Who says you need fancy equipment or a pile of dishes to satisfy your chocolate cravings? I certainly don’t. This microwave chocolate mug cake recipe is my go-to for satisfying those chocolate cravings or when I need a quick dessert for one.
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Made with simple pantry ingredients, this single-serving chocolate mug cake cooks up tender and fluffy right in the microwave. It’s my secret chocolate indulgence, and I’ve made it more times than I can count.
There’s no mixers, no cake pans, no mess—just a mug, a spoon, and a few minutes. When that chocolate craving hits, this cake comes to the rescue every time. It’s quick, kind of fun to make, and it’s just enough to satisfy you without feeling like you just ate a huge slice of cake.
I love that it’s perfectly portioned for one, so I’m not tempted by an entire cake sitting on the counter. If I need a fast and fuss-free dessert, this little treat never lets me down.
If you’re looking for more cakes, try our Red Velvet Cake or Gingerbread Bundt Cake.
- Type of recipe: Dessert
- Cooking method: Microwave cooking is required
- Skill level: Easy peasy
- Flavors & textures: rich, chocolaty and fluffy
Table of contents
Mug Cake Basics
- This easy microwave chocolate mug cake recipe is perfect for busy days when you need a homemade dessert fast.
- A mug cake is a single-serving cake made right in a mug and cooked in the microwave.
- These single-serve cakes are popular because they’re fast, require minimal ingredients, and satisfy dessert cravings in minutes.
- Personally, I love how it saves me from having to pull out all my baking tools for just one slice of chocolate heaven! Perfect for a cake lover like me.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Butter: Adds rich flavor and keeps the cake moist. Melt it first for easy mixing.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the cake its soft, sturdy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the chocolate.
- Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best deep chocolate flavor.
- Dark chocolate chips: Melt into gooey pockets of extra chocolate. (I always use the good stuff like Guittard or Ghirardelli!)
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
- Large Egg: Binds everything together and keeps the cake tender.
- Water: Adds moisture. You can swap in milk for an even creamier texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of warm flavor that makes the chocolate shine. Make homemade vanilla or buy good-quality vanilla.
How To Make A Chocolate Mug Cake
Get prepared, because this is going to be fast!
Step 1. Add the butter to the mug and microwave for 45 seconds to melt.
Tip – I usually melt the butter first while grabbing the other ingredients.
Step 2. Add the remaining ingredients to the mug and mix well with a fork.
Step 3. Place the mug back into the microwave and cook for 70-90 seconds. The cake should pull away from the sides of the mug and appear somewhat dry on top.
Step 4: Let the cake cool for about 5-10 minutes before eating.
And like magic, you will have an amazing chocolate dessert, just for you.
What To Pair This Mug Cake With
This cake is delicious enough on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch, consider these pairing options:
- Whipped cream: Light and fluffy for an extra indulgent touch.
- Vanilla ice cream: The cool, creamy texture balances the warm cake.
- Fresh berries: Add a tart contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.
Tips for Baking Success
- Use the Right Mug: Ensure your mug is microwave-safe and large enough to prevent overflow. An 8 to 12-ounce mug works well, or use a ramakin.
- Mix Thoroughly: Ensure your ingredients are well combined, especially the egg, to avoid clumps in your cake.
- Don’t Overcook: Start with 60 seconds and add time in 10-second increments if needed. Overcooking can result in a dry texture.
- Customize It: This is the perfect recipe to experiment with — I change it up depending on what I have in the pantry! Add a pinch of cinnamon, drizzle with caramel, or add some nuts, I like pecans.
Mug Cake FAQ’s
Since this is a single-serving recipe, there are usually no leftovers! However, if you have extra, it’s best to eat it within a few hours, as it may dry out when stored in the fridge.
Yes, you can use brown sugar or coconut sugar as a substitute for granulated sugar, although it may slightly alter the flavor.
Yes, but each cake needs to be cooked in its own mug or ramekin.
More Chocolate Recipes
If you’re as chocolate-obsessed as I am, you’ll want to check out these other easy chocolate recipes!
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Recipe
Microwave Chocolate Mug Cake
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips optional -semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg use the yolk only
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the butter to the mug and microwave for 45 seconds to melt.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the mug and mix well with a fork.
- Place the mug back into the microwave and cook for 70-90 seconds. The cake should pull away from the sides of the mug and appear somewhat dry on top.
- Let the cake cool for about 5 minutes before eating.
Optional toppings
- Whipped creamFudge toppingButterscotch toppingScoop of ice creamSprinkle of powdered sugar
Notes
- Choose the Right Mug or Ramekin: Use a mug that can hold at least 2 cups of water to prevent overflow and leave space for toppings. If you don’t have a mug, a large ramekin works just as well.
- Mix Thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients, especially the egg, are well combined for a smooth cake texture.
- Avoid Overcooking: Start microwaving for 60 seconds and check, adding 10-second increments as needed to avoid a dry cake.
- Add Your Twist: Customize with cinnamon, peanut butter drizzle, nuts, or caramel for extra flavor.
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Nutrition
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Hello there, I’m Jere’
From learning to cook on a farm in Indiana to culinary school in California, my passion for food is never-ending. Turning on my oven to bake something for friends and family is my happy place, and I am glad to be here at One Hot Oven® sharing sweet and savory family-friendly recipes for your cooking and baking inspiration.
