Kitchen failures are no fun.
Especially when they involve the microwave – an invention that is supposed to make things easier.
I’ve tried to make a good microwave protein cake over and over. And Over. And Over. My attempts failed repeatedly. God knows how much money I wasted on protein powder. But I’m stubborn (and obsessed with desserts), so I kept trying.
And, just like Dr. Seuss 98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed, I did succeed! Finally a winner!
My only requirements for this cake were that it must be low sugar, less than 200 calories, and have at least 20g of protein. The spinach was just the icing on the proverbial cake. One can’t live on green smoothies alone.
This ever-so-slightly green-tinted treat is light, fluffy, and wonderfully moist (yeah, I said moist). It’s sweet and chocolate-y. Not flavorless, dry, and/or oddly flat like some of my other attempts.
Here’s what I learned in my experimentation:
- It will work with 2T of applesauce or 2T of pumpkin puree
- It will not work with Xylitol, but Stevia is delicious in it
- Use high-quality cocoa powder (the Kroger brand is terrible)
- You may need to add another tablespoon of cocoa powder depending on your protein powder
- Make it vegan using a flax egg rather than egg whites… be warned that it won’t be quite as fluffy
- It can be made in advance and transported to work for an afternoon delight
- Yes, the spinach is optional
Did I mention it’s under 150 calories and packs 24.5g of protein? Can I get a gold medal?
Another pleasant discovery was the baking powder I used. My training plan has me watching my sodium intake, and typical baking powder has a TON of it. I was lamenting this fact when Sarena located this Hain sodium-free powder! I ordered it online and was thrilled when it worked just as well as the full-sodium stuff. (If you aren’t concerned with sodium, the standard stuff work too.)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Microwave Chocolate Protein Cake
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder (2T)
- 1 C fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 T cocoa powder (I used Ghiradelli)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp no sodium baking powder
- 1/4 C unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1/4 C egg white
- 2 T applesauce (no sugar added, can also use pumpkin puree)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1/8 tsp butter extract (optional)
- ~10 drops NuNaturals cocoa pure liquid stevia
- Optional: vanilla protein powder, cherry on top
Place all ingredients in your blender of choice and mix until smooth. If not adding spinach, there is no need for a blender to mix.
Transfer to a large, greased (I use PAM) coffee mug and microwave for 3-4 mins (mine took 3:21).
Tip the cake out onto a plate and top as desired. My cake was topped with a sprinkle of vanilla protein “powdered sugar” and a cherry. I also really like to use melted cherries (cut into pieces and microwaved for 20 secs).
Makes 1 cake.
Approximate Nutritionals (will vary based on protein powder brand used; this is with Sun Warrior): 148 calories, 3g fat, 219.3mg sodium, 11g carbohydrates, 3.6g fiber, 3g sugar, 24.5g protein.
**
I was blown away by the positive responses when I posted this on the Chick-fil-a controversy. The Dean of the Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business (my graduate alma mater) wrote a great op-ed piece for the New York Times on individual freedom. I respect his oinion, and hope you will take a second to read his thoughts. Click here to read.
What is your most memorable kitchen failure?
Have you reached microwave cake perfection? Do share!
74 comments
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Danielle
August 2, 2012 at 7:32 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This looks amazing! I love microwave protein cakes! So easy and yummy!
Laura @ LauraLivesLife
August 2, 2012 at 7:48 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You totally deserve a cooking gold medal – you had me at 150 calories and 24.5 grams of protein (and microwave)! This I will for sure make and I’ll let you know when I do!
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 12:28 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you, Laura!
Lindsay @ Lindsay's List
August 2, 2012 at 7:59 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
pinned!!!!!
Lee
August 2, 2012 at 8:28 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That’s a great article and summarizes how I feel about the whole thing. What upset me more than anything was reading people’s facebook status updates about the whole thing yesterday. I know that some of my friends have different opinions that I do (I’m probably more liberal than most people I know) but some of the things people were saying were downright ignorant.
Sorry, not trying to fill the comments with political stuff. The mug cake looks good!
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 12:30 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I appreciate your political stuff.
Alex @ therunwithin
August 2, 2012 at 8:31 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love me some spinach, so not optional!
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 12:33 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Right on!
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean
August 2, 2012 at 8:41 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
yummm i’ve been experimenting with microwave mug things lately too!
Khushboo
August 2, 2012 at 9:17 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
YUM! I feel like I overuse that word on your blog but I just call it as I see it
! Thanks for the baking power/sodium tidbit…I wasn’t aware! Biggest kitchen fail: chickpea blondies…yeah straight into the bin it went!
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 12:37 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yum can never be overused!!! I live for the yum.
Kailey
August 2, 2012 at 9:18 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This is perfect when I still want a little something sweet after a meal, but don’t want to be hungry in an hour!!
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers
August 2, 2012 at 9:31 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Hmmmm… I am intrigued by this.
I just had a recipe failure this week, but I’m not sure it qualifies as “epic.” My biggest cooking failure was my first attempt at protein powder muffins (still a newly wed and new cook at this time). Awful stuff… just awful.
Alayna @ Thyme Bombe
August 2, 2012 at 9:52 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Nice job! That does sound really tasty.
I think my worst kitchen failure was when I tried to make mac and cheese from scratch once and ended up with a pot of burnt cheese glue. We had to go out to dinner that night.
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 12:38 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I can’t even imagine you having a kitchen fail…
Katie @wishandwhimsy
August 2, 2012 at 10:57 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yet again, another recipe I’m putting on my “Must Make NOW” list! Thanks for sharing!
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 12:43 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Awwww… thanks Katie.
Let me know what you think!!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen
August 2, 2012 at 11:00 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I will happily give you a gold medal.
With a side of spinach.
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 12:45 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Maybe a green medal?
Tessa @ Amazing Asset
August 2, 2012 at 11:18 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I agree with everyone here and will happily give you a gold medal Laura! Love this idea, as a matter of fact, going to make this later today
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 12:46 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You have to tell me how it was!!!
Allie
August 2, 2012 at 11:46 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I did not know that about baking powder! Good info to have–And no wonder I love baking powder, haha. I haven’t mastered the microwave cake, but I loooove my microwave “bread”–although I feel bad “claiming” a recipe that only has four ingredients (http://forgottenbeast.wordpress.com/2012/07/12/breakfast-for-one/)
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 12:47 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Annnnnd… bookmarked to try! Genius idea.
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
August 3, 2012 at 4:53 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m totally trying that with quinoa flour! Thanks for the link girlie!
Living, Learning, Eating
August 2, 2012 at 11:52 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ve made some great microwave protein cakes with veggies (my fave: http://living-learning-eating.blogspot.com/2012/01/wiaw-22.html) but whenever I try to translate them to the oven (my microwave broke) they taste disgusting and don’t turn out well at all! GAH. And I don’t do eggs, but flax just doesn’t give me the fluffy I want…I wish there were a great egg-less alternative!
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 12:50 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks for sharing. That muffin look tasty – and I love the veggies!
Have you ever tried the energ replacer? I haven’t but see it a lot.
Brittany
August 2, 2012 at 12:20 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My microwave muffins (come to think of it, ALL of my food actually…) looks like it got ran over. You make yours so pretty. I am definitely trying this.
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 12:52 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Soooo many of my attempts looked like that!
karina
August 2, 2012 at 12:33 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
this sounds so good! I know it kind of defeats the purpose a little bit but do you think I could replace the 2 TBSp protein powder with 2 more TBSP of cocoa powder?
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 12:56 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I don’t see why not. 2T of cocoa may be a bit strong though. I’d go 1T cocoa and 1 T of some other flour-y substance… maybe coconut flour? Let me know how it works!
Balancing Sylvia
August 2, 2012 at 12:47 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You get bonus pts for attempting to make it look pretty
I can’t wait to show this recipe to my roomie who is just starting to train for a figure competition.
My biggest kitchen fail was also my first attempt at baking. I was 14 and decided to make banana bread. I thought olive oil could be swapped with reg canola (we were out). I also somehow managed to bake my spoon into the loaf. This wasn’t discover until I cleaned up shop though.
. I learned a lot though!
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 12:59 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks Sylvia!
OMG – that story. Did you eat the bread?
Sylvia
August 3, 2012 at 7:42 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Hah! I tried and it was a valiant attempt. The bread tasted terrible though and ended up in the trash
I actually haven’t tried banana bread again since although I’m sure I could more than handle it now.
Laura
August 4, 2012 at 10:35 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Awwww… you have a great story though!
Heather @ Better With Veggies
August 2, 2012 at 1:26 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I wonder if adding some ACV to the vegan version of this would make it a little more fluffy? I’m not a master baker, but I’ve noticed a trend when I’ve used that in my baking. Just a thought (that might be 100% wrong!).
I think my most memorable failure was my smore donuts, which I was so confident would be a success. I haven’t had a chance to recreate and fix them, but I will!
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 1:00 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I have heard that… it would be a fun experiment!
I wanted those doughnuts to succeed too.
Jenny (VintageSugarcube)
August 2, 2012 at 1:44 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Girll… I soo admire all the fun, healthy recipes you come up with. Loving all your instagram photos too! You would be great hosting a cooking show. Seriously!!
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 1:02 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
LOL! From your lips…
xo
Jody - Fit at 54
August 2, 2012 at 2:26 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
OMG!!!! So gonna try with a few tweaks per your instructions!
What is the vanilla protein “powdered sugar”?
I agree with you on your Chick-fil-a comment.. plus if you eat there, the money will go to cause they support which means you know what.. yes, they have the right but this wave on hating going on in this country right now is not good…. THX for sharing!
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 1:15 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Awesome – let me know what you do!
The “powdered sugar” is just vanilla protein powder sifted over the cake. I was feeling fancy. LOL!
thank you, Jody.
Jed Gray (sportsglutton)
August 2, 2012 at 3:38 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Cooking with a microwave is a sin…period.
On a serious note: I was thinking about you during my run today and figured if there was one person to ask what I should be eating afterwards it is you. What kind of “regular” stuff should I be eating after a 4-5 mile run?
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 1:26 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You need to replenish – carbs and protein! A recovery protein shake, and a piece of whole wheat bread with some tuna or chicken are good choices. Try to limit the gluttony.
Choc Chip Uru
August 2, 2012 at 3:40 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yay for success my friend, this looks do delicious!!! Microwave, healthy and chocolate? Rocking my socks!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 1:48 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Now to stuff it in a banana like you did with you chocolate cake…
Grubarazzi (@Grubarazzi)
August 2, 2012 at 4:45 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I haven’t done this yet. I bet I would love it! Can’t wait to try it out.
Carol @ Lucky Zucca
August 2, 2012 at 4:47 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You persevere better than anyone I know!! This is quite interesting… I may have to try it! Except I don’t really like chocolate cake… so maybe not haha
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 1:51 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
How do you not like chocolate cake?! LOL!
Maybe a vanilla version is in order…. I’ll get on that.
Kris
August 2, 2012 at 7:55 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love that you quoted Seuss, I love that you used spinach, I love that you are stubborn (I call myself persistent!)
and have kept on until you get it. I will be trying this one, spinach and all.
I am playing catch up – just saw your thoughts on the chicken. completely agreed (I don’t eat chicken, but you know. those fries. I’d stop eating those). plus, I have several Eat More Kale shirts, and they are trying to say that guy stole their slogan, so I had issues with them before this
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 1:52 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks Kris! I’m all about eating more kale, too.
Alysha @Shesontherun
August 2, 2012 at 9:51 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I would definitely try this – I need to get some liquid stevia though!
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 4:44 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You could sub in any sweetener you have on hand – I’m just not allowed much sugar on the training plan.
janet @ the taste space
August 2, 2012 at 10:01 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oooh.. awesome! I hate experimenting with expensive ingredients but looks like you have been gobbling down the protein with mostly great success.
Bonnie
August 2, 2012 at 10:25 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
YUM YUM YUM! Pinned and making either tonight or as a pre-workout snack tomorrow morning! THANK YOU!
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 5:01 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Sweet1 Let me know what you think.
Ashley @ Freckles & Spice
August 2, 2012 at 10:33 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Gold Medal for best microwave protein muffin presentation for sure! It is the prettiest one I have even seen. And I know it tastes just as good.
I also enjoy your precision on the microwave timing. I’ve had a lot of protein muffin fails too, can’t wait to try this.
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 5:03 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Awwwww… even with it’s green tint? LOL!
Baker Street
August 3, 2012 at 3:05 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
150 calories?! You’re kidding right?! I could eat this everyday! Lol.
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 5:04 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It’s a healthy #muffinmonday!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen)
August 3, 2012 at 8:29 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yay! I’m so proud of you for being persistent! I can’t get enough of my quickie protein muffins! Best night time treat ever! I have failures in the kitchen weekly…I eat them and move on. I can’t remember the last horrifying failure other than the forever dreaded “bug muffins”. They were a buckwheat muffin that Tony and the boys said tasted like ground up bugs. Yeah, they were that gross!
As for the article, I loved how he put everything into perspective. I got a little irritated on “chick-fil-a appreciation day”. It made me realize the ignorance out there and really, it’s not a freedom of religion or freedom of speech topic, so no to all those out there that ate their chicken sandwiches that day, you are not supporting any kind of freedom by eating there…you are actually adding to the problem of less freedom for others. UGH. Ok, I vented. Thank you.
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 5:11 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you so much Sarena!
I can only imagine those bug muffins… at least it entertained the boys!
You are so right… I wish more people could see the point. But that article was ALL over FB, so hopefully some were better able to understand.
Calee (@chimes)
August 3, 2012 at 12:20 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Can I kiss you? Because I happen to have all these ingredients on hand (there’s nothing “weird” aka that I can’t purchase at an Iowa grocery store) and this is gluten free!
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 5:12 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Calee, you’re going to have to ask Heather’s permission. LOL! Let me know what you think!!!
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
August 4, 2012 at 10:49 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Back up off my woman Calee! I saw her first!
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal
August 3, 2012 at 1:34 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Woooo this is awesome, finally a protein microwave cake that is low calorie! I’m totally gonna be making this… maybe even today? <3 thank you!
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
August 3, 2012 at 4:59 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oh my gosh, I’ve GOT to order some of that baking powder! Tracking/limiting my sodium intake is something I’ve been doing for years now…and it helps motivate me to make my own creations instead of trying to lean on processed foods when I’m feeling lazy!
I almost ALWAYS choose baking powder over soda in my recipes because the sodium content is MUCH lower, but to have none at all? Hell yeah!
I have had SUCH a hard time with microwave muffins. I’ve never tried to create one of my own, but I’ve made a few from other bloggers…the only one that ever amounted to anything was one of Smoothie Girl Deb’s, but I still needed a little “sauce” of some kind since it was a bit dry. I swear the microwave sucks the moisture out of everything. For that reason, I canNOT eat microwaved scrambled eggs…I don’t care HOW short on time I am, they are going in a skillet! Can’t wait to try this…and my jaw totally dropped when I read that it’s under 150 cals AND has that much protein! #winning
Laura
August 3, 2012 at 5:20 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This is the first recipe I’ve used it in, but I really liked it! Once I started tracking sodium, I was amazed at how much in packaged foods.
That was my problem with a lot of the test batches. Especially the one where I forgot the milk. LOL! Just do’nt nuke this one too long ad I think you’ll be pleased.
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
August 4, 2012 at 10:27 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Omg, I bet THAT one was um…interesting? Was it even edible?
And yeah, I felt the SAME way when I started looking at labels…I always opt for the no-salt added canned goods when I can and if I buy canned beans, I only get Kroger’s organic ones (they have like 1/3 of the sodium of regular), but still some things sneak up on me some times…even some protein powders would surprise you!
Laura
August 4, 2012 at 10:37 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I ate it… I didn’t want to waste… it wasn’t fun though.
YES on the sodium in protein powders. The egg and soy protein I was sent ot sample have >400mg! I need to just give them away.
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
August 4, 2012 at 10:47 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Holy crap! I have noticed a lot of egg protein powders have high sodium, but that’s RIDIC!!
…at least they were free, right?
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables
August 3, 2012 at 7:12 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yumm!!! I have been making protein muffins a lot lately too!
Hannah
August 4, 2012 at 7:26 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This makes me miss having a kitchen.
Meg
August 4, 2012 at 11:26 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m seriously so impressed, sweetie! great recipe!
Hannah R.
August 8, 2012 at 11:41 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yum I just made this for dessert tonight and smothered it with peanut flour sauce. It is absolutely delicious. Thanks for working so hard on this one;]
Laura
August 9, 2012 at 12:49 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That’s awesome! I’m so glad you liked it, and thank you for letting me know.
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