Recipe

Chocolate Mug Cake

A quick, cozy mug cake with a fudgy center and crisp edges, made with pantry staples in about five minutes.

By Matt Campbell

•

4.8

A warm chocolate mug cake in a white mug with a fudgy center and a spoon resting beside it on a kitchen counter

Some nights you want dessert, but you do not want a sink full of bowls, a mixer screaming at you, or the emotional commitment of a whole cake. Enter the mug cake: the tiny, lovable miracle that goes from “I need something sweet” to “I’m eating chocolate” in the time it takes to find your favorite spoon.

This chocolate mug cake is my go-to quick treat because it hits all the right notes: deep cocoa flavor, a soft cake bite, and that slightly gooey middle that makes you pause mid-bite like, okay wow. It is pantry-friendly, kid-friendly, and totally tweakable depending on what you have on hand.

One promise: we are not making rubbery chocolate sponge. The trick is the right mug size, the right amount of stirring, and not overcooking it. You are in charge of the microwave, and you are allowed to stop early.

A hand stirring chocolate mug cake batter in a ceramic mug with a small spoon on a countertop

Why It Works

Fast comfort, zero drama: One mug, one spoon, and a microwave. Minimal dishes, maximum payoff.
Fudgy, not dry: A small amount of oil keeps the crumb tender, and a short cook time keeps the center soft.
Big chocolate flavor: Cocoa plus a pinch of salt makes it taste like more than the sum of its parts.
Flexible: Make it dairy-free, add peanut butter, toss in chocolate chips, or swirl in jam. It still works.

Quick success note: Use a mug with at least 1.5 to 2 inches of headspace to avoid overflow.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Real talk: mug cake is best warm, fresh, and eaten straight from the mug like you own the place. But if you have leftovers, here is how to keep them decent.

How to store

Cover: Let it cool, then cover the mug tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
Refrigerate: Store for up to 2 days. After that it starts to dry out.

How to reheat

Microwave: 10 to 15 seconds, just to take the chill off. Overheating will make it tough.
Rescue move: Add 1 teaspoon milk or water before reheating to help re-steam the cake.

Freezing: Not my favorite for texture, but you can freeze it wrapped well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm briefly.

Common Questions

What size mug should I use?

Use a 12 to 14-ounce microwave-safe mug. Smaller mugs can overflow, and wider mugs cook more evenly. If your mug is tall and narrow, expect a gooier center. Do not try to cook it until the middle is fully firm, or the edges will dry out.

Why did my mug cake turn out rubbery?

The biggest culprit is usually overcooking. Microwave in short bursts and stop when the center is just set. Overmixing can also make it tougher, so stir just until smooth, then stop. The cake continues to set for about 30 seconds after you stop the microwave.

Can I make it without an egg?

Yes. This recipe is egg-free on purpose. That keeps it simpler and helps avoid the “microwaved egg” vibe some mug cakes get.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use a neutral oil (already dairy-free) and swap the milk for almond, oat, or soy milk. For topping, go coconut whipped cream or dairy-free ice cream.

Can I double it?

Yes, but do not double it in one mug. Split into two mugs for even cooking and no lava overflow.

How do I know when it is done?

The edges should look set and slightly pulled from the mug, while the center looks just set but still glossy. If you insert a toothpick near the edge, it should come out mostly clean. The center can be a little gooey; that is the point.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Microwave-safe mug (12 to 14 ounces)
Measuring spoons
Small measuring cup (optional, for the milk)
Spoon or small whisk

I started making mug cakes when I was trying to “be responsible” and stop baking full batches of desserts just because I felt like it. The mug cake became my compromise: one serving, no leftovers calling my name at midnight, and still enough chocolate to count as a win.

Now it is my default late-night treat when I want something warm and sweet but also want to stay in sweatpants. I treat it like a choose-your-own-adventure. Some days it is peanut butter in the center. Other days it is a pinch of cinnamon and a few chocolate chips. Either way, the best part is that you can taste, tweak, and make it yours in five minutes flat.

Chocolate Mug Cake

(4.8 Reviews)

Prep Time 2 minutes

Cook Time 1-2 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 1 mug cake

Ingredients

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (about 30 g)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (about 25 g)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (about 10 to 12 g)
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch fine salt
3 tablespoons milk (any kind) (about 45 g)
2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola, vegetable, avocado) or melted butter (about 27 g)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but recommended)
1 tablespoon chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (optional, for a melty center)

Optional toppings

Powdered sugar
Ice cream or whipped cream
A spoonful of peanut butter or Nutella
A few berries

Cocoa note: Natural or Dutch-process both work here.

Instructions

Microwave note: Times below are for about a 1000W microwave. If yours runs lower (700 to 800W), you will likely need a little longer. If it runs higher (1100 to 1200W+), start a little shorter.

Mix the dry ingredients. In a microwave-safe mug (12 to 14 ounces), add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Stir well with a spoon, making sure you break up cocoa lumps.
Add the wet ingredients. Pour in milk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla. Stir until the batter is smooth and no dry flour pockets remain. Do not overmix, just get it combined.
Add chocolate (optional, but highly encouraged). Sprinkle chocolate chips on top, then gently nudge a few into the center so you get that molten bite.
Microwave. Microwave on high for 45 seconds. Check it. Then microwave in 10 to 15 second bursts until the edges look set and the center is just barely set. Total cook time is usually 60 to 90 seconds, depending on your microwave, mug material, and mug shape.
Rest and eat. Let it sit for 30 to 60 seconds to finish setting. The mug and cake will be hot, so give it a beat before digging in. Top if you want, then grab a spoon and go for the warm middle first.

Matt’s tiny tip: If you want a gooier center, stop cooking when the middle still looks a little shiny. If you want more cake-like, cook 10 seconds longer. You are the boss here.

Optional no-stick move: If your mugs tend to cling to cake, lightly oil the inside of the mug before you start.

A spoon lifting a warm bite of chocolate mug cake showing a fudgy interior

Nutrition information is estimated.

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Chocolate Mug Cake

Why It Works

Pairs Well With

Recommended

Easy Whipped Cream

Weeknight Vanilla Milkshake

Zesty Caramel Sauce

Sweet and Spicy Bananas

Storage Tips

How to store

How to reheat

Common Questions

What size mug should I use?

Why did my mug cake turn out rubbery?

Can I make it without an egg?

Can I make it dairy-free?

Can I double it?

How do I know when it is done?

Chocolate Mug Cake

Ingredients

Optional toppings

Instructions