This fudgy chocolate mug cake recipe is praised as one of the best — and you can make it in the microwave or the oven.
The best chocolate cake in a mug
This chocolate mug cake is for true chocolate lovers: rich, fudgy, and simple to make. The recipe has thousands of positive reviews from readers who say it’s their favorite mug cake.
If other mug cake recipes have disappointed you, try this one — it’s reliable and fast.
Readers also love this Brownie in a Mug
Microwave chocolate mug cake recipe
This cake doesn’t require hours in the oven — it can be ready in about one minute in the microwave. The recipe uses simple pantry staples and no eggs, so you can whip it up any time you crave chocolate.
For even faster prep, portion the dry ingredients into small bags ahead of time so you can mix and microwave in seconds. It’s a handy example of chocolate cake meal prep.
For a larger cake, try a Vegan Chocolate Cake
Chocolate mug cake flavors
Chocolate Peanut Butter: Omit the oil and stir in 1–2 tablespoons of peanut or almond butter.
Nutella Mug Cake: Replace the oil with a tablespoon of chocolate-hazelnut spread and top with extra Nutella.
Chocolate Peppermint: Add 1/4 teaspoon of pure peppermint extract to the liquid ingredients.
Dark Chocolate Coconut: Use coconut oil and finish with dark chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and coconut ice cream.
Mocha Mug Cake: Mix 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee granules into the dry ingredients.
Chocolate Orange: Stir in 1 teaspoon orange zest before cooking.
Which single-serving flavor would you try next? Share your ideas for more variations.
Frosting options
Top your mug cake with shredded coconut, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, hot fudge, or caramel. A chocolate cream cheese frosting works beautifully, as do store-bought frostings, powdered sugar, or melted chocolate.
Fresh fruit such as banana slices, strawberries, cherries, blueberries, or a spoonful of raspberry jam also pairs well. For a lighter topping, try coconut whipped cream or almond milk ice cream.
Chocolate mug cake recipe video
Watch the step-by-step video above
How to make a chocolate mug cake
Step One: Combine the dry ingredients in a small bowl and stir thoroughly so salt and baking powder are evenly distributed.
Step Two: Add the liquid ingredients, mix to form a batter, and pour into a greased microwave- or oven-safe mug, ramekin, or dish.
Step Three: Microwave for 30–60 seconds, depending on your microwave’s wattage, until the cake is set. Alternatively, bake at 350°F for about 14 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
Step Four: Let cool slightly if needed, frost as desired, and enjoy.
Mug cake recipe ingredients
For a single serving you’ll need: cocoa, flour, sweetener, salt, baking powder, milk, vanilla, and oil or banana.
Cocoa powder – Use unsweetened cocoa. You can swap the small extra cocoa measure for Dutch-process cocoa if desired.
Flour – Works well with spelt, white, oat, or all-purpose gluten-free flour. A keto version using almond flour is an option.
Sweetener – Granulated sugar, coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey all work. For sugar-free, use erythritol or xylitol.
Fat source – Coconut oil gives great flavor; nut butter is a good second choice. Vegetable oil also works. For lower fat options, readers have used applesauce, Greek yogurt, sweet potato, pumpkin, or mashed banana, though the texture and taste differ.
Vegan chocolate mug cake
The recipe is naturally eggless, making a vegan version easy: use a plant-based milk like almond, soy, or coconut milk and choose vegan toppings. For gluten-free, use oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
You may also like these Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Banana Bread
Chocolate Sorbet
Vegan Chocolate Mousse
Homemade Chocolate Bars
Peanut Butter Brownies
Protein Ice Cream
Chocolate Truffles