You can have this healthy, delicious and fudgy 3 ingredient chocolate protein mug cake ready within the next 2 minutes. Wait! What?! That’s right. This easy, one bowl (or mug) chocolate protein cake is super easy to make. All you need to make this decadent, moist, gooey and protein-packed treat is a fork, a bowl, and a microwave! For a molten lava chocolate cake version, simply reduce the baking time slightly. Entirely Paleo, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, egg-free, flourless and kid-friendly! Chocolate cake for breakfast? Yes, YES! (Oven option available)
3 Ingredient Protein Mug Cake
What’s in there? Well, the recipe consists of three simple ingredients. It is so simple and quick to make that you can have this one ready before your toasts are. Actually, I think that the only quicker breakfast option would be a good old bowl of cereal. But don’t you get tired of these sometimes?
Guilt-free chocolate protein cake for breakfast? DO it. Yes!
(Or as a mid-afternoon/post-workout snack? Perfect.)
I have included several recipe options and variations in the recipe box below. You see, making this recipe with only the 3 base ingredients is perfectly fine. It is still super tasty (pick a chocolate protein powder brand that tastes good though!). BUT, pimping this recipe a little bit by adding 1 or 2 simple ingredients will bring it from wow… to AH-Mah-Zing!
But like I said, it is totally up to you. If you prefer simplicity over taste, the base recipe is excellent. Your choice.
I’ve also said above that this cake can easily be turned into a molten lava cake. The secret? Simply reduce nuke time. Every brand/model of microwave is different though. And when I say different, I mean DIFFERENT. If you have a very powerful microwave, above 1000 watts, I’d say 1 minute baking time is usually enough. If you have an older unit with a very low wattage, you might have to increase the baking time up to two minutes or more to have a perfectly baked mug cake.
Bon apétit!

3 Ingredient Chocolate Protein Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe banana (peeled and mashed)
- 1 egg or flax egg (for vegan option)
- 1 scoop whey chocolate protein powder* (Plant-based for vegan option)
- Optional: 2 Tbsp dark chocolate chips**
- Optional: 1 tsp cocoa powder
- Optional: 1/2 tsp baking powder for oven option
Instructions
Microwave Option
- Mix all of the selected ingredients in a large mug. Do not fill it to the lid with batter as it may spill while baking.
- Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.**
Oven Option
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Mix all of the selected ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Pour the cake batter into a large oven-safe mug or large ramequin. You may add 1/2 tsp baking powder for this option.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until desired consistency.
- You can check the consistency of the cake by inserting a toothpick in the center.
Recipe Notes
*For the vegan option, use plant-based protein powder and gradually add some almond milk until the batter has the consistency of a pudding. This is essential, as this type of protein powder absorbs much more moisture than whey. Baking time will also vary.
* *The type of chocolate chips used should be compliant with your personal diet.
just WOW !!! Thank you !
You’re welcome! 😉
This is mind blowing! Perfect recipe to have on hand for a quick treat, and it looks delicious. 🙂
Yes! I do find for the plant base protein (I used Thorne) the cook time is just about double in the microwave (with adding in the almond milk) thanks for the recipe! Love it!
Thank you for the insight! Glad you liked the recipe! =)
I wanted a mug cake, but regular versions were over 60g of carbs. I didn’t feel like a keto version, and found this recipe. I added vanilla extract and cinnamon. Holy Moly!!!! Everyone (Husband & 2 picky boys) loved it. Satisfied my craving for something extra, and was easy to whip together!! HAD TO SHARE IMMEDIATELY 😋🥄
Hi Esther!
This recipe is one of my favorites and a go to when I need something quick to satisfy my sweet tooth.
Glad you liked it! =)
Need to try! Do you think you could sub canned pumpkin puree for the banana? Approx how many grams??
Hi Josh,
While I haven’t tried myself, I do think it is doable. Simply replace the banana with 1/4 cup pumpkin puree. According to Google, 1/4 cup pumpkin puree weights 40 grams. I would also add a pinch or two of pumpkin spice, for good measure.
Hope that helps!
Happy baking =)
Love this. Just googled quick dessert with protein powder. This is amazing. Such a clever idea. Thank you.