Quick and Easy Chocolate Mug Cake
Craving something sweet and chocolatey but don’t want to spend time baking? This chocolate mug cake is the answer. It’s quick, easy, and ready in just a few minutes. All you need is a mug, a few basic ingredients, and a microwave. Perfect for a last-minute dessert or late-night treat!
Equipment
- Microwave-safe mug (at least 300 ml)
- Small whisk or fork
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 45 g self-raising flour (3 tbsp)
- 30 g caster sugar (2 tbsp)
- 15 g cocoa powder (1 tbsp)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 tbsp sunflower oil
- 4 tbsp whole milk (or almond milk)
- Chunks of chocolate (to your liking)
Instructions
- Gather your essentials. Start by collecting all the ingredients and a microwave-safe mug. Ensure that your mug can hold at least 300 ml to prevent any overflow during cooking.
- Mix the dry ingredients. In your mug, combine the self-raising flour, caster sugar, and cocoa powder. Use a small whisk or a fork to mix these dry components thoroughly. This step is essential as it ensures that the cocoa powder and sugar are evenly distributed throughout the flour, avoiding any lumps later.
- Add the wet ingredients. Next, drizzle in the sunflower oil and pour the milk. Carefully stir until you achieve a smooth batter. Make sure there are no flour pockets left at the bottom of the mug, as an imperfect blend can lead to uneven cooking.
- Incorporate the chocolate chunks. Now comes the part that makes this cake extra special. Add a handful of chocolate chunks into the batter, pushing some down into the middle. This will give you that delightful, gooey center once it’s cooked!
- Cook your cake. Place your mug in the microwave. Cook on high for about 60 to 90 seconds. Cooking time may vary based on your microwave's wattage, so it's wise to keep an eye on it. You'll know it’s ready when the cake has risen and is set but still soft in the center.
- Let it cool for a moment. Once cooked, allow your chocolate mug cake to cool slightly. It may be hot right out of the microwave, so grab a spoon and be patient for just a minute or so.
Notes
Creating the perfect chocolate mug cake is an art, and some expert tips can help you achieve the best results.
- Use a large mug. Ensure that your mug has enough capacity to prevent overflow during cooking. A 300 ml mug works well, but the bigger, the better for avoiding messes.
- Microwave wattage changes cooking time. If your microwave has lower wattage, you may need to cook your cake for longer, while a higher wattage will reduce the cooking time. It’s essential to check it around the 60-second mark to avoid overcooking.
- Experiment with add-ins. Feel free to mix in additional ingredients like nuts, cookie pieces, or flavored chocolate chips before microwaving. This way, you can create various flavor combinations each time you make your mug cake.
- Avoid overmixing. While the goal is to combine the ingredients, overmixing can lead to a tough texture. Stir just until combined for a light and fluffy cake.
- Test doneness. For the best experience, the center should be slightly moist but not liquid. If it still seems overly wet after the first cooking time, pop it back into the microwave in 10-second increments until set.
- Nutty Chocolate Mug Cake. Incorporate a tablespoon of your favorite nut butter (like almond or peanut) for added flavor and richness. Swirl it into the batter before microwaving for a decadent nutty twist.
- Mint Chocolate Variation. Add a few drops of mint extract or some crushed peppermint candies to your batter for a refreshing mint chocolate flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Coffee Chocolate Mug Cake. If you love coffee, consider adding a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to your dry ingredients. This will enhance the chocolate flavor, creating a rich mocha experience.
- Spiced Chocolate Cake. Sprinkle in some cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cayenne pepper for a warm and slightly spicy flavor kick. These spices complement chocolate beautifully and offer a whole new tasting experience.
- Fruit-Infused Mug Cake. Add diced fresh fruit like bananas or strawberries to the batter for a fruity twist. This will introduce moisture and extra sweetness, making it a delightful treat.