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Chocolate Protein Mug Cake

By Ethan Boldt

February 6, 2025

Chocolate cake. Did I already grab you? For many of us, it’s one of our weaknesses. We know it’s not the best for our health, but we can’t turn down a slice.

What if I told you that you can make a chocolate cake in under five minutes and not only can it be healthy but even high in protein? Believe! Welcome to a chocolate protein mug cake, with 35 grams of protein!

Now, chocolate mug cakes have been around for a while, but they’re loaded with sugar, dairy, flour and oil. In other words, not that different from a bad-for-you cake in a plastic container at your local grocery store.

Here we use natural healthy, nutrition-rich ingredients along with whey protein to deliver a chocolate cake that’s also moist, rich and delicious. Nothing better to whip up when you’re jonesing for something sweet and don’t want to wait long!

Chocolate protein mug cake ingredients

• Cocoa powder: Rich in flavonoids and multiple minerals, make sure to go with the unsweetened variety. You may want to use Dutch cocoa that is less acidic.

• Chocolate Whey Protein: Ancient Nutrition’s chocolate whey protein is made with regenerative A2/A2 nonfat milk protein, which is easier to digest for many people compared to the more common A1 protein. It also boasts 23 grams of protein per scoop.

• Ground flaxseed: Rich in omega-3s and fiber, it’s a top food for heart and digestive health. It adds some complexity to the chocolate cake taste.

• Almond flour: Full of protein, fiber and healthy fats, almond flour bests normal flour in all categories and also marries well with chocolate flavors.

• Sea salt: Go with this natural salt to add a little savory to the sweet flavor.

• Monk fruit sweetener: While you can also use maple syrup, we choose monk fruit as the natural, calorie-free sweetener.

• Dark chocolate chips: We choose 72% cocao chocolate chips that still offer enough sweetness along with plenty of antioxidants.

• Egg: Considered one of the top protein foods and a must for a chocolate cake.

• Water: Will assist with the cake rising.

Nutrition facts

Note that this is a hearty cake at 374 calories, so you can certainly choose to split in half if you want a smaller amount.

First, you’ll notice how balanced this chocolate protein mug cake is in macronutrients: 24 grams of carbohydrates, 18 grams of fat and 35 grams of protein. Yes, you read that correctly: 35 grams!

Within those 24 grams of carbs, 8 grams are fiber (making it a high-fiber dessert) and only 5 grams are sugar (making it a low-sugar dessert).

Each serving is exceptionally high in minerals, including 87% Daily Value* (DV) of copper, 68% DV of phosphorus, 45% DV of selenium and 30% DV of zinc. It also features all B vitamins.

*Daily Value: Percentages are based on a diet of 2,000 calories a day.

How to make this chocolate protein mug cake

Part of the appeal of a chocolate mug cake is how easy it is to make. First, get out a large mug that’s microwave safe.

Add in the ingredients in the order listed below: cocoa powder, whey protein, ground flaxseed, almond flour, sea salt, baking powder, monk fruit and dark chocolate chips. Then add one egg and the water.

Using a fork or small whisk, mix until fully combined. Put the mug into the microwave and cook on high heat for 1 minute 30 seconds.

Remove from the microwave and let it rest for one minute. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions

How do I make this lower-calorie and lower-protein?

Remove the flaxseed and only add half a scoop of whey protein.

Can I split the recipe into two mugs?

Yes, after mixing, simple use a large spoon to split the mixture into roughly the same amount into two mugs. Microwave for a little bit longer, so up to two minutes total.

Can I use other protein powders?

Ancient Nutrition’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Whey Protein would also work very well for this recipe, and add that delicious peanut butter flavor.

What kind of toppings can I add to a chocolate mug cake?

Consider chopped pecans, monk fruit powdered sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, coconut whipped cream, chopped strawberries, coconut flakes and, of course, a scoop of vanilla ice cream. (See our recipe for vanilla bean ice cream.)