30 Minute High Protein Lava Cake
This high protein lava cake is the ultimate guilt-free dessert! With 43g protein and just 400 calories for the entire cake, it’s perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings while sticking to your goals.
It’s flourless, gooey, and bursting with rich chocolate flavor—ideal for a sweet tooth, Valentine’s Day treat, or a quick post-workout snack.
Bonus? It’s made with just a handful of simple ingredients, no refined sugar, and bakes in under 35 minutes.
A High Protein Chocolate Lava Cake
If you’ve ever dreamed of indulging in a decadent molten chocolate cake without derailing your goals, this gluten free and high protein lava cake is about to make your day.
It’s rich, gooey, and packed with chocolatey goodness, all while sneaking in a whopping 43g of protein!
Made with simple ingredients like cottage cheese and eggs, this cake is flourless, naturally sweetened, and so easy to make—it’s basically foolproof.
Whether it’s your first time baking or you’re a seasoned pro, this recipe comes together in under 35 minutes for a dessert that tastes way too good to be healthy.
Serve it warm with a gooey center, top it with fresh fruit or a scoop of protein ice cream (hello, extra protein), and get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth in the best way possible. It’s the perfect treat for a special occasion, a post-workout snack, or any time those chocolate cravings hit hard!
Why You’ll Love It
Get ready to fall in love with this healthy lava cake that delivers indulgence without the guilt!
- With 43g of protein, it’s not just dessert—it’s fuel for your day.
- The molten chocolatey center is everything you love about a classic molten lava cake.
- Made with a handful of ingredients, it’s ready in under 35 minutes—perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.
- No refined sugar here! Sweeten it your way with monkfruit, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener.
Chocolate Protein Lava Cake Ingredients
(Note: These are the recipe’s starring ingredients, but you can find all the ingredients in the recipe card below!)
- Cottage Cheese: The secret to making this high protein chocolate lava cake creamy and packed with protein while keeping it low in calories.
- Cacao Powder: Gives the cake its rich, chocolatey flavor—use 3 tablespoons for extra decadence.
- Powdered Monk Fruit: A natural sweetener that adds just the right amount of sweetness without the refined sugar.
- Eggs: The binding ingredient that gives the cake its fluffy yet gooey texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor and adds depth.
- Chocolate Chips (optional): For even more melty, gooey goodness in every bite!
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
While this dish is perfect as is, you could make it your own with the following swaps and additions:
Swaps:
- Powdered Monkfruit: Use stevia, erythritol, maple syrup, or honey if preferred.
- Cacao Powder: Replace with unsweetened cocoa powder or even chocolate protein powder for extra protein.
- Chocolate Chips: I use sugar-free chocolate chips, but you can replace them with dark chocolate chunks, or omit entirely for a lighter option.
- Vanilla Extract: Substitute with almond extract for a nutty twist or omit if unavailable.
Additions:
- Collagen Peptides: Stir in a scoop for an extra protein boost and all the goods that come with collagen peptides.
- Fresh Fruit: Top with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a refreshing contrast.
- Nut Butter: Swirl in almond or peanut butter before baking for a gooey, nutty surprise.
- Sea Salt: Add a pinch on top for a salty-sweet flavor combo.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of coconut or regular whipped cream adds a light, creamy touch.
- Protein Ice Cream: Pair it with a scoop of your favorite Ninja Creami protein ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
How to Make High Protein Chocolate Lava Cake
The steps are simple, and I’m outlining them below, but be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to view the full, printable recipe card. You can also watch how it comes together in my Instagram reel!
Step 1 – Blend and Prepare
Blend cottage cheese in a small food processor until smooth and transfer to an oven-safe dish. Crack in eggs and mix until combined.
Step 2 – Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in cacao powder (adjust for richness), powdered monkfruit or sweetener of choice, and a splash of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Step 3 – Optional: Add the Toppings
Sprinkle chocolate chips on top and lightly shake the dish to let them sink slightly into the batter.
Step 4 – Bake
Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes in a hot oven until the edges are set and the center is slightly gooey.
Step 5 – Serve it up!
Let cool for 2 minutes, then serve warm. Pair with protein ice cream, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of sea salt for the ultimate treat!
What to Serve with Recipe
- Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
- Fresh Fruit
- Whipped Cream
- Nut Butter Drizzle
- Sprinkle of Sea Salt
- Espresso Shot
FAQ
Yes! You can blend the cottage cheese with an immersion blender or mash it vigorously with a fork for a slightly chunkier texture.
No problem! Substitute with your favorite sweetener like stevia, erythritol, maple syrup, coconut sugar, or honey. Adjust to taste.
Absolutely! Unsweetened cocoa powder works just as well and gives the same rich chocolate flavor.
Definitely! Replace 1 tablespoon of cacao powder with 1 tablespoon of chocolate protein powder and/or collagen peptides to boost the protein content.
Yes! Swap the cottage cheese for blended coconut yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
The balance of eggs and the right baking time creates the perfect chocolatey center. Bake until the edges are set but the middle is still slightly soft for that molten texture.
Absolutely! With simple ingredients and just a few steps, this is a great recipe for anyone making a protein lava cake recipe for the first time.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for a warm, gooey texture.
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- Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
- Whipped Cottage Cheese
- Frozen Chocolate Covered Raspberries with Pistachios
High Protein Lava Cake
This high protein lava cake is the ultimate guilt-free dessert! With 43g protein and just 400 calories for the entire cake, it’s perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings while sticking to your goals.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cottage cheese (half a 16-ounce tub), prefer Good Culture
- 2 eggs
- 2-1/2 to 3 tablespoons cacao powder (or cocoa powder for a similar flavor)
- 3-4 tablespoons powdered monkfruit (or sweetener of choice, like coconut sugar, allulose or stevia drops)
- Splash of vanilla extract
- Optional: A sprinkle of chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Blend the cottage cheese in a small food processor until smooth and transfer to an oven-safe dish. Crack in the eggs and mix until well combined.
- Stir in the cacao powder, powdered monkfruit, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top and shake the dish gently to let them sink slightly into the batter.
- Transfer to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly gooey.
- Let the cake cool for 5 minutes, then dig in! Pair with protein ice cream, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of nut butter for an extra-special treat.
Notes
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
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