Microwaved Chocolate Mug Cake

Featured in: Global Heat

This single-serve chocolate mug cake comes together quickly, combining cocoa, flour, and sugar with milk and oil, then microwaved to a soft, moist finish. Optional chocolate chips or nuts add texture and flavor. It’s a simple way to satisfy sweet cravings without eggs, ideal for a quick indulgence. Just whisk dry and wet ingredients in a large mug, microwave for under two minutes, and enjoy warm with your favorite toppings.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:10:00 GMT
Warm, fluffy microwaved mug cake, ready to eat, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. Save
Warm, fluffy microwaved mug cake, ready to eat, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. | pepperplume.com

A quick and delightful single-serve chocolate cake made in minutes, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without eggs.

I remember discovering mug cakes when I needed a treat for myself but didn&t want to bake an entire cake. This microwave mug cake quickly became my go-to dessert for busy evenings.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 4 tbsp
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: 2 tbsp
  • Granulated sugar: 3 tbsp
  • Baking powder: 1/4 tsp
  • Salt: Pinch
  • Milk (dairy or plant-based): 3 tbsp
  • Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
  • Vanilla extract: 1/4 tsp
  • Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (optional): 1 tbsp
  • Chopped nuts (optional): 1 tbsp

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large microwave-safe mug (at least 12 oz), whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Add Wet Ingredients:
Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly with a fork or small whisk until smooth and no dry pockets remain.
Optional Add-Ins:
Stir in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
Microwave:
Microwave on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes, until the cake has risen and the center is just set.
Cool & Enjoy:
Let cool for 1-2 minutes before eating directly from the mug.
A close-up of a perfectly cooked chocolate microwaved mug cake, showing rich texture and moist crumbs. Save
A close-up of a perfectly cooked chocolate microwaved mug cake, showing rich texture and moist crumbs. | pepperplume.com

My kid loves customizing his mug cake by adding chocolate chips. It&s a fun weekday treat we sometimes make together after dinner.

Required Tools

Large microwave-safe mug (12 oz or larger), fork or small whisk, and measuring spoons help ensure you get the right texture every time.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), possible dairy (if using regular milk), and soy (if using chocolate chips with soy lecithin). For dairy-free: Use plant-based milk. For gluten-free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains 340 calories, 15 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 5 g protein.

Steaming hot microwaved mug cake presented in a mug, ideal quick dessert for those sweet cravings. Save
Steaming hot microwaved mug cake presented in a mug, ideal quick dessert for those sweet cravings. | pepperplume.com

This mug cake is the ultimate single-serve dessert to curb chocolate cravings fast. Try different toppings for your perfect bite!

Recipe FAQ

Can I use plant-based milk for this mug cake?

Yes, plant-based milk works perfectly and maintains a moist, tender texture.

What makes the mug cake rise in the microwave?

The baking powder reacts with wet ingredients during microwaving, creating air pockets that cause it to rise.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely, stirring in chocolate chips or chopped nuts before cooking adds flavor and texture.

How do I avoid overcooking the mug cake?

Microwave in short intervals to prevent drying out; the cake is done when set but still moist in the center.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free version.

Microwaved Chocolate Mug Cake

A fast, rich chocolate mug treat ready in minutes with basic pantry ingredients and microwave cooking.

Prep duration
5 min
Cook duration
2 min
Complete duration
7 min
Created by Isabella Flores


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 1 Portions

Diet considerations Meat-free

Components

Dry Ingredients

01 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
02 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
03 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
05 Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

01 3 tablespoons milk (dairy or plant-based)
02 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
03 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins

01 1 tablespoon chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
02 1 tablespoon chopped nuts

Directions

Phase 01

Combine dry ingredients: In a large microwave-safe mug (at least 12 oz), whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Phase 02

Incorporate wet ingredients: Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, then mix thoroughly with a fork or small whisk until smooth and free of dry pockets.

Phase 03

Add optional mix-ins: Stir in chocolate chips or nuts if desired.

Phase 04

Microwave cooking: Microwave on high power for 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes, until the cake rises and the center is just set.

Phase 05

Cooling: Allow to cool for 1 to 2 minutes before consuming directly from the mug.

Necessary tools

  • Large microwave-safe mug (minimum 12 oz)
  • Fork or small whisk
  • Measuring spoons

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional health advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten); may contain dairy if regular milk is used; possible soy if using chocolate chips containing soy lecithin. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour; for dairy-free, use plant-based milk.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 340
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 5 g