Classic Chocolate Mug Cake
Learn how to make a delicious chocolate mug cake in 7 minutes using simple ingredients. Perfect single-serving microwave dessert recipe.
Health Scores
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon butter for topping (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a microwave-safe ceramic or glass mug.
- 2
Whisk these dry ingredients together with a fork until no lumps of cocoa powder remain, about 30 seconds.
- 3
Pour the milk, oil, vanilla extract, and egg into the same mug with the dry mixture.
- 4
Stir vigorously with a fork for about 45 seconds until the batter is smooth and well combined with no visible streaks of flour.
- 5
Fold in the chocolate chips gently using about 10 stirs of your fork.
- 6
Ensure the mug is only filled to about two-thirds full to prevent the cake from overflowing during cooking.
- 7
Microwave at full power for 60 to 90 seconds, checking at the 60-second mark by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should emerge with just a few moist crumbs.
- 8
Remove the mug carefully using an oven mitt, as both the mug and cake will be extremely hot.
- 9
Let the cake rest in the mug for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the structure to set and cool slightly before eating.
- 10
Top with whipped cream, powdered sugar, or a pat of butter if desired, then serve directly from the mug.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Whole wheat pastry flour | Increases fiber content and provides more sustained energy |
| Granulated sugar | Coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener (2 tablespoons) | Reduces refined sugar intake and lowers glycemic impact |
| Whole milk | Unsweetened almond milk or oat milk | Reduces calorie content and makes recipe suitable for dairy-free diets |
| Vegetable oil | Coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce (1.5 tablespoons oil + 1.5 tablespoons applesauce) | Reduces overall fat content while maintaining moisture and reducing inflammation markers |
| Chocolate chips | Dark chocolate chips (70% cacao or higher) | Increases polyphenol content and reduces added sugar |
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 1)
| Calories | 420 |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 186mg |
| Sodium | 280mg |
| Carbohydrates | 44g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 24g |
| Protein | 10g |