Craving a rich and chocolatey treat that’s both vegan and naturally gluten-free? This chocolate protein mug cake packs 15g of protein per serving, making it a healthy and satisfying post-workout snack or dessert—plus, it comes together in just 5 minutes!
If you prefer batch baking, my vegan protein brownies or vegan protein cookies are great options for a delicious, protein-packed treat you can enjoy all week!

Turn your usual protein shake into a rich and satisfying chocolate protein mug cake! It has a light and fluffy cake-like texture with an indulgent mouthfeel.
If you’re after something denser and fudgier, be sure to check out my protein mug brownie instead! Or, you could make my chocolate protein pudding for a lighter dessert.
💚Why you will love chocolate protein mug cake
- Single-serve dessert ready in just 5 minutes
- High in protein, nutritious, and incredibly filling
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins and toppings
- Perfect as a light breakfast, dessert, or mid-afternoon snack
🍫What you will need
- Protein powder – Use any protein powder you enjoy! I’m using Orgain’s Chocolate Fudge for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
- Oat flour – A bit of flour makes the cake lighter and more cake-like. Easily make your own by blending oats in a high-speed blender.
- Milk - Use plant-based or dairy milk, whichever you prefer!
- Maple syrup – Can be reduced or omitted if your protein powder is already sweet enough.
- Baking powder – Helps the batter rise, creating a fluffier, cake-like texture.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
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🔪How to make chocolate protein mug cake
Step 1: Add all dry ingredients to a ramekin or mug. Stir until well mixed.
Step 2: Add wet ingredients, mixing until a batter forms.
Step 3: Microwave for 60 seconds, then check for doneness. The middle should be mostly set.
Step 4: Allow to rest for a few minutes, then dig in and enjoy! Optionally, you can top it with toppings of choice before serving.
✔Helpful tips
- Use a microwave-safe mug – Ensure your mug is microwave-friendly to avoid any mishaps.
- Don’t overcook – Overcooking can make the cake dry and rubbery. Insert a toothpick down the middle and it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Serve immediately – Best enjoyed fresh, but leftover chocolate protein mug cake can be stored in an airtight container and eaten within 1-2 days. I recommend enjoying leftovers cold as reheating might dry cake out and cause it to turn chewy.
❔Commonly asked questions
A rubbery protein mug cake is usually caused by overcooking or adding too much oil. Since this recipe does not use oil, the most likely culprit is overcooking.
To prevent this, check at the 60-second mark by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, your mug cake is ready!
You can bake this protein mug cake in the oven by preheating it to 180°C (350°F) and baking for 10-15 minutes. It will be slightly denser than the microwave version but still delicious!
If your protein mug cake turned out dry, it was likely overcooked. Since this recipe is lower in fat, even a little extra time in the microwave can make it dry out quickly. For a richer, more moist texture, try mixing in a tablespoon of peanut butter or your favorite nut butter!
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Protein Mug Cake
Ingredients
Dry ingredients
- 2 tablespoon chocolate plant protein powder plant-based or casein
- 2 tablespoon oat flour ( use gluten-free if needed )
- 2 teaspoon cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips ( optional )
Wet ingredients
- ¼ cup almond milk or other types of milk
- ½ tablespoon maple syrup or other liquid sweetener*
Instructions
- Grease a mug (with about 1 cup/250ml/8oz capacity) with some cooking spray or by brushing on some cooking oil. Combine all dry ingredients and mix to combine.
- Add in all wet ingredients and stir until everything is well incorporated.
- Microwave for 60 seconds, then check for doneness by inserting a toothpick down the middle. The toothpick should come out fairly clean with a few moist crumbs. If it is undercook, microwave at 10-second intervels.
- Let it rest for 1-2 minutes, and it is ready to be enjoyed!
Video
Notes
- Use a microwave-safe mug – Ensure your mug is microwave-friendly to avoid any mishaps.
- Don’t overcook – Overcooking can make the cake dry and rubbery. Insert a toothpick down the middle and it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Serve immediately – Best enjoyed fresh, but leftover chocolate protein mug cake can be stored in an airtight container and eaten within 1-2 days. I recommend enjoying leftovers cold as reheating might dry cake out and cause it to turn chewy.
Save this recipe!
Also get a FREE high-protein vegan recipe eBook + weekly new recipes! Unsubscribe anytime.
Nutrition
Nutrition info calculated is just a rough estimate and is provided as a courtesy. Bear in mind that value will vary based on variables like specific brand or type of product used. To obtain the most accurate representation, it is highly recommended that you calculate it on your own with the actual amount and type of ingredient used.
Izzy says
It was great! The minute was enough for me, maybe even w little too much. But it was soooo much better than I expected. The chocolate chips sunk to the bottom and made this gooey sauce. Such a fast and tasty treat.