This chocolate mug cake is moist, fudgy, slightly gooey, and perfect for satisfying a sudden chocolate craving. Ready in minutes, it’s made in the microwave—serve with a scoop of ice cream for a quick, decadent treat.
This post was updated April 7, 2024 with new photos & recipe tips
If you enjoy a warm slice of chocolate cake that’s almost brownie-like and a touch gooey in the center, this chocolate mug cake will hit the spot. It’s rich, moist, fudgy and studded with chocolate chips. Best of all, it’s ready in under five minutes—perfect for when you want something sweet without the fuss.
I love simple, single-serving desserts like my vanilla mug cake or a single-serving chocolate chip cookie. This microwave chocolate cake is another fast favorite for chocolate lovers.
Making a Chocolate Mug Cake
A mug cake is a single-serving cake mixed directly in a mug and cooked in the microwave. It’s fast, practical, and requires only a few ingredients and minimal cleanup.
- In your mug, whisk together the oil, sugar, egg yolk, and milk. Note: this recipe uses only the egg yolk, not the whole egg.
- Whisk in the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. A tiny pinch of salt can be added if you like. Make sure to break up any lumps of cocoa.
- Fold in the optional chocolate chips.
- Microwave the mug on medium power (about 60%) for roughly 2 minutes. Do not use high power—high settings can burn the edges while leaving the center undercooked. The mug will be hot when finished, so use caution removing it from the microwave.
Pro tip: I usually microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds at 60% power, then add 15–30 second increments until the top looks set. The cake should be slightly soft but no longer wet on top.
Substitution: If you prefer not to use an egg yolk, replace it with an extra tablespoon of milk. The yolk adds extra moisture and fudginess, but the swap works in a pinch.
Let the mug cake cool for about a minute before eating—it will be very hot. Top with a scoop of ice cream for a classic pairing. You can also spread on a little frosting, Nutella, or peanut butter, but it’s equally delicious on its own thanks to the warm, fudgy texture.
For more single-serving desserts, consider these other favorites:
- Vanilla Mug Cake
- Double Chocolate Cookie for One
- Chocolate Chip Cookie for One
Or try these chocolate cake recipes:
- Chocolate Sheet Cake
- Chocolate Cupcakes
- Double Chocolate Layer Cake
Chocolate Mug Cake
Equipment
-
mug
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (45 ml), or canola
- 3 tablespoons sugar (38 grams)
- 1 large egg yolk, or substitute with 1 extra tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoons milk (30 ml)
- 3 tablespoons flour (23 grams)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (5 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon chocolate chips (11 grams)
Instructions
-
In a large mug, whisk together the oil, sugar, egg yolk, and milk.
-
Whisk in the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder until smooth and free of lumps.
-
Stir in the chocolate chips.
-
Microwave on medium power (about 60%) for 90 seconds. Check whether the top looks set. If it’s still unset, microwave in additional 15–30 second increments on medium power until the top is set. Be careful removing the hot mug from the microwave.
-
Let the cake cool for about 1 minute before enjoying.
Notes
- Choosing a mug: Use a wide, not tall and narrow, mug so the cake cooks evenly.
- Nutrition: Nutrition info is an estimate for the full mug cake with chocolate chips and does not include any ice cream or toppings.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 72g,
Protein: 9g,
Fat: 51g
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!