I’m sure my fellow ladies out there are all too familiar with those days we just can’t shake that chocolate craving. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I want something different from a chocolate bar and one of my favorite desserts is cake. However, with just the 2 of us, and considering the boyfriend rarely is in the mood for a chocolate sweet treat, baking up a big cake just isn’t worth it. That’s why I started making these Chocolate Mug Cakes when the craving hits.
These are super easy to make, taking just a couple minutes to mix together without having to dirty up several bowls. The chocolate cake can then be cooked in the microwave – or oven if you’re weird like me and don’t have a microwave. Yes, I know it is shocking that one could live without a microwave. 
The most important thing about this recipe is to have a large oven or microwave-safe mug as you don’t want this overflowing in your microwave or oven as it rises. I use stoneware. The next is to use a very good quality cocoa as this is where the majority of your flavor is going to come from. Note that the resulting cake is on the large side (think large bakery muffin), so you may want to share if you’re not feeling overly indulgent. You can also cook the cake for slightly less time if you want more of a molten center, like I did.
Ingredients
4 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 Tablespoons white sugar
2 Tablespoons high-quality cocoa powder
Pinch of salt (about 1/8 teaspoon)
Pinch of baking soda (about 1/8 teaspoon)
2 Tablespoons whisked egg (optional, see notes - 1 egg is too much)
3 Tablespoons milk
3 Tablespoons oil (I suggest vegetable or coconut, oils like olive will have too much flavor) or melted butter
1/4 teaspoon vanilla, or other flavoring such as cinnamon, coffee, peppermint, almond, etc.
3 Tablespoons chocolate chips or other candy or chopped up candy bars (optional, but adds more flavor)
Instructions
- If using oven, pre-heat to 350°. I use a toaster oven.
- Spray mug with cooking spray if you want to remove it from the mug after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa, salt, baking soda) together with fork or whisk in large oven or microwave-safe mug.
- Add milk, oil, vanilla and egg, if using, and mix thoroughly, especially at the bottom of mug.
- Stir in chocolate chips or other candy, if using.
- Bake in oven at 350° for 15-25 minutes, according to how hot your oven cooks and if you want a molten or thoroughly cooked cake. You can also microwave on high for 1-3 minutes depending on wattage of your microwave. I suggest starting at 1 minute and then microwaving for 30 additional seconds until reaching your desired doneness.
- Note that mug will be very hot and cake will continue to cook, especially when cooked in oven, for a couple minutes after you remove it. Serve plain or with ice cream, chocolate or caramel syrup, whipped cream, etc. if desired. I like eating it straight from the mug because who wants another dirty dish? ;)
Notes
If you want a fudgier cake, leave out the egg entirely. Without an egg, the cake will not rise quite as much. You may also want to add instant coffee or espresso, about 1/8-1/4 teaspoon, or substitute the milk for cooled brewed coffee to further escalate the chocolate flavor.
About Money Savvy Michelle
This looks delicious! I love how easy mug cakes are!
YUMMY!!!!! That simple but I would want 3 cups:)
This sounds so delicious and so simple! Adding the coffee in is a great touch! What a perfect dessert for one! Thanks for sharing I can’t wait to try it out!
That looks delicious! Thanks for the recipe!
Oh my, this sounds like me exactly! There are just some days I need chocolate and none in the house, I like the idea of making it like a molten cake..so yuumy!
It’s the perfect serving of yumminess!
Ooooooooh chocolate goodness in a mug. YUM!!!
Oh no… I am not sure this is good for me to know! LOL Look yummy!!!
OMG!
Just last night I said I wanted cake but didn’t feel like making one!!! A day late and a dollar short….
Next time, I’m all in on this!
Okay, I am officially hungry – thank you for sharing such a yummy recipe.
I love how easy these cakes are and that they can be made in different flavors for every family member.