Microwaved Mug Chocolate Cake

Featured in: Sweet Bites

This microwaved mug cake offers a fast and satisfying dessert option using basic pantry ingredients such as flour, cocoa powder, and sugar. Combining dry and wet components, it bakes in the microwave for just a couple of minutes, producing a moist and tender chocolate treat. Optional chocolate chips or nuts can be added for extra texture. Ideal for a quick indulgence, it requires minimal preparation and cleanup.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:01:00 GMT
Warm, fluffy microwaved mug cake, perfect for a quick, single-serving chocolate dessert topped with nuts. Pin
Warm, fluffy microwaved mug cake, perfect for a quick, single-serving chocolate dessert topped with nuts. | grillandbites.com

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

When I first discovered mug cakes, I loved how they could turn a small craving into a fun treat with barely any cleanup. Making desserts without an oven felt almost magical especially late at night.

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

Combine dry ingredients:
Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large microwave-safe mug until well mixed.
Add wet ingredients:
Pour in milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until a smooth batter forms and no dry spots remain.
Mix in optional add-ins:
Stir in chocolate chips or chopped nuts if desired.
Microwave:
Microwave mug on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes until cake rises and center just sets.
Cool and enjoy:
Allow cake to cool for 1–2 minutes before eating straight from the mug.
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My family loves customizing these by adding peanut butter swirls or sprinkling cinnamon before microwaving so everyone gets their own special cake.

Required Tools

You'll need a large microwave-safe mug, a fork or whisk for mixing, and measuring spoons for accuracy.

Allergen Information

Mug cakes can be made gluten-free and dairy-free by using alternatives. Always check chocolate chip labels for soy and dairy content.

Nutritional Information

One serving contains about 340 calories, 15 g fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 5 g protein depending on add-ins and substitutions.

A close-up of a steaming microwaved mug cake, showing rich, dark chocolate ready to eat immediately. Pin
A close-up of a steaming microwaved mug cake, showing rich, dark chocolate ready to eat immediately. | grillandbites.com

A mug cake is the perfect quick dessert for any sweet craving. Try customizing with your favorite toppings for a fun nightly treat.

Recipe FAQ

What ingredients are needed for this cake?

It requires all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Optional additions include chocolate chips or nuts.

How long should I microwave the cake?

Microwave on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes until the cake has risen and the center is set.

Can I use plant-based milk?

Yes, plant-based milk works well as an alternative to dairy milk in this preparation.

Is it necessary to use a large mug?

A microwave-safe mug of at least 12 oz is recommended to allow the cake to rise without overflowing.

How can I add more flavor to this cake?

Adding a pinch of instant coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, and topping with whipped cream or chocolate sauce adds richness.

Microwaved Mug Chocolate Cake

A quick, single-serve chocolate cake made in minutes with simple ingredients and no eggs.

Prep duration
5 min
Cook duration
2 min
Overall duration
7 min


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 1 Portions

Dietary requirements Vegetarian

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 (minimum 12 oz), whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.

Phase 02

Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture and stir thoroughly with a fork or small whisk until smooth and free of dry spots.

Phase 03

Add Optional Mix-Ins: Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if desired.

Phase 04

Microwave Cooking: Microwave the mixture on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes, stopping when the cake has risen and the center is set.

Phase 05

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

Tools needed

  • Microwave-safe mug (12 oz or larger)
  • Fork or small whisk
  • Measuring spoons

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare providers if you're uncertain about any components.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), possibly dairy if using regular milk, and soy if chocolate chips contain soy lecithin.
  • For gluten-free preparation, substitute with gluten-free flour.
  • For dairy-free version, use plant-based milk.
  • Check all labels for potential allergens.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

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