Baking comes in all forms.
And in all sorts of strange methods.
You may argue, but I maintain that the microwave is a totally legit way of baking.  Especially when you’re craving cake at 8am.  I have to work – instant gratification is the only option. 🙂
My favorite mug cake is my 150 Calorie Chocolate Protein Cake. Â It really is like cake, and I normally have it as dessert for my last meal of the day. Â While you could have it for breakfast, I wanted something strange fruity in the morning.
 The combination of blueberry and thyme has been in my head since I saw it in martini-form on a menu during my Napa Valley trip.  That’s right – my breakfast was inspired by a cocktail.
This cake was good on its own… but breakfast calls for syrup. Â I mixed some sugar-free syrup with cinnamon, thinned it slightly with almond milk, and poured it over my creation. Â Like a non-pan cake!
 I loved the bright, slightly sweet thyme with the blueberries!  Berries have been incredible this season – they added a fun burst to this moist (sorry… there’s no other word!) cake.
Blueberry Thyme Protein Cake
- 1 scoop (2T) vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 3 T egg whites
- 2 T almond milk
- 1 T sweet potato puree (or mashed banana)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 5-6 drops liquid lemon Stevia
- 2 tsp fresh thyme
- 1/4 C blueberries
- Optional topping: additional berries, cinnamon, syrup
Place dry ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine.  Add remaining ingredients and mix until smooth.
Transfer to a large, greased (I use coconut oil) coffee mug and microwave for 2 mins (may vary depending on your microwave).
Tip the cake out onto a plate and top as desired.  My cake was topped with additional berries and a mix of cinnamon and sugar-free syrupÂ
Makes 1 cake.
How have you enjoyed making co-workers, friends, or family stare with strange but good creations this week?
The link up rules can be found here or by clicking on “Strange But Good” in the menu bar above. In short, I want to see what concoctions have earned you weird looks from co-workers, family and friends!
Post your Strange But Good creations, grab the logo below for your blog, and link up here.
Remember to use #strangebutgood in any Tweets and Instagrams of your creations. 🙂
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I later made this for a snack too.  Breakfast, post-lunch dessert… whatever… 😉
Do you have a go-to microwave cake?
Have you combined herbs and fruit? Â I love rosemary and berries too!
Oh blueberry and thyme sounds so interesting together!! It kind of reminds me of this delicious strawberry basil tea I bought…even though those two things are completely different;)
I love strawberries and basil! They make a great gelato. 🙂
I’ve made quite a few mug cakes before, but never incorporated actual fruit in it (besides a puree)! Do you use a particular brand of protein powder? Thanks for the link up!
I like to use Sun Warrior for my mug cakes because it’s neutral, but (almost) anything will work!
Ain’t nobody got THYME for this..kiiiidding- I couldn’t resist ha ;)! Believe it or not, I have never made one of these micro cakes…nor have i ever owned a microwave! I love watermelon with basil (adding in feta doesn’t hurt either) ;)!
Whoa… how have you not owned a microwave?!
Two things:
1. I love the combination of blueberry and thyme! Add some mustard and squash to that thing, and you have a protein cake version of one of my favorite dishes from this winter.
2. The title of my contribution was too long, so now it says “Brown Rice,” which is the least strange but good thing ever. Except for white rice of course.
I don’t know about mustard in a mug cake… #strangbutgood?
I’ve seen basil and fruit before, but thyme is definitely a new one – that’s interesting!
mmmm so yummy!!!!!!!!! I definitely pinned this one, my friend 😀 I haven’t done blueberries and thyme before, but I am so excited to try it! 🙂 Peach and basil and strawberry and basil are two combos that come to mind when you ask about fruit and herbs I’ve paired
Thank you! It’s a great combo – I know you’d love it. 🙂
ummm cooking in the microwave is TOTALLY legit!
I have yet to make a mug cake. I’m always really behind on such things. Like I just had my first true green monster about a month ago.
I remember that! You can blend spinach into mug cake batter too… 😉
i have yet to make cake in the microwave and the idea of dessert for breakfast is always great 🙂
You must try it! So easy. 🙂
MUST TRY!!
Microwave cakes are…Amazing! I think more people need to jump on board! 🙂
And blueberry thyme sounds so fancy! Definitely want to try those flavors together!
Thank you!!! I think it would make good shortbread cookies too…
Will these flap jacks calm my anxiety and stress?!?! lol
Yes. I lace all of my mug cakes with valium. 😉
I love your protein cakes & LOVE this flavor combo. I was thinking “that sounds like a good drink” before you said that was the inspiration. 🙂
ha, my thoughts exactly Heather! and of course i love my microwave laura. Totally legit!
We really do all need to be in Napa at the same time one day…
This sounds good! I love strange fruit and spice combinations.
love the idea of combining thyme with fruit. another job well done.
Microwave is fine with me!!! 🙂 This is a GREAT recipe!!!! I have no thyme but I can make without – EASY IS GOOD!!!!!
Haha – I never have tyme… I mean time. 😉
You are a genius. Cake in the coffee mug, who would have thunk? That sounds like something I must try.
Thank you!!! Let me know if you try it. 🙂
I have been making mug cakes in the mike for years now and am always up for a new put-together. Good for you! Looks lovely.
Aren’t they great? The possibilities are endless!
I adore “savoury” herbs in desserts. Rosemary, thyme, basil… bring it.
mmm, sounds like a great combo
Thyme is definitely great to add to fruit because it’s a little sweeter anyway. I love it with balsamic vinegar (I make this bulgur salad with it that’s to die for).
I’m a big fan of basil with pretty much any “summer” fruit- peach, melon, berries, you name it!
I love all things with balsamic vinegar. Feel free to make me that salad… 😉
I’m the same way! When I have no time whatsoever I just throw a bunch of stuff and microwave it, although it’s usually not my first choice. But it works! 😀 This sounds so interesting, Laura!
I feel you on the time crunch – I don’t know what I’d do during the week without Sunday food prep and my microwave. 🙂
mmmmm…. I think I’ll have this for a snack tonight! YUM! Did you use the growing naturals protein?
I used SunWarrior in this one (I only have the chocolate Growing Naturals left), but it does work well in mug cakes!
My peanut butter pumpkin (or squash) cake is my go-to, but I do LOVE your 150 cal cake! I’m totally intrigued by the combo of thyme and blueberries. Not sure why, but I always forget to use thyme (time?) wisely! 😉 I’ve been LOVING berries and basil lately…if my blog EVER gets back to working right (sad face), I’ll post my berry bruschetta that I made last week…it was INSANELY good…as in I ate the entire batch in one sitting! Ha!
Your PB cake is still one of my favorites too! I’ve almost made it for about a week now. The broccoli bomb bis a sign – I’ll be making cake tomorrow. 🙂
Pass the bruschetta… pleaseeeee!
I wonder how it would work out to mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separate and tote them to work to mix together and nuke later…? Should be fine, right? Mmm, sounds yum!