Easy Microwave Chocolate Mug Cake

This chocolate mug cake is made in the microwave for a fudgy, chocolaty treat that is truly decadent. It's a great recipe for nights when I need a yummy dessert that's ready in less than 10 minutes! Add a few chocolate chips to make it extra rich and gooey.

How to Make a Mug Cake

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Mug Cake Ingredients

You likely already have all the ingredients for this chocolate mug cake recipe on hand. Here’s what you’ll need: 

Flour: This easy chocolate mug cake recipe starts with all-purpose flour. 

Sugar: Sugar sweetens things up and balances the bitter cocoa powder. 

Cocoa powder: Two tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder ensures a rich chocolate cake. 

Baking soda: Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, which means it helps the mug cake rise. 

Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the mug cake, but it won’t make it taste salty. 

Milk: Milk keeps the cake batter from drying out during the microwaving process. 

Oil: A neutral oil, such as canola oil, keeps the batter moist without adding flavor. 

Water: A tablespoon of water helps create the perfect texture. 

Vanilla: A dash of vanilla extract is the perfect finishing touch. 

How to Make Cake In a Mug

It couldn’t be easier to make a homemade mug cake: Combine the dry ingredients in a microwave-safe mug, stir in the wet ingredients, then cook in the microwave until the cake is done in the middle. You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below with detailed instructions. 

Can You Make Mug Cake Ahead of Time? 

Get ahead of the game and combine the dry ingredients ahead of time and store the mixture in an airtight container. That way, all you’ll have to do is add the liquid ingredients and microwave!

Ingredients

¼ cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup white sugar

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

⅛ teaspoon baking soda

⅛ teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 tablespoon water

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large microwave-safe mug; stir in milk, canola oil, water, and vanilla extract.

Cook in the microwave until cake is done in the middle, about 1 minute 45 seconds.

Variation:

For a healthier version, use 1 1/2 tablespoons of plain unsweetened applesauce instead of canola oil, and use 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon of water instead of milk.