Ditching My Derailers With High Protein Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

This post is sponsored by Pure Protein. For our sponsored post policy, click here.
You guys might have realized this already, but we have a holiday weekend coming up. And you know how we’ve been talking about derailers? Well, I think it’s safe to say that holiday weekends are packed with derailers of all kinds.
(Not totally sure what we mean by a “derailer?” You can read a little more about them — and watch some pretty dang funny videos — over on Fit Bottomed Girls and Fit Bottomed Mamas!)
The good thing is that an extra day or so off work (for those of us who are lucky enough to get that!) can mean more time to join friends for workouts, whether that’s a long group bike ride or maybe a little beach volleyball. But, a holiday weekend also often means an extra busy social schedule … probably revolving (at least somewhat) around food. And I don’t know about you, but in my experience, that generally equates to a serious deviation from my normal eats.
Now, as long as I’m still getting some good nutrition, I really don’t sweat the occasional day of overindulgence. It really all balances out. However, when a day of unusual eating is combined with a day of high activity, I do make an effort to get plenty of protein. (Otherwise I might not be able to keep up with the next unexpected super fun derailer that presents itself!)
But what might surprise you is that I don’t just rely on a high protein breakfast or a protein-packed plate at dinner. Sometimes, I sneak a bunch of protein into a decadent dessert. Take that, derailer!
Whipping up a chocolate or peanut butter smoothie with protein powder is always a good option, but if you’re looking for a protein-rich dessert recipe that’s warm and gooey (and pretty impressive), you’re going to want to keep this high protein molten chocolate lava cake recipe on hand. Even better? You don’t have to turn on the oven — a serious bonus during these hot summer days!

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake

Those of you who’ve gotten to know me a bit over the last couple of years might remember that baking … isn’t my strong suit. And that’s part of why this recipe rocks — if I can do it, so can you. And probably you can do it a lot faster than I can.
Once it’s done, you’ve got more than 7 grams of protein (and you can always add a dab of plain Greek yogurt to the top if you want more!) in four individual dishes, making serving (and eating) a cinch. Here’s the breakdown.
First off, microwave 4 tablespoons of unsalted (this is important — ask me how I know) butter and about 1/8 cup dark chocolate chips until they’re all melty. You’ll want to stir it frequently and let it sit for a moment after stirring to keep it from burning.

While you’re nuking that, mix 4 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, two eggs, 2 tablespoons unsweetened dark chocolate cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and up to 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a bowl. Once the buttery chocolate is melty, whisk in the cocoa/vanilla extract mixture.

In a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup almond flour, 1 scoop Pure Protein 100% Whey Protein Rich Chocolate Powder, and 1 teaspoon baking powder together until there are no lumps. Then, mix that into the rest of your ingredients.

Distribute evenly between four microwave-safe ramekins, bowls or mugs, and then press a chunk of dark chocolate into the center of each.

Microwave each bowl separately for about 45 seconds at 50 percent power. The middle will should look quite runny (although don’t worry if the chocolate piece hasn’t quite melted yet — that’s okay!) and the cake around it should be set. Allow the cake to rest for a couple of minutes (this lets the chunk of chocolate in the middle melt a bit more), then dust with a little cinnamon and/or powdered sugar and enjoy!


What’s the biggest derailer you’ve faced during an extra-special weekend? Do these unexpected surprises make it harder for you to get nutrition in or stay active? —Kristen
Thanks again, Pure Protein, for sponsoring this post!