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May 13, 2023

Gooey Chocolate Mug Cake in the Microwave

What could be better than a slice of warm chocolate cake? A Microwave Chocolate Mug Cake that's ready in a minute! This quick and easy gooey chocolate mug cake is utterly delicious and comes together in no time using simple ingredients to satisfy your chocolate cravings in record time.
White Mug with Delicious Gooey Chocolate Mug Cake Topped with a Scoop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream on a Rustic Wood Board

Chocolate Mug Cake (No Egg)

If you're a chocolate lover like I am, you need to try this easy chocolate mug cake recipe. This is the only one you're ever going to need - it's ready in 1 minute, and uses simple ingredients you most likely already have in your pantry. You won't even need any eggs!

I'll cover everything you need to know about making a cake in a mug, including:
  • What is a mug cake?
  • Why you should make a microwave mug cake
  • What kind of mug to use and why
  • List of ingredients needed, plus how to make a mug cake
  • How to adjust the cook time for your microwave
  • You'll also learn about my secret ingredient that makes this the best gooey chocolate mug cake ever!
  • Topping suggestions as well as mix-in ideas
  • And expert mug cake recipe tips!
A microwave mug cake is not exactly the same as a traditional chocolate cake that takes much longer than 80 seconds to bake: the texture and taste won't be identical.

But, after tweaking my personal recipe for weeks (WEEKS, y'all!), I am proud to say this is the most moist, chocolaty, and easy chocolate mug cake recipe ever.

It is the perfect way to satisfy a chocolate craving using everyday ingredients, and quickly. You won't miss that regular slice of cake!

What is a mug cake?

A mug cake is a simple cake recipe made in a mug. Mug cakes are typically baked in the microwave for a quick and easy dessert using simple pantry ingredients, and like regular cake recipes, can be made in chocolate, vanilla, or other flavors like red velvet or even peanut butter.

If you're skeptical, let me tell you, so was I. But, y'all, I'm here to tell you I did enjoy this microwave mug cake... many, many times! After tweaking the recipe until it tasted just right, I've been making this chocolate mug cake recipe any time I have a sweet tooth to satisfy. And it's just perfect!
White Mug Filled with Gooey Chocolate Mug Cake on Rustic Wood Board, Spoon Lifting Chocolate Cake

Why make a microwave mug cake?

We all love chocolate cake, but the truth is, who has the time to bake a cake whenever they have a craving for chocolate? It takes a lot of time, energy, and cleanup to bake a cake!

That's what makes this microwave chocolate mug cake recipe such a miracle: it's ready in about a minute, and there's no cleanup at all. Mix it all together in a mug, "bake" it in the microwave, and enjoy. No toothpick needed either! It's just that easy.

So if you're craving the flavor of a chocolate cake or just want to give yourself a treat after a long day, microwaving a mug cake is the solution!
White Mug Filled with Gooey Chocolate Mug Cake on Rustic Wooden Board, Spoon Scooping Out Delicious Cake

Do I have to use a special mug?

When choosing a mug for making mug cake recipes, keep these factors in mind:
  • The mug must be a heat-proof, microwave-safe mug. Do not use metallic mugs or anything delicate.
  • The mug needs to hold at least 8 ounces. You can find out how many ounces your mug can hold by using a measuring cup to measure 8 ounces of water, then pour it into the mug. If it fits, it will work as a mug cake mug.

Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: You can use gluten-free flour if you want to make a gluten-free mug cake. Use exactly the same amount as you would regular all-purpose flour.
  • White sugar: Granulated white sugar
  • Cocoa powder: 100% Cacao, unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Baking powder - Be sure to check the label and use baking powder, not baking soda!
  • Kosher salt
  • Water
  • Real, full fat mayonnaise: This is my secret ingredient that makes this mug cake batter the best it can be, no eggs required! I use Blue Plate mayo.
  • Pure vanilla extract

How to Make Cake in a Mug

  1. In an 8 ounce (or larger) microwave safe mug, add the dry ingredients and mix really well with a fork or small whisk.
  2. Add the wet ingredients and carefully mix so as not to spill anything out of the mug. Mix really well until smooth. Be sure to get all the dry ingredients off the bottom and sides.
  3. Place a plate or paper towel in microwave to catch any spills just in case. If you are using an 8 ounce or larger mug and measured your ingredients carefully, it shouldn't spill over, but better safe than sorry.
  4. Microwave mug cake for 1 minute 10 seconds. If you want a cakier cake, microwave 1 minute 15 seconds. Allow to cool a minute or so and enjoy!
Important note: Microwave oven power varies widely. My microwave is 1000 watt. Cook time will vary depending on your oven's wattage.

Microwave Mug Cake Cook Times

Microwave wattage varies widely. The higher the wattage, the more powerful your microwave. My microwave is 1000 watt, so the cook time for this microwave mug cake is based on a 1000 watt microwave.

If your microwave's wattage is different, you'll need to adjust the cook time. The following are approximate cook times for different microwave wattage:
  • 1200 watt - 58 seconds
  • 1100 watt - 1 minute 04 seconds
  • 1000 watt - 1 minute 10 seconds
  • 900 watt -   1 minute 18 seconds
  • 800 watt -   1 minute 27 seconds
  • 700 watt -   1 minute 40 seconds
If you don't see your wattage listed, please refer to these conversion charts. If you don't know your microwave's wattage, you can easily find out the wattage with a simple wattage test.

Be aware, microwaves under 700 watts tend to cook unevenly. You might have to play around with the cook time. It's definitely better to under cook this chocolate mug cake than to over cook.
White Mug with Gooey Chocolate Mug Cake on Rustic Silver Fluted Saucer, Topped with Fresh Raspberries

Mug Cake Mix-ins

  • You can make an even gooier chocolate mug cake recipe by mixing in half a tablespoon of chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips.
  • Nutella-lovers can mix in half a tablespoon of chocolate hazelnut spread before microwaving for a nutella mug cake - it is delicious.
  • You can mix in a little honey for a honey mug cake.
  • If you love peanut butter, try mixing in peanut butter chips!
  • The same goes for other flavors of chips: white chocolate chips, toffee bits, and so on all work.
  • If you like nuts, try adding chopped walnuts.
If you add a mix-in, be sure to use a slightly larger mug to avoid spill over.

Mug Cake Toppings

This gooey chocolate mug cake will satisfy your chocolate craving all on its own, but we love to top it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. I'm not sure there's anything better than a scoop of creamilicious vanilla ice cream on top of a warm chocolaty mug cake, but here are a few of our other favorite toppings:
  • Raspberries - chocolate & raspberry is a classic flavor combo. Definitely add a few fresh raspberries if you have them on hand. The zing raspberries add to chocolate puts a smile on my face every time!
  • Caramel - anyone who knows me knows I LOVE caramel. It is one of my favorite things. Cook up some homemade caramel sauce to drizzle on this gooey chocolate mug cake. You'll be in dessert heaven!
  • Whipped cream - a big dollop of whipped cream is always a nice addition to just about any dessert, especially a chocolate one! You could even slice a banana to put on top and add some sprinkles to make a mug cake sundae.
  • Add a scoop of ice cream at the end after microwaving for a tasty finish. This gooey chocolate mug cake will satisfy your chocolate craving all on its own, but we love to top it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. I'm not sure there's anything better than a creamilicious scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm chocolaty mug cake.

Simple Mug Cake FAQs

Do mug cakes taste good?

While mug cakes won't have the same taste or texture as traditional baked cake, they are very tasty when made correctly: gooey, chocolaty, and moist. It's important to follow the timing instructions based on the wattage of your microwave so you don't overcook the mug cake and dry it out. A dried out mug cake won't be as tasty.

Are mug cakes safe to eat?

Thanks to my secret ingredient, mayonnaise, there is no need to use eggs in my mug cake recipe, making it perfectly safe to eat. You don't have to worry if the eggs are cooked through, and you can even under-cook it a little if you prefer it really gooey.

Mayonnaise? In a mug cake?

You read that right: mayonnaise is the secret ingredient that makes this mug cake work so well. Mayo is essentially a combination of eggs and oil with vinegar or lemon juice, so it does the work eggs would normally do in a baked recipe. It is a versatile ingredient and can be used for more than just a sandwich spread! In chocolate cake, for instance, the oil in mayo makes the cake tender, the egg helps the batter retain moisture, and the acid in the vinegar helps to bring out the chocolate flavor. Check out how I used mayonnaise to make a better Blueberry Crisp!

Gooey Chocolate Mug Cake in Tall White Mug, Topped with Fresh Raspberries, Spoonful of Cake Held Above

Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe Tips

  • Your mug needs to hold at least 8 ounces or it will overflow in the microwave
  • Be sure to double check you are using baking POWDER not baking soda
  • Mayonnaise is my secret ingredient. My favorite brand is Blue Plate Mayo as it tastes as close to homemade that I can find.
  • Like mayo, yogurt can also be used in place of eggs to make a mug cake. However, I find the texture is better and more stable using mayo, and the flavor is incredible. Even if you're skeptical, give it a try.
  • Place your mug in a small bowl, or on a plate or paper towel in microwave to catch any spills just in case. If you are using an 8 ounce or larger mug and measured your ingredients carefully, it shouldn't spill over, but better safe than sorry.
  • Microwave oven power varies widely. My microwave is 1000 watt. Cook time will vary depending on your oven's wattage. If your microwave wattage is different, please refer to the cook times I listed above under "Microwave Mug Cake Cook Times".

More Easy Chocolate Recipes You'll Love!


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Chocolate Mug Cake
Dessert
American
Yield: 1
Author: Life Tastes Good
Gooey Chocolate Mug Cake

Gooey Chocolate Mug Cake

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 1 MinTotal time: 6 Min
A Gooey Chocolate Mug Cake satisfies your chocolate cravings quicker than a hot knife through butter! Moist, chocolaty deliciousness made all in one mug in 80 seconds flat.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 3 tbsp water
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In an 8 ounce (or larger) microwave safe mug, add 1/4 cup all purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder, 1/4 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp kosher salt. Mix really well with a fork or small whisk.
  2. Add 3 tbsp water, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. Carefully mix so as not to spill anything out of the mug. Mix really well until smooth. Be sure to get all the dry ingredients off the bottom and sides.
  3. Microwave mug cake for 1 minute 20 seconds. If you want a gooier cake, microwave 1 minute 15 seconds or less depending on how gooey you want your mug cake. Allow to cool a minute or so and enjoy!

Notes

  • Your mug needs to hold at least 8 ounces
  • Be sure to double check you are using baking POWDER not baking soda
  • Mayonnaise is my secret ingredient. My favorite brand is Blue Plate Mayo as it tastes as close to homemade that I can find.
  • Place a plate or paper towel in microwave to catch any spills just in case. If you are using an 8 ounce or larger mug and measured your ingredients carefully, it shouldn't spill over, but better safe than sorry.
  • Microwave oven power varies widely. My microwave is 1000 watt. Cook time will vary depending on your oven's wattage. If your microwave wattage is different, please refer to the cook times I listed above under "Microwave Mug Cake Cook Times".

Nutrition Facts

Calories

609.87

Fat (grams)

32.55 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

5.54 g

Carbs (grams)

79.03 g

Fiber (grams)

3.84 g

Net carbs

75.18 g

Sugar (grams)

50.49 g

Protein (grams)

5.22 g

Sodium (milligrams)

971.33 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

17.39 mg

Nutrition label disclaimer: Nutrient values are estimates only. Variations may occur due to product availability and food preparation. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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