Okay, okay I’ll admit it:

I’ve had carrot cake for my birthday every year since I was three.

Carrot Cake is a tradition in my family. At least, for me it is. (And lucky for me, most of my relatives are fans of it too, so I don’t have to compromise my cake interests for my family birthday party.) But after actually making the cake, well, more specifically, after seeing everything that goes into the cake, I’m not so tempted to have it more than once a year.

Of course, sometimes your brain isn’t exactly on the same wave as your stomach. Meaning, you may know you can’t just up and make a carrot cake without seriously regretting it later, but at the same time, all you want to eat is a big ole slice of carrot cake.

This week I discovered the perfect solution.

Mug cakes really are my new best friend. I mean, what can be more perfect than a carrot cake that you can make in a mug in less than 5 minutes? Not to mention the fact that it’s single serving. So unless you’re in the mood to make another mug cake, there’s no chance of over-eating or over-indulging.

Plus, this Carrot “Mug” Cake has 29 grams of protein. If that’s not high protein, I don’t know what is! All you need to make it is protein powder, then a few simple ingredients from your kitchen cupboard. And there you have it: mug cake.

I actually ate this for breakfast a few days ago. That’s how healthy it is. And dare I mention, I ate it without any guilt whatsoever? Now if that’s not reason enough to go ahead and make this baby for yourself, I don’t know what is!

So this April I might have to start looking for another cake to try, because why go for the full-fat unhealthy version, when you can make a healthy, high protein carrot cake in less than 5 minutes in a mug??

Ps. I hope you enjoyed the mug!! I can’t believe it’s already DECEMBER!! Where has this year gone?

High Protein Carrot “Mug” Cake

Carrot Cake

• 1 scoop (about 90 ml/90 cc) protein powder of choice (I used Body Fortress Vanilla Whey Protein)
• 2 tbs applesauce
• 1 egg white (or 3 tbs egg whites)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• scant 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp melted coconut oil
• 1/4 c carrots, chopped
• stevia to taste

Icing

• 1/2 tbs vanilla protein powder
• 1 tsp almond milk
• 1/2 tbs cream cheese spread

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Grease a mug and pour in batter. Microwave on high for 2 minutes 15 seconds.

Meanwhile, mix protein powder, almond milk, and cream cheese in a small bowl. Warm in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Remove and pour over carrot cake. Top with desired toppings (carrots, pecans, etc.). Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (from myfitnesspal.com)

Calories: 260

Fat: 10g

Carbs: 17g

Protein: 29g

(Yields 1 mug cake)

Nutrition information calculated including both the mug cake and icing. Nutrition information for just the cake is as follows: 221 calories, 8g fat, 15g carbs, and 26g protein.