Easy Chocolate Mug Cake

Name: Easy Chocolate Mug Cake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 7 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup self rising flour; 1/4 cup sugar; 2 tablespoons cocoa powder; 1/4 cup milk; 2 tablespoons oil; 1 large egg yolk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons chocolate chips

Indulge in pure chocolatey bliss with our effortless Chocolate Mug Cake recipe! In just a matter of minutes, you can whip up this divine treat that satisfies your sweet cravings any time of day. Moist, rich, and oh-so-delicious, this single-serving delight is perfect for a quick dessert fix or a delightful surprise for your loved ones.

Searching for more single serve treats? I’ve got you! Be sure to try my Reese’s Mug Cake, Snickerdoodle Mug Cake Recipe, 2 Ingredient Mug Brownies, and my Chocolate Chip Mug Muffin.

white mug with ridges with a tan bottom filled with a chocolate cake that is slightly overflowing with chocolate chips around the mug on a white table top

Why You’ll Love This Easy Mug Cake

Single Serve Dessert: This recipe makes the perfect amount of cake for one but is even large enough to share.
Easy Ingredients: All of the same ingredients you would use in a chocolate cake scaled down for one.
Teen Approved: Our teen makes this one on his own whenever he needs a sweet fix.

I have been working on this recipe for WEEKS. Single serve, or microwave desserts, are an obsession. Since I do not have a large sweet tooth, but my eleven year old does, we like to make tiny batches of cakes and cookies.

Perfecting the mug cake was a tricky slope. I was working with the most picky chocolate cake lover on the planet, and he was not willing to cave for sub par cake. After a few trial and error attempts, he has FINALLY given the thumbs up and insisted we share this ASAP.

mug cake ingredients in bowls and measuring spoons on table

Chocolate Mug Cake Ingredients:

Mug cakes are made with pantry staples and baked in the microwave. The start to finish time is under 10 minutes and they are so great for a quick dessert. This cake in particular is every chocolate lovers dream. A super moist and flavorful cake is dotted with chocolate chips throughout. So it is a double dose of chocolate goodness!

Flour: I like to use self rising flour, but if you don’t have any don’t worry! You can substitute all-purpose flour with 1/8 teaspoon baking soda.
Sugar: Just a touch for that added sweetness.
Cocoa Powder: Tested and approved for both classic cocoa and Dutch processed.
Salt: Just a pinch to help elevate to chocolate flavor.
Milk: Tested with dairy milk only.
Oil: Can substitute with melted butter. We use vegetable or avocado oil.
Vanilla: Helps boost the flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Optional, but delicious.

Mug cake ingredients in mug ready to be mixed

Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe

Ready for this insanely simple step by step breakdown? Once you have made this cake recipe one time you will be a pro!

PREP: Mist a large mug with cooking spray and set aside.
WHISK: Combine the flour, sugar, and cocoa powder and whisk to combine. Add in the milk, oil, yolk and vanilla. Stir and scrape the sides of the cup until the batter is mixed thoroughly.
EXTRAS: Stir in the chocolate chips, or any other mix in options you want to use.
COOK: Microwave for 1 minute. Remove and check with a toothpick. You may even be able to tell from looking at the center of the cake. Microwave up to 45 additional seconds, or until just done.
ENJOY: Serve immediately.

Helpful Tools

Mug: This recipe doesn’t need anything fancy, you can actually use almost any mug. But I really love this mug set (affiliate).
Mini Whisk: Mixing the batter fully is key to a good cake. I love these mini whisks (affiliate). I also use them for hot chocolate, carnation, and even whipping eggs for scrambles.
Baking Spray: You can use cooking spray, like avocado or Pam, but we prefer a baking spray (affiliate). They leave little to no flavor and let the cake flavor shine.

close up of a white mug with ridges with a tan bottom filled with a chocolate cake that is slightly overflowing with chocolate chips around the mug on a white table top

Tips for the BEST mug cake:

While mug cakes are a quick and super simple single serve dessert, there are a few tips that will help ensure success! Below are some of my very BEST tips!

Use an over sized mug. For this recipe specifically, it is best to use a large round mug. The batter will rise (see photo above), and if the mug is too small, it will make a giant mess in the microwave.
The mug should also be wider. Using a wide mug, vs a tall skinny, helps with even cooking and a less dry cake.
Because all microwaves tend to cook a little differently, try starting with one minute and working your way up from there. It is better to cook it not long enough than too long. This will also help from drying out your cake.
Last, top your cake with a frosting, ganache, or eat as is!

bite of chocolate cake on a spoon hovering over a white mug with ridges with a tan bottom filled with a chocolate cake that is slightly overflowing with chocolate chips around the mug on a white table top

Recipe Notes:

How long does it take to cook a chocolate mug cake in the microwave?

Cooking time can vary depending on your microwave’s wattage, but it usually takes around 1-2 minutes. Start with 1 minute and then check for doneness. Adjust the time accordingly.

What toppings or additions can I use to enhance the flavor of the chocolate mug cake?

You can top your chocolate mug cake with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, chocolate chips, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

What size mug should you use for a mug cake?

It is recommended to use a microwave-safe mug that has a capacity of at least 10 to 12 ounces (approximately 300 to 350 ml).

Can I make this with a cake mix?

Yes, you can make a mug cake from a cake mix. I find that this version makes it taste more homemade and less processed.

Should I add frosting to this cake recipe?

We like to add a dollop of chocolate fudge frosting to the top of our cake or a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle of chocolate syrup.

More Delicious Mug Cake Recipes

Our mug recipes are easy to customize to your tastes and dietary preferences, so you can make them as healthy or indulgent as you like. So grab your favorite mug and start exploring our collection of mug recipes today!

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