Chocolate cravings? Ditch the mixer! This mug cake is your secret weapon for a warm, gooey fix in minutes. With ingredients likely already stocked in your pantry, this best chocolate mug cake recipe requires minimal effort for maximum chocolate satisfaction. Simple ingredients , endless possibilities – you can customize the recipe with add-ins like nuts, extracts or crushed cookies to suit whatever flavors strike your fancy that day.
Contents
- Best Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe
- Best Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe
Best Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe
For the best chocolate mug cake recipe that I always turn to in times of craving, look no further than this one minute microwave version. Browsing the internet, so many mug cake recipes would turn out muddy, dense, dry or even rubbery after laboring over a hot oven. Not this one – it’s moist and sweet, requiring minimal effort to whip up this easy mini dessure.
All the necessary ingredients are likely pantry staples already – chocolate, flour, milk, butter or oil. I simply mix together in a large mug until just combined, then portion out individual servings to store in resealable Ziploc bags for quicker and easier meal prep. Within a mere 60 seconds in the microwave, it’s ready to eat – no mixer or baking dish required.
What is a Mug Cake?
This question still seems to get asked – what exactly is a mug cake? When I first heard the term, mug cake, it sounded to me like just cake in a cup! There’s nothing better than a homemade chocolate dessert, and the chocolate mug cake has proved to be the easy, ideal solution. Essentially, a mug cake is a single serving cake that can be made with minimal ingredients and cooked in the microwave rather than a conventional oven.
The result is, ohh so tasty, uber chocolatey mug of molten chocolate pleasures that is impossibly moist and dense with chocolate taste. Within 60 seconds in the microwave, it’s done – just a fraction of the time it would take to make a proper layered cake from scratch in the regular oven. Microwave mug cake FTW!
Why is this the best easy Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe out there.!!
When I first started exploring mug cake recipes, I’ll admit I was rolling my eyes at the promise that this could beat baking an entire cake. The neat concept of a quick dessert fix in a cup seemed appealing, but some of the others I tried left me less than impressed. One was so spongy and hated that I couldn’t even finish it, not to mention the grossest texture ever. There had to be a better mug cake out there.
In moments of dire chocolate craving but being fresh out of regular desserts around the house, I thought why not give this mug cake thing a shot. With no time for full baking, it was my only option. My first attempt at recipe development however resulted in more of a lumpy, inedible sponge thing that went straight into the trash can. Clearly more work was needed to perfect the technique.
Not willing to give up, I tried tweaking the recipe just slightly on the second go. It was an improvement but still pretty bad. The third time, I switched up a few ingredients and added an extra bit, hoping for better results. While it came out closer than before, it wasn’t quite what I was looking for.
Finally on the fourth try, when I really tried paying close attention and got the exact measure and mixing technique down, it all came together. That’s when I knew I’d struck mug cake gold and had the best mug cake recipe down pat.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredients | Purpose |
| All-Purpose Flour | The foundation of any great chocolate mug cake recipe starts with the all-purpose flour to provide structure. |
| Sugar | Sugar is vital – it not only sweetens the bite, but also balances the naturally bitter cocoa powder. |
| Unsweetened Cocoa Powder | I prefer using two tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder to ensure the rich chocolate flavor really comes through in each mug cake. |
| Baking Powder | Another essential is baking powder, the magical leavening agent that helps the mug cake rise just enough in the short baking time. |
| Salt | A pinch of salt enhances but won’t make the final product taste overly salty. |
| Milk | For moisture, nothing beats the addition of a touch of milk to keep the cake batter from drying out in the microwaving process. |
| Oil or Butter | Either neutral oil like canola oil or butter keep it luscious without adding significant flavor. |
| Vanilla Extract | A splash of vanilla extract is the perfect finishing touch. |
| Chocolate Chips | Optional chocolate chips for some melty toppings. |
For a Healthier Mug Cake
- You can cut the sugar by about half and substitute an artificial sweetener like stevia or erythritol, or use a natural option like honey instead.
- Replace the oil measurement with an equal amount of applesauce to reduce fat and calories. Another healthy swap is using coconut oil instead.
- Use whole wheat flour in place of regular all-purpose flour to up the fiber and nutrient content. Search for white whole wheat flour for a lighter color and taste.
Making just one or more of these small changes can make mug cakes a bit better for you without compromising too much on flavor. Enjoy your treat guilt-free!
Best Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: American1
servings4
minutes1
minute360
kcal5
minutesThis simple yet delicious chocolate mug cake recipe is the ultimate quick dessert. With only a few basic ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, you can enjoy a warm, gooey chocolate treat in just minutes without even turning on the oven.
Ingredients
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
3 tablespoons milk (any kind of milk)
1 tablespoons canola oil (or melted butter)
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tsp chocolate chips , or your favorite flavor baking chips
Directions
- First, spray the bottom of a microwave-safe mug or coffee cup with a bit of non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In the mug, add the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Use a fork to stir everything together until no dry clumps remain.
- Next, add the milk, canola oil and vanilla extract and again stir until smooth, scraping any dry bits from the bottom and sides of the mug as you go.
- Finally, sprinkle on your favorite chocolate chips or other toppings if using. Pop it into the microwave for about 70-90 seconds (see notes below) until the top is set and shiny.
- Then let it rest and cool for 1 minute before consuming your molten chocolate treat.
Notes
- It’s important to note that microwaves can vary, and it may be difficult to determine the precise cook time. I recommend starting with just 70 seconds and then waiting 1 minute while it cooks so you can safely look and see if the top has set. If not quite set, you may need to add another 15–25 seconds.
- Be sure to always allow the mug cake to fully rest in the microwave for 1 minute after cooking. A trick with mug cakes is that stopping the cooking just before you think the inside is done helps it continues to cook as it cools. The residual heat will ensure the inside stays soft and molten even after taking it out of the microwave.
How to Know When a Mug Cake is done?
Judging whether a cake is done within the 60-90s timeframe can take a bit of practice. The best way is to observe how it looks. It should be soft and moist on top, but not wet. You don’t want it spongy or dry. To test, use your finger to gently press the center – it should spring back a bit. Remember, it will continue to cook a bit more as it cools down. Take it out just before you think it’s done, so the residual heat won’t dry it out.
When I first started making these speedy mug cakes, I’d check on mine at the 60-second mark to see how it was progressing. But I found this often led to breaks in the microwaving process and the cake would sink in the middle with no hope. Now I avoid peeking too early and instead start by nuking it 80 seconds to be placed well on its way to gooeyness. Then I can check in at around the minute mark to start timing the remainder to gustatory perfection!
Can You Make Mug Cake Ahead of Time?
Talk about mug cake convenience! You can definitely combine the dry ingredients for mug cakes ahead of time and store the mixture in an airtight container until ready to use. Then all that’s left is quickly mixing in the liquid ingredients right before microwaving. I’ve found this works best in the morning if I know a chocolate craving could strike at any point in the day.
RELATED: Red Velvet Mug Cake Recipe
Frosting Options
With such an easy single serving chocolate cake, sometimes a bit of frosting or other toppings are needed to take it over the edge.
- Store bought chocolate or vanilla frosting is certainly quick and tastes great, but getting creative with some homemade versions gives you more control on ingredients.
- You can’t go wrong with a simple powdered sugar-based one, or even just some melted chocolate.
- Get fancy by decorating the mug cake with shredded coconut, chopped walnuts or pecans, mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of hot fudge or caramel sauce.
- For something fresh, sliced bananas, strawberries, cherries or blueberries are tasty additions. Raspberry jam also pairs nicely.
- And what’s better than a dollop of coconut whipped cream? Consider complementing the chocolatey treat with a scoop of almond milk ice cream too for the ultimate mug cake experience!
Can I Make it Dairy Free?
Yes, you can absolutely make a dairy-free chocolate mug cake! Simply substitute either almond milk or soy milk in place of the regular milk called for in the recipe. You can also use a non-dairy butter like Earth Balance or coconut oil instead of butter or olive oil. Then opt for dairy free chocolate chips to top it off. No need to miss out on the indulgence with these simple dairy free swaps.
Tips to Make the Best Chocolate Chip Mug Cake
Here are four tips for making no egg chocolate mug cake:
- Use the right kind of mug – one that is microwave safe and has a capacity of 10-12oz. A mug this size ensures the cake will rise a bit without taking up the full mug. Use a mug that’s big enough, so the batter doesn’t spill over and the cake doesn’t explode in the microwave.
- Measure accurately – use proper measuring spoons and ensure quantities are flour by first sifting and fluffing it up before adding with the spoon and swiping off any excess.
- Sift dry ingredients – to avoid lumps from directly dumping the dry ingredients into the mug. I recommend briefly sifting the dry ingredients to minimize clumping.
- Allow for adjusting the sweetness to your own preference – I usually use around 1.5-3 tablespoons of sugar, but feel free to add more or less to taste.
More Chocolate Mug Cake Flavors
- Chocolate Peanut Butter: Omit the oil from the recipe, and instead stir in one or two tablespoons of your favorite peanut butter (or almond butter).
- Nutella Mug Cake: Instead of oil, add a tablespoon of everyone’s favorite chocolate hazelnut spread to the batter and top with more Nutella.
- Chocolate Peppermint: Stir in about 1⁄4 teaspoon of pure peppermint extract into the liquid ingredients just before stirring to form the batter.
- Dark Chocolate Coconut: Use coconut oil, then top the mug cake with dark chocolate chips and shredded coconut. Serve with a scoop of coconut ice cream.
- Mocha Mug Cake: Stir in about half a teaspoon of instant coffee granules, either regular or decaf, along with the cake’s dry ingredients.
- Chocolate Orange: Add approximately one teaspoon of orange zest to the mug before stirring everything together.
Wrapping It Up
I hope this easy Best Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe has provided you with all you need to know to quickly whip up a special treat using just a mug and microwave. Whether making it as is or modifying it to your tastes, it’s certain to satisfy any craving for hot chocolate comfort in under five minutes. Don’t forget to share your moist chocolate mug cake creations with family and friends – the simplicity and convenience of this dessert makes it perfect for all occasions.
————————————
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I substitute the cocoa powder in this mug cake?
Yes, you can substitute the cocoa powder. You can use 1 tbsp of unsweetened natural cocoa powder or 1 tbsp of Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Avoid substituting it with regular chocolate as it won’t give the same texture and flavor.
What size mug should I use for this chocolate mug cake?
It’s best to use a microwave-safe mug that’s 10-12oz in size. Using a mug that’s too big could result in the batter spreading out too thin and not baking properly. A 10-12oz mug ensures the batter will rise nicely without overflowing.
Why are there lumps in my chocolate mug cake?
Lumps usually form due to not sifting the dry ingredients well or over-mixing the batter. Be sure to sift the dry ingredients together before adding to mix out any lumps. Also mix just until the batter is smooth and don’t overmix.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar. Start with reducing it to 1-2 tbsp and adjust to your taste. You can also replace some of the sugar with alternatives like maple syrup, honey or a sweetener of your choice.
Why is my mug cake not spongy?
It’s likely due to over-mixing or under-baking the cake. Be gentle when mixing and don’t overmix. Also, ensure it bakes for the full recommended time in the microwave.
Why is my mug cake rubbery?
Rubbery texture usually means it’s over-baked. Always set the microwave lower than the maximum time and check for doneness early to avoid over-baking.
Why did my mug cake fail?
Common reasons for failure include using a mug that’s too large, under-mixing the ingredients, microwave wattage issues or opening the microwave door too early. Be sure to follow measurements accurately and bake as per instructions.
Why is my mug cake so dry?
It probably got over-baked and all the moisture evaporated. Always bake it for the minimum recommended time and check for doneness before baking longer. You can also reduce the baking time and allow it to finish cooking outside the microwave with residual heat.
