ins (choose 1β2):
- Sugar-free chocolate chips π«
- 1 tsp peanut butter swirl π₯
- Dash of cinnamon π°
- Vanilla extract (Β½ tsp)
- Chia seeds or flax for texture π‘
π§βπ³ How to Make It (Step-by-Step Guide)
β Step 1: Grab Your Mug
Use a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 10 oz.
Grease lightly with non-stick spray or a few drops of oil so it doesn’t stick.
β Step 2: Mash the Banana
Add Β½ banana directly to the mug and mash well with a fork until smooth π
No chunks = smoother cake texture
β Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Crack in the egg π₯
Pour in almond milk
Add vanilla extract if using
Whisk everything together with the fork until fully combined
β Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Add protein powder, almond flour, cocoa powder, salt
Mix it in gently β make sure there are no lumps!
You should get a smooth, thick cake batter consistency π₯£
Too thick? Add 1β2 tsp more milk.
Too runny? Sprinkle more almond flour or a pinch of oats.
β Step 5: Optional Add-Ins
Mix in chocolate chips or swirl in peanut butter with a toothpick
These give it that dessert cafΓ© feel π€€
β Step 6: Microwave
Pop it in the microwave and cook on HIGH for 60β90 seconds
Keep an eye on it β it will rise and puff up!
π‘ Tip:
- For soft molten center: ~60 seconds
- For fully set cake: ~90 seconds
Let it sit for 1 min to cool slightly before eating.
π½οΈ How to Serve:
π₯ Eat straight from the mug with a spoon
π¨ Top with a spoon of Greek yogurt or low-cal ice cream
π Add sliced berries or banana for color
π― Drizzle sugar-free syrup or honey
π§ Add peanut butter on top for the melt shot!
π Macros (Approximate):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
π₯ Calories | 300β330 |
πͺ Protein | 35g+ |
π₯ Carbs | 12β15g |
π§ Fat | 10β12g |
πΎ Fiber | 3β5g |
These vary depending on protein brand and add-ins.
π§ Why This Mug Cake Works (and Went Viral!)
β
One mug = no cleanup
β
Microwave only = no oven drama
β
Protein + fiber = stays full longer
β
Customizable = never gets boring
β
Feels like dessert, performs like fuel
People love this because itβs guilt-free AND actually delicious.
Itβs not just βfit foodβ β itβs real food with feel-good macros.
π§ Meal Prep Hack:
- Mix dry ingredients in a ziplock bag in advance
- Keep 3β5 ready-to-go packs
- When craving hits, just mash banana + egg, dump the bag & microwave
π₯ Top Flavor Variations:
1οΈβ£ Choco-PB Protein Cake
β Chocolate protein
β 1 tsp peanut butter inside
β Top with extra choc chips
2οΈβ£ Banana Bread Mug Cake
β Vanilla protein
β Β½ banana + cinnamon
β Top with walnuts
3οΈβ£ Mocha Protein Cake
β Chocolate protein
β Β½ tsp instant coffee in batter
β Top with Greek yogurt + cocoa drizzle
4οΈβ£ Berry White Cake
β Vanilla protein
β Add frozen blueberries
β Yogurt + honey on top