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Warm chocolate mug cake topped with melted chocolate chips and powdered sugar, served with fresh strawberries.
Maryam

Chocolate Mug Cake

A warm, fudgy chocolate cake ready in 5 minutes with just a mug and a microwave.
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder natural or Dutch-processed
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 0.25 tsp baking powder
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • 3 tbsp whole milk
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil vegetable, canola, or melted coconut
  • 0.25 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp semisweet chocolate chips optional, for extra gooeyness

Equipment

  • 12-ounce microwave-safe mug
  • Fork or small whisk
  • Microwave

Method
 

Mix the Batter
  1. In a 12-ounce microwave-safe mug, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt with a fork until no cocoa lumps remain. Scrape the bottom and corners where dry ingredients like to hide.
  2. Pour in the milk, oil, and vanilla. Stir vigorously with the fork until you have a smooth, thick batter, about 30 seconds. Make sure to scrape the bottom so no dry pockets remain. The batter should look like loose brownie batter.
  3. If using, fold in the chocolate chips. Push them slightly under the surface so they don't burn.
Microwave the cake
  1. Microwave on high for 60 to 90 seconds. Start checking at 60 seconds - the cake should look set on top but still slightly shiny and moist. It will continue cooking as it cools. Do not overcook or it will turn rubbery. The center should spring back when lightly touched.
  2. Let the mug rest for 2 minutes (it's hot!). The cake will pull away from the sides as it cools. Eat straight from the mug with a spoon, or invert onto a plate. Top with ice cream, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

For the best texture, slightly undercook rather than overcook - the cake should still look a bit molten in the very center when you pull it out. If your microwave is 1000 watts or higher, start with 60 seconds; for lower wattage, you may need the full 90. Substitute almond milk or oat milk for dairy-free, and use melted coconut oil for a subtle flavor boost. This does not save well, so make it when the craving strikes.