2 Minute Protein Carrot Mug Cake

Mug cakes have officially become the king of all desserts in my house. With minimal ingredients and a cook time under five minutes, they’re the ultimate “I need something sweet right now” solution (this 3-ingredient mug cake is still one of my all-time faves!). This healthy carrot mug cake takes that same magic and adds cozy, carrot-cake flavor in a single-serving treat.

By adding protein powder, these little cakes turn into the perfect option for days when you want ALL the sweets but don’t want to derail your goals. They remind me a lot of a warm, gooey protein pancake bowl, just faster. And if you’re curious why these higher-protein treats work so well, you can learn more about high protein diet benefits. Ultimately, this carrot cake mug cake hits the spot every time.

Ingredients and Substitutions

You should have most of these ingredients already on hand. Especially if you’re stocked up with gluten-free pantry staples.

• Vegan vanilla protein powder: You need a rice or coconut blend for this carrot mug cake. A pea protein can work, but extra liquid would be needed. Learn more about choosing a vegan protein powder for your goals and check out more vegan protein desserts.
• Gluten-free 1:1 baking flour: There is such a small amount, but it makes a difference to the texture. That said, if you need to make this protein mug cake paleo, you can use cassava flour instead.
• Dairy-free butter: I like to use a local brand that doesn’t use seed or vegetable oils, but use what you have. Regular butter will work as well. Though I think butter gives the mug cake a more comforting flavor, coconut oil can work in its place.
• Almond milk: We actually use homemade Almond Cow hemp milk the most, but any non-dairy milk is fine.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Flavor Variations

Caramel mug cake: If you use a caramel protein powder, it changes the flavor of the carrot mug cake, and it’s a fun one. Drizzle it with coconut milk caramel sauce for maximum deliciousness.

Spiced: Add in some nutmeg and cloves to make the seasonings more prominent.

Zucchini bread mug cake: Swap the shredded carrot for zucchini and call it summer love, this works for a protein mug brownie, too.

How To Make a Protein Carrot Mug Cake

Step 1: In an average-sized, microwave-safe mug or ramekin, mix the protein powder, flour, cinnamon baking powder, salt, and sugar.

Step 2: Melt the butter. Add in the liquid ingredients and mix until there are no clumps.

Step 3: Stir in the grated carrot and smooth out the top.

Step 4: Microwave the carrot cake mug cake for 75 seconds. Let it cool a bit and enjoy as is or top it with cream cheese frosting.

Topping The Carrot Mug Cake

Mug cake recipes are fun because you can dress them up and serve them or enjoy them plain. For this carrot mug cake I have topped it with:

• Dairy-free cream cheese frosting (which is my favorite)
• 2-minute coconut whipped cream
• Sprinkled cinnamon and chocolate chips
• Toasted pecans

Do a mix and match of the above or just choose one. It comes out delicious every time.

Expert Tips To Make It

The protein powder you choose can and will change the flavor and texture of the carrot mug cake. I found the fluffiest, softest cake came from using a rice and coconut blend (more below). Any rice-based coconut powder should work.

However, pea protein absorbs a crazy amount of liquid. If you use that, I think you’ll need to add a tablespoon more of milk.

Grate the carrots super fine so that they actually mix in.

Don’t skip smoothing out the top of the batter in the ramekin. It makes it look better!

The mug cake is HOT coming out of the microwave, let it cool for a minute before eating or topping it.

Protein Carrot Mug Cake FAQs

More Protein Mug Cake Recipes To Enjoy

If you tried this Protein Carrot Mug Cake Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes!