This chocolaty protein brownie mug cake has all the decadence of a rich fudgy brownie while still keeping your macros in check. Incredibly delicious and packed with protein, this quick and easy brownie recipe only takes one minute to whip up and is the perfect healthy, guilt-free dessert.
More Protein Recipes
If you're looking for more quick and delicious protein packed recipes for your weekly meal plan, here are a few I think you'll like.
- Proffee (EasyProtein Coffee)
- Easy Protein Blueberry Muffins
- Apple Cinnamon Weight Gain Smoothie
- Greek Yogurt Bowls with Warm Berry Sauce
WHY MAKE MUG CAKES WITH PROTEIN POWDER?
Protein mug cakes are a great addition to your recipe box if you're looking to add more protein to your diet while being able to control your fat and carbohydrate intake. This recipe is easily tailored to meet your macros. Need more carbs? Add some yummy chocolate chips or toffee bits. Need more fats? Add nuts on coconut, or top with a warm peanut butter drizzle.
If you’re an athlete who cycles between bulking and leaning up, this is the perfect dessert recipe to keep you on track no matter where you are in your nutrition and fitness cycle. And, if you’re looking to add casein protein to your diet, this recipe is a great place to start!
Likewise, if you are just looking to eat healthier and lose weight, this is a decadent dessert that’s delicious, easy to make, and won’t blow your diet.
Here's a great protein smoothie recipe to add to your protein powder recipe box.
HOW DO YOU MAKE A PROTEIN BROWNIE?
To make this gooey brownie recipe add all ingredients to a shaker (blender) bottle and shake until the brownie is well mixed. Pour your batter into a microwave-safe bowl or coffee mug and microwave for 60 seconds. As with most mug cakes, this protein brownie is best enjoyed while still warm and gooey.
If you don’t have a shaker bottle, you can mix all ingredients together in a bowl with a spoon before cooking.
INGREDIENTS
Chocolate Protein Powder
Whey protein, casein protein, or a vegan protein powder will all work well. I normally use whey protein when I'm having a brownie for breakfast and use casein protein powder when I'm enjoying a bedtime snack.
Oat Flour
Oat flour is a great choice for this recipe as it gives a bump in fiber and helps to keep you fuller longer. If you don't have oat flour feel free to use plain flour or almond flour. Read more to learn how to make your own oat flour.
Baking Powder
baking powder is what makes this brownie rise and fluff up.
Egg
2 egg whites or 1 flax egg may be used in place of one whole egg.
Honey or Maple Syrup (Optional)
1-2 tablespoons to taste if your protein powder is unsweetened.
Oat Milk
I love using oat milk, but feel free to use dairy milk, almond milk, soy milk, or water.
Salt
Salt helps to intensify the chocolate and sweetness of your brownie.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is added to give your brownie depth and round out the flavors.
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine all ingredients in a shaker (blender) bottle.
Shake until brownie batter is well mixed, about 30 seconds.
Pour batter into a microwave-safe bowl or coffee mug.
Microwave for 60 seconds for a fudgy moist brownie or a bit longer for a more cake-like brownie.
RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS
Low Fat Substitute
For a lower-fat protein brownie, use 2 egg whites in place of the 1 whole egg.
Vegan-Friendly Protein Brownie
For a vegan option, use a plant-based protein powder, one flax or chia egg in place of the egg, and replace the honey with maple syrup.
Dairy-Free Mug Cake
To make this mug cake dairy-free use plant-based soy or pea protein powder.
Low Carb Option
If you’re looking for a low-carb protein brownie, omit the oat flour and replace the oat milk with unsweetened almond milk.
If your protein powder is already sweetened, you may not need any additional sweeteners.
WHAT ADD-INS WORK FOR THIS CHOCOLATY PROTEIN CAKE?
The add-ins and toppings are an easy way to customize your brownie to fit your macros or just to mix things up a bit. If you’re looking for more fats in your diet, nuts, peanut butter, and coconut are all great choices. Need more carbs? Chocolate chips, toffee bits, or a caramel drizzle are yummy options.
BROWNIE BATTER ADD-INS
- Chocolate chips - Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, semi-sweet, white chocolate, or sugar-free
- Nuts - pecans, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts
- Peanut Butter Powder (1-2 Tablespoons)
- Toffee bits
- Shredded coconut
BROWNIE MUG CAKE TOPPINGS
- Peanut butter drizzle
- Whipped cream
- Melted chocolate
- Caramel sauce
- Homemade cinnamon whipped cream
EXPERT TIPS
MICROWAVE COOKING TIME
Microwaves may vary in their cooking time. Start with 60 seconds and adjust as needed. Cook longer for a more cake-like brownie and shorter for a more moist texture.
ADJUSTING THE SWEETNESS
This protein brownie mug cake recipe is not overly sweet. If you aren’t eating a low-carb diet, feel free to add more honey or top your brownie with chocolate chips as it comes out of the microwave. The chocolate chips will melt into your brownie and create a gooey, chocolaty topping.
MORE HEALTHY CHOCOLATE RECIPES
DARK CHOCOLATE BARK WITH TOASTED QUINOA, OATS, & SEEDS
SALTED CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO NUT CLUSTERS
HONEY ALMOND DARK CHOCOLATE WITH CACAO NIBS
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📖 Recipe
Protein Brownie Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 1 scoop chocolate whey protein casein or plant-based can be used as well.
- 2 tablespoons oat flour almond or regular flour can be substituted.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons cocoa powder or raw cacao powder
- 1 egg lower fat brownie use 2 egg whites. Vegan option use 1 flax egg.
- ⅓ cup oat milk almond milk or any dairy milk can be used
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch salt
Instructions
1 Minute Microwave Instructions
- Microwave for 60 seconds for a fudgy moist brownie or a bit longer for a more cake-like brownie.
- Shake the shaker bottle until brownie batter is well mixed, about 30 seconds. If using a bowl instead of a blender bottle, mix all ingredients well.
- Pour batter into a microwave-safe bowl or coffee mug.
- Microwave for 60 seconds for a fudgy moist brownie or a bit longer for a more cake-like brownie.
Oven-Baked Protein Brownie Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Microwave for 60 seconds for a fudgy moist brownie or a bit longer for a more cake-like brownie.
- Shake the shaker bottle until brownie batter is well mixed, about 30 seconds. If using a bowl instead of a blender bottle, mix all ingredients well.
- Pour batter into a small oven safe dish or coffee mug.
- Bake for 10 minutes until brownie is done.
Notes
Nutritional label should only be used as an estimate since protein powders can widely vary in their proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
LOW FAT SUBSTITUTE
For a lower-fat protein brownie, use 2 egg whites in place of the 1 whole egg.VEGAN-FRIENDLY PROTEIN BROWNIE
For a vegan option, use a plant-based protein powder, one flax or chia egg in place of the egg, and replace the honey with maple syrup.DAIRY-FREE MUG CAKE
To make this mug cake dairy-free use plant-based soy or pea protein powder.LOW CARB OPTION
If you’re looking for a low-carb protein brownie, omit the oat flour and replace the oat milk with unsweetened almond milk.Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
The nutritional information provided here is approximate and calculated using an online nutritional calculator. We strive to give you accurate information, but many factors can cause this data to vary widely. For more information, please read our full Nutritional Disclaimer.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
Tag @healthywithachanceofsprinkles on Instagram so we can admire your whole food yumminess!
Andi says
How large is your scoop for the protewin powder? Some of my protwein powders use a smaller scoop - 2 scoops for a 30g serving and some use a single scoop.
Thanks!
Jessica says
Hey Andi, I used 1 scoop (25g) of protein powder. If your scoops weigh more than 25g, you could try adding an additional 1 tablespoon of milk to the batter. Let me know if you have any more questions!
Scarlet says
This brownie mug cake was so rich and yummy. Totally satisfying. I loved it.
Jessica says
I'm so glad you loved it!
Aimee Mars says
This looks great and I love how it's in a mug! I'm going to experiment with some of your substitution ideas. I might try it with Tigernut flour instead of oat flower and use your dairy-free suggestions.
Jessica says
Thank you so much!
Toni says
I love how quick and easy this is to make!! Everyone loved it!
Jessica says
Thanks, Toni!
Gina says
The microwave version has become my new to-go for a quick chocolate fix after dinner. So easy and delicious!
Jessica says
So happy to hear you love it!
Dannii says
I love mug cakes for a quick and easy chocolate fix and this protein packed version looks great.
Jessica says
Thanks so much, Dannii!
Claudia Lamascolo says
Wow this looks fantastic I love the ease of this recipe and this will be in my mug soon!
Jessica says
So happy to hear!