Molten Lava Chocolate Mug Cake

close up shot of a chocolate cake in a mug with a piece being taken out with a spoon

The rich chocolate flavor in our easy chocolate mug cake will satisfy any sweet tooth and is the perfect solution when you don't want to make an entire cake.

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Table of Contents

Chocolate Mug Cake Ingredients
Substitutions And Additions
How To Make This Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe
How To Serve
Storage
Why We Love This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes You’ll Love
JUMP TO RECIPE
Even More Recipes You’ll Love

This decadent chocolate mug cake is the perfect treat for any chocoholic. The rich and fudgy cake can be made in just a few minutes, and the end result is so good that you’ll want to make it again and again.

Chocolate Mug Cake Ingredients

Chocolate Mug Cake raw ingredients that are labeled

This chocolate mug cake is an indulgent dessert featuring the deep flavor of cocoa powder balanced with just the right amount of sweetness from granulated sugar.

The chocolate chips create pockets of molten chocolate, making each bite a delightful, gooey surprise.

You’ll need:

⅓ cup of self-rising flour
2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
⅓ cup of whole milk
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 tablespoons of chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)

Substitutions And Additions

FLOUR: You can substitute all-purpose flour for self-rising flour. Add a ¼ teaspoon of baking powder along with the regular flour.

CHOCOLATE CHIPS: You can substitute mini chocolate chips for regular chocolate chips in this microwave chocolate mug cake.

You could also substitute dark chocolate chips for semi-sweet or milk chocolate.

UNSWEETENED COCOA POWDER: If you’re looking to experiment with different cocoa flavors, consider using Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a smoother and milder chocolate taste.

For a hint of richness, try substituting some cocoa powder with high-quality dark chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs.

This addition will add both texture and a deeper chocolate dimension.

VANILLA EXTRACT: Experiment with flavored extracts like almond, hazelnut, or even a touch of peppermint extract for a delightful twist.

Each will impart its unique essence to the cake, elevating the overall flavor profile.

How To Make This Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe

Grab your mug, and let’s get mixing up the simple batter for this individual dessert!

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

Double the recipe to share this rich cake with a friend. Microwave cakes one at a time if you are making more than one.

STEP ONE: Using a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and white sugar.

flour, cocoa powder, and sugar whisked together in a bowl

STEP TWO: Pour the dry ingredients into a 12-ounce microwave-safe mug sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

PRO TIP:

Using a wider and shorter cup for this works best and makes it easier to scoop out your cake.

STEP THREE: Make a “well” in the center of the flour mixture.

a well made into the flour mixture in the coffee mug

STEP FOUR: Pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Stir until the mixture is well combined and somewhat smooth.

milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla stirred into the flour mixture in the coffee mug

STEP FIVE: Sprinkle in the chocolate chips.

chocolate chips sprinkled on top of the cake mixture in the coffee mug

STEP SIX: Microwave the cake batter for 70 to 75 seconds, depending on your microwave’s wattage.

PRO TIP:

Keep a close eye on the cake while it’s in the microwave and cook it until the center is just set.

cake batter microwaved in the coffee mug

How To Serve

The beauty of this sweet treat is that you can make an individual portion with only a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream or a spoonful of fresh berries to the top of the moist cake for a truly indulgent dessert.

Pair your chocolate mug cake with a glass of cold milk for a classic, comforting combination.

Every chocolate lover should also try our heavenly chocolate trifle and chocolate lasagna for two more sweet treats.

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Storage

IN THE FRIDGE/FREEZER: This easy chocolate dessert does not reheat well, so we don’t recommend trying to store leftovers in the fridge or freezer.

Why We Love This Recipe

QUICK AND EASY: This recipe is a lifesaver when you’re craving a homemade dessert but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

INDIVIDUAL PORTION: This single-serving chocolate mug cake allows you to satisfy your dessert cravings without any leftovers.

SATISFYINGLY DELICIOUS: The rich and moist texture, combined with the deep chocolate flavor, creates a dessert that’s incredibly satisfying.

close up shot of a chocolate cake in a mug

The next time you have a chocolate craving but don’t want to spend the time making an entire cake, whip up this microwave chocolate mug cake. This delicious chocolate cake is the perfect size for a quick snack, and I guarantee you won’t regret it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this mug cake?

This decadent dessert does not reheat well, and we don’t recommend trying to store it in the fridge or freezer for any length of time.

What size of mug should I use for this chocolate cake in a mug recipe?

A 12-ounce mug is just the right size for this great recipe.

How long should I cook this chocolate chip mug cake?

The cook time will depend on the wattage of your microwave, but we find somewhere between 70 to 75 seconds is about right. Keep an eye on your cake near the end of cooking and watch for the center to be just set. Don’t overcook it, or you will end up with a dry cake.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Chocolate Mug Cake

5 from 2 votes

The rich chocolate flavor in our easy chocolate mug cake will satisfy any sweet tooth and is the perfect solution when you don't want to make an entire cake.

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 1

Total Time 3

Servings cup

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Review Recipe

Ingredients

⅓ cup self-rising flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
⅓ cup whole milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons chocolate chips, semi-sweet or milk

Instructions

Using a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and sugar.
Pour the dry ingredients into a 12-ounce microwave-safe mug sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
Make a “well” in the center of the flour mixture.
Pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Stir until the mixture is well combined and somewhat smooth.
Sprinkle in the chocolate chips.
Microwave the cake batter for 70 to 75 seconds, depending on your microwave’s wattage.

Notes

Double the recipe to share this rich cake with a friend. Microwave cakes one at a time if you are making more than one.
Using a wider and shorter cup for this works best and makes it easier to scoop out your cake.
Keep a close eye on the cake while it’s in the microwave and cook it until the center is just set.

Nutrition

Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb

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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

Stephanie Keeping Publisher
Layne Kangas Marketing
Rhadonda Sedgwick Creative Director
Sian Cox Photographer
Lexus Monroe Editorial Assistant
Teresia Shrum Recipe Developer