What do you do when you crave a chocolate cake but have no time? You make this chocolate mug cake! Moist, light, and airy, made with ingredients you probably already have on hand. And best of all, it gets done in less than 2 minutes.
Table of Content
Craving for chocolate in our home is a symptom we have often because we are all crazy about chocolate. A few years ago, chocolate cake was always available because I was a cake decorator. But, these days, I don't take cake orders anymore. This chocolate mug cake, vanilla mug cake, and my chocolate fudge mug cake get done ever so often.
Why make this cake?
- This cake is soft and moist, yet light and airy.
- And, this recipe is so fool-proof I use it as a base to make my other chocolate cake variations, like chocolate fudge, chocolate chip, and more.
- Most of the ingredients are simple pantry staples you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Of course, it's only one mug so less clean-up. And it's made in the microwave in less than 2 minutes so no long waits.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Flour - I have used all-purpose flour since it works best for chocolate cakes made with cocoa powder.
- Butter - This one has butter because I love the rich flavor of butter. I have not tested it with oil yet.
- Sugar - Both white granulated sugar or brown sugar will work for this recipe. Brown will give the cake a caramel-like flavor from the molasses, but make sure to combine it well.
- Milk - This helps with the consistency of the batter. You can also use coconut milk, soy milk, or even water if you prefer.
- Water - This has got to be hot water. The hot water dissolves the cocoa powder and gives the cake that deep dark color.
- Vanilla - Always use good quality vanilla. You will notice I always use vanilla bean paste because I love a strong vanilla flavor.
Pro-tip - It is more affordable to make your own vanilla extract, bean paste, or vanilla sugar.
Step by step instructions
- Add all ingredients to a microwave-safe mug except the hot water. Combine well. Use a fork or whisk to ensure no lumps. Then, add the hot water and combine well again.
Pro tip - For a chocolate cake, I like to start with the dry ingredients and then add the wet ingredients to ensure I have fewer lumps. - Bake in the microwave for 60 to 90 seconds (1 to 1 ½ minute) until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Mine took about 70 seconds.
Pro tip - The batter does rise when baking so make sure the batter is about half the cup. If necessary, divide between two cups and bake for 50 seconds each.
- Let cool for a few minutes. Then, top with whipped cream. I used a spray whipped cream and sprinkles
Pro tip - Make sure the cake is cooled before topping with whipped cream or it will melt. - Enjoy!
Frequently asked questions
Microwave cakes were designed to be eaten fresh as soon as they were made. You can let them cool for a few minutes but in general, they get dry if kept too long.
Often, over-baking is the main culprit of dry microwave cakes, which can then taste dry and rubbery. So, it is best to check at about 1.15 minutes. And if you divide the cake into two mugs, you may need only 50 seconds per cake.
Yes. You can reheat a mug cake for about 10 to 15 seconds to warm it up.
Well, my kids' favorite is whipped cream, so I always have a ready-made whipped cream spray can in my fridge. It's quick, easy, and has a long shelf life in the fridge. Of course, the other perfect topping for mug cakes is vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
You may also like
Did you enjoy this recipe? Please ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ it.
Save it for later.
You can also find a collection of my recipes and tutorials here on Pinterest. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
And, don't forget to subscribe to my blog to receive new recipes by email.
Printable Recipe
Chocolate Mug Cake
Print Pin Rate Share by Email Share on FB Save GrowDescription
Video
Conversions Used
1 lb = 453 grams, 1 cup = 240 ml, 1 stick = 113g, 1 tbsp= 15 ml, 1 tsp= 5 ml,
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Sugar (granulated)
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoon) All-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoon Cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon Baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon Salt
- 1 egg ((medium))
- 2 tablespoon (1 oz) Butter
- ¼ teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoon (30 ml) Water (hot)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a microwave-safe mug except the hot water. Combine well. Use a fork or whisk to ensure no lumps. Then, add the hot water and combine well again. Pro tip - For a chocolate cake, I like to start with the dry ingredients and then add the wet ingredients to ensure I have fewer lumps.
- Bake in the microwave for 60 to 90 seconds (1 to 1 ½ minute) until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Mine took about 70 seconds.Pro tip - The batter does rise when baking so make sure the batter is about half the cup. If necessary, divide between two cups and bake for 50 seconds each.
- Let cool for a few minutes. Then, top with whipped cream. I used a spray whipped cream and sprinkles Pro tip - Make sure the cake is cooled before topping with whipped cream or it will melt.
- Enjoy!
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Use a microwave-safe mug or ramekin to bake this cake. The mugs do become hot so make sure to use a clean kitchen cloth to handle the heat.
- The cake rises so make sure the batter is no more than half the cup. If necessary use a larger cup or divide between two cups to prevent an overflow
- The take takes between 1 to 1.30 minutes so don't overbake. Check at 1.15 minutes.
- When done - let cool slightly as the cake is hot. Unless you want to eat hot cake
- Whipped cream will melt on the hot cake so wait for a few minutes or serve it on the side.
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
Kay
My daughter has tried a few mug cakes (which she has got from tiktok). But she said your one is the best so far.
Veena Azmanov
Yes!! Thank you, Kay. I am so happy your daughter loved this one. It is a go-to for my teenagers and their friends.
Kate
Oh yum - mug cakes are such an indulgent treat, when you just suddenly get a cake craving. And yours looks incredible, what a lovely texture and gorgeously decorated too!
Jo
The best chocolate mug cake I ever tried! My kids keep asking for more, Thank you for this delicious recipe!
Veena Azmanov
Aww. Thank you, Jo. So happy to hear that.
Dannii
You can't beat a chocolate mug cake when you need a quick chocolate mix.
Beth
My teens are going to love this recipe! Looks so yummy and scrumptious! So excited to give this a try!