Chocolate Protein Mug Cake
Indulge in this guilt-free Chocolate Protein Mug Cake, a deliciously moist and rich dessert that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the heavy calories. This mug cake combines wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour and cocoa powder, along with the healthy sweetness of sugar-free applesauce and stevia. Packed with protein from egg whites, it's a quick dessert that you can whip up in just five minutes. Whether you're looking for a late-night treat or a post-workout reward, this single-serving mug cake is bound to become a favorite in your healthy dessert repertoire!
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
cocoa powder
1 tablespoon (unsweetened)
whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons (sifted)
milk
1 1/2 tablespoons (can be dairy or non-dairy)
sugar-free applesauce
1 1/2 tablespoons (preferably unsweetened)
stevia
2 packets (or to taste)
salt
1/16 tablespoon (or a pinch)
baking powder
1/16 tablespoon (to help the cake rise)
vanilla extract
1/8 tablespoon (pure or imitation)
egg white
1 (large, room temperature)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cocoa powder, whole wheat flour, milk, sugar-free applesauce, stevia, salt, baking powder, vanilla extract, and egg white.
2
Whisk the ingredients together for about one minute until the batter is smooth and well combined.
3
Pour the batter into a large microwave-safe coffee mug (approximately 14 oz in size), ensuring not to fill it to the brim to avoid overflow during cooking.
4
Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 3 minutes. Keep an eye on it as cooking times may vary based on your microwave's wattage.
5
Once it’s done, allow it to cool for a minute before carefully removing it from the microwave. Enjoy your delicious cake directly out of the mug or turn it out onto a plate if you prefer!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Chocolate Protein Mug Cake?
It is a quick, single-serving dessert made in a microwave using healthy ingredients like whole wheat flour, egg whites, and cocoa powder.
Is this Chocolate Protein Mug Cake healthy?
Yes, it is designed to be a guilt-free treat using whole wheat flour, sugar-free applesauce, and stevia to minimize calories and sugar.
How long does it take to make this mug cake?
The entire process takes about five minutes, including one minute of whisking and three minutes of microwave cooking.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat?
Yes, all-purpose flour can be substituted, though the nutritional profile and fiber content will change.
What can I use instead of stevia?
You can use any granulated or liquid sweetener of your choice, such as honey, maple syrup, or monk fruit, adjusted to your taste preference.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
It can be made dairy-free by choosing a non-dairy milk alternative like almond, soy, or oat milk.
Can I use a whole egg instead of an egg white?
Yes, but using a whole egg will increase the fat content and calories, and it may result in a slightly denser texture.
What size mug should I use?
A large microwave-safe coffee mug of approximately 14 oz is recommended to allow room for the cake to rise without overflowing.
Why did my mug cake overflow?
Overflowing usually happens if the mug is too small or if the batter is filled too close to the brim before cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the egg white with a flax egg or additional applesauce and ensure you use a plant-based milk.
How do I know when the mug cake is finished cooking?
The cake should look set and firm on top. Since microwave wattages vary, check it at 2.5 minutes to ensure it doesn't overcook.
Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Absolutely! Adding a tablespoon of dark chocolate chips can provide extra richness and melty pockets of chocolate.
Is cocoa powder the same as cacao powder?
Cacao powder is less processed than cocoa powder, but they can generally be used interchangeably in this recipe.
What is the purpose of the applesauce?
Applesauce acts as a moisture agent and fat replacer, keeping the cake moist without the need for added oil or butter.
Can I use maple syrup instead of stevia?
Yes, maple syrup is a great natural sweetener, though it will increase the sugar and calorie content compared to stevia.
Can I bake this in a regular oven?
Yes, you can bake it in an oven-safe ramekin at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is specifically designed to create one single serving.
Is this mug cake gluten-free?
As written with whole wheat flour, it is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Why is my mug cake dry or rubbery?
Dryness is usually caused by overcooking in the microwave. Try reducing the cooking time by 30 seconds next time.
Can I use almond flour?
You can use almond flour, but the texture will be much denser and less sponge-like than when using wheat flour.
What type of milk works best?
Any milk works well, but unsweetened almond milk is a popular choice for keeping the calorie count low.
Do I need to grease the mug first?
It is not required, but if you want to turn the cake out onto a plate, a light coating of cooking spray is helpful.
Can I make the batter in advance?
It is best to cook it immediately after mixing so that the baking powder reacts properly for the best rise.
Is this a low-calorie dessert?
Yes, by using egg whites and sugar-free ingredients, this recipe significantly reduces calories compared to traditional cake.
What is the texture of this mug cake?
The texture is moist, rich, and soft, similar to a traditional steamed sponge cake.
Can I add protein powder to this recipe?
Yes, you can swap one tablespoon of flour for protein powder, but you may need to add a splash more milk to prevent dryness.
Why is baking powder included?
Baking powder is the leavening agent that creates air bubbles, allowing the cake to rise and become fluffy in the microwave.
Can I cook two mug cakes at the same time?
It is recommended to cook them one at a time to ensure even heat distribution and proper rising.
What toppings are recommended?
Fresh berries, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of natural peanut butter are excellent healthy topping choices.
Is this a good post-workout snack?
Yes, the combination of protein from the egg white and carbohydrates from the wheat flour makes it a satisfying recovery treat.