This vegan chocolate protein mug cake is the best way to satisfy a sweet craving in a healthy way. Made with just 5 ingredients, gluten free, and naturally sweet.
Sooo remember that cinnamon bun mug cake? Yeah, you knew this was coming. As much as I love cinnamon, you guys know I’m a chocoholic through and through. So, today we’ve got a vegan chocolate protein mug cake!
This thing is ridiculously quick and easy. Seriously, you can have a hot lil chocolate cake all to yourself in less than 5 minutes! Once again, thank you to the genius who randomly decided to make cake in a coffee mug in the microwave. You’re the real MVP.
Ingredients for a vegan chocolate protein mug cake
- Complement protein powder: complement is my go to protein powder because it doesn’t have any added sweeteners or gums, it’s third party tested and definitely the best quality plant-based protein you’ll find! I do have a discount code you can use for your order. Other vegan protein powder should work, but it may affect the texture/flavor.
- Cocoa powder: cocoa gives the mug cake dark chocolate flavor.
- Applesauce: unsweetened applesauce gives the mug cake a soft, moist texture.
- Nondairy milk: a bit of nondairy milk will bring the batter together before putting the cake into the microwave. I use unsweetened almond milk for neutral flavor, but any nondairy milk should work.
- Vegan chocolate chips: I love the Lily’s stevia-sweetened chocolate chips, but any vegan chocolate chips you like will work. You could also chop a bar of dark chocolate into chunks.
- Optional 1 tsp of date sugar or stevia: if your protein powder is unsweetened and you want more sweetness than the chocolate chips provide, feel free to add a bit of a natural sweetener of your choice.
Tips for making a vegan chocolate protein mug cake
- Use a large microwave-safe mug, or a small bowl. I like cooking my microwave mug cakes in a really small bowl just because it’s easier to eat out of! But you can also use a mug that’s on the wider side, just make sure it’s microwave-safe.
- Mix the dry ingredients, then add the wet. Because you’re working in a small dish, mixing is much easier when you start with the dry ingredients, then add the wet after they’re mixed. This ensures everything will be thoroughly mixed together.
- Cook for 2 minutes, then add more time as needed. Start with 2 minutes in the microwave, then add 1 more minute at a time, checking each time to be sure the center is cooked to your liking.
This vegan chocolate protein mug cake is the perfect quick treat to satisfy a sweet craving on those nights you’re feeling lazy and want something simple, or you just don’t want a whole batch of sweets. It’s full of rich chocolate flavor, soft, and surprisingly fluffy for a little mug cake made in 2 minutes!
Xo,
Sara
Vegan Chocolate Protein Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 1 serving vegan protein powder – I always use Complement protein, you can learn all about Complement and use my discount code to order here! https://sweetvegansara.com/my-favorite-vegan-supplements/
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup nondairy milk – I use unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp vegan chocolate chips – I love the Lily’s brand, stevia sweetened vegan dark chocolate chips!
- Optional 1 tsp date sugar or stevia if your protein powder isn't sweetened
Instructions
- In a large microwave safe mug or bowl, mix the protein powder and cocoa powder.
- Add the applesauce and milk, and chocolate chips, and stir to combine.
- Microwave the mug cake for 2 minutes. Depending on your microwave you may like it a bit more cooked, so feel free to add more time if it still seems too loose in the middle.
- Let the mug cake cool, sprinkle with a few more chocolate chips, and enjoy!
Just found this recipe, can’t wait to try it. Going to try with Awesome Supplements Chocolate Salted Caramel protein powder – bet its going to be insane!
Ah that sounds amazing!! Let me know what you think 🙂
Thanks for sharing this SO tasty
I subed pumpkin for applesauce
Did 50/50 Baking powder and Egg replacer
Perfect mug cake! <3
So happy you liked it, thank you for sharing!!
Wow ! I used the Raw Sport Chocolate Vanilla protein powder, didn’t have applesauce so I used apple-prune compote, added 1 tbsp of maple syrup and some GF instant oats (because I made this for breakfast ????)… topped it with some peanut butter; it is amazing ! Thank you for that ! I’ve never been much of a mug cake fan but this one is great !!!
Hi, Sara! Thanks so much for sharing, I’m so happy you liked it!
My cake isn’t fluffy very stodgy what am I doing wrong g?
Hi, Sandra! Because the ingredients are super simple, the texture isn’t going to be exactly like a super fluffy, traditional cake. The texture can also vary depending on the brand of protein you use!
if i don’t have applesauce can i sub for baking powder ?
Hi Lee, I add the applesauce for moisture rather than rise, so I wouldn’t swap that out for just baking powder. Hope that helps!
How much is one serving protein powder? 🙂
For the protein I use it’s 3 tablespoons, but even if you use the same amount of a different protien you may need to adjust the other ingredients slightly to get a texture you like. Hope that helps!
Yes! Thanks a lot 🙂
This did NOT work with Orgain Protein, even tried adding baking powder and it’s a fail 🙁
Hi, Brittany! Sorry to hear it didn’t work using Orgain. As I mention in the post, using a different protein could definitely affect the texture/flavor since brands can vary a lot when it comes to protein powder, and because there are just a few super simple ingredients, the texture isn’t going to be exactly like a super fluffy, traditional cake.
actually, it does! You just have to use two scoops instead of one bc a serving is 2 scoops. It tastes great! Try it again.
Thanks for the suggestion Christina, so glad you liked it!