If you’re craving something sweet, decadent, and packed with protein, look no further than this Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a rich, cake-like treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing. This single-serve dessert is the perfect answer to those late-night cravings or busy afternoons when you want dessert that fits your healthy lifestyle. The magical marriage of chocolate and peanut butter, paired with a dose of protein, makes this mug cake irresistible and guilt-free. It’s so easy and reliable, you’ll want to keep the ingredients on hand at all times for those moments when you need a quick pick-me-up!

Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be surprised at how basic these ingredients are, but don’t underestimate their power – each one has an important role in creating a mug cake that is moist, flavorful, and full of chocolate-peanut butter goodness. Just a few pantry staples and a couple of refrigerator finds, and you’re ready to whip up dessert in one mug!
- Chocolate protein powder: Not only does this bump up the protein, but it gives the base deep, chocolatey flavor.
- Cocoa powder: Offers an intense chocolate boost and helps with the rich cake color.
- Oat flour or almond flour: Keeps your cake tender and slightly nutty; either works beautifully for gluten-free needs.
- Baking powder: Adds lift and airiness, making sure your mug cake actually rises in the microwave.
- Peanut butter: Brings creamy texture and classic nutty flavor—chunky or creamy, use your favorite.
- Egg: Provides structure and holds everything together; essential for ultimate mug cake fluffiness.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Moistens the batter and makes it extra tender—choose any milk you like.
- Maple syrup or honey: Just the right amount of natural sweetness to balance the chocolate and peanut butter.
- Vanilla extract: Lends subtle aroma and rounds out all those rich flavors.
- Salt: Just a pinch makes the chocolate pop and elevates the peanut butter note.
- Chocolate chips or extra peanut butter (optional): Perfect for topping—think gooey, melty, and extra decadent.
How to Make Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing your favorite microwave-safe mug (the bigger the better to avoid overflow) and add your chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, oat or almond flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Give these dry ingredients a good stir, making sure they’re well combined. This sets the stage for a mug cake with an evenly chocolatey bite from top to bottom.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, crack in the egg, pour in the milk, dollop in that glorious peanut butter, drizzle the maple syrup or honey, and splash in the vanilla extract. Stir everything together vigorously—you want no pockets of flour or lumps lurking in the bottom. The batter should look smooth, rich, and just a little thick.
Step 3: Microwave
Pop your mug into the microwave and cook on high for 60 to 90 seconds, depending on the power of your microwave. Keep an eye on it as it cooks; the cake will rise and become set around the edges but should look slightly soft in the middle. This step is key—don’t overcook, or you risk a dry cake instead of a moist, tender crumb!
Step 4: Cool and Top
Let the Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake cool for a minute or two right in the mug. This quick pause allows the texture to settle and any heat pockets to dissipate. Now comes the fun part: add extra peanut butter, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for a show-stopping finish.
How to Serve Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake

Garnishes
Dress up your creation with a swirl of creamy peanut butter, a handful of chocolate chips, or a pinch of flaky sea salt. A dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut whipped cream also makes a beautiful contrast to the warm, fudgy cake.
Side Dishes
You truly don’t need much besides a big spoon, but if you want an extra-special touch, try serving your Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake with a fresh fruit salad or a tall glass of cold milk. Even a scoop of vanilla fro-yo on the side takes this to an entirely new level of dessert bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
Why stop at just serving in a mug? Carefully pop the cake out and slice it in half to stack with layers of yogurt or peanut butter for a mini parfait. Or, bake a few mugs at once and host a personalization station—sprinkles, nuts, crushed pretzels—the sky’s the limit for toppings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), simply cover the mug loosely with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. The Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake stays moist for up to 2 days and is an easy grab-and-go treat for later.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t usually necessary with single-serve treats, but if you want to batch prep, allow the cake to cool, then wrap it (out of the mug) tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Store it in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, just place the mug (or unmolded cake) in the microwave. Heat in 15-second bursts until just warmed through—be careful not to overheat, as the texture can toughen if microwaved too long.
FAQs
Can I make this Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), use plant-based protein powder, and choose a non-dairy milk. It comes out just as moist and decadent as the original.
What if I don’t have oat flour or almond flour?
No problem—regular all-purpose flour works too, or you can blitz rolled oats in a blender for a quick homemade oat flour. This recipe is forgiving, so experiment with what you have.
Can I make this mug cake without protein powder?
While the protein powder is central to the Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake’s nutrition (and signature flavor), you can substitute with cocoa powder and a touch more flour if needed. Just note the protein content will be lower.
How do I avoid a dry mug cake?
The secret is to microwave just until the edges are set and the center is still a tiny bit soft. Every microwave is different, so start with 60 seconds and add 10–15 seconds as needed. An undercooked mug cake is always better than an overcooked one!
Can I double the recipe for two servings?
Definitely! Mix and microwave each serving in its own mug for even cooking. You can prep two mugs at once, then microwave back-to-back for a mini dessert party.
Final Thoughts
This Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake might just become your new obsession. It’s so quick, so fluffy, and so loaded with rich chocolate and peanut butter flavor, you’ll wonder why you ever reached for packaged snacks. Give it a try, experiment with toppings, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your favorite treat that feels almost too good to be true!
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Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 6 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a guilt-free, high-protein treat with this Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake. This single-serve cake is quick, easy, and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without derailing your healthy eating goals.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon oat flour or almond flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional: chocolate chips or extra peanut butter for topping
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe mug, mix dry ingredients: protein powder, cocoa powder, oat or almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Let cool: 1–2 minutes, then add toppings if desired. Enjoy!
Add wet ingredients: egg, milk, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
Microwave on high for 60–90 seconds until risen and set but soft in the center.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based protein powder and non-dairy milk.
- Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan option.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Category: Snack
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug cake
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 185mg