Dubai Chocolate Brownie Mug Cake (High Protein, Single Serve)
This Dubai Chocolate Brownie Mug Cake is ready in under 10 minutes, high in protein, and tastes like the viral Dubai chocolate bar with a rich chocolate brownie base, creamy pistachio layer, and crunchy kataifi on top. No oven, single serve, and only one mug to clean.
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!
Or if you want more protein mug cakes, try my Pumpkin Spice Protein Mug Cake, Snickers Protein Mug Cake or Fudgy Protein Brownie Mug Cake recipes. All are high in protein and come together in minutes.
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Why You’ll Love This Dubai Chocolate Protein Mug Cake Recipe
Key Ingredients Notes & Substitutions
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)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Time needed: 8 minutes
- 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.
- Make the brownie batter:
In a microwave-safe mug or ramekin, mix the sunflower seed butter, maple syrup, and oat milk. Add the cocoa powder, protein powder, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until smooth.
- Microwave and Add Kataifi-Pistachio Mix:
Microwave for 45–60 seconds. Check at 45 seconds — the top should be set but soft in the center. Let cool for 1–2 minutes. Spoon the kataifi-pistachio mixture over the brownie.
- Add Melted Chocolate & Strawberries
Melt the chocolate chips with 1 tsp coconut oil (microwave in 20-second bursts), then pour over the top. Finish with a few chopped strawberries and pistachios on top before serving. Enjoy warm and come back to let me know what you think!
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Nutrition Info (approximate)
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 21g
- Carbs: 24g
- Fat: 23g
Tips & Substitutions
- 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/vegan: 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 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.
Storage
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Dubai chocolate has a rich dark chocolate shell with a creamy pistachio filling and crunchy toasted kataifi pastry inside. It’s sweet, nutty, and has a satisfying crunch that sets it apart from regular chocolate. This mug cake captures all of those same flavors in a high-protein single-serve version you can make in minutes.
More No Bake High Protein Treats You’ll Love:
Easy Dubai Chocolate Protein Brownie Mug Cake
Ingredients
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 70% or higher, or dairy-free
- 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 and pistachios for serving (optional but highly recommended)
Instructions
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.¼ cup kataifi, 1 tsp coconut oil, Pinch of cinnamon, 1 tbsp pistachio paste
Make the brownie batter:
- In a microwave-safe mug or ramekin, mix the sunflower seed butter, maple syrup, yogurt and oat milk. Add the cocoa powder, protein powder, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until smooth.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
Microwave:
- Microwave for 45–60 seconds. Check at 45 seconds — the top should be set but soft in the center. Let cool for 1–2 minutes. Spoon the kataifi-pistachio mixture over the brownie.
Add toppings:
- Melt the chocolate chips with 1 tsp coconut oil (microwave in 20-second bursts), then pour over the top.¼ cup dark chocolate chips, 1 tsp coconut oil
- Finish with a few chopped strawberries and pistachios on top before serving. Enjoy warm!Handful of chopped strawberries and pistachios
Video
Notes
Storage
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.Nutrition Info (approximate):
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 21g
- Carbs: 24g
- Fat: 23g
(based on the recipe as written and using a beef bone broth-based chocolate protein powder)
That recipe sounds amazing! I love how it balances the chocolatey richness with the high-protein boost. The gooey center and melted chocolate sound like the perfect combination, and that crispy topping? Total game changer. Plus, the chopped strawberries on top definitely take it to the next level—it’s like a fusion of two delicious treats in one. I’m excited to try this out myself! It seems like the perfect dessert to satisfy a sweet craving without derailing the day. Definitely bookmarking this!
Thank you so much! I’m so glad the combo speaks to you—it really is such a fun mix of textures and flavors. Can’t wait for you to try it out! Let me know what you think when you do 🙂
I cannot wait to try this recipe! I’m always looking for healthy-ish recipes that also taste delicious and this one seems to check all my boxes. I love that it can be made quickly enough to satisfy a late-night chocolate craving.
That looks so rich and chocolatey! Love how quick and easy it is to make!
Thanks! It’s the perfect quick fix when you’re craving something rich, chocolatey, and packed with protein!
This looks amazing! Definitely going to try😊
Thank you! I can’t wait to hear what you think when you try it!
This looks so yummy! I love that you included a video. I am a very visual learner.
Thank you! I’m the same way, videos make recipes so much easier to follow.