Chocolate Mug Cake

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This single serving chocolate mug cake will satisfy your sweet tooth without the hassle. Feel like some cake at 9pm (or 6am)? I got you – this easy microwave cake is done in just a few minutes and it doesn’t even need frosting!

Single Serving Chocolate Mug Cake

This is the perfect portion of indulgent chocolate cake for whenever that chocolate craving hits! It’s an easy chocolate dessert done in minutes – it’s a microwave mug cake – with simple ingredients you already have in your pantry and the taste is so good. I took my chocolate cake recipe and cut it down to serve one and did all the math for you.

My chocolate mug cake recipe is moist, tender cake full of chocolate flavor with no need for frosting – unless you want to add some.

Ingredients for Chocolate Mug Cake

Flour – All-purpose flour – be sure to measure it correctly.
Granulated Sugar – just a tablespoon of sugar
Cocoa powder – Unsweetened cocoa powder, not Dutch process
Baking soda – to help the cake rise (not baking powder)
Water – Hot water helps the bloom the chocolate and bring out the flavor
Vegetable oil – or canola oil or liquid coconut oil
Vinegar – White, distilled – activates the baking soda
Vanilla extract – always use pure vanilla extract.

How to Make a Chocolate Mug Cake

Combine dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together baking soda, cocoa powder, sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt.
Add wet ingredients: Pour water, vinegar, oil, and vanilla extract into your dry mixture and stir until no lumps remain.
Prepare dish: Use nonstick cooking spray to grease a microwave-safe mug or small ramekin. Pour the cake batter into the dish.
Bake: Set your microwave to 70% power and bake your mug cake for 40 to 60 seconds. Microwave power tends to vary, so keep a close eye on your dish. You’ll know it’s done when you can insert and remove a toothpick that comes out clean.
Serve: Top your mug cake with powdered sugar after allowing it to cool for about 10 minutes.

Expert Tips

It’s important to use a microwave safe mug or dish.
It’s very important to cook the cake at 70% power or the texture won’t turn out right.
Make it gluten free by using 1:1 GF all purpose flour
The cake recipe itself is dairy-free – no milk or butter needed! You also don’t need any eggs – so this is a good recipe for those with allergies.

FAQs

Why is my mug cake dry?

A mug cake will become dry if overcooked. When cooking a mug cake, be sure to set your microwave to 70% power to avoid dry cake.

Can I bake a cake in a mug in the oven instead of the microwave?

Yes, you can bake a mug cake in the oven. However, you’ll need to make sure that the dish you use is oven safe. Bake at 350°F for 15 – 15 minutes, checking often.

Variations + Serving Ideas

Serve with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar
You can also top the hot cake with mini chocolate chips for even extra chocolate flavor!
Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, and hot fudge!
Feel free to add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the cake itself.

Other Single Serve or Mug Recipes

Last Updated on February 16, 2024