Quick Chocolate Mug Cake

Featured in: Sweet Spots

This microwaved mug cake offers a quick and satisfying chocolate dessert perfect for a solo serving. Using simple ingredients like cocoa powder, flour, sugar, and milk, it comes together swiftly with minimal cleanup. The easy mixing steps followed by microwaving produce a moist, fluffy texture. Optional chocolate chips or nuts add delightful bursts of flavor, while variations like instant coffee can enrich the taste. Ideal for a fast sweet fix without eggs or complex baking tools.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 09:10:00 GMT
A warm, fluffy Microwaved Mug Cake with melted chocolate chips, ready to devour. Save
A warm, fluffy Microwaved Mug Cake with melted chocolate chips, ready to devour. | tastychuck.com

A quick and delightful single-serve chocolate cake made in minutes, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without eggs.

I first tried making mug cake late at night when cravings hit—it was perfectly fluffy and rich, without any fuss or eggs.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 4 tbsp
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: 2 tbsp
  • Granulated sugar: 3 tbsp
  • Baking powder: 1/4 tsp
  • Salt: Pinch
  • Milk (dairy or plant-based): 3 tbsp
  • Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
  • Vanilla extract: 1/4 tsp
  • Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: 1 tbsp, optional
  • Chopped nuts: 1 tbsp, optional

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large microwave-safe mug (at least 12 oz) combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
Add Wet Ingredients:
Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until batter is smooth with no dry pockets.
Add-Ins:
Stir in chocolate chips or nuts if desired.
Microwave:
Microwave on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes, until cake rises and center is just set.
Cool & Serve:
Let cool for 1-2 minutes before enjoying straight from the mug.
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| tastychuck.com
Save
| tastychuck.com

My kids love helping mix the ingredients, and it's become our favorite quick dessert after dinner.

Required Tools

You just need a large microwave-safe mug, a fork or small whisk, and measuring spoons for perfect results every time.

Allergen Information

Adapt this cake for gluten-free or dairy-free diets. Check all ingredient labels for possible allergens like wheat, dairy, or soy.

Nutritional Information

One serving provides around 340 calories, 15 g fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 5 g protein.

Close-up of a decadent chocolate Microwaved Mug Cake served in a ceramic mug, a perfect treat. Save
Close-up of a decadent chocolate Microwaved Mug Cake served in a ceramic mug, a perfect treat. | tastychuck.com
Close-up of a decadent chocolate Microwaved Mug Cake served in a ceramic mug, a perfect treat. Save
Close-up of a decadent chocolate Microwaved Mug Cake served in a ceramic mug, a perfect treat. | tastychuck.com

This mug cake delivers comfort in minutes: personalize it to suit your taste, and enjoy whenever the craving strikes!

Recipe Guide

How long does the mug cake take to cook?

The cake cooks in about 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes in the microwave, depending on wattage.

Can I use plant-based milk in this preparation?

Yes, both dairy and plant-based milks work well with this mug cake for similar texture and moisture.

What optional add-ins enhance the flavor?

Adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a pinch of instant coffee can intensify the taste and texture.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Using gluten-free all-purpose flour substitutes the wheat flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

Sugar can be swapped with alternatives like coconut sugar or reduced to suit personal preference.

What tools are necessary for preparation?

A large microwave-safe mug, a fork or small whisk, and measuring spoons are required for mixing and cooking.

Quick Chocolate Mug Cake

A fast and tasty single-serve chocolate treat with pantry staples and microwave preparation.

Prep duration
5 min
Heat time
2 min
Full duration
7 min
Created by Chuck Harrison

Style Sweet Spots

Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 1 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-free

What you'll need

Dry Ingredients

01 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
02 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
03 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
05 Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

01 3 tablespoons milk (dairy or plant-based)
02 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
03 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins

01 1 tablespoon chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
02 1 tablespoon chopped nuts

Method

Phase 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large microwave-safe mug (12 oz or larger), whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until uniform.

Phase 02

Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mix. Stir with a fork or small whisk until the batter is smooth and free of dry spots.

Phase 03

Add Optional Mix-ins: Fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts if desired, mixing evenly throughout the batter.

Phase 04

Microwave Cooking: Microwave on high power for 90 to 120 seconds, until the cake has risen and the center appears set but moist.

Phase 05

Cooling: Allow the mug to cool for 1 to 2 minutes before consuming directly from the mug.

Kitchen tools

  • Microwave-safe mug (12 oz or larger)
  • Fork or small whisk
  • Measuring spoons

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains gluten from wheat flour
  • May contain dairy if using regular milk
  • Possible soy allergen present in some chocolate chips

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice
  • Energy: 340
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 5 g