The Best Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe
Introduction
This chocolate mug cake is a quick and delicious treat that you can make in just minutes. Perfect for when you crave something rich and chocolaty without the fuss of baking a whole cake.

Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (add 1 tbsp more if you like it sweeter)
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut chocolate spread or mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Step 2: Add the milk and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients and whisk until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Step 3: Pour the batter into a microwave-safe mug, leaving enough space for the cake to rise without overflowing. A 14-ounce mug works well.
- Step 4: Drop the hazelnut chocolate spread or mini chocolate chips into the center of the batter. There is no need to push it down; it will sink naturally during cooking.
- Step 5: Place a paper towel inside the microwave and set the mug on top to catch any spills if the cake overflows.
- Step 6: Microwave the mug cake on high for 70 seconds. Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave, so watch closely.
- Step 7: Carefully remove the mug from the microwave—it’s hot! Let it cool slightly, then enjoy your warm, fluffy chocolate mug cake.
Tips & Variations
- Use almond or oat milk as a dairy-free alternative to regular milk.
- Swap vegetable oil for melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical flavor.
- Try adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top before microwaving.
Storage
This mug cake is best enjoyed immediately. If you have leftovers, cover the mug and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before eating to restore warmth and softness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best for the right texture, but you can try whole wheat flour for a denser cake. Adjust the milk slightly if the batter feels too thick.
Why did my mug cake overflow?
Overflowing usually happens if the mug is too small or the microwave power is too high. Use a larger mug and start with shorter cooking times, adjusting as needed.
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The Best Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 6 minutes 10 seconds
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
A quick and easy single-serving chocolate mug cake recipe that is perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings in just minutes. Made with simple pantry ingredients and cooked in the microwave, this moist and fluffy cake features a rich center of melted hazelnut chocolate spread or mini chocolate chips, creating a decadent treat ready in under 5 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust up to 3 tablespoons for more sweetness)
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Add-ins
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut chocolate spread or mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, sugar, and kosher salt until thoroughly combined and no lumps remain.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk and vegetable oil. Whisk the mixture until the batter is smooth and consistent without any clumps.
- Prepare Mug: Transfer the batter to a microwave-safe mug (approximately 14 ounces) leaving enough space at the top to allow the cake to rise without overflowing.
- Add Chocolate Center: Drop the tablespoon of hazelnut chocolate spread or mini chocolate chips into the center of the batter. Do not stir; it will sink as the cake cooks, creating a gooey center.
- Protect Microwave: Place a paper towel inside the microwave and set the mug on top to catch any overflow batter during cooking.
- Microwave: Cook the mug cake on high power for 70 seconds. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your microwave wattage, so adjust accordingly.
- Serve: Carefully remove the hot mug from the microwave and enjoy your warm, chocolatey mug cake immediately.
Notes
- Microwave cook times can vary; if the cake is undercooked, add 5-10 seconds more but avoid overcooking as it can dry out.
- You can increase sugar by 1 tablespoon if you prefer a sweeter cake.
- Use a larger mug if your microwave tends to cause overflow or reduce batter slightly.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond milk or other plant-based milk and use a suitable chocolate spread.
- Let the cake cool slightly before eating to avoid burns from the hot chocolate center.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute 10 seconds
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate mug cake, easy dessert, microwave cake, quick chocolate cake, single serving dessert

