Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe
Desserts Plant-based

The Ultimate Chocolate Mug Cake – A Quick, Decadent Treat in Minutes

Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe

Chocolate Mug Cake

Yield: 1

This vegan chocolate mug cake is the ultimate quick dessert for when those chocolate cravings hit. A mug cake is a single-serving cake made in a mug and cooked in the microwave, meaning you can go from craving to indulging in just a few minutes—no oven required. This recipe uses simple plant-based ingredients like flour, cocoa powder, dairy-free milk, and a touch of coconut oil to create a moist, fluffy, and rich chocolate cake. Perfect for late-night treats, portion control, or when you don’t want to bake a whole cake, this mug cake is quick, easy, and delicious. Top it with vegan ice cream, whipped coconut cream, or fresh berries for an extra indulgence.

Ingredients

  • 15 g all purpose flour
  • 10 g cocoa powder
  • 25 g granulated sugar
  • 1 g salt
  • 1 g baking powder
  • 15 g melted coconut oil or vegan butter
  • 45 ml non-dairy milk
  • 2 ml pure vanilla extract
  • 70 g dairy free chocolate chips

Instructions

    1. Add the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt and baking powder to a mug. Stir or whisk to combine.
    2. Pour in the oil, non-dairy milk and vanilla into the mug with the dry ingredients and stir well with a spoon. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top.
    3. Cook in the microwave for 40 seconds. It will likely be undercooked in the middle at this point, which is my preference, but if you want it cooked more, microwave it another 10-20 seconds. 
    4. Serve immediately. 
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 793Total Fat: 49gSaturated Fat: 28gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 524mgCarbohydrates: 90gFiber: 7gSugar: 66gProtein: 8g

Chocolate Mug Cake: The Sweetest Shortcut to Dessert Bliss

There’s something magical about a chocolate mug cake. It’s quick, indulgent, and delivers that comforting homemade warmth in a fraction of the time a traditional cake takes. Born out of the microwave generation’s creativity, this little wonder has revolutionised home baking.

The Origins of the Chocolate Mug Cake

The chocolate mug cake as we know it today started gaining popularity in the late 2000s, when food bloggers and college students discovered that a cake could be made in the microwave in just a few minutes. While no one person can take full credit for its invention, the idea quickly spread across the internet — a symbol of instant gratification for dessert lovers everywhere.

Microwave baking itself dates back to the 1980s, when home microwaves became common. Early versions of mug cakes were basic and often dense, but through experimentation and recipe-sharing, the chocolate mug cake evolved into the moist, airy treat we know today.

In a world where time is a luxury, this single-serve cake became the embodiment of modern comfort food — no mess, no waiting, and just enough for one (though sharing is optional!).

Fun Facts About the Chocolate Mug Cake

  • Microwave science in action: Mug cakes rely on the same chemistry as full-sized cakes — flour, sugar, fat, and a raising agent. The difference? The heat is generated from water molecules vibrating inside the batter at high speed, cooking it from the inside out.
  • A viral sensation: In the early 2010s, searches for “chocolate mug cake” skyrocketed thanks to social media videos showing desserts ready in under two minutes.
  • Perfect portion control: Since it’s made in a mug, it naturally limits the serving size — ideal for those moments when you want something sweet without the temptation of leftovers.
  • Eco-friendly dessert: Less energy, less washing up, and zero food waste — the chocolate mug cake is as practical as it is delicious.

Read more about the history of microwaves.

Why We Love Chocolate Mug Cake

Chocolate is more than a flavour — it’s a feeling. The richness of cocoa powder paired with a touch of sweetness creates a mood-boosting effect that’s actually backed by science. Cocoa contains compounds that stimulate serotonin production, which helps lift your mood.

Combine that with the simplicity of making a dessert in under five minutes, and it’s easy to see why the chocolate mug cake has become a global favourite. Whether it’s a rainy evening, a late-night craving, or a study break, this recipe is the quickest way to self-care in a cup.

How to Customise Your Chocolate Mug Cake

Part of the joy of the chocolate mug cake lies in its versatility. You can personalise it endlessly:

  • Add-ins: Try chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a spoon of nut butter in the centre for a gooey surprise.
  • Toppings: A dollop of plant-based whipped cream, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a few fresh berries elevate this simple treat.
  • Flavour twists: Swap cocoa for carob, or add a dash of espresso powder for a mocha kick.

If you’re feeling adventurous, pair your mug cake with a scoop of Vegan Pistachio Gelato or top it with a spoonful of Plant-Based Chocolate Sauce for a luxurious touch.

Nutritional Highlights

While the chocolate mug cake isn’t a “health food,” you can make it lighter by using oat flour, coconut sugar, or olive oil instead of butter. Dark cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants and magnesium — both beneficial for energy and heart health. And since it’s portion-controlled, it satisfies cravings without overindulgence.

From Trend to Timeless Treat

What started as a quick internet hack has turned into a classic. The chocolate mug cake represents modern baking at its best — minimal effort, maximum satisfaction. It’s proof that great desserts don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming.

So next time you need a pick-me-up, reach for your favourite mug, a few pantry staples, and in just minutes, you’ll have your very own mini chocolate miracle.

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