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:
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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:
BEST MOLTEN LAVA MUG CAKE RECIPE
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: 1 cake
Description
This molten lava mug cake comes together in 5 minutes and is almost as good as the real thing!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 oz dark chocolate
- 3 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 4 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- ⅓ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1-2 chocolate truffles in the middle (I use Lindt dark chocolate)
Instructions
- To a 10-12oz microwave safe mug, add the butter and 1 oz chocolate, and microwave in 15 second increments until molten and combined
- Add the milk and stir to combine
- Add the sugar and stir in
- Sift in the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt) and stir. Scrape the edges and bottom of the cup so no flour gets stuck there
- Dunk the chocolate truffle(s) in the middle (no need to push all the way down)
- Microwave on high for 60-70 seconds
- Dust with powdered sugar, and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to read all tips above for the best results
- Prep Time: 4 min
- Cook Time: 1 min
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
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
Karen says
Microwave went on the fritz as I melted butter and chocolate. Hmm, ok. I'm trying the multi-use toaster oven, air fryer, convection oven that I have. So far, about 5 minutes, top crust has formed. Very jiggly underneath. Smells good. 8 minutes, close. Pretty mushy underneath. I called it about 10 minutes. now to let it cool a tad. Sure looks like a lava cake. Smells like one too! I used a wide mouth soup mug. Maybe I invented something "new"! Ha. Thanks. Probably should have cooked/baked a couple more minutes but it is edible and fixes my chocolate craving tonight.
Neelam khan says
Wow! I don’t normally leave reviews for recipes because I can’t be bothered but this cake was excellent! I was craving a chocolate dessert & I’ve tried a few mug cake recipes but this one is THE BEST ONE! Definitely fulfilled my late night chocolate dessert craving. Thank you Zoha! Your bakes never let me down.
From an avid fan in the UK ?
Zoha says
Wow, thank you SO much Neelam! Absolutely made my day 🙂
Janani Bandara says
Hi,
This looks amazing. Can I bake this in the oven instead of the microwave?
Zoha says
This recipe is specifically made for a microwave, so I can't say if it will work that well in an oven. Let me know if you try!
Saman Imtiaz says
Best mug cake recipe 😍
Zoha says
Awww thank you Saman!
Kyle says
holy **** this was amazing THANK YOU
Zoha says
haha this comment made my day!!!
Jan says
Can you prepare mixture and cook later when serving sweets?
Zoha says
I don't recommend that - they batter will deflate and become denser 🙂
Christian Tran says
Do you know how much calories are in this?
Hannah says
I'd been buying mini lava cakes and needed to stop for my budget, but the craving remained. I've literally made this every night this week to fulfill late night cravings and it's SO much better than store-bought. Very grateful to have come across this recipe! Easy, budget friendly and so delicious!
Zoha says
AWWW Hannah you made my day! Thank you for such a sweet review <3
Natalia Nino says
best mug cake ever
I doubled it because I like a big portion.
I used coconut sugar, coconut oil instead of butter and it came out amazinggggg
Zoha says
YAYYY thankyou!
Sai says
O. M. G. This was #TooGood #Amazing #Delicious #Tastiest #BeSt ReCiPe EvEr
Helena says
The mug cake is really dry...and oh my there is soooo much chocolate, that's a bit much for me. But for someone who just LOVE chocolate that's a quick and easy cake. just don't expect a very moist cake.
Fatima noor says
just tried this recipe! and OMG!! It was soooo goooood!!
Yasra says
I have tried tonnes of mug cake recipes and this is HANDS DOWN the best one. It is rich and decadent and comes together so easily, truly a gem! I have shared it with everyone who asks me for a good mug cake recipe, you literally never need to try another
Lily says
I've tried this three times so far; first time was really really good, but last two were oily and undercooked. letting them sit helped, but any tips for this? like less butter? but love the recipe otherwise
Zaineb says
Love all these mug cake recipes. Being able to make a molten lava cake in a mug is awesome.
The taste was amazing too.
Nethmi Mendis says
The cake was good but it could be a bit more moist. The chocolate truffles added some moisture but it could have more.
Louisa says
I always use this recipe when I have chocolate in my fridge, very yummy!
Zoha says
Aww, thank you Louisa