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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!
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST MOLTEN LAVA CHOCOLATE 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 tbsp 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:
5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake
5 Minute Red Velvet Mug Cake
The Best Five Minute Oreo Mug Cake
5 Minute Carrot Mug Cake
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Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 oz dark chocolate
- 3 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 4 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/3 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!
Video Tutorial
Notes
- Make sure to read all tips above for the best results
Comments
Sondra
Superb! Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Zoha Malik
It’s my pleasure!
bob
boringggggggggggg
Melody Wagoner
Thank You!!
Perfect end to a Valentines Dinner.
Zoha
Honored to have been a part of it!
Sana
I am giving 5 stars to the recipe because I know the recipe must be flawless but I think I messed up with the measurements a bit as the cake turned out a bit dry. I didn’t over bake but it was still dry. I enjoyed it regardless 😄
Zoha
Hi Sana! Thank you so much. It’s likely you put a little too much flour if you stuffed it in the spoon measure 🙁
Jerry
A little Dry and the chocolate didn’t melt. Probably user error. It is delicious though
Diana
Oh my goodness!! I tried this recipe for the first time now and it’s a success! Literally what I was craving for and soo easy to do! Wow! Thank you!
Etta Larson
Super yummy! It completely dominated my craving, it is very rich and I love it. Thank you so much Zoha I’m in love and will definitely be making this again. 😋🩷
Louisa
I always use this recipe when I have chocolate in my fridge, very yummy!
Zoha
Aww, thank you Louisa
Nethmi Mendis
The cake was good but it could be a bit more moist. The chocolate truffles added some moisture but it could have more.
Zaineb
Love all these mug cake recipes. Being able to make a molten lava cake in a mug is awesome.
The taste was amazing too.
Lily
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
Ephy
Honestly, I microwaved it like… idk 5 times? But I would recommend doing one round for 60 secs and another for 15 👍
Yasra
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
Fatima noor
just tried this recipe! and OMG!! It was soooo goooood!!
Helena
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.
Sai
O. M. G. This was #TooGood #Amazing #Delicious #Tastiest #BeSt ReCiPe EvEr
Hannah
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!
Natalia Nino
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
YAYYY thankyou!
Zoha
AWWW Hannah you made my day! Thank you for such a sweet review <3
Christian Tran
Do you know how much calories are in this?
Ephy
Idk I’m responding to a lot of you- sorry zoha I’m taking your job but I reckon like a bazillion due to the sugar levels it’s lowkey amazing though
Zoha
Haha Ephy, I don’t mind!
Jan
Can you prepare mixture and cook later when serving sweets?
Zoha
I don’t recommend that – they batter will deflate and become denser 🙂
Kyle
holy **** this was amazing THANK YOU
Zoha
haha this comment made my day!!!
Saman Imtiaz
Best mug cake recipe 😍
Zoha
Awww thank you Saman!