This Chocolate Mug Cake is my go-to when I want a quick dessert, no baking, no mess, just pure chocolate comfort in minutes. I first made it on a rainy afternoon with just a mug, a spoon, and a microwave, and that was all it took.
I've made this chocolate mug cake more times than I can admit.
It's quick, cozy, and tastes like an actual chocolate cake, not one of those dry microwave attempts you forget about halfway through.
What makes it so good? The cocoa gives it real depth, and I always drop a few chunks of chocolate into the center.
They melt into this gooey pocket that's honestly better than frosting. No eggs, no mixer, just a mug, a spoon, and five quiet minutes.
I usually make it when I want dessert without the whole production.
I've swapped in peanut butter, cinnamon, and even crushed cookies once when I was out of cocoa (not bad, by the way).
But most days, I stick to the basics. Cake in a mug, rich and warm, just for me, and that's kind of the whole point.
Jump to:
⭐Why You'll Love This Chocolate Mug Cake
- Easy Pantry Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen.
- Ready in Under 5 Minutes: When you need dessert now, this recipe saves the day.
- One Mug, One Spoon, Zero Stress: You mix and cook everything in one mug, no extra dishes to clean.
- Gooey Chocolate Center: The chocolate pieces melt into the cake for the perfect bite.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite extras, like nuts, peanut butter, or different chocolates.
- Always Hits the Spot: Whether it's a late-night craving or an after-school treat, this cake never disappoints.
🧾 Chocolate Mug Cake Ingredients
Here's the breakdown of what's in this Chocolate Mug Cake recipe:
- Flour: I use all-purpose flour because it creates the perfect soft texture without being too dense. Just three tablespoons are all you need to build the cake.
- Sugar: I add one and a half tablespoons of sugar for just the right amount of sweetness; it balances the cocoa beautifully.
- Baking Powder: This tiny bit helps the cake rise and gives it that soft, fluffy crumb.
- Cocoa Powder: One tablespoon is enough to give it that rich chocolate flavor. I always go for unsweetened cocoa for a deep, cocoa-y bite.
- Milk: I like using whole milk for extra creaminess, but any milk works fine. It helps smooth out the batter and keeps the cake moist.
- Vegetable Oil: This adds moisture and tenderness to the cake. I use neutral oil so it doesn't overpower the chocolate.
- Chocolate Pieces: I tuck a few pieces of chocolate into the center so they melt as it cooks. It's my favorite part, like a built-in molten center!
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Chocolate Mug Cake
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
1. In a microwave-safe mug, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and cocoa until smooth.
2. Add the milk and oil, then stir until smooth.
3. Place the chocolate pieces in the center and gently press them into the batter for a gooey treat.
4. Microwave the mug on high for 1 minute 20 to 40 seconds, until the cake rises and sets but stays moist. Keep an eye on it, as times may vary.
📖Variations
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Mug Cake: Mix in a tablespoon of peanut butter before microwaving. You can also add a spoonful to the center for a gooey surprise.
- Nutella Chocolate Mug Cake: Stir in a spoonful of Nutella or drop it in the center before cooking for a rich, hazelnut twist.
- Mocha Mug Cake: Add ½ teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a delicious coffee-chocolate flavor.
- Banana Chocolate Mug Cake: Mash half a ripe banana and mix it into the batter for extra moisture and a hint of sweetness.
💭Tips for Recipe Success
Use a Wide Mug: I go for a mug with a wider opening so the cake cooks more evenly and doesn't bubble over.
Sift the Cocoa if It's Clumpy: Sometimes cocoa powder has little lumps, so I quickly sift it with a spoon right into the mug to keep the batter smooth.
Add Flavor Twists: A tiny drop of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon can add depth; I change it up depending on what I'm craving.
Check the Texture by Touch: I gently press the top of the cake with a spoon; if it springs back, it's done; if it's sticky, microwave for 10 more seconds.
Clean the Rim before Microwaving: I always wipe the rim of the mug so the batter doesn't cook onto the edges; it keeps it looking tidy and easier to eat.
🍫More Chocolate Recipes to Try!
If you love using chocolate when you are cooking, then check out the following recipes for inspiration:
- Chocolate Banana Cake
- Chocolate Ice Cream
- Chocolate Fudge
- Chocolate Flan
- Chocolate Cheesecake
- Flourless Chocolate Cake
🍰More Dessert Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite dessert recipes! Try these:
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my Newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the latest updates.
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon Flour
- 1½ tbsp Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 tablespoon Cocoa Powder
- 5 tablespoon Milk
- 1½ tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 3-4 Pieces of Chocolate
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe mug, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and cocoa powder until evenly combined.
- Add the milk and vegetable oil, then stir until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Press the chocolate pieces into the center of the batter.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute and 20 seconds to 1 minute and 40 seconds, until the cake has risen and set.
- Let it cool for 1-2 minutes before eating directly from the mug.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra says
This mug cake is the perfect balance of fluffy and moist. I love the rich chocolate flavor!