Double Chocolate 2-Minute Protein Muffin

I have a filling and delicious 2-minute chocolate protein mug muffin recipe for you below, but first- I can’t believe that Winter Shape Up is over!! <3

Thank you again to all of you for your awesome check-ins, feedback, energy and motivation. Our Facebook group was an extra-amazing place to be this past month. I was blown away by the photos, insight and support that these fabulous ladies shared with one another. Another incredible thing? Not ONE incident of negativity. I wasn’t really expecting any, but you never know… In this case, everyone has been truly awesome and I’m so stoked that you all enjoyed the Shape Up.

Wsu checkins2

Thank you again to my lovely friend Anne for providing the recipes and meal plans. She truly helped to take this challenge to the next level, in addition to our generous sponsors, who hooked you up with awesome prizes along the way 🙂

Sponsors

White Plum, Reebok, Sabra, Cabot, Stonyfield, Sizzlefish and Fitfluential

More thanks to my friends Meredith and Megan for their mad workout skillz and energy, Grant for filming and editing the videos (I’m thrilled you guys enjoyed them because a lot of work went into creating them!) and to Black Belt 4 Life for the ability to rent their beautiful space.

Congratulations to the Reebok ZQuick winners:

Katie H.

Priya

and Rachel

All winners have been emailed. You will love your new sneaks!

I’m sad to say goodbye to this year’s challenge, but am confident that we can continue to make them better and better thanks to your helpful feedback. I’m already scheming for Summer Shape Up, which will be here before we know it. 🙂

Microwave Chocolate Protein Mug Muffin

So today I thought I’d share a snack I’ve been enjoying quite a bit lately: a take on the protein muffin in a mug.

2-minute microwave chocolate protein muffin

I can’t post this recipe without giving props to Deb, who first gave me the idea for protein mug muffins a few years ago. I’ve played around with her recipe in the past, but lately have been using my own combo. It transformed from “let’s throw random things in a mug and microwave it” into a legit actual recipe. It’s always nice when that happens 😉 It’s not the most visually appealing snack idea, but since I love it so much, I figured we could put some lipstick, err peanut butter on this pig and take some pics 😉

microwave chocolate protein muffin

Best parts about this snack:

It takes 4 minutes from prep to plate.

It’s extremely filling, since it’s a great combo of healthy fats, fiber and protein.

It’s HUGE.

microwave chocolate Protein muffin

Kind of hard to tell from the pics, but this baby has some height. Too big to make in a mug, so it’s actually better-suited to be microwaved in a glass bowl.

2-minute chocolate mug muffin mix

It doesn’t look very promising at first, but with the melted chocolate chips + a drizzle of nut butter and/or maple syrup, it’s like a healthy protein-packed dessert.

Here’s the recipe if you’d like to give it a whirl!

 

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Double chocolate 2-minute protein muffin

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A decadent protein-packed treat, which is perfect for a post-workout snack, quick breakfast option or afternoon pick-me-up. Enjoy with your favorite nut butter plus a little maple syrup to take it over the top.

  • Prep Time: 2
  • Cook Time: 2
  • Total Time: 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla or chocolate protein powder (rice or whey protein works best)
  • 2 tablespoons almond meal (can sub shredded coconut, whole wheat flour or oat flour)
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons applesauce
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon chocolate chips (don’t skip these!)
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
  • sprinkle of cinnamon, small bit of vanilla, Stevia (optional)

Instructions

  1. Spray a glass microwave-safe bowl with nonstick spray.
  2. Add all ingredients to the bowl and stir well.
  3. Microwave for 2 minutes until set and fluffy.
  4. Enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1

 

Hope you enjoy 🙂

What are you up to this lovely Monday? Have you tried a mug cake or easy protein muffin before? Here’s a vegan, gluten-free chocolate mug cake that’s one of my faves. This grain-free, dairy-free mug cake is also delish!

Have a great day!

xo

Gina

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58 Comments

  1. Chicago Jogger on February 24, 2014 at 10:40 am

    This looks very tasty 🙂 I have made mug cakes before but never a healthy one like this- definitely time to try it.

  2. Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat on February 24, 2014 at 10:43 am

    Ooooh…I’m excited to try this out! This looks like a perfect easy and healthy breakfast option. Pinned!

  3. FitBritt@MyOwnBalance on February 24, 2014 at 10:59 am

    Microwave baking sounds like something even I could do! I would definitely try it with shredded coconut!

  4. Miranda @ Loving Every Mile on February 24, 2014 at 11:00 am

    Yum! I love mug cakes (or protein muffins 😉 ) because they’re so fast and easy to make- not to mention delicious. Gotta love chocolate!

  5. Parita @ myinnershakti on February 24, 2014 at 11:01 am

    Definitely trying this out for breakfast tomorrow. 🙂

  6. Megan @ The Skinny-Life on February 24, 2014 at 11:12 am

    Baking on the microwave sounds like my kind of thing! I never tried it before bit definitely will now & this recipe looks like one to try for sure!

  7. Becky @ Life Outside The BOX on February 24, 2014 at 11:26 am

    I love the addition of apple sauce, I would never think to use that!

  8. Becca on February 24, 2014 at 11:34 am

    I actually have all the ingredients for this!!!! I will defintely be trying this for my afternoon snack today! 😀

  9. joyce on February 24, 2014 at 11:43 am

    These are great. I just saw them on FB and went to the pantry and VOILA! 4 minutes later i was eating this very delicious breakfast/brunch/lunch. Love the whey protein , and i used whole wheat flour (didnt add the cocoa tho~ didnt have any!) Thanks and keep them coming!!

  10. Jackie on February 24, 2014 at 11:53 am

    I have to try the muffin ASAP!!!

  11. Lissy on February 24, 2014 at 11:54 am

    even though I was bad about checking in, I loved the Winter Shape Up, especially workout 4 🙂 Thanks so much for putting that together for us! How could anyone be negative about a fabulous, free workout and meal plan? 🙂 It just kinda stinks when these things are over. I had to think about what workout I was going to do this morning X( Brain effort.

  12. Leah on February 24, 2014 at 12:47 pm

    Absolutely loved WSU! Thank you Gina and Anne! It really got me out of work out slump. You both were great motivators. I am going to continue on and make it 8 weeks. Work out 1 done today and a plank burner.
    This protein muffin looks delicious! I will have to try it!

  13. Michelle on February 24, 2014 at 12:52 pm

    The muffin looks great. I make mug cakes a lot. It’s great when someone here wants a treat. I love the individual servings cause then you don’t feel obligated to eat more than you want. Can’t wait to try it. Thanks to your recipes I have been doing a lot more experimenting with baking with protein powder in baking.
    Going to miss WSU but will use the plans, videos and recipes from now on and am looking forward to the summer shape up. Bummed I didn’t win the shoes!

  14. Tracy on February 24, 2014 at 1:04 pm

    I love making mug cakes! This looks like a good one! Thanks for posting even if it isn’t so purty 😉

  15. Abi@AbsofSteel on February 24, 2014 at 1:04 pm

    mhmmmmm, that sounds good. I find that the applesauce usually perfects the healthy mug cake, makes it nice and moist.

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2014 at 1:12 pm

      yep! i’ve tried it without and totally not the same

  16. Morgan on February 24, 2014 at 1:06 pm

    Going to miss WSU but decided to just start it over, workout 1 on the agenda tonight!

    Recipe above looks great, I have been into mug cakes lately (a great chocolate one on Running with Spoons!) Question – Does 1 ‘scoop’ of protein equal about 2 tablespoons?

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2014 at 1:11 pm

      it’s usually around 21g, but it varies. about 2 tablespoons

  17. Taylee @ twist me fit on February 24, 2014 at 1:06 pm

    Awesome! Great pre-workout snack 🙂

  18. Maureen on February 24, 2014 at 1:23 pm

    Perfect snack Gina! Thank you!! I will be having this pre-workout today 🙂

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2014 at 4:59 pm

      let me know what you think!!

      • Maureen on February 25, 2014 at 10:24 am

        Reporting back to you 🙂 It was delicious! Topped mine with a little almond butter, drizzle of raw honey, and had it with a little glass of almond milk! will definitely make this again. thanks for the recipe!

  19. Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork on February 24, 2014 at 1:45 pm

    These sound great, Gina! Thank you for sharing! I’m always looking for a quick, healthy dessert for one or two. I don’t want the leftovers in the house!

  20. Alex @ Kenzie Life on February 24, 2014 at 2:05 pm

    This sounds great! I’m definitely trying it! Mug cakes are one of my favorite things and what could be better than a protein muffin in a mug? Have a great week!

  21. Sara @ LovingOnTheRun on February 24, 2014 at 2:07 pm

    This looks delicious! I may try this out tonight when I feel the sweet craving coming on 🙂

  22. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment on February 24, 2014 at 2:27 pm

    This looks very tasty! Will have to go back to the recipe and try it.

  23. Rhiannon @ Bound to be a Buckeye on February 24, 2014 at 3:07 pm

    I’m a huge fan of the chocolate mug cake and one-minute paleo pumpkin pie. I’m sure cavemen had some spot in the cave that resembled a microwave for treats like that =)

  24. Amanda Perry @ Sistas of Strength on February 24, 2014 at 4:08 pm

    I’m obsessed with protein muffins. Yum!!!!

  25. Beth on February 24, 2014 at 4:48 pm

    is almond meal the same as almond flour? If not, where do you get your almond meal? Thanks.

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2014 at 4:58 pm

      it’s a little different. almond meal is made by grinding up whole almonds. you can make your own in a high speed blender or food processor, or pick some up at any health food store. mine is from trader joes 🙂

      • Beth on February 24, 2014 at 5:04 pm

        my trader joes used to carry it, but they stopped. 🙁 Thanks I don’t have money for a food processor or high speed blender…oh well.

        • Fitnessista on February 24, 2014 at 6:09 pm

          do you have whole wheat flour, oat flour or shredded coconut? you can use any of those instead of the almond meal

  26. Ali on February 24, 2014 at 6:13 pm

    I made this after work using fava and garbanzo bean flour (I’m highly allergic to almonds and don’t have coconut on hand) and a whole bunch of chocolate chips (it was a bad day) and this was so good! Thank you for the recipe!

  27. Holli on February 24, 2014 at 6:44 pm

    Gina, I made your protein muffin today, excellent! I’m going to make one again tomorrow for breakfast after my workout. Seriously, your recipes are soooo great! My son, a 24 year old Marine bachelor, has made your Buffalo Hummus twice already 🙂

    Keep ’em coming!

  28. Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs on February 24, 2014 at 7:10 pm

    That protein muffin looks good! Bookmarking this for future use 🙂

  29. Sarah on February 24, 2014 at 7:11 pm

    The workouts were awesome! I definitely enjoyed the challenge 🙂 Thank you!

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2014 at 11:05 pm

      thank you so much for participating! xo

  30. Catalina @ Baby on Board on February 24, 2014 at 7:21 pm

    This is a serious snack Gina, you just created a monster! 🙂

  31. Kara on February 24, 2014 at 7:33 pm

    When does summer shape up start? I need something to look forward to! Ha! Also, have you ever done a juice cleanse or have any thoughts about them?

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2014 at 11:04 pm

      i have, but i only lasted a day and a half haha so i can’t really speak from experience 😉
      summer shape up will probably start end of june? not sure yet! xo

  32. Shaina Anderson on February 24, 2014 at 7:34 pm

    aaah why don’t I have any applesauce in my house right now?!

    • queenoffitness on February 24, 2014 at 9:21 pm

      Do you have pumpkin purée? I didn’t have any applesauce & used pumpkin instead. They pretty much work interchangeably. So good Gina! This is similar to one you posted before, no? I topped mine with raspberries & some melted crunchy biscoff spread.

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2014 at 11:05 pm

      try with pumpkin! 🙂

  33. Lauren on February 24, 2014 at 7:38 pm

    Hi!
    Love your blog/website. I just made this…Used a flax egg because I had no eggs and OOPS..forgot to add the stevia. It still turned out AMAZING. So yummy….Thanks!

    Lauren

    PS. I live in AZ…bummer that you are moving…but San Diego is fabulous too!!

    • Fitnessista on February 24, 2014 at 11:05 pm

      i’m so happy you liked it!

  34. Yvonne Jones on February 25, 2014 at 9:44 am

    I still use this recipe from when you talked about it awhile ago! But i use sweet potatoe puree instead of applesauce. FYI the site you link the recipe to? It works but it won’t go to the original site because her .com is blank? Just thought I would pass that along 🙂

  35. Livi on February 25, 2014 at 9:51 am

    chocolate + pb = the best!!!!!!

  36. Cassie Vaughn on February 25, 2014 at 10:36 am

    Looks yummy!

  37. Susan on February 26, 2014 at 9:22 am

    Made this for breakfast this morning and topped with a little peanut butter. Delicious with a warm cup of coffee, fire and some snow!

  38. Jessica on March 3, 2014 at 8:01 am

    Yum! I didn’t have any applesauce on hand so I used 2 tbsp of a ripe banana – delicious! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on March 3, 2014 at 10:22 am

      :)!

  39. Katie on March 7, 2014 at 12:22 pm

    I just wanted to say that I just tried this protein muffin and LOVED it! I topped mine with some Nutella and it was crazy good…. Thank you so much for the recipe 🙂

    • Fitnessista on March 7, 2014 at 12:36 pm

      so happy you enjoyed it!

  40. Michelle on April 24, 2014 at 4:00 pm

    This looks so delicious!!

  41. Emily on October 16, 2014 at 6:47 am

    Just made this today, Gina–thank you! Was looking for a relatively added sweetener-free, nut-free mug cake (I’m using shredded coconut and I think they don’t usually count as nuts?) and this is great!

    • Fitnessista on October 16, 2014 at 2:23 pm

      happy you liked it!!

  42. Erin on April 5, 2015 at 12:18 pm

    Do you know the nutritional count? I make one similar but it does not use applesauce. It is 1 TBSP of Coconut Flour, 1 TBSP Almond Flour, 1 EGG, 2 TBSP maple Syrup, 1TBSP vanilla ans 2TBSP Choc. chips. Microwave in mug. So good. I have such a sweet tooth so I wanted to see how many calories yours had in it. Whenever I plug it in on fitnesspal.com, it does not seem correct.

    Thanks in advance.

  43. Jennifer on July 17, 2015 at 6:34 pm

    Been snacking on this muffin the past few nights! Yum!

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