Chocolate Mug Cake (1 Minute, 7 Ingredients, No Mess)

Sometimes you don’t want to make a whole cake, but really want a treat! Here is a yummy individual serving chocolate mug cake recipe!

Sometimes you don’t want to make a whole cake, but you really want something chocolate and you want it now. This is that recipe. Seven ingredients, one mug, about 90 seconds in the microwave.

A couple of things to know before you start: use a large mug — at least 16 oz, ideally bigger. The batter rises fast in the microwave and will overflow a standard mug, which is a mess nobody needs. And pull it slightly early — a mug cake with a barely-set center is the goal, not a fully cooked-through one. It keeps cooking from residual heat after the microwave stops. If the toothpick comes out completely clean, you’ve probably gone about 15-20 seconds too long.

The variations and toppings sections below are worth reading before you make this — the Nutella center version in particular is worth trying at least once.

This chocolate mug cake recipe is perfect for those who love chocolate cake but don’t want to spend hours baking one. This recipe is quick, easy, and only requires a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a large microwave-safe mug — at least 16 oz, bigger is better — add the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and baking powder.
2. Whisk together with a fork until evenly combined with no dry pockets. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract directly to the mug. Stir until just combined and smooth. Don’t overmix — stop as soon as no dry flour is visible. Microwave on high for 1 minute.
3. Check the cake — the top should look just set and the edges should look done, but the very center can still look slightly underdone. That’s correct. The cake keeps cooking from residual heat for about 30 seconds after the microwave stops, so pulling it slightly early gives you a soft, moist center rather than a dense one.
4. If it still looks very wet and liquid in the center after resting 30 seconds, microwave in 15-second intervals only until just set. Let it cool for 1-2 minutes before adding toppings — the mug will be very hot. Add whatever you like on top and eat it straight from the mug.

Variations on the Classic Chocolate Mug Cake

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are many variations of this mug cake recipe that you can try. Here are some ideas:

Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Mug Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of chocolate hazelnut spread (such as Nutella) in the middle of the batter before microwaving it.

Peanut Butter Mug Cake: Replace the mini chocolate chips with peanut butter chips.

Cream Cheese Frosting Mug Cake: Mix together 1 tablespoon of cream cheese, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Spread it on top of the cooked mug cake.

Keto Chocolate Mug Cake: Replace the granulated sugar with a sugar alternative (such as Stevia) and use sugar-free chocolate chips.

Topping ideas: pre-made frosting, peanut butter chips, whipped cream/Cool Whip, chocolate sauce or hot fudge, caramel sauce, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, chopped candy bars, sprinkles, chopped nuts, M&M’s, ice cream, fresh berries, Nutella, peanut butter, cinnamon and brown sugar, sliced fresh bananas, etc.

Mix ins: I love to mix things into the batter! Here are some things to try: chocolate chips, chopped semi-sweet chocolate, peanut butter chips, peanut butter, chocolate frosting (a dollop into the center creates sort of a lava cake)

There needs to be a good bit of room in the mug for the cake to rise. Otherwise, there will be a messy overflow! If someone is concerned about the possibility of the cake overflowing, they can place the mug on a microwave-safe plate.

Any leftover cake can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

FAQs

What are some other delicious chocolate dessert recipes to try?

If you are looking for some more amazing cake recipes be sure to check out this comprehensive list: The Most Delicious Cake Recipes For Dessert