Healthy Mug Cake Recipe

This 3 ingredient healthy mug cake is so rich and chocolatey, you’d never guess it’s sugar free, dairy free, flourless, and just 98 calories. It comes together in under five minutes and totally hits the spot when you’re craving something sweet without going off track.

3 Ingredient Healthy Mug Cake Recipe

This healthy mug cake is my go-to when I’m craving something chocolatey but don’t want to blow through a whole tray of brownies. It’s flourless, sugar-free, dairy-free, and takes less than 5 minutes from craving to spoon. The best part? It’s only 98 calories and made with 3 ingredients you probably already have.

I tested this one on a weeknight when I was half an inch away from baking cookies. Instead, I tossed everything in a blender, zapped it in the microwave, and boom — fudgy, rich, totally satisfying chocolate cake. No flour, no added sugar, no regrets.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Mug Cake

• Only 3 ingredients – No flour, sugar, or dairy. Just basics from your fridge and pantry.
• Microwave in minutes – You’ll go from blender to mug to mouth in under five.
• Genuinely good – This isn’t one of those dry cardboard cakes. It’s moist, rich, and tastes like the real thing.
• Low calorie and macro-friendly – Just 98 calories and 6 grams of protein. Perfect for late-night cravings or post-dinner sweet tooth attacks.
• Easy to customize – Make it vegan, protein-packed, or loaded with toppings. Your mug, your rules.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what I used to make this Healthy Mug Cake Recipe work without any of the junk.

• Apple – I went with a sweet one like Fuji or Honeycrisp. No peeling needed. You can also use unsweetened applesauce or a ripe banana.
• Egg – One whole egg gives it that rich, cakey texture. Want it vegan? Use a flax egg instead.
• Cocoa powder – Go for unsweetened. Dutch or natural, both work as long as no sugar is added.
• Optional sweetener – I sometimes add a tiny bit of maple syrup or a splash of vanilla if I want a sweeter finish.

How to Make a Healthy Mug Cake

This is a quick overview of how I make Healthy Mug Cake, with tips along the way. You’ll find the full ingredients & instructions in the recipe card below.

1. I chopped up a sweet apple and tossed it into the blender with an egg and cocoa powder. Optionally, I added a touch of maple syrup and baking powder.
2. Blended everything on high until it was totally smooth. No lumps, just chocolatey magic.
3. Greased a mug lightly and poured the batter in, leaving a little space at the top since it rises.
4. Microwaved it on medium power for about 3 minutes and 45 seconds. It puffed up and set right in the middle. Every microwave is different, so check after 3 minutes.
5. Let it cool for a couple minutes, then topped with a little melted peanut butter and chocolate chips.

More Ways to Make Healthy Mug Cake

Oven: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until the center is set and no longer raw. Let it cool at room temperature before serving.

Air fryer: Cook in a preheated air fryer at 300°F for 12 to 18 minutes until fully cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before digging in.

Variations & Substitutions

• High protein: Add a scoop of protein powder. If the batter gets thick, just thin it with a little milk.
• Vegan: Use a flax egg or chia egg instead of regular. No other swaps needed.
• No apple: Try half a cup of applesauce, a pear, or one ripe banana.
• Extra rich: Stir in chocolate chips or top with peanut butter before serving.

What to Serve With Healthy Mug Cake

I usually have it as-is, warm and melty, straight from the mug. But if you’re feeling fancy, try it with a scoop of Greek yogurt, a spoonful of protein pudding, or a drizzle of maple syrup. It also goes great with an iced protein coffee or a tall glass of almond milk.

Make Ahead & Storage

To store: Let the mug cake cool completely at room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh on the counter for up to two days or in the fridge for up to four.

To freeze: If you want to keep it longer, place any leftovers in a freezer-safe container or zip bag and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F until soft and gooey again.

FAQs About Healthy Mug Cake

More Healthy Desserts

• Blackberry Oatmeal Cookies
• Protein Brownies 
• Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough

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