This is my FAVORITE, easy chocolate mug cake. It’s moist, contains no eggs, is simple to make, and ready to eat in 5 minutes! Next time you want a full layer cake, give this recipe a try.
This recipe is proof that if you reach out to me with a specific recipe request, there’s a good chance I can deliver. Looking at you, Matt.
These are crazy times we’re living in, and the last thing you need is a craving for a food you are physically unable to procure. It’s one thing to have a craving and feel too lazy to run to the store, but it’s quite another to know you can’t venture out to get it for one reason or another.
One of the things I crave pretty frequently is chocolate cake. But the idea of baking an entire chocolate cake for a brief moment of omg I need chocolate right now feels pretty silly and unnecessary.
However, if you decide that needing to make a chocolate layer cake is not silly and unnecessary, here’s my favorite chocolate cake recipe for future reference.
So then sometimes that leads you to just run to the store and buy a small pre-made chocolate cake to get it out of your system (or I guess, into your system). But what about when you can’t for… reasons?
Is not being able to go buy a cake the end of the world? No, of course not. But it’s just one more thing added to the list of things that could be stressing you out, and you don’t need or deserve that.
If you’re unable to go to the store, don’t have time, or don’t have all the supplies you need to kick your chocolate craving… this moist, easy chocolate microwave mug cake is here for you.
So… what is a mug cake?
This is the easiest question I’ll answer all week: It’s a cake made in a mug, in the microwave. No mixer, no oven, and no frosting.
And in this case, also no eggs!
Can you bake mug cake in an oven?
Short answer: Nope.
Longer answer: This recipe is specifically designed to be made in a mug, in the microwave, without eggs. Eggs are traditionally used in cakes to act as a binding agent, but in the case of a mug cake you don’t need to worry about it producing a certain shape and keeping it. You zap it in the microwave and then just dig in! It won’t last long enough for the shape or appearance to matter.
So, chocolate mug cake, no egg = no baking in the oven. I repeat… do not put your mug cake in the oven, friend!
Want something with a difficulty level somewhere in the middle? Try my chocolate depression cake – you only need one bowl!
Do I need a special mug?
Yes and no. You do want a microwavable mug that’s big enough to hold the cake once it’s cooked, so you want at least a 14 ounce mug.
Also, try not to use one that’s tall and skinny because you might end up with an unevenly cooked finished product.
Fillings and toppings for your chocolate mug cake
- I find that a tablespoon of Nutella, peanut butter, or other creamy filling dropped into the center of the mug just before microwaving gives this cake a super moist, irresistible flavor. It’s necessary for the moisture you’re looking for.
- Also, I’m a big fan of adding mini chocolate chips because… chocolate. I really like chocolate. That’s really the only reason, and I think it’s a solid one.
- I’m also a big fan of a little pinch of cinnamon, and sometimes even a little chili powder. Mix it up and make it your own!
- It doesn’t need toppings, but why not add some anyway? Top your freshly cooked mug cake with a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry. Because you deserve it.
Mug cake substitutions and variations
- Milk: You don’t have to use dairy milk, so feel free to use a non-dairy alternative like almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, macadamia milk, etc. I’ve even used chocolate milk and it added a little somethin’ somethin’ – just saying.
- Oil: I like to use refined coconut oil, but you can use whatever your preference is. If you want to add a little different flavor, you could use unrefined coconut oil (since that has a stronger coconut flavor), vegetable oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, etc.
- Light brown sugar: Feel free to use dark brown sugar or coconut sugar (aff link) instead, but I don’t recommend granulated sugar because it changes the depth of flavor and gives it a bit different texture.
- Vanilla extract: Mix things up and add or swap a different extract flavor! Almond extract works well, or you could add a little peppermint extract for the holiday season. Just note that some extracts are much more potent than others (peppermint, for example), so you may only want to add a drop of those so that it’s not overpowering.
- Cocoa powder: I call for unsweetened cocoa powder, but you could swap it for some Special Dark cocoa powder, or even raw cacao powder (aff link). I don’t recommend Dutch processed cocoa powder because it’s a little too bitter for the end result, IMO.
- Nutella or peanut butter: This is my little secret weapon that gives this mug cake more flavor and moisture. You could swap them for some almond butter (aff link), cashew butter, chocolate sunflower butter, etc. You can also omit it if you’d like, but note that your end result will be less flavorful and moist.
- Chocolate chips: I adore the little pockets of melty chocolate in mine, so I can’t imagine making my mug cake without them – but you can if you want! You don’t know what you’re missing though ;)
After you’ve made this recipe, please consider coming back to share your experience with others by leaving a comment below with a star rating!
The Best Chocolate Mug Cake
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup milk, or non-dairy milk of choice
- 2 tablespoon oil, I prefer coconut oil
- 2 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed
- ⅛ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, optional, but encouraged
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon Nutella or peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips, optional, but encouraged
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk to combine milk, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Add flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt and whisk again to combine until batter is mostly smooth and no dry lumps remain.
- Transfer batter to a large microwave safe mug*, and drop a tablespoon of Nutella or peanut butter into the middle of the batter – no need to stir. Top with chocolate chips.
- Place mug cake in the microwave and heat for about 70 seconds.**
- Carefully remove from the microwave and serve immediately. Top with whipped cream or a small scoop of ice cream, if desired. Enjoy!
salma
I always bake my cakes but this time i was craving for a quick chocolate cake and i wanted to try this recipe, it turned out soooooo good!!! Really soft, moist and the Nutella in the middle was so yum!!!
Leslie Kiszka
I’m so glad you liked it – thanks so much for coming back to share your experience!
Samantha
I didn’t put any peanut butter or nutella in it and it still tastes AMAZING!!! Probably the best chocolate mug cake I’ve made so far!
Leslie Kiszka
I’m so glad you liked it!
Elisa
I meant to leave a star rating on my comment
Jen
I’ve made this so many times now, I love using Nutella and chocolate ice cream on top!
Judy
If using peanut butter, when do you add the choc chips?
Leslie Kiszka
Right after the peanut butter!
isabella
doesn’t work with almond flour
Leslie Kiszka
Hi Isabella, thanks for your comment – the recipe calls for all purpose flour, and as you stated would not work with almond flour as that does not contain the same binding qualities necessary for this recipe, nor would it be suitable as a 1:1 replacement for all purpose flour.
If you’d like to learn more about the different types of flours and how they can be used, I’d suggest checking out my post about Flour 101: https://stressbaking.com/flour-101/
Vanessa
Best mug cake!! I didn’t have chocolate chips or Nutella, so I put in 1 Lindt chocolate ball!!! Amazing thank you!
Leslie Kiszka
OhmyGOD that sounds freaking amazing! I’m totally going out to buy some and try that myself!
Abbie
It was very quick and easy to make also so YUMMY! I made it for all of my sisters and we loved it.
Leslie Kiszka
I’m so glad!
Joan
Ive made this twice. I liked it the first time, but I like my desserts super sweet (which is probably a bad thing LOL) so I added an extra tablesppoon of brown sugar the second time. Turned out great for my sweet tooth last night!
Leslie Kiszka
Happy to hear it! I know I err on the side of less sweet (I prefer more dark chocolate flavors, black coffee, etc.) so I’m glad that little adjustment made it more to your liking :)
Elisa
Meant to take a picture, but we ate it all first! Ive tried a handful of mug cake recipes, and this one is perfect. Used peanut butter instead of nutella. Our bellies are warm, and happy! Thank you!
Leslie Kiszka
Nothing like a happy belly – I’m so glad you liked it! Thank you so much for coming back to leave a comment and rating, it’s greatly appreciated <3
Jeanne
This is truly a keeper. We loved it. I made it in my medium Pyrex and doubled the recipe. Turned out perfect.
Leslie Kiszka
I’m so glad that you liked it! Thanks for coming back to leave a comment.