Most people call it chocolate cake in a mug. At Maplewood Road, we call it the 4 C’s — Comfort Chocolate Cake in a Cup. It’s simple, cozy comfort food that satisfies a chocolate craving in minutes.
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Sometimes you want something sweet, but baking a whole cake feels like overkill — and who needs a tempting cake sitting around for days? A single-serving chocolate cake in a mug solves that problem. It’s quick, satisfying, and great for sharing with kids.
I tested several recipes and tweaked them until I landed on one with a soft, moist crumb and chocolate-forward flavor. This version comes together in under five minutes — about two minutes to mix and 90 seconds in the microwave — using common pantry ingredients and a single mug.
No stand mixer, no oven, minimal cleanup. Bookmark this page — this mug cake will likely become a go-to dessert in your kitchen. Scroll down for toppings and creative variations to make it your own.
👩🏻🍳 Expert tips
- Use a 12-ounce microwave-safe mug. The batter rises while cooking and needs room to expand.
- Do not overcook. Ninety seconds works for most microwaves; the top should remain slightly moist.
🧾 Ingredients
- Salted butter
- Egg
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
See the recipe card below for exact measurements.
🥣 How to make chocolate cake in a mug
In a 12-ounce microwave-safe mug, melt the butter for about 30 seconds.
Crack an egg into the mug, add the milk and vanilla, and whisk with a fork until blended.
Whisk the dry ingredients in a separate bowl until combined, then add them to the mug and mix with a fork until smooth.
Microwave for 90 seconds. The cake will rise as it cooks and settle as it cools. The top should feel moist.
Let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm.
🍫 Creative variations
- Chocolate Lava Cake: After mixing, press 1 tablespoon chocolate chips or a chocolate chunk into the center with 1 teaspoon water for a melty center.
- Caramel Delight: Use caramel chips instead of chocolate for a gooey caramel center.
- Coffee Lovers: Stir in a pinch of instant espresso powder for a mocha note.
- Peanut Butter: Swirl peanut butter into the batter or layer it in the mug before cooking.
- Nutella: Use Nutella the same way as peanut butter for a hazelnut-chocolate twist.
- Bananas: Add banana slices on top or pair with peanut butter.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream on warm cake is classic and delicious.
- Whipped Cream: Top with homemade whipped cream for extra richness.
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds a pretty finish and a touch of sweetness.
Love desserts? Try more of our favorites listed in the recipe section below.
Did you make this Chocolate Cake in a Mug or try a variation? Let us know in the comments!
📝 Recipe
Chocolate Cake in a Mug
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon salted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- In a 12-oz microwave-safe mug, melt butter for about 30 seconds.
- Crack the egg into the mug, add milk and vanilla, and whisk together with a fork.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking powder until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the mug and mix until smooth.
- Microwave for 90 seconds. The cake will rise and should be moist on top.
- Let cool a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Mug size: Use a 12-ounce microwave-safe mug so the batter has room to rise.
- Don’t overcook: Ninety seconds works for most microwaves; overcooking will dry the cake.
- Creative variations: Try adding chocolate chips for a lava center, caramel chips, instant espresso, peanut butter or Nutella layers, banana slices, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Suggestion: If you enjoy this, try other dessert recipes in our collection.
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Carbohydrates: 62 g
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Protein: 11 g
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Fat: 19 g
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