This easy Microwave Strawberry Protein Mug Cake is easy to make and packed with nourishing ingredients!
In my final semesters of college, I found myself buried between exams and last-minute projects. With stress levels high and kitchen time limited, I needed recipes that were energy-boosting and quick to make. It was during these frenzied college days that I first discovered the magic of the mug cake. Unlike conventional baking projects, the mug cake comes together with just a few ingredients and a couple of minutes in the microwave.
This strawberry protein mug cake seriously became a lifeline for me in those last months of college. With whole-wheat flour and strawberry protein powder, each bite is equal parts delicious and nutritious. The natural sweetness of honey perfectly complements the vanilla almond milk, and the Greek yogurt adds to the rich texture of this tiny cake.
I still reach for this recipe after a long day at work, and it never fails to hit the spot. Are you looking for an energy boost to get through that inbox on Monday morning? Or are you on the hunt for a pre-workout snack to fuel that next gym sesh? No matter when you enjoy it, this protein-packed mug cake is the perfect choice for a sweet treat with a healthy twist.
Is This Microwave Strawberry Protein Mug Cake Healthy?
Unlike most standard cake recipes, this protein mug spinoff is packed with health-boosting ingredients. The whole-wheat flour in this recipe is a great source of fiber, and it also contains minerals like iron and magnesium. Honey acts as a natural sweetener and adds some antioxidants. The protein powder and Greek yogurt both add plenty of protein to this dish, and the Greek yogurt is also rich in calcium. If you’d like to reduce the sugar content of this dish, you can replace the honey with monk fruit sweetener or liquid stevia. To adjust this recipe for vegan diners, you can substitute the Greek yogurt with coconut milk or almond milk yogurt. Also make sure to choose a vegan protein powder and sweetener—agave nectar makes a great vegan substitute for honey!
Tips And Tricks For Decorating Your Mug Cake
You can absolutely enjoy this mug cake recipe as is! But if you’re looking for some ideas on how to jazz it up a little, I’ve got you covered. Instead of conventional frosting, you could top your mug cake with a drizzle of almond or cashew butter. I also recommend drizzling your cake with melted dark chocolate for an added touch. In search of strawberry shortcake vibes? You could also top your cake with whipped cream and freshly chopped strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. If you like a little crunch with your cake, you could also add toppings like cacao nibs, toasted nuts, or granola. Feel free to get creative until you find a decorating scheme that works for you!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Let’s be real—mug cake rarely lasts long enough to have leftovers! But on the off chance you have any of this mug cake remaining, simply place leftovers in an airtight container. You can store these in the fridge for up to 2 days, then microwave for 15-20 seconds before you dig back in.
Serving Suggestions
One of the best parts of this mug cake is just how versatile it is. You can enjoy this sweet dish with a wide range of other drinks and sides. If you’re looking for a nutritious beverage to pair with this cake, I recommend this Blueberry Banana Smoothie or this Kiwi Smoothie. Enjoying your mug cake as part of a hearty breakfast or brunch? Consider serving it with an Eggs Benedict Casserole or a fresh batch of Avocado Toast.
Recipe
Ingredients
For The Cake:
- 3 tablespoons whole-wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon strawberry protein powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 4 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened vanilla almond milk
Cream Cheese "Frosting":
- 1 tablespoon reduced-fat cream cheese softened
- 1 tablespoon strawberry protein powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla greek yogurt
- Truvia to taste or sweetener of choice
Greek Yogurt "Frosting":
- 2 tablespoons vanilla Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons strawberry protein powder
- Truvia to taste, or sweetener of choice
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, stir together the whole-wheat flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt the honey and coconut oil in the microwave (about 30 seconds.)
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the honey mixture, Greek yogurt, and almond milk. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Lightly spray a mug with cooking spray and pour the batter in. Microwave for 1 minute and 10 seconds, watching the microwave closely to make sure that your cake isn't exploding.
- Let cool for 1 minute and stir together topping of choice in a small bowl.
- Top with "frosting" and enjoy!
Can I use vanilla protein powder and a few mashed strawberries? I don’t have strawberry protein powder
Hi Mary – Yes, that should work and it sounds like a delicious twist! Let me know if you try please!