Microwaved Chocolate Mug Cake

Featured in: Sweet Messy Treats

This single-serve chocolate mug cake offers a quick way to satisfy sweet cravings with basic ingredients like flour, cocoa, and sugar. Simply mix dry and wet components in a microwave-safe mug, add optional chocolate chips or nuts, and microwave for about 2 minutes. The result is a moist, rich cake perfect for an easy dessert or snack, with customizable options for richer flavors or toppings.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:29:00 GMT
Steaming hot microwaved mug cake, ready to eat, topped with chocolate chips and inviting aroma. Save to Pinterest
Steaming hot microwaved mug cake, ready to eat, topped with chocolate chips and inviting aroma. | messlitreats.com

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

I discovered this mug cake recipe during college and it became my go-to treat for late-night cravings when I wanted something homemade but fast.

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 the 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 mix-ins:
Stir in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
Microwave and cook:
Microwave on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes, until the cake has risen and the center is just set.
Cooling:
Let cool for 1-2 minutes before eating directly from the mug.
Close-up of a tender chocolate microwaved mug cake, perfectly cooked with a soft, moist texture. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of a tender chocolate microwaved mug cake, perfectly cooked with a soft, moist texture. | messlitreats.com

This mug cake quickly became a favorite family treat, with everyone customizing theirs with chocolate chips or a scoop of ice cream on top.

Required Tools

Use a large (12 oz or bigger) microwave-safe mug, a fork or small whisk, and measuring spoons for easy prep and mixing.

Nutritional Information

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

Notes & Add-Ins

For extra flavor, add a pinch of instant coffee, top with ice cream or whipped cream, and adjust sugar to taste or use a sugar alternative.

Enjoy a decadent chocolate single-serve microwaved mug cake in a mug, ideal for quick desserts. Save to Pinterest
Enjoy a decadent chocolate single-serve microwaved mug cake in a mug, ideal for quick desserts. | messlitreats.com

Enjoy this mug cake straight from the cup for a warm, quick dessert anytime. It's perfect for solo indulgence or easy family fun!

Microwaved Chocolate Mug Cake

A speedy single-serve chocolate mug dessert ready in minutes, using pantry staples and simple steps.

Prep Duration
5 min
Cooking Duration
2 min
Overall Duration
7 min
Created by messli Sophie Lane


Skill Required Easy

Cuisine Origin American

Portion Yield 1 People served

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

List of Ingredients

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

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Combine dry ingredients: In a large microwave-safe mug (minimum 12 ounces), whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly blended.

Step 02

Incorporate wet ingredients: Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir thoroughly using a fork or small whisk until smooth with no dry spots remaining.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Microwave cooking: Microwave on high power for 90 to 120 seconds, until the cake has risen and the center is set but still moist.

Step 05

Cool and serve: Allow the cake to rest for 1 to 2 minutes before enjoying directly from the mug.

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergy Warnings

Check all listed ingredients for allergens. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you aren't sure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten); dairy possible if using regular milk; soy possible if chocolate chips contain soy lecithin
  • For gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free flour
  • For dairy-free option, use plant-based milk

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are just for your reference. Always talk to a doctor for specific health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 340
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 5 g