January 30, 2023
Review RecipeMug Cake with Cake Mix

Table of Contents
This mug cake with cake mix is just about the easiest dessert you can make, and you’ll have a sweet treat that’s ready in minutes. Our version is made with Devil’s food chocolate cake mix, which gives it a rich, decadent flavor, and is topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.

Mug Cake with Cake Mix Ingredients

You’ll need:
- ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons chocolate cake mix (your choice of chocolate cake mix. I used Devil’s food cake mix)
- 4 tablespoons milk (I used whole milk, or you can use water)
- 3 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Whipped topping (optional topping)
- 1 teaspoon chocolate sprinkles (optional garnish)
PRO TIP:
The leftover cake mix can be separated into 7 snack-size Ziploc bags so that you can make more individual cakes the next time you have a craving.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS
CAKE MIX: You can substitute any flavor of cake mix for the chocolate cake mix, as well as the sprinkles. Try vanilla cake mix, strawberry cake mix, carrot cake mix, or spice cake mix for a few different flavors.
CHOCOLATE CHIPS: You can substitute dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips for semi-sweet chocolate chips in this cake mix mug cake recipe.
How to Make This Mug Cake with Cake Mix Recipe
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
Double this simple recipe to share the rich cake with a friend. Microwave cakes one at a time if you are making more than one.
STEP ONE: Lightly spray a 14-ounce coffee mug with nonstick cooking spray.
PRO TIP:
Using a wider and shorter cup for this works best and makes it easier to scoop out your cake.
STEP TWO: Add the chocolate cake mix, milk, and vegetable oil. Stir (or whisk) the cake batter together, paying close attention to the bottom edges inside the mug.

STEP THREE: Stir in the chocolate chips.

STEP FOUR: Microwave for 1 minute 20 seconds to 1 minute 30 seconds. I found that 1 minute 30 seconds was the perfect amount of time for my cake, but it will depend on how thick your mug is.
PRO TIP:
Keep a close eye on the cake while it’s in the microwave and cook it until the center is just set.

STEP FIVE: Allow the cake to rest for 2½ to 3 minutes before garnishing the top of the cake with a dollop of whipped topping. Sprinkle the top of the mug cake with chocolate sprinkles if you wish.

How To Serve
The best part of this delicious cake is that you can make an individual portion to satisfy your cake cravings 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.
Check out our from-scratch recipes for vanilla mug cake and chocolate mug cake if you are looking for a quick treat.
MORE CAKE RECIPES
Storage
IN THE FRIDGE/FREEZER: This easy mug cake recipe is meant to be eaten when made; it does not reheat well.

This single-serving dessert can be made in the microwave in just a few minutes, and it’s super easy to customize according to your taste. Plus, there are an endless variety of flavors to choose from, so you will never get bored of mug cake.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.
A 14-ounce microwave-safe mug is just the right size for this great recipe.
The cooking time will depend on the wattage of your microwave, but we find somewhere between 80 to 90 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 Dump Cake
- Chocolate Poke Cake
- Hershey’s Chocolate Cake
- Carrot Cake Recipe
- Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake
- Peanut Butter Cake in a Mug
- Hot Fudge Sundae Cake

Mug Cake with Cake Mix
Ingredients
- ¼ cup chocolate cake mix, your choice of chocolate cake mix. I used Devil’s food cake mix
- 2 tablespoons chocolate cake mix
- 4 tablespoons milk, I used whole milk or you can use water
- 3 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Whipped topping, optional topping
- 1 teaspoon chocolate sprinkles, optional garnish
Instructions
- Lightly spray a 14-ounce coffee mug with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add in the chocolate cake mix, milk and vegetable oil. Stir (or whisk) the mixture together, paying close attention to bottom edges inside the mug.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Microwave for 1 minute 20 seconds to 1 minute 30 seconds. I found that 1 minute 30 seconds was the perfect amount of time for my cake, but it will depend on how thick your mug is.
- Allow the cake to rest for 2½ to 3 minutes before garnishing the top of the cake with a dollop of whipped topping. Sprinkle with chocolate sprinkles if you wish.
Notes
- The leftover cake mix can be separated into 7 snack-size Ziploc bags so that you can make more individual cakes the next time you have a craving.
- Double this simple recipe to share the 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.
Comments
Carri Rucker says
Have not made it yet but ina about 5 minutes i am but i have a question:
Can u use sugar free cake mix?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Carri – we haven’t tested it with a sugar-free cake mix so I’m not sure. Please let me know if you tried it!