Chocolate Mug Cake

Craving something sweet but don’t want a sink full of dishes? This chocolate mug cake is your go-to fix. It’s warm, rich, and perfectly gooey — all made in a single mug using ingredients you already have. No oven, no eggs, no waiting. Just mix, microwave, and dig in. Whether it’s a late-night treat or a quick dessert after dinner, this mug cake checks every box for speed, taste, and satisfaction.

Why This Recipe Beats the Rest

This chocolate mug cake avoids the common spongy texture because it skips the egg. A whole egg is too much for a single serving and tends to make the cake rubbery or dry. Without it, the batter stays soft and rich, giving you a fudgy finish every time.

You only need a few basic items from your pantry, and the steps stay simple. Mix the dry items, add the wet ones, and microwave. In less than five minutes, you get a warm dessert that feels satisfying without extra work.

Ingredients Needed

I like to group the items so everything feels clear before you start mixing.

For the base

• 3 Tbsp all purpose flour, about 23 g
  
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar, about 25 g
  
• 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, about 7.5 g
  
• 1 quarter teaspoon baking powder, about 1 g
  
• A small pinch of salt, about 0.5 g
  

For the wet mix

• 3 Tbsp milk, any type you prefer, about 45 ml
  
• 1 Tbsp canola oil or melted butter, about 15 ml
  
• 1 eighth teaspoon vanilla extract, about 0.6 ml
  

For the chocolate touch

• 1 tsp chocolate chips or any baking chips you enjoy, about 5 g
  

How to Make Your Chocolate Mug Cake

1. Lightly coat the inside of a microwave safe mug with cooking spray. This keeps the cake from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
   
2. Add the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt to the mug. Stir until the mix looks even. A quick, steady stir helps prevent dry pockets of cocoa.
   
3. Pour in the milk, oil and vanilla. Mix until the batter looks smooth. Make sure you reach the bottom of the mug so no dry mix stays hidden.
   
4. Add the chocolate chips. You can stir them in for an even melt or leave them on top for a gooey layer.
   
5. Microwave for 70 to 90 seconds. Stop when the top looks set but still shiny. The shiny surface helps keep the inside soft.
   
6. Leave the mug inside the microwave for one minute before eating. This short rest lets the cake finish settling and keeps the texture moist.
   

Essential Cooking Tips: Preventing a Dry Mug Cake

Do not let the cake cook longer than needed. Even a small amount of extra time can make it dry. Stop as soon as the top looks set with a slight shine. The shine means there is still moisture inside.

Microwave Wattage Guide

Use these times as a starting point and adjust in short increments.

Microwave Wattage Table

Microwave Wattage	Recommended Start Time	Goal
High (1200W+)	60-70 seconds	Barely shiny on top
Standard (900-1100W)	70-90 seconds	Just set, allow to rest
Low (600-800W)	90-110 seconds	Adjust until set

A larger mug gives the batter room to rise. Pick a microwave safe mug that holds at least 12 ounces or about 350 ml. This helps prevent spillover and keeps the cake cooking evenly.

Flavor and Dietary Customizations

Ultimate Add Ins for a Gooey Center

• Place a small spoonful of Nutella or peanut butter in the center of the batter before cooking. It melts into a soft middle.
  
• Mix in coconut flakes, chopped nuts or flavored chips such as mint or butterscotch for extra texture.
  
• Add a tiny pinch of cinnamon for gentle warmth.
  

Making It Healthier

• Reduce the sugar or swap it with honey or a simple sweetener you already use.
  
• Replace the oil with applesauce or coconut oil for a lighter feel.
  
• Try white whole wheat flour if you want more fiber.
  

Dairy Free and Vegan Options

• Use almond milk, soy milk or another plant milk.
  
• Pick coconut oil or a non dairy butter in place of canola oil or melted butter.
  
• Use dairy free chocolate chips to keep the recipe fully vegan.
  

Perfect Pairings and Topping Ideas

Classics

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a cool contrast to the warm cake.
  
• A spoon of whipped cream gives a soft finish.
  
• A light dusting of powdered sugar keeps it simple and sweet.
  

Sauce Drizzle

• Pour warm hot fudge, caramel sauce or melted Nutella on top for extra richness.
  

Freshness

• Add strawberries, raspberries or cherries for a bright and tart touch.
  

Storage Tips

A mug cake tastes best fresh, but you can keep leftovers for a short time. Cover the cooled cake and place it in the fridge for up to one day. The texture will firm up, so warm it gently in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it again. Avoid heating it too long so it does not dry out.

Conclusion

This chocolate mug cake works well when you want a quick treat with rich flavor and a soft center. It skips the egg so the texture stays smooth, and it uses simple items you likely already have. The fast cook time makes it an easy choice for late night cravings or a small dessert after dinner.

If you try this recipe, leave a comment and a star rating to share your results. Feel free to post your creation on Pinterest or Facebook so others can enjoy it too. I would love to hear what mix ins or twists you tried. What flavor did you add to make it your own?

Try One These Cakes Next:

• Marble Cake
• Chocolate Cake
• Oreo Cake
• White Chocolate Cheesecake

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