1-Minute Protein Brownie in a Mug

Are you a chocolate lover? You need to make this 1-minute protein brownie in a mug! Just 7 ingredients is all you need to make this healthier dessert recipe with almost 30 grams of protein. 

If you’re like me, it’s hard to resist the craving for a sweet treat after dinner. I usually keep the freezer stocked with healthier treats like protein balls or healthy cookie dough bites.

But when my stash has run out – this 1 minute protein brownie in a mug is my go-to!

I’ve seen plenty of mug dessert recipes on my Instagram, but it took me entirely too long to finally give them a try. After testing out a few variations of this brownie recipe – I’m a big fan of mug desserts now! (The ultimate small batch dessert option.)

Love that there’s very little dishes and I get to enjoy a protein dessert in less than 5 minutes. 

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• A healthier dessert option that is packed with satisfying protein while also satisfying your sweet tooth. You could even make this as a breakfast option since it is essentially baked oats in a mug.
• Who doesn’t love a warm brownie straight from the oven? This protein brownie in a mug has all the same vibes – but can be whipped up in less than 5 minutes with no egg or baking powder needed. 
• This brownie is easily customizable so you can make variations to fit your diet since it can be made gluten free, dairy free, egg free, and vegan. You can also add different mix-ins like peanut butter or white chocolate chips.
• If you need a lower calorie brownie dessert, just divide the batter between 2 mugs instead of one. 

Ingredients for Brownie in a Mug

All you need are a few pantry staple ingredients to make this simple single serving microwave protein brownie. 

• Oat Flour: we’re using oat flour instead of all purpose flour in these healthier brownies. Still delicious, but also provides a bit of fiber too. Make your own oat flour by blending rolled oats in a high-speed blender until finely ground like flour (usually takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute in my Vitamix.)
• Milk: we like to use almond milk, but you can use any milk of choice for this brownie in a mug.
• Protein Powder: when testing this recipe, I used a plant-based protein powder and it worked really well but you can use any protein powder you prefer like whey protein. Vanilla protein powder was all that I had on hand, but for an extra chocolatey brownie, use chocolate protein powder. 
• Cocoa Powder: you can also use cacao powder. Adds chocolate flavor to this easy healthy brownie recipe. 
• Pure Maple Syrup: I love using maple syrup to sweeten healthier desserts like this one. 
• Chocolate Chips: you can skip the chocolate chips, but they are a delicious addition since they melt in the microwave so each bite of brownie has some melty chocolate. Instead of chocolate chips, you can also use chopped dark chocolate pieces.
• Salt: lean into the craveworthy sweet-salty flavor combo by topping your brownie with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Variations

Add Peanut Butter: Stir in ½ tablespoon creamy peanut butter into the batter or just dollop on top of the batter in the mug before cooking. You could also use PB2 instead of protein powder for a chocolate peanut butter brownie. Don’t like peanut butter? Try it with almond butter instead.

Swap the Flour: For a lower carb version (but also higher protein), use almond flour instead of oat flour for this healthy dessert.

Use a Sugar Free Sweetener: you can use a sugar free sweetener like monkfruit instead of maple syrup for these healthy protein brownies. 

Fudgy Brownie: for a richer and more fudgy brownie, use almond flour instead of oat flour, just 3 tablespoons of milk and 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil or olive oil. The healthy fat in the almond flour and oil adds richness and fudgy texture to this protein brownies recipe.

How to Make A High Protein Brownie in a Mug

These healthy high protein brownies are simple to put together in a few steps.

Mix the Batter: mix together the dry ingredients (flour, protein powder, cocoa powder, and salt) with the milk and maple syrup in a small bowl or directly in your mug until a thick brownie batter forms. (You can also add ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract to the batter if you’d like.) Top with chocolate chips.

Microwave: microwave for 45 seconds to 1 minute. The brownie is ready when the center is slightly gooey and the edges bounce back when pressed. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt to serve (if desired). For an indulgent treat, top with some whipped cream or ice cream.

More Protein-Packed Desserts

Have a sweet tooth but working on making healthier choices? Try one of these other healthy desserts!