The Best Protein Powder Mug Cake

Written by Jack Schrupp and reviewed by Ella McGonagle, M.S. Nutrition

drink wholesome is the key ingredient to make the best protein powder mug cake. We make dairy-free protein powder with a short list of simple ingredients. Order samples to see if our protein powder is right for you. 

Jump to the recipe.

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Make the best protein mug cake with drink wholesome.

Why make protein mug cake?


Looking for a healthy dessert that can be made in minutes? Look no further. This high protein mug cake is a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth. It is delicious, packed with protein, and does not require added sugar. Plus, it can be made in a single bowl in the microwave, which means easy clean-up.

This recipe makes a large serving, so feel free to share! Or you can eat it all yourself, which is what I would do. My only advice is to use a deep mug so that the cake does not overflow while cooking.

If you are sick and tired of relying on protein shakes to get the protein you need, give my protein mug cake a try. It is an easy and crave-worthy way to change up how you get your protein. It is also highly customizable, meaning you can add ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, and toasted coconut for extra flavor.

Why drink wholesome?


This recipe was made with drink wholesome – the only protein powder made with 100% real foods. Given its simple ingredient list, it makes delicious mug cakes. Most protein powders, on the other hand, are not good for protein mug cakes because they are made with protein isolates. Isolates, which are listed on the ingredient list as “pea protein” and “whey protein” as opposed to “peas” and “whey,” are foods stripped of everything but the protein. Unlike real foods, they are missing the nutrients that make food taste good. It follows that protein isolates taste like chalk, and turn fluffy mug cakes into hockey pucks. Avoid them at all costs. 

the alternative:

Protein Matrix Comprised of (Whey Protein Concentrate,  Whey Protein Isolate, Calcium Caseinate, Micellar Casein, Milk Protein Isolate, Egg Albumen, Glutamine Peptides), Polydextrose, Sunflower Creamer (Sunflower Oil, Corn Syrup Solids,  Sodium Caseinate, Mono- and Diglycerides, Dipotassium Phosphate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Soy Lecithin, Tocopherols), Natural and Artificial Flavor, MCT Powder (Medium Chain Triglycerides, Nonfat Dry Milk, Disodium Phosphate, Silicon Dioxide), Lecithin, Cellulose Gum, Salt, Yellow 5, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Papain, Bromelain.

*This is the actual ingredient list of one of the best-selling protein powders in the United States.

Another reason why drink wholesome is perfect for protein mug cakes is that it is sweetened with monk fruit. Monk fruit, also known as lo han guo, is a small, melon-like round fruit native to Southeast Asia. It is turned into a sweetener by removing the seeds and skin, crushing the fruit, and collecting the juice, which is then dried into a powder. Monk fruit is sweet like sugar, unlike the artificial sweeteners and stevias used to sweeten most protein powders. Artificial sweeteners and stevia have an awful bitter aftertaste because they activate bitter taste receptors in addition to sweet taste receptors. They may be sugar-free, but they will ruin your protein mug cake.

How to make protein mug cake.


Making protein cake in a mug is easy. It requires no cooking skills and or fancy equipment, and can be whipped up in no time at all. Plus, you probably already have all of the ingredients you need at home. It follows that if you are anything like me, you will be making mug cake with protein powder once a week. Depending on the type of protein powder you use, you may have to adjust ratios, but once you have found the right protein powder, this recipe is foolproof.

drink wholesome recipes

The Best Protein Mug Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

-3 tablespoons drink wholesome vegan vanilla protein powder or vegan chocolate protein powder 

-2 tablespoons flour

-1/2 tsp baking powder

-2 tablespoons cocoa powder 

-1 tablespoon maple syrup

-1/4 cup dairy-free milk

-2 tbsp chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions: 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a small mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients and mix well. Then add the wet ingredients and mix until all of the clumps are gone. Transfer the batter to a greased mug and bake it for 12-15 minutes. Remove the mug from the oven and enjoy your high protein mug cake immediately. You can also make this in the microwave. Simply microwave your protein powder mug cake for 1-2 minutes.

delicious

“Really enjoy this protein powder. I like that it doesn’t have a chalky artificial taste, and I like that it’s not overly sweet.” – Mary

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Boost your protein with drink wholesome.

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Can this protein mug cake recipe be made vegan?

If you are on a plant-based diet, do not despair. Use my vegan vanilla protein powder, and substitute the egg in the recipe above for a banana. 

Is this protein mug cake recipe gluten-free?

This protein mug cake recipe is gluten-free. It is also low-carb, and a good dessert option for people on the keto diet. 

Can you make this recipe with other flavors of protein powder?

This recipe makes a vanilla protein mug cake, which is my favorite. You can use any flavor of protein powder, however. I have also used chocolate protein powder to make a delicious chocolate protein mug cake. 

What can I put on my mug cake?

Some healthy toppings for your mug cake include fresh berries, which have been linked to improved gut health in numerous studies. Other options include chopped nuts, or nut butter, a few mint leaves or even yogurt and dried fruit.

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