With a dense but moist texture, this vegan mug brownie is the perfect craving buster. Made in just 2 minutes and with 16 grams of protein, this protein mug brownie helps you have your cake and eat it too.
Is there anything easier to make than microwave cakes or brownies? They’re done in under 5 minutes and made into single servings so that you can’t indulge. Single-serve protein desserts are the absolute best way to curb cravings... quickly!
This half-baked vegan mug brownie comes out with a gooey, rich flavor and is a great way to amp up your protein intake without living off of just chicken and eggs.
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, recipes like a vegan mug brownie this help me help my clients stick to their plans because they enjoy the food so much (check out the mom-inspired meal plans).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to make: one bowl and ready to eat in under two minutes, you can’t go wrong.
High protein: with16 grams of protein this vegan mug brownie makes a great dessert choice!
Allergy-friendly: dairy-free, gluten-free, and totally vegan this mug brownie can work for anyone. Depending on the protein powder you choose it can be paleo-approved as well.
Indulgent: gooey chocolate chip flavor gives the classic flavor you love.
Ingredients You Need
Just like a typical brownie, there's no baking powder in this vegan brownie so don't expect much of a rise. Instead, the brownie in a mug has a deliciously thick, gooey texture.
Cacao powder: learn about the benefits of cacao powder and know you’re taking in a ton of extra nutrients!
Vegan chocolate protein powder: the protein powder you choose can and will affect the texture of the mug brownie. Vanilla protein powder works just as well also.
Vanilla extract: the higher quality of vanilla extract the more potent the flavor will be.
Almond milk: any non-dairy milk will work here, we tend to use homemade hemp milk more.
Vegan butter: I use a local brand that doesn’t contain any seed oils but use what you have on hand. In a pinch, coconut oil could be used but it won't give the brownie in a mug as classic of a brownie flavor.
Maple syrup: you’ll want more or less maple syrup depending on the sweetness of your protein powder.
Chocolate chips: Enjoy life chocolate chips are allergy-friendly. I like the mini chocolate chips best because you can use more, but the regular size works just as well. Use them them for this air fryer chocolate mug cake too.
Expert Tips
If you’re using a straight pea protein powder or a fermented protein powder, you’ll need to add 1 tablespoons more dairy-free milk as it absorbs so much liquid.
The brownie comes out sticky, gooey and kind of half baked. Trust me, it's the perfect texture.
Try to use a short mug or a ramekin, this helps the mug brownie cook better.
You need to enjoy your protein powder for the recipe as that affects the flavor. If your protein powder isn’t overly sweet you’ll want to add a bit more maple syrup.
The mug brownie batter is a bit dense, shape it into the mug you’re using so that it looks more even after it’s cooked.
Let the brownie cool for a solid 30-60 seconds after microwaving. This is so that the flavors settle together and the texture becomes perfect.
How to Make Vegan Mug Brownie
Step 1: Mix all dry ingredients together.
Step 2: Add the wet ingredients
Step 3: Add the chocolate chips,
Step 4: Shape the brownie microwave it for 75 seconds and let cool for 30 seconds before eating.
Topping The Mug Brownie
How indulgent you make this gluten-free, vegan mug brownie is up to you! As a quick snack, it’s delicious as is. More often than not, I top mine with a bit of coconut cream though as I love the flavor it brings.
A few other great ideas are:
- Dairy-free chocolate ganache drizzled on top
- Dairy-free caramel sauce
- Toasted pecans
Choosing A Protein Powder
Each protein powder absorbs liquid differently which makes it tricky when baking. I like to use Orgain or Botanica protein powders for the vegan mug cake and items like protein peanut butter cups.
Both are vegan protein powders that blend well and taste great on their own.
If you don’t need the mug brownie to be vegan, using Transformation’s Chocolate Lava powder is delicious as it’s a super sweet-tasting protein on its own.
Learn more about how to choose a protein powder for your goals.
Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Mug Brownies
Both are very similar in how they’re made however the texture is different. Classically, brownies have a dense, and gooey texture where as cake is light and fluffy. The same is true for a chocolate mug cake or mug brownie, the brownie will be thicker and almost gooey even though they use very similar baking essentials.
Other High Protein Chocolate Desserts
Half Baked Vegan Mug Brownie
Equipment
Ingredients
- 0.5 tablespoonS Cacao powder
- 3 tablespoons Vegan chocolate protein powder
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1.5 tablespoons Almond milk
- 1.5 tablespoons Maple syrup
- 1.5 tablespoons Dairy-free butter
- 1 tablespoon Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Mix all dry ingredients before adding the wet ingredients and mixing until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Shape the mug cake and flatten it out.
- Top with a few more chocolate chips if you wish.
- Microwave for 75 seconds and let cool for 30 seconds before eating.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Bobbi says
This looks so good!!
fitasamamabear says
Chocolate (and quick chocolate) is a life staple haha
Cara says
So happy that I found this recipe! They taste absolutely delicious — so rich and moist! This was also very easy to make and the best part is it's vegan-friendly! Thanks a bunch for the recipe!
fitasamamabear says
I love that you loved it!
Pauline says
So fudgy and chocolatey. I love that it was super easy and literally took less than five minutes to make. Definitely making this again soon!
fitasamamabear says
I love the quick whip up time too!
Maxine says
I used a short mug as recommended and it cooked perfectly in the microwave. It is so gooey with a delicious chocolatey flavor, I'm obsessed! My new favorite dessert recipe!
fitasamamabear says
Happy you liked it!
Caty says
I love this recipe! I eat it for breakfast and I can justify it because of the healthy ingredients!
fitasamamabear says
Omg awesome. Glad you like it!
Louise says
Had this brownie for dessert and it was absolutely delicious. It is so gooey just what I wanted. And I love the chocolate flavor it was so rich without being too sweet. Yum!
fitasamamabear says
Haha the texture is my favorite too!
Melody says
Made this Vegan Mug Brownie after a long day and it was a pure comfort. It is gooey, chocolatey texture is exactly what I needed. It's definitely my new favorite dessert!
fitasamamabear says
Right?! it's the perfect way to indulge.