By This high-protein bread pudding is ready in 5 minutes and packs 30g of protein! Made with just 4 ingredients in the microwave, it's the perfect quick breakfast or healthy dessert that tastes like chocolate milk turned into cake.
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Here's the deal - I grew up eating bread pudding with what I would call the bread pudding conseuir. My grandma. So when developing this high-protein bread pudding, it had to meet that very, very high standard of deliciousness while being better for you.
So imagine chocolate milk (the ultimate post-workout drink), with carbs from bread or bagels, in my case. That's what this is! So chocolately and delicious and literally foolproof (I mean it's made in the microwave but still tastes top notch!). Enjoy as is, just with chocolate chips, or top with a little Greek yogurt.
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the best bread for a bread pudding
Because this is a protein recipe, the main consideration was the protein quantity and texture. David's Deli protein bagels topped the charts with great texture and 16g of protein per bagel.
However, any 2 slices of bread or other bagels with a higher protein count will work. Just make sure they're soft enough to quickly absorb the custard filling in your single serve bread pudding.
key ingredients & swaps
All substitutions are a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted. See the recipe card for quantities.
- Protein bagel: I use a cinnamon or plain protein bagel with 16g protein. This is what makes the pudding so filling-regular bread works too, but you'll lose some of the protein. If using regular bread or bagel, just top with ¼c greek yogurt to make up for the lost protein.
- Egg whites: Add protein and create that custardy texture without adding fat. Use liquid egg whites from a carton for the easiest measuring. This is my go to for high protein breakfast ideas like my ham and cheese egg cups.
- Chocolate milk: This is key for flavor! It sweetens the pudding naturally and gives you that chocolate milk taste. Regular milk works, but add a tablespoon of cocoa powder and a touch of sweetener to taste. Have leftover chocolate milk? Drink it for a high protein snack or use it to make a chocolate cherry tofu shake.
- Optional chocolate chips: Because more chocolate is never wrong. They get all melty and gooey in the microwave. I use sugar-free dark chocolate, but any kind works!
This quick protein dessert has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
variations to make it your own
Anything but basic vanilla: Use vanilla protein bagel (or plain) and regular milk instead of chocolate milk. Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
Berry-good bread pudding: Skip chocolate milk, use regular milk, and stir in fresh blueberries or strawberries plus a little sweetener before microwaving. One of my favorite easy microwave breakfasts.
Peanut butter & chocolate: Add 1 tablespoon peanut butter to the egg mixture before microwaving. Swirl it in for pockets of PB.
Cinnamon sugar: Use a plain bagel, regular milk, and add ½ teaspoon cinnamon plus a sprinkle of sugar on top before microwaving.
step by step: tips to nail this recipe every time
- Cut or tear the bagel into small pieces. Smaller pieces = better absorption of the egg mixture for this healthy bread pudding.
- Let it sit for 2-3 minutes. This gives the bread time to soak up the liquid before microwaving. And really push the bread pieces down so they are all submerged.
- Watch your microwave power. Start with 2 minutes and add 30-second bursts if needed. Every microwave is different when it comes to making a microwave mug recipe.
- Don't skip the rest time. Let it sit for 30 seconds after microwaving-it firms up as it cools, plus it's literally like 1000 degrees right away!!
quick recipe video
can you make this ahead of time?
You sure can! Just microwave your 5 minute breakfast and then store it in the fridge. Reheat when you want to eat it. Although fresh is best. 😎 The whole thing takes 5 minutes anyway, so making it fresh is easy! Perfect for pairing with your high protein coffee without protein powder.
can I make it in the oven
Sure, and this is a great way to batch meal prep your post-workout snack! Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes in an oven-safe dish. You can do multiple small glass containers on a sheet tray. You could double or triple the recipe to bake in a casserole dish, but the bake time will be closer to 40-45 minutes.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 protein bagel (cinnamon or plain-I use one with 16g protein*)
- ¼ cup egg whites (about 60ml*)
- ⅓ cup chocolate milk (see notes for dairy free)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chocolate chips & flaky sea salt
Before you start!
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Instructions
- Cut or tear the bagel into small bite-sized pieces and place in a microwave-safe bowl or mug.
- Pour egg whites and chocolate milk over the torn bagel. Stir gently to coat all pieces. Press down all the pieces so they are completely submerged. Let sit for 2-3 minutes so the bagel absorbs the liquid.
- If using chocolate chips, stir them in now or top with them right out of the microwave so they melt on top.
- Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Check if it's set in the center-if still liquidy, microwave for another 30 seconds. Repeat until it's done in the center.
- Let cool for 30 seconds before eating (it'll firm up slightly as it sits). Finish with your chocolate chips (if you haven't added already) and flaky sea salt.
Video
Notes
Yes, just look for a bread with at least 5g of protein per slice! You'll need about 2 slices of bread, torn into pieces. The protein will be lower (around 25g, depending on bread), but it still works great. *Do I have to use egg whites?
Egg whites keep it high protein and low fat, but you can use 2 whole eggs instead. The texture will be slightly richer. Can I make this in the oven instead?
Sure! Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes in an oven-safe dish. But the microwave is what makes this so fast and easy. What's the best chocolate milk to use and can it be dairy free?
Any chocolate milk works! I like Fairlife for extra protein, but regular chocolate milk, oat milk, or almond milk chocolate versions all work. I would just stick to a plant-based milk that has at least 8g of protein, like soy milk.
Looking for more information?
Additional substitution information can be found above in the substitution section of this post.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and for informational purposes only.
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