Mug Cakes for One
Chocolate Mug Cake for One
One quick chocolate mug cake with a soft moist crumb, rich cocoa flavor, and a warm homemade feel — ready in minutes.
Servings
1 mug cake
Prep
5 min
Cook
1–2 min
Total
6–7 min
Difficulty
Easy
Calories
≈ 430 kcal
Protein
≈ 7 g
Fat
≈ 18 g
Carbs
≈ 61 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
Ingredients
What you'll need.
- All-purpose flour35 g
- Granulated sugar22 g
- Unsweetened cocoa powder10 g
- Baking powder¼ tsp
- Fine saltPinch
- Milk45 g
- Unsalted butter, melted20 g
- Vanilla extract½ tsp
- Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate10–12 g
How to Make It
One chocolate mug cake, step by step.
- 01
Choose the mug
Use a microwave-safe mug large enough to give the batter room to rise slightly while cooking.
- 02
Mix the dry ingredients
Add the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to the mug. Stir well so everything is evenly combined.
- 03
Add the wet ingredients
Pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is smooth and no dry pockets remain.
- 04
Add the chocolate
Fold in the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, saving a few pieces for the top if you like.
- 05
Microwave the cake
Microwave on high for about 60–90 seconds, depending on your microwave. The top should look set, but the center can still be slightly soft.
- 06
Let it rest
Let the mug cake sit for 1–2 minutes before eating. It will continue to set slightly as it rests.
SVI SWEET Tip
Do not overcook a mug cake.
Microwave cakes can go from soft to dry very quickly. Stop cooking as soon as the top looks set and let the residual heat finish the center.
Substitutions
Make it work with what you have.
Butter
Melted butter gives a rich flavor, but a neutral oil can be used instead in the same quantity.
Milk
Regular dairy milk or an unsweetened plant-based milk can be used in the same amount.
Chocolate pieces
Chocolate chips, chopped dark chocolate, or chopped milk chocolate all work well here.
Serving idea
You can enjoy it straight from the mug or turn it out onto a plate if you want a more styled dessert look.
Storage
Best enjoyed warm.
Fresh is best
This mug cake is best eaten soon after it is made, while the texture is still warm and soft.
Short-term storage
If needed, cover it and keep it at room temperature for a few hours, but the texture is best shortly after cooking.
Reheating
Microwave for about 5–8 seconds to warm it again, but avoid overheating or the cake may become dry.
FAQ
A few helpful answers.
Why did my mug cake turn out dry?
It was likely microwaved a little too long. Microwave power varies, so it is best to start with less time and add only a few more seconds if needed.
How do I know when it is done?
The top should look set and springy, while the center can still be slightly soft. It will continue to settle as it rests.
Can I make it without chocolate chips?
Yes. The cake will still be delicious with just the cocoa batter, although the chocolate pieces make it richer.
Can I double the recipe?
It is better to make two separate mug cakes rather than doubling the batter in one mug, so the cooking stays even.
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