Name: Chocolate Mug Cake
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 4 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅓ cup (43 g) all-purpose flour; ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; ⅛ teaspoon baking soda; ⅛ teaspoon salt; ⅓ cup (80 ml) buttermilk, room temperature; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 1 egg, room temperature; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ounce (30 g) semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

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Chocolate Mug Cake is the ultimate quick dessert for satisfying a chocolate craving. This recipe yields a tender, moist, and chocolatey cake cooked in the microwave in just a few minutes—perfect for when you need a single-serving treat without baking a whole cake.

Chocolate Mug Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in minutes: Prep and cook in just 4 minutes.
Single or double servings: Perfect for two people or one indulgent portion.
Moist and tender: Buttermilk and melted butter create a soft, rich texture.
Chocolate overload: Coarsely chopped chocolate adds gooey pockets throughout.
No oven required: Microwave cooking makes it easy for small kitchens or late-night cravings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
granulated sugar
unsweetened cocoa powder
baking powder
baking soda
salt
buttermilk, room temperature
unsalted butter, melted and cooled
egg, room temperature
vanilla extract
semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until combined. Stir in the chopped chocolate.
Divide the batter evenly between two 10-ounce coffee mugs, filling no more than halfway.
Microwave each mug individually on high for 90 seconds. If the cake hasn’t fully set, continue microwaving in 10-second intervals until done.
Let the mug cakes stand for 2 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 4 minutes

Variations

Add toppings: Sprinkle with chocolate chips, nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Peanut butter twist: Drop a teaspoon of peanut butter into the center before microwaving.
Mocha flavor: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter as substitutes.
Extra chocolatey: Stir in a few more chocolate chunks or drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Chocolate mug cakes are best served immediately for optimal texture.
If needed, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day and reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.

FAQs

Can I make this for one person?

Yes, simply prepare one mug with half of the batter.

What size mug should I use?

Use a 10-ounce mug or larger to prevent overflow during microwaving.

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, but the texture will be slightly less tender. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk if desired.

How do I know when it’s done?

The cake should be set on top but slightly springy. If needed, microwave in additional 10-second intervals.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet?

Yes, adjust sweetness to taste if using dark chocolate.

Is it possible to bake this in the oven?

Yes, bake in a small ramekin at 350°F for 12–15 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

Can I add fruit?

Chopped strawberries or raspberries work well, either mixed into the batter or added on top after cooking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook each mug separately to ensure even microwaving.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

How do I make it more fudgy?

Reduce flour by 1–2 tablespoons or increase the chocolate chunks slightly for a gooier center.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Mug Cake is a fast, easy, and indulgent dessert that satisfies chocolate cravings in just minutes. With its soft, tender texture and pockets of melted chocolate, it’s a perfect single-serving treat for any time you need a quick chocolate fix.

Jessica