High-protein chocolate lava cake (mug cake)

High-protein chocolate lava cake (mug cake): a moist microwave cake with chocolate protein powder, dark cocoa and a dark chocolate centre.

At a glance

• Serves 2
• Prep time: 2 min
• Cooking time: 1 min
• Total time: 3 min
• Calories: 210 kcal per serving
• Protein: 28 g
• Fat: 8 g
• Carbs: 5 g

Ingredients

• 30-40ml hot water
• 2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
• 30g chocolate protein powder (unsweetened)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp highly defatted dark cocoa powder
• 1 small piece of dark chocolate (sweetened with dates)

Method

You’ll need: microwave

1. Mix the chocolate protein powder, highly defatted cocoa powder and baking powder thoroughly in a large coffee mug.
2. Add the hot water and almond milk. Stir with a fork until smooth and there are no lumps left.
3. Press the piece of dark chocolate into the middle of the batter so it's completely covered.
4. Heat the mug in the microwave until the cake has set at the edge and the middle still looks slightly moist. Don't cook it for too long, so the centre stays soft.
5. Leave the mug cake to cool briefly so the texture and chocolate centre can set.
6. To serve, open up the middle with a spoon and enjoy the warm lava centre straight from the mug.

Good to know

When it needs to be quick but should still taste like a real dessert, this mug cake is just right. Warm, chocolatey and with a soft centre. No big effort, but lots of enjoyment.

Swaps

Dark chocolate → 1 tsp cacao nibs or 1 tsp almond butter (less sugar, more minerals or more fats) Baking powder → 1/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda + 1/2 tsp lemon juice (simpler ingredients list, fewer additives) Hot water → unsweetened almond milk

Allergens

Contains tree nuts (almond milk); depending on the protein powder and chocolate, it may also contain milk or soya. Only small amounts for children, because of the caffeine and theobromine in cocoa; generally possible in pregnancy, but count the caffeine from the cocoa and chocolate towards your daily total, as the NHS advises.

Frequently asked questions

What's in dark cocoa powder nutritionally?

Dark, highly defatted cocoa powder mainly provides cocoa polyphenols and minerals such as magnesium, iron and copper. Because it's defatted, its fat content is lower than that of less processed cocoa.

How is 85% dark chocolate different from sweeter chocolate?

It often contains less sugar and more cocoa, but also more bitter compounds and a little more caffeine and theobromine. How well you get on with it is individual.

Which ingredients in protein powder should I check?

Ideally choose a powder without sweeteners, and look at the flavourings, emulsifiers and protein source. Certain thickeners in particular can cause wind or a feeling of fullness in people with a sensitive stomach.

Does almond milk make much difference nutritionally?

Unsweetened almond milk usually only provides small amounts of nutrients, depending on the product. What matters most is the ingredients list and whether the product is fortified.

Can cocoa cause problems for sensitive people?

Yes – heartburn is possible, for example, or intolerance to caffeine, theobromine or histamine-rich foods. What matters most is how you react individually.