This simple, 5 Minute Molten Lava Chocolate Mug Cake is almost as good as the real thing: moist, rich, decadent, and filled with a pool of molten chocolate.
This recipe was inspired by my TikTok Viral Chocolate Mug Cake, as I wanted to take it to the next level. Instead of oil and cocoa powder, this cake uses butter and melted chocolate - both of which give it a more moist texture and flavor very similar to an actual molten chocolate cake!
The molten lava interior of this cake is achieved by adding 1-2 Lindor Dark Chocolate Truffles in the center of the cake before microwaving it. Microwaves don't work like ovens and cook the middle of the mug cake almost as quickly as the edges, so the chocolate is the way to still get the lava effect. It is possible the chocolate sinks to the bottom of the mug cake, but it will still be there!
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HOW TO MAKE THE BEST MOLTEN LAVA CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
Check out this simple video in which I demonstrate how to make this mug cake:
Here are the best tips to make the perfect molten lava chocolate mug cake:
- Choose the right kind of mug. It should be microwave safe, and have around 10-12oz of capacity (ideally 12). The cake won't take up the full mug, but can rise quite a bit in the microwave, and using a big enough mug will help ensure the batter does not spill and the cake doesn't "explode"
- Use good quality dark chocolate. This will determine the flavor of the cake more than anything! I used Lindt 70% dark chocolate
- Measure accurately. Instead of using random spoons, use proper measuring spoons to get the quantities right. For flour, make sure to first fluff it up and then add to the spoon, swiping off any excess
- Sift the dry ingredients. Since we are pretty much dumping everything into the mug, I recommend sifting the dry ingredients to minimize any lumps
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference - you can do anywhere from 1.5 to 3 tablespoon of sugar
- Lean towards undercooking vs overcooking. This cake takes only 60-70s in my microwave, and I suggest erring on the side of less time than more as you want the cake to have a gooey, moist texture like a molten chocolate cake
HOW TO KNOW WHEN A MUG CAKE IS DONE?
With microwave cakes, it is really hard to give a precise amount of time for cooking, since different microwaves have different power settings, and the time also depends on how large or wide your mug is.
This cake can take anywhere between 60-70s, and you have to judge whether it looks based on how the cake looks. With this cake specifically, if in doubt, lean towards less time vs more! Because cooking too long will make the cake dry and crumbly instead of moist and gooey.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You should use a microwave safe mug that is between 10-12oz, and ideally not too wide or too narrow.
Yes, you can use any kind of plain chocolate (i.e., not with nuts / wafers / other add ins). I like to use Lindt chocolate truffles as they have a chocolatey filling inside, but you can also add chocolate chunks or chips. The more, the merrier!
Unfortunately, no, as that is the main chocolate component in this mug cake.
Yes, you can reduce the sugar to as low as 1.5 tbsp.
This happens if the dry ingredients aren't well combined. To avoid this, first add the wet ingredients to the cup, then sift in the wet ingredients and mix until no streaks of flour remain.
This is likely because your mug is too small, or you added too much baking powder. Measure accurately and make sure your mug is at least 10oz in volume.
A rubbery mug cake is indicative of being overcooked, or incorrect measurements. Please be precise with the measurements and stop cooking once the cake is soft but not wet on the top.
MORE MUG CAKE RECIPES
I have a full series on midnight mug cakes! Check out the rest of them, and let me know what I should turn into a mug cake next:
MOLTEN LAVA CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE RECIPE
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: 1
Description
This simple, 5 Minute Molten Lava Chocolate Mug Cake is almost as good as the real thing: moist, rich, decadent, and filled with a pool of molten chocolate.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (28g)
- 1 oz dark chocolate (28g)
- 3 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 4 tbsp all purpose flour, scant
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- ⅓ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 Lindor Dark Chocolate Truffles (or other chocolate chunks / chips) for the middle
Instructions
- To a 10-12oz microwave safe mug, add the butter and 1 oz dark chocolate, and melt in the microwave in 15-20s increments until molten and combined
- Add the milk and sugar, and use a fork to mix well
- Sift in the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt), and gently stir with the same fork. Scrape the fork along the edges to ensure everything is well combined
- Dip the chocolate truffles in the center (no need to push down all the way to the bottom)
- Clean the edges of the mug if needed, and microwave for 60-70s
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve!
Notes
- To measure flour accurately, first fluff it up with a fork and then add to the tablespoon measure, wiping off any flour that goes above the rim of the spoon
- Read all the tips above to get the mug cake perfect
- Prep Time: 4 min
- Cook Time: 1 min
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Best Molten Lava Chocolate Mug Cake
Zee says
I love your chocolate mug cake recipe, and this one seems even better! Love the molten lava take on it
★★★★★
dinesh says
WHAT TYPE OF SUGAR DO I USE
Zoha says
Granulated!
dinesh says
thanks
dinesh says
Can I use a bowl instead of a mug? Sorry for asking so many questions! I'm doing this for my mom and want it to be perfect.
Zoha says
Hi there! I recommend a mug - a bowl will change the cooking time
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★★★★★