This chocolate mug cake is moist, fudgy, a little gooey and perfect for when your chocolate craving hits. It’s ready in minutes and made in the microwave. Serve with a scoop of ice cream for the perfect chocolate treat.
**This post was updated April 7, 2024 with new photos & recipe tips**
If you love a slice of warm chocolate cake that’s almost gooey and verging on a brownie – then you’re going to love this chocolate mug cake. It’s chocolate-y, it’s moist, it’s fudgy, it’s filled with chocolate chips. And oh yeah, it’s ready in under 5 minutes. So you can literally make it while you’re deciding what show to watch on Netflix.
I love having quick and easy dessert options – like my vanilla mug cake or single serving chocolate chip cookie. And this chocolate microwave cake is perfect for chocolate lovers.
Making a Chocolate Mug Cake
If you’ve never made a mug cake before or you’re unfamiliar with the concept – here’s the rundown. A mug cake is a single serving cake where the batter is made inside a mug, and then you place the mug in the microwave to “bake”. Easy, peasy.
- Start by whisking together the oil, sugar, egg yolk and milk in your mug. Note that we’re just using the egg yolk, and not the whole egg.
- Then you’ll whisk in the the flour, cocoa and baking powder. You could also add in the tiniest pinch of salt it you like. Just make sure that you get out any of the lumps of cocoa.
- Stir in the optional chocolate chips.
- Then pop the cake in the microwave. It will take about 2 minutes on 60% power. Do not microwave on high power, or the mug cake can burn around the edges but still be raw in the middle. The mug will be hot to the touch, so be careful taking it out of the microwave.
Pro Tip: I typically microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds on 60% power, then do additional 15 to 30 second intervals. When the mug cake is done, the top should look set.
Substitutions: If you don’t want to use the egg yolk, you can add in 1 additional tablespoon of milk. I find that the egg yolk makes the cake a bit fudgier and moist.
You’ll want to let the cake sit for a minute or so before enjoying, as it will be quite hot. I like to top mine with a scoop of ice cream. It’s also delicious slathered with a little chocolate frosting if you have some on hand, or even a dollop of Nutella or peanut butter. But it’s equally delicious plain – since it’s warm and fudgy.
For more single serving desserts, try these other favorites:
Or for more chocolate cake recipes:
Chocolate Mug Cake
Equipment
- mug
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (45 ml) or canola
- 3 tablespoons sugar (38 grams)
- 1 large egg yolk or substitute for 1 extra tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoons milk (30 ml)
- 3 tablespoons flour (23 grams)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (5 grams)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon chocolate chips (11 grams)
Instructions
- In a large mug, whisk together the oil, sugar, egg yolk and milk.
- Whisk in the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Microwave for 90 seconds on medium power (do not use high power). Check the mug cake to see if the top looks set. If the top isn't set yet, microwave for an additional 30 seconds on medium power. Repeat this process until the top of the cake looks set. Be careful removing the mug from the microwave, as it will be hot.
- Let cool for 1 minute before enjoying.
Notes
- Choosing a Mug: I highly recommend choosing a mug that is wide, as opposed to tall and skinny.
- Nutrition: Details provided are an estimate only and based on the entire chocolate mug cake with chocolate chips, but without any ice cream.
Riley
bit too sweet for me but the texture was nice 🙂
Leslie
This came out perfect. Zapped it 14 seconds shy of 75 , so 64 seconds in my microwave was just right. I used coconut sugar. Taste is great. Hits the spot!
Fiona
Yay! Thanks for reporting back with your tips
Christina C.
I was hesitant on trying this “mug cake” idea because I was taught by my grandma that once you have a good recipe, the others will never measure up. She also taught me to take some risks. So going against all I knew about cakes (which admittedly isn’t much), I tried this. I have to say….this is so amazing!!!! I was shocked that it came out as well as it did and even let out a little laugh at my excitement! I am definitely one of those people who can entertain themselves. Haha! This is my new go-to for a quick sweet snack fix, chocolate craving, brownie or cake hampering, or just because! It is even the “Mom, you’re the coolest” treat for my kids! Their excitement with this mug cake is equally up there with mine! No more sheet pan or boring regular cake for us now. Haha!! We added fresh strawberries as a topping. We’re going to make these in Mason jars with a toppings bar for my daughters birthday party. Thank you so much for sharing this!!
Heather
Great!
Terri
Turned out great!! Moist and chocolate!
Brittany
Wow this was so perfect! Chocolatey, gooey, fudgy goodness! I made it exactly as instructed, except I only did 2.5 tablespoons of sugar. And I had to cook it a few seconds longer (microwaves vary). I paired it with a huge scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Definitely keeping this recipe on hand!
Fiona
Ice cream is definitely a must! So glad it turned out so well fo ryou!