Chocolate Mug Cake

Name: Chocolate Mug Cake
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 5 min
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); 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 tablespoon chocolate chips (11 grams)

By Fiona

5 from 12 votes

on Apr 07, 2024

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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.

Chocolate mug cake with a scoop of ice cream with a bite taken out of it.

**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:

5 from 12 votes