Easy Dubai Chocolate Protein Brownie Mug Cake

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This Dubai-inspired chocolate protein mug cake is the kind of treat I reach for when I want something chocolatey but still high in protein. It’s quick, simple, and totally hits the sweet spot with the perfect mix of gooey center, melted chocolate, and a crisp topping.

I love to add some chopped strawberries on top to give it that Dubai chocolate strawberry cup vibe too. It’s kinda like a mix between the two and it’s honestly so good!

If you’re a fan of Dubai chocolate inspired desserts, you have to try my Dubai Chocolate Avocado Brownies with Pistachio Kataifi & Ganache or my Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Protein Energy Balls next. Don’t forget to come back and let me know what you think!

• High in protein (over 20g)
• Refined sugar free
• Single serve — just one mug to clean
• Microwave-friendly — ready in minutes!

For the brownie base:

• 2 tbsp sunflower seed butter
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
• 1 tbsp almond flour
• 2 tbsp oat milk
• 1 tbsp Greek or other High Protein yogurt
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt

  
  

For the topping:

• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 tsp coconut oil (for melting with chocolate)
• 1 tbsp pistachio paste
• ¼ cup kataifi
• 1 tsp coconut oil (for toasting kataifi)
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Handful of chopped strawberries, for serving (optional but highly recommended)

  
  

Time needed: 8 minutes

1. Toast the kataifi:

   Add kataifi to a baking dish or air fryer basket. Drizzle with 1 tsp coconut oil and a pinch of cinnamon. Toast at 375°F for about 5 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly, then mix in 1 tbsp pistachio paste.

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• Calories: 370

  
  

• Protein: 21g

  
  

• Carbs: 24g

  
  

• Fat: 23g

• No kataifi? Use shredded coconut, crushed cornflakes or shredded phyllo if you can’t find it.

  
  

• No pistachio paste? A spoon of sunflower seed butter or tahini works too. You can also make your own.

  
  

• To make the mug cake dairy free: Make sure your chocolate chips are 70% cocoa or higher or use a dairy free version. Swap the greek yogurt for coconut yogurt or leave out altogether. Use a dairy-free pistachio cream (most store-bought options like Pisti contain milk powder) or make your own by blending roasted pistachios, maple syrup, and coconut oil.

  
  

• To make the chocolate mug cake vegan: Use a dairy-free pistachio cream (most store-bought options like Pisti contain milk powder) or make your own by blending roasted pistachios, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Also, check that your protein powder is vegan.

  
  

• To make this recipe gluten-free: You can use a gluten free kataifi, or use shredded coconut instead. Make sure all your other ingredients are certified gluten-free. More No Bake High Protein Treats You’ll Love:

Because this is a single-serve recipe, it’s best eaten right away. If you need to save it, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours and reheat gently.

Yes, but the texture will change a bit. You can replace it with an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder and 1-2 more tablespoons of almond flour.

I used ATP Supreme Beef Protein Powder Grass Fed Chocolate Flavour powder, but you can use your favorite chocolate protein powder

This is best fresh, but you can prep the kataifi-pistachio layer ahead of time and store it in a sealed container. I used leftovers I had from my Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Protein Energy Balls when I made this.

Yes! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes in a ramekin.

• Homemade High-Protein “Kind-Style” Energy Bars
• High-Protein No-Bake Biscoff Cheesecake Cups
• Fudgy Protein Brownie Mug Cake
• High Protein Edible Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough Recipe

Leave a review and star rating to let me know what you think.