This easy chocolate mug cake recipe is perfect for a single serve dessert! Made with minimal ingredients (most pantry staples) and baked in less than 2 minutes in the microwave!

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.

Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe 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!

• Cooking Spray
• Self Rising Flour
• Sugar
• Cocoa Powder
• Salt
• Milk
• Oil
• Egg
• Vanilla
• Chocolate Chips

The use of self rising flour eliminates the need for a leavening agent. If you do not have self rising, you can add 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda to all-purpose flour.

How to make microwave chocolate cake from scratch:

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

1. Mist a large mug with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Combine the flour, sugar, and cocoa powder and whisk to combine.
3. Add in the milk, oil, and vanilla. Stir and scrape the sides of the cup until the batter is mixed thoroughly.
4. Stir in the chocolate chips.
5. 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.
6. Microwave up to 45 additional seconds, or until just done.
7. Serve immediately.

This cake is definitely big enough to share. Or not. This is a judgement free zone when it comes to cake calories.

If you do want to share, dry dividing the batter between two cups and lowering the cook time by 10 to 20 seconds. Cook each one at a time.

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!

I earn a small commission from items purchased through the links above. This helps me keep my recipes free for you. I only share products I use in my own kitchen and love.

More Mug Recipes:

• 2 Ingredient Mug Brownies
• Chocolate Chip Mug Muffin
• Nutella Mug Cake
• 3 Ingredient Orange Cake (not a mug cake, but oh-so good!)

More Chocolate Recipes:

• Best EVER Chocolate Cake
• Chocolate Whipped Cream Cake Recipe
• Chocolate Cake Donuts
• Flourless Chocolate Cake

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