This simple, 5 minute chocolate mug cake is moist, rich, indulgent and foolproof - and SO good that it has amassed over 6M views on TikTok and Instagram!
I believe it is the BEST chocolate mug cake I have ever tried, and luckily thousands of people agree with me. So while I initially didn't write a blog post on this recipe, all the love it has received has convinced me it it is time.
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WHAT MAKES THIS THE BEST CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE?
There are many chocolate mug cake recipes on the internet, but many of them don't turn out exactly right: they can be too muddy and dense, too dry, too rubbery, too moist, too sweet, and so on and so forth.
In comes this incredible recipe to save the day!! This chocolate mug cake solves all these problems and is the perfect answer to your late night chocolate cravings. You don't have to take my word for it - here are just a few of the many comments I got on this recipe:
I made it and it's DELICIOUS! It's the best mug cake!
Iris
This was the only mug cake recipe I've found that isn't leathery and oily - it's sooo moist and spongy and delicious!
Dhaya
I tried so many mug recipes and this one was the best one I've ever tried!
Noussa
SO GOOD!!! I've tried so many microwave recipes and they all turned out horrible but this was great! Definitely recommend
I've tried a lot of mug cake recipes and this is the best by far!
Julia
100000/10 it was sooo good! I added chocolate and raspberry on top
Rocky
Wow, I just made this and it LEGIT tasted like a fresh chocolate cake out of the oven!! it is so good. I finally found my favorite mug cake
B
Not to mention, this recipe is so quick and easy that there's really no reason not to give it a try, really.
TIPS TO MAKE THE BEST CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
Before I get into the quick and simple recipe, let me share my best tips to get this mug cake right:
- 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"
- Start with the wet ingredients. When you put the wet ingredients into the mug first, it is easier to mix everything together. Starting with dry ingredients sometimes results in clumps of flour in the bottom corners of the mug which are hard to mix in (note that I forgot to do this in the video below, but do as I say, not as I do!)
- 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
- "Bake" for the right amount of time. For me, this cake takes about 80s in a 12oz glass mug, but the time can range from 60-90s. See the section below for more detail
HOW TO MAKE THE TIKTOK VIRAL CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
Check out this simple video in which I demonstrate how to make this mug cake:
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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 60-90s, and you have to judge whether it looks based on how the cake looks. When it is done, it should be soft and moist, but not wet on the top, and kind of spongy if you press on it. It will continue to cook as it cools down, so you don't want to cook it until it is completely dry.
You can start checking the cake around the 60s mark, but avoid giving long breaks between microwaving as that can cause the cake to sink. If you have no idea where to start, 80 seconds is a good place to start.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Unfortunately, no, as that is the main chocolate component in this mug cake.
You should use a microwave safe mug that is between 10-12oz, and ideally not too wide or too narrow.
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.
Yes, you can reduce the sugar to as low as 1.5 tbsp.
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
After the warm response to this mug cake, I have turned midnight mug cakes into a series! Check out the rest of them, and let me know what I should turn into a mug cake next:
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5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE RECIPE
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: 1
Description
This simple, 5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake is almost as good as the real thing: moist, rich, decadent, and so simple to make!
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp milk
- 1.5 tbsp oil
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 4 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- ⅓ tsp baking powder
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 2-3 tablespoon milk chocolate chips
- Optional: Nutella to serve
Instructions
- To a 10-12oz microwave safe mug, add the milk and oil, and use a fork to mix well
- Add the sugar and mix it in
- 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
- Add in the chocolate chips and stir
- Clean the edges of the mug if needed, and microwave for about 60-90s
- Spread on some Nutella 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
Nav says
Can we store this for a day or two? does it remain moist after 24hrs. i want to make 10 of these for office colleagues so wondered if they will remain moist!!!
Rohma says
Thank you Zoha for another recipe in which you have poured your heart and soul!
I was in the mood for a quick dessert all for myself and I knew Zoha will have the recipe. I’ve made a number of your recipes by now so I feel a sense of comfort going to your website.
This mug cake recipe was quite good. Easy to put together and with impeccable instructions.
Thank you Zoha! You are truly nourishing your brand. Mashallah. May you continue to excel. Ameen.
Zoha says
You are so wonderful, Rohma. Thank you so very much! <3
Maren says
Most mug cakes just don’t taste or feel like real cake. This one does! Excellent flavor and texture.
Zoha says
WUHU!!! Glad you like it!
Sana says
absolutely delicious! had it with some vanilla ice cream and added walnuts to the cake too. Just perfect 🙂
Najila Khan says
Amazing!
Zoha says
Thank you so much!
azella says
i made this for an easy recipe and it’s delicious. so moist and the flavor is amazing. great job
Griffin says
Really good, just my dog got into it and ate it all, so he died. NOT DOG SAFE
Sehrish says
Zoha you are a gem! I had always wanted to try an easy mug cake and this was jusssttt perfect! Not too many ingredients, no difficult procedure, and end result - absolutely soft and melting in mouth cake!! Thank you loadsss!!!
Zoha says
YAYYY! Thank you!
Mahnoor H Sheikh says
Loved this recipe! I tried out a slightly healthier (sugar-free) version of this with stevia and 70% dark chocolate and it turned out just as good!
Love your recipes, Zoha! Highly recommended 🩷🩷
Zoha says
Thank you so much for sharing, Mahnoor!!
Isra Akhter says
I was in the mood for a super quick chocolate cake and this did not disappoint!
Zoha says
wuhu!!
Bibi says
Bless you Zoha.
My son and I were both craving something sweet and instead of going out to the store to get a cake like he suggested, I thought we could try this recipe together and it was so easy to make! We just topped it up with some vanilla ice cream. It really hit the spot (and saved me some $$) Thank you!!
Zoha says
YAY thank you so much!!! Really glad it hit the spot for you and your son 🙂
Kathy says
I made with almond flour, coconut sugar, and chocolate chips with Stevia instead of sugar. It was delicious but the texture was not very cake like. Any advice on how proper ratios when substituting almond flour for regular flour?
Ayesha says
oh i wish i had all the skills Zoha has, Mashallah you're so talented. May Allah SWT provide you all the blessings you deserve. Keep soaring high and thanks so much for all these yum recipes. As an O'level student dreaming to get an A* in Biology, it would mean the world to me if you could give me a few tips.(Oh, look, Zoha baji always has something i need) Still, thanks a lot. May you get all the success in the entire world! Ameen! XO:)
Zoha says
Thank you so so much for your kind words! You are a sweetheart. And the main tip is to focus on understanding! Don't just memorize 🙂
June before may says
How many calories in one mug ?
Zoha says
No calorie counting here haha
Tania says
This cake satisfied my cravings ✨️🫡
Zoha says
Doing it's job 😀
Mariam says
Best Mug Cake recipe I've ever tried! made it numerous times adding all kinds of chocolate I have available, even tried with marshmallow also terrific! 10/10
Zoha says
YAY thank you!
Amanda says
Sorry to be one of those annoying people but could I make this in the oven we don’t own a microwave 😭
Zoha says
Aw so sorry but I have only tested this recipe for the microwave!
Umaima Lakhani says
its my favorite mug cake recipe, so yummy 🤤
Zoha says
YAY!
Natalia says
This recipe is fantastic. I'm an experienced mugcake maker 🤣 and this is the best chocolate mugcake love made and tried! I'm lucky to have found your page! Thank you!! Wish you all the best!
Anna says
So disappointing. All I can taste is oil. Even Nutella can't save it
SS says
The best mug cake I have ever made. Thank you so much. Perfect recipe (just reduced the quantity of sugar to suit my taste).
Just one request, can you pleaseshare a mug cake recipe for vanilla cake? Thanks!
Kayla says
I've had way better Mug cakes. This one was not good. The chocolate chips were the only saving grace for this recipe. 🙊 Add tons!!
Sheri says
Hi Zoha!
This mug cake was so delicious. The perfect warm chocolate dessert for a cold winter evening! Thank you!
Jack says
Sooooo good! Mmmm…. I found out you can substitute the milk for heavy whipped cream!
Rinku says
Hi, is there any way to make this with almond flour?
Zoha says
you could try but it will likely turn out dry.
Anna says
WOW! I'm not even a fan of chocolate. Delicious 😋
Rumy says
I made this cake the other day. It was so good, chocolatey and moist. Really super quick and easy to prepare and truly takes 5 min
Nayeli Gonzalez says
Omg, ive tried many different mug cake recipes but this one is by far the best i ever had. Only thing i do is in a separate bowl I mix together all the dry ingredients and then sift it slowly to the milk and oil. It takes a few extra minutes but it makes it easier to mix together.
Hazra says
wow Zoha this was amazing. my 14year old daughter loved making this!! thank you for a wonderful tasty easy recipe for a quick mug cake when you are feeling that little bit in need of a chocolate hit. you are amazing 💝
Kathy S says
Absolutely perfect texture! I didn't have chocolate chips, so added unsweetened coconut. Topped with Greek yogurt/vanilla/honey mix. Yummy!!!
sherry says
it was amazing. i saw this recipe was so so good I made it at like 2 am and it turned out perfect. more people need to be made aware of this creation
Khadija says
This was so good!!
Suzanne says
Easy to make and delicious. I didn’t have dairy milk so I used plant based unsweetened almond milk. I used half of the sugar. Chocolate chips made it sweet enough. I will make this again. I put it in the microwave for 75 seconds - perfect.
Amiyah says
Honestly, no words. Just make it, you will not regret it. It's very delicious and moist!
Zaineb says
Finally after so many failed mug recipes this is the ultimate recipe for mug cakes.
I have made this recipe countless times , the best part my toddler loves this. i have made this so many times for her, love it how quick and easy this cake is to make.
Regina says
the best mug cake recipe I have ever tried so far!
Neha Imran says
My daughter and I are in love with this cake. Each recipe of yours is thoroughly loved in our house. Thank you Zoha
Zoha says
Thank you so much, Neha 🙂 Means a lot to me
dua says
toooo gooooooooodddd
Zoha says
Thank you!!
Iram says
Can I bake this in an otg instead of microwave?
Zoha says
Hi Iram! This recipe hasn't been tested in an OTG
Kathy says
Easy and great but I used dark chocolate
Zoha says
Amazing, thank you Kathy!
Mark M says
Yumm and easy thanks 🙏 just fixed my craving