Readers call this fudgy chocolate mug cake the best they’ve tried. It can be made in the microwave or the oven.
The best chocolate cake in a mug
This chocolate mug cake is for true chocolate lovers: rich, fudgy, and simple to make. The recipe has thousands of enthusiastic reviews from readers who keep returning to it.
If other mug cake recipes left you disappointed, try this one — it consistently delivers a gooey, satisfying single-serving dessert.
Readers also love this Brownie in a Mug
Microwave chocolate mug cake recipe
This mug cake doesn’t require hours in the kitchen — it takes about one minute in the microwave. It uses common pantry ingredients and contains no eggs, making it fast and convenient whenever a chocolate craving hits.
For even faster prep, measure the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in a small bag so you can mix and microwave in seconds. Think of it as chocolate cake meal prep.
For a larger version, try this Vegan Chocolate Cake
Chocolate mug cake flavors
Chocolate Peanut Butter: Omit the oil and stir in 1–2 tablespoons of peanut or almond butter.
Nutella Mug Cake: Use a tablespoon of chocolate-hazelnut spread instead of oil and top with extra spread.
Chocolate Peppermint: Add 1/4 teaspoon of pure peppermint extract to the liquid ingredients.
Dark Chocolate Coconut: Use coconut oil and finish with dark chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and a scoop of coconut ice cream.
Mocha Mug Cake: Stir 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee granules into the dry ingredients.
Chocolate Orange: Add a teaspoon of orange zest before mixing the batter.
What single-serving flavor would you try next? Share ideas you don’t see listed here.
Frosting options
Top the cake with shredded coconut, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of hot fudge or caramel. A simple chocolate cream cheese frosting works beautifully, or use store-bought frosting, powdered sugar, melted chocolate, or fruit preserves.
Other great toppings include coconut whipped cream or a scoop of almond milk ice cream.
Chocolate mug cake recipe video
Above, watch the step-by-step video
How to make a chocolate mug cake
Step One: Combine all dry ingredients in a small bowl and mix well so the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed.
Step Two: Add the liquid ingredients, stir to form a smooth batter, and transfer it to a greased microwave- or oven-safe mug, ramekin, or small dish.
Step Three (Microwave): Microwave for 30–60 seconds, depending on your microwave’s wattage, until the cake is set. Step Three (Oven): Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
Step Four: Frost or top the cake as desired and enjoy immediately.
Mug cake recipe ingredients
You’ll need cocoa, flour, sweetener, salt, baking powder, milk, pure vanilla extract, and oil or mashed banana.
Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened cocoa for the main tablespoon. For the smaller measurements you can use Dutch-process cocoa or more regular cocoa.
Flour: This works well with white flour, spelt, oat flour, or gluten-free all-purpose flour. A keto version with almond flour is also possible.
Sweetener: Granulated sugar, coconut sugar, or liquid sweeteners like maple syrup or honey all work. For a sugar-free option use xylitol or erythritol.
Fat source: Coconut oil gives excellent flavor; nut butters or vegetable oil also work. For lower-fat versions readers report success substituting applesauce, Greek yogurt, pumpkin, sweet potato, or mashed banana, though the texture and flavor will differ.
Vegan chocolate mug cake
The recipe is naturally egg-free and easily adapted for a vegan version by using a plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or coconut. Choose vegan chocolate chips or dairy-free ice cream and frosting if topping the cake.
For a gluten-free mug cake, use oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. If you try other gluten-free flours, consider that results may vary.
You may also like these Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tsp Dutch cocoa (or additional regular cocoa)
- 3 tbsp flour (spelt, white, oat, or gluten-free all-purpose)
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp sweetener of choice
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 2 1/2 tsp oil or nut butter (applesauce or mashed banana can be substituted)
- 3 tbsp milk of choice
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. Add the liquid ingredients and stir to form a smooth batter. Transfer to a greased microwave- or oven-safe mug or ramekin.
- Microwave for 30–60 seconds (time varies by microwave). Alternatively, bake at 350°F for about 14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Allow to cool slightly if removing from the dish, then frost or top as desired and enjoy.
Video
Notes
Easy Chocolate Dessert Recipes
Chocolate Banana Bread
Chocolate Sorbet
Vegan Chocolate Mousse
Homemade Chocolate Bars
Peanut Butter Brownies
Protein Ice Cream
Chocolate Truffles