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.
Kara
This would be perfect for those afternoon chocolate cravings. I bet it’s so good topped with ice cream and a bit of peanut butter. I love that combo!
Becca
Made this with my daughters for a mini girls night and they loved it!
Kristyn
The quickest & easiest dessert!! So much goodness in one small cup! Love it!
Amy Huntley
This is such a fun treat to make for a special treat!
Sonya C.
Yum!!! When you need just a little dessert after dinner.
My new favorite chocolate mug cake. Thanks for the recipe.
Sharon
Perfect! It satisfied my chocolate craving. 🙂 I will be making this again. Thanks.
Martha
Perfect amount and so yummy!
Analiese
By far the most moist mug cake I have ever tried!! I think a little sweeter would have made it perfect!
Alexis S.
Yes. Was craving a chocolatey baked good. This recipe saved me a $17 DoorDash order! LOL Subbed half oil for melted ghee and added a touch of vanilla. Perfect!
Deborah Lynch
I love this. Easy and delicious. I divided it between two mugs and it was the perfect after dinner treat for myself and my husband.