Good morning, friends!

It’s still HOT HOT HOT here in Colorado, but my body must realize somehow that fall is around the corner, because I’ve gone from making smoothies seven days a week to about two or three.

In the summer, I typically make a smoothie directly after working out – with its ingredients depending on the workout completed. But lately? I’ve found myself gravitating more toward protein baked goods to get in those post-workout protein and carbohydrates! Specifically in the form of protein waffles and – you guessed it: protein mug cakes!

Now, protein mug cakes aren’t anything revolutionary, but I wanted to share with you my personal go-to recipe when I make my protein microwave mug cakes from scratch. They’re a little sweet, a lot chocolatey, and both satisfy sweet tooths and workout recovery alike.

I’ve talked quite a bit about post-workout recovery on here, and I like to include a good mix of protein and carbs 30-60 minutes following my workout. For this mug cake, I included a whey-based protein powder as my protein source, and some apple sauce in the mix, along with some sliced bananas on top for my quick source of carbohydrates. Optional carb source: chocolate chips (but it’s certainly tasty! 😉

AmaZING Workout Recovery Protein Microwave Mug Cake

• 1 scoop of vanilla whey protein powder (can use a whey/casein blend if preferred)
• 1 T. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 packet of 1 packet of stevia- Born Sweet® Zing™ Zero Calorie Stevia Sweetener
• 1/4 t. baking powder
• 1 egg
• juuuuust enough almond milk to bring it to a batter consistency
• toppings: peanut butter, bananas, chocolate chips – whatever you’re feeling!

Bonus super-recovery mix-ins: zucchini (decrease liquid,) greens powder (decrease cocoa powder,) chia seeds

Mix all of the dry ingredients in a mug, and then add the wet ingredients and mix together. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Microwave for about 45 seconds (give or take a few, depending on your microwave.) Top with sliced bananas, and enjoy!

*this was my first time trying out the Zing™ Zero Calorie Stevia Sweetener as my sweetener, and I have to say that it’s pretty dang sweet, but it doesn’t have any sort of funny after taste to it, which I loved! The true test was adding it to my morning coffee. I typically just do a bit of sweetened almond or soy milk to my coffee in the morning, but this past weekend, I made an iced coffee, which I do enjoy a little sweet.

I made it the lazy-girl way, and just used my Keurig to make a regular coffee, and then added ice. But before I added the ice, I added the stevia and milk, and it tasted very pleasant!

Enjoy the delicious sweetening experience of Zing™ Stevia Sweetener. Made with only real ingredients – nothing artificial, it has the perfect sweetness extracted from the leaves of Mother Nature’s stevia plant. You can grab a free sample of Zing™ Zero Calorie Stevia Sweetener HERE.

What type of sweetener do you typically reach for on a day to day basis?
What do you add to your coffee (or tea!) in the morning?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.