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Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe

Easy Chocolate Mug Cake

This microwave chocolate mug cake is the perfect single-serving dessert that's ready in just minutes! Made with simple pantry ingredients and no eggs, this quick treat delivers rich, fudgy chocolate flavor whenever cravings strike. Perfect for late-night sweet tooth emergencies or when you need just one serving of decadent chocolate cake.
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Prep Time 4 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Resting Time 1 minute
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 363
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 23g
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 25g
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder 7.5g
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1g
  • 1 pinch salt 0.5g
Wet Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons milk any kind of milk, 45ml
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil or melted butter, 15ml
  • 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract 0.6ml
Mix-ins
  • 1 teaspoon chocolate chips or your favorite flavor baking chips, 5g

Equipment

  • Microwave-safe mug or coffee cup
  • Microwave
  • Small whisk or spoon
  • Cooking spray

Method
 

  1. Spray the bottom of a microwave-safe mug or coffee cup lightly with cooking spray.
  2. Add flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to the mug and stir together until well combined.
  3. Add milk, canola oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and stir until smooth, being sure to scrape the bottom of the mug to incorporate all ingredients.
  4. Stir in chocolate chips or sprinkle them on top of the batter.
  5. Cook in microwave for 70-90 seconds until cake is just set, but still barely shiny on top. Start with 70 seconds and add more time if needed.
  6. Allow the mug cake to rest in the microwave for 1 minute before consuming. This resting time allows the cake to finish cooking and cool slightly.

Notes

Microwave Timing: Because all microwaves are different, it's difficult to give a precise cook time. Start with 70 seconds, wait 1 minute while it cools, then check if it's set. Add an additional 15-25 seconds if needed. The trick with mug cakes is to stop cooking earlier than you think, because you want it soft on the inside, and the cake continues to cook as it cools.
Add-In Ideas: Nutella (small scoop), peanut butter (small scoop), coconut flakes, nuts, cinnamon (just a pinch), or flavored chocolate chips (peanut butter, mint, butterscotch).
Healthier Options: Cut sugar in half or substitute with honey/artificial sweetener, replace oil with applesauce or coconut oil, use white whole wheat flour.
Dairy-Free Version: Use almond or soy milk, dairy-free butter or coconut oil, and dairy-free chocolate chips.