Easy 2 Minute Chocolate Chip Protein Mug Cake

2 minute Chocolate Chip Protein Mug Cake {vegan, gluten free}

This masterpiece (I’m a big fan of my own work) is the most deliciously gooey Chocolate Chip Vegan Protein Mug Cake; and what’s best is that it’s ready in just a few minutes.  Bodybuilders, no need to worry about gulping down that bitty post workout protein shake anymore, instead you can enjoy this delicious chocolate protein mug cake recipe to ensure you’re getting enough protein! Today I’m going to be using my new favourite vegan vanilla protein powder to make this easy protein powder mug cake, but you could also use other flavours like chocolate protein powder. 

So yeah, this super easy healthy mug cake recipe is definitely something you can whip up quickly with just a few basic ingredients and a microwave-safe mug; especially when you’re craving a fuss-free, tasty and comforting sweet treat (with lots of protein in it!).

As a busy mother who consumes a plant-based diet, I am fairly conscious of my protein intake.  At the moment I’m aiming to increase protein at breakfast and snack times in order to help prevent blood sugar crashes.  This high protein mug cake is the perfect post-workout snack, or can be accompanied by vegan ice cream to create a lovely dessert!

Are you sold?  Good!  Here’s how to make a protein cake in a mug (the full recipe is below)!

Protein Mug Cake

Garden of Life Vegan Protein Powder

I’ve always been a huge fan of Garden of Life. As a company, they’re incredibly passionate about providing whole-food, organic and non-synthetically produced products and supplements. They really are always on the top of my list when recommending supplements!

The Importance of Protein For Vegans

Protein is vital for human function (regardless of whether or not you’re a bodybuilder). But do Vegans (and vegetarians) get enough of it? Despite often considered to be protein-deficient, vegan diets naturally have significant protein elements to them – lots of research proves this. Legumes, nuts and seeds all offer substantial amounts of protein.

However, due to our busy lifestyles, having quick and affordable access to protein isn’t always feasible for some. Enter, vegan protein supplements…

The Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein is certified organic and non-GMO verified. It also contains 13 Raw sprouted proteins and delivers 22 grams of protein per serving.

The protein is made ‘raw’ because heat can denature proteins. This protein has been produced at low temperatures in order to ensure optimal bioavailability for your body.

Is Protein Powder Good For You?

Protein powder can be a good source of protein for some people, but whether it’s good for you depends on a few factors.

Protein powder is typically made from whey, casein, soy, or plant-based sources like pea, rice, or hemp. These powders are usually used by people who need more protein in their diet, such as athletes and bodybuilders. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscles, and it can also help with weight loss and maintenance.

In general, protein powder is safe for most people when used as directed. However, if you have kidney disease or other medical conditions, you should consult with your healthcare provider before using protein powder.

Additionally, it’s important to choose a high-quality protein powder and avoid those with added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and other additives. Reading the label and choosing a product with simple, whole-food ingredients is a good way to ensure you’re getting a high-quality product.

Protein powder can be a convenient and effective way to add protein to your diet, especially when combined to make recipes like this protein mug cake, but it’s important to use it in moderation and choose a high-quality product (like Garden of Life!).

Vegan Protein

What Are The Main Side Effects Of Protein Powder?

While protein powder is generally safe when used as directed, if you are going to use it on its own, or as part of this protein mug cake, there are some potential side effects to be aware of.

Digestive issues: Some people may experience digestive discomfort, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhoea, when consuming protein powder. This is often due to the lactose or other additives in the powder. Choosing a lactose-free or plant-based protein powder may help alleviate these symptoms.

Dehydration: High-protein diets can increase the body’s need for water, and protein powders can contribute to dehydration if not consumed with enough fluids. It’s important to drink plenty of water when using protein powder to avoid dehydration.

Kidney damage: While high-protein diets are generally safe for healthy individuals, people with kidney disease or other medical conditions may be at risk of kidney damage from excessive protein intake. If you have kidney disease or other medical conditions, consult with your healthcare provider before using protein powder.

It’s important to note that the above side effects are relatively rare and most people can safely use protein powder as directed. However, it’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before using any new supplement, especially if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

Protein Mug Cake

Protein Mug Cake Ingredients

The recipe card is below, but to make this lovely post workout protein hit (or healthy dessert to satisfy that sweet tooth), you’ll need: 

Oat flour: Oat flour adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavour to the mug cake, while also providing a source of fibre and complex carbohydrates. Oats are also a good source of minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and iron.

Protein powder (vanilla flavoured): The protein powder adds a boost of protein to the mug cake, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied. The vanilla flavour adds a sweet and creamy taste to the cake.

Baking powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the mug cake rise and gives it that lovely fluffy texture.

Salt: A small pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness of the maple syrup and vanilla extract, while also enhancing the other flavours in the cake.

Maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness to the mug cake, while also providing some antioxidants and minerals such as manganese and zinc.

Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds a rich, sweet flavour to the mug cake and pairs well with the other ingredients.

Coconut oil (melted): Coconut oil adds moisture to the mug cake, helping to keep it soft and tender. It also adds a subtle coconut flavour and provides some healthy fats.

Dairy-free milk: The non-dairy milk adds moisture to the mug cake and helps to bind the ingredients together. It also provides some nutrients, depending on the type of milk used. For example, almond milk is a good source of vitamin E, while soy milk is a good source of protein.

Dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips add a rich, indulgent flavour to the mug cake, while also providing some antioxidants and minerals such as iron and magnesium. The chocolate chips can also add some texture to the cake, depending on how they are incorporated.

Why are Mug Cakes Chewy?

They shouldn’t be!  And if you follow the steps below to ensure they aren’t, well, then they wont be!

Mug cakes can become chewy for a few reasons:

Overcooking: If you microwave your mug cake for too long, it can become tough and chewy. Microwave ovens can vary in power, so it’s important to check the cake frequently as it cooks and stop cooking when it’s just set in the middle.

Too much flour: Using too much flour can make a mug cake dense and chewy. It’s important to measure your ingredients accurately to ensure the right ratio of wet to dry ingredients.

Lack of moisture: If a mug cake doesn’t have enough liquid or fat, it can become dry and chewy. Be sure to include enough moisture, such as milk or oil, in your recipe.

Over-mixing: Over-mixing the batter can also lead to a chewy texture. When you mix the ingredients together, be careful not to over-mix, which can cause the gluten in the flour to develop too much, resulting in a tough and chewy cake.

By adjusting your recipe and technique, you can make a protein mug cake that is moist and tender, rather than chewy.

Protein Mug Cake

Why is My Protein Mug Cake So Dry?

There could be several reasons why your vanilla protein mug cake turned out dry. Here are a few possibilities:

Overcooking: Protein mug cakes can dry out quickly if they are overcooked. Mug cakes should be cooked for a short time (usually 1-2 minutes in the microwave) to prevent them from becoming dry and getting that rubbery texture.

Lack of moisture: Depending on the recipe, your protein mug cake may not have enough moisture. Try adding more liquid ingredients such as milk, yogurt, or even water to the batter to make it more moist.

Too much protein powder: Protein powder can absorb a lot of liquid, which can lead to a dry and crumbly texture in baked goods. Make sure you are not using too much protein powder in your recipe.

Wrong type of protein powder: Some types of protein powder, such as whey protein, can dry out baked goods more than others. If you are using a whey protein powder, try switching to a different type, such as casein protein, which may yield better results.

Not enough fat: Fat can help keep baked goods moist and tender. Try adding a tablespoon of melted butter or coconut oil to your protein mug cake batter to see if it helps improve the texture.

This Ain’t No 3 Ingredient Protein Powder Mug Cake

This is the real deal. A little extra effort goes a long way. A little more attention to detail, and I promise you, your taste buds will thank you for it! Don’t worry though, despite the additional ingredients, this is still a low calorie vegan protein mug cake.

Is It Okay to Bake With Protein Powder?

Yes, it is generally safe to make the protein mug cakes and bake with protein powder. In fact, using protein powder in baked goods is a great way to add extra protein to your diet. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when baking with protein powder:

Protein powders can vary in texture and flavour, so you may need to adjust your recipe accordingly. For example, whey protein powder can absorb more moisture than other types of protein powder, so you may need to add more liquid to your recipe.

Protein powders can also affect the texture of baked goods, making them denser or drier than regular baked goods. You may need to experiment with the amount of protein powder you use to find the right balance.

Some protein powders may also have a strong flavour, which can affect the taste of your baked goods. If you find that your baked goods have a strong protein powder flavour, try using a different brand or flavour of protein powder.

Finally, be careful not to overcook baked goods made with protein powder, as they can dry out quickly.

As long as you pay attention to the texture and flavour of your protein powder and make adjustments as needed, making these protein mug cakes with protein powder can be a great way to add extra protein to your diet while still enjoying delicious baked goods.

Does Heat Destroy Protein Powder?

No, heat does not destroy protein powder. In fact, many protein powders are designed to be heat stable, which means they can be used in baking and cooking without losing their nutritional value.

However, some types of protein powders may be more heat-sensitive than others. For example, whey protein powder can denature and coagulate at high temperatures, which can cause it to lose some of its nutritional value and affect the texture of baked goods. If you are using whey protein powder in your baking (which, as this is a vegan food blog, I’m assuming you’re not), it is important to monitor the temperature of your oven or microwave to ensure that the protein powder does not overheat.

Other types of protein powders, such as soy protein and pea protein, are more heat-stable and can be used in a wider range of baked goods without issue. That’s why I recommend using them for this protein mug cake!

As long as you use protein powders in moderation and follow the recommended cooking temperatures and times, heat should not have a significant impact on the nutritional value of the protein powder.

If you make this 2 minute Chocolate Chip Protein Mug Cake then please make sure to comment below or tag me in your photos over on Instagram using @georginaburgess_ – I love to see them! Additionally, why not another one of my delicious dessert recipes like the Toasted Raspberry Dark Chocolate Fudge Bar? You will love them! Trust me.

Two Minute Chocolate Chip Protein Mug Cake (Vegan and Gluten Free)

Georgina Burgess
The most deliciously gooey Chocolate Chip Protein Mug Cake that's ready within 5 minutes, using my new favourite vegan protein powder (keep scrolling to find out more!) Whip this up when you're craving a fuss-free, tasty and comforting sweet treat.
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Course Dessert, Healthy Snack, Snack
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 tbsp Oat Flour (you can blend oats in a high speed blender)
  • 2 tbsp Protein Powder Vanilla Flavoured
  • 1/4 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 2 tbsp Maple Syrup
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 2 tsp Coconut Oil melted
  • 3 tbsp Dairy Free Milk of choice
  • 2 tbsp Vegan Dark Chocolate Chips set a few aside for topping

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, stir together the oat flour, protein powder, baking powder and salt
  • Mix in the maple syrup, vanilla extract, melted coconut oil and milk until smooth
  • Stir in the chocolate chips
  • Empty this into a small ramekin or mug (lightly oiled) and smooth over the top
  • Sprinkle a few more chocolate chips over the top
  • Microwave for 2 minutes. Leave to stand for 1 minute (to cool slightly before eating)

Notes

Delicious topped with nut butter, coconut yoghurt or vegan ice cream!
Keyword vegan dessert, vegan snacks

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (About This Vegan Protein Mug Cake)

Can I use a different type of flour for this protein mug cake? 
Oat flour works well in this recipe because it gives a nice texture to the cake and it’s gluten-free. But you can also use other types of flour like almond flour or whole wheat flour.

Can I use a different type of protein powder? 
Vanilla-flavoured protein powder is recommended in this recipe, but you can also try and use other flavours like chocolate or unflavoured protein powder.

Can I use a different type of sweetener for this protein mug cake? 
Maple syrup gives the cake a nice sweetness and I’ve found it’s what works best with this particular recipe.  Other options include refined sugar or coconut sugar. 

Can I use a different type of oil? 
Coconut oil gives this recipe a nice hint of coconut flavour; but if you don’t have it or prefer a different flavour, you can use another oil like vegetable or canola oil.

Can I use a different type of milk? 
You can use any type of dairy-free milk such as soy milk, unsweetened almond milk or oat milk.

Can I add nuts or dried fruits to this protein mug cake? 
Yes, you can add nuts or dried fruits like raisins, cranberries or chopped walnuts.

Can I make this protein mug cake gluten-free? 
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free oats, gluten-free protein powder, and gluten-free baking powder.

Can I make this protein mug cake without chocolate chips?
Yup! (But they add a nice chocolate flavour to the cake)

Can I use a different type of chocolate? 
You can use any type of vegan chocolate chips or chocolate chunks you like!

Can I top the protein mug cake something else other than chocolate chips? 
Yes, you can top with your favourite toppings like coconut flakes, chopped nuts, or dried fruits.

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9 Comments

  1. Lindsey Ockers says:

    Can you substitute almond flour?

    1. ginaburgess96 says:

      Hi Lindsey, I haven’t tried that myself, however I think the oat flour is a better option. But do let me know if you try it!

      1. I substituted it with almond flour because I was unable to make oat flour at the moment. It tastes okay but definitely the oat flour tasted better

  2. I substituted almond flour and it did not work, per se. It tasted great, but it overflowed the ramekin and looked like soupy porridge.

  3. Tried this recipe and it was delicious! Do you know how many calories this may be though?

  4. I’d love to know the macros on this!!! Thanks!

  5. This was a great recipe! I have tried several mug cake recipes and they never turn out. This one did! And no eggs! Yay! Thank you!

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