This 5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake will finally convince you that a mug cake can actually be good! Unlike most mug cakes that turn out dry, rubbery or muddy, this one is as good as the real thing. It is so soft, moist, gooey and chocolatey that it is hard to believe it's made in the microwave in just 5 minutes start to finish. All you need is 7 basic ingredients (no eggs), a mug, a fork, and some measuring spoons. It is truly the perfect quick sweet treat for your late night cravings - and with 20M+ views and 1000s of remakes, I know many of you agree!
This was THE best mug cake I've ever had! Legit tastes like a fresh chocolate cake! The texture was perfect - not rubbery and didn't taste off at all. Highly recommend.
- Ushna, ★★★★★
Moist and soft, NOT rubbery!
Developing a good mug cake recipe is surprisingly tricky. We have a very few ingredients and little room for error - so everything needs to be just right. After a ton of testing, here are 3 things I learned and why this recipe works:
- Eggs are the enemy of mug cakes. Yup, you heard me right! Not only is it annoying to have to use a quarter of an egg or half of an egg yolk, eggs cook fast in the microwave and are usually the culprit behind rubbery, spongey mug cakes. Not to mention, eggs provide structural integrity to baked cakes, but we don't really need that in a small mug cake. So no eggs in this one!
- Butter is not worth the trouble. Some mug cakes use butter, which adds an additional melting step and is just not worth it. Just like my Easy Chocolate Cake, I opt for oil only in this mug cake to achieve the moistest texture that stays moist
- A little baking powder goes a long way. Microwave cakes rise a lot from the quick heat burst they get, so we don't need to add too much raising agent. This recipe uses just ¼ tsp. Any more, and the cake will explode and overflow
The result? A moist, soft, chocolatey cake that feels like a baked cake. If you want to make it even more indulgent, try covering it with hot chocolate like I do in my Hot Chocolate Mug Cake!
This was the only mug cake recipe I've found that isn't leathery and oily. It's SO moist and spongy and delicious!
- Dhaya, ★★★★★
Step by step photos
Here are some quick photos for you to visualize this recipe:
Start by whisking the milk, oil and sugar in a mug.
Sift in the dry ingredients (sifting is NOT optional!).
Stir or whisk until the ingredients are combined and no lumps remain. Clean the edges of the mug.
Microwave for 60-90 seconds until the cake is just cooked!
How to tell when it's cooked
It is hard to give a precise amount of time for microwaving a mug cake, 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 the best way to tell whether it's done is by looking at it! A microwave cake cooks in 3 stages:
- Heat up: This is the longest stage that takes ~50-60 seconds. During this time, the batter is heating up and slowly rising, but the rise is not very quick
- Quick rise: Once the batter has heated up, you will notice the cake starts rising very rapidly. This is where the majority of the cooking happens. This stage takes only 10-20 seconds
- Slow sink: After the quick rise phase, the cake starts sinking again. At this point, it should be fully cooked. Stop cooking and remove from the microwave
The mug cake will have a wet looking patch on top but it should actually be cooked and spongy when you press on it. You can also check with a toothpick to ensure it's done. If there's any wet batter, give it another ~10 seconds.
A few more tips to get it right
Before I get into the quick 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 at least 12oz of capacity. 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 over
- 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. My recipe has also been updated with grams, so I highly recommend a scale for the most accurate results!
- Sift the dry ingredients. Since we are pretty much dumping everything into the mug, I recommend sifting the dry ingredients to minimize any lumps. This is especially important for the cocoa powder
- Ensure there are no lumps. When mixing the dry ingredients into the wet, they can form lumps. Use a spoon/fork or mini whisk to gently mix and break these lumps. Stop mixing as soon as a homogenous batter forms - overmixing can cause it to become rubbery
5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake (So Moist!)
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: 1 cake
Description
This simple, 5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake is almost as good as the real thing: moist, rich, decadent, and so simple to make! Made with only 7 ingredients (no eggs).
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp whole milk (60g)
- 1 ½ tbsp vegetable oil (20g)
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar (37g)
- 4 tbsp all purpose flour (32g)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (12g)
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ⅛ tsp salt
- Optional: 2-3 tablespoon chocolate chips to mix in, and a chocolate spread like Nutella to serve
Instructions
- To a 12oz microwave safe mug, add the milk, oil and sugar. Use a fork or mini whisk to mix well until combined
- Sift in the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt), and gently stir with the same fork or mini-whisk. Scrape the fork along the edges to ensure everything is well combined. The dry ingredients can float on top of the wet, so take your time to properly mix them in and ensure there are no lumps. Stop mixing as soon as everything is combined (over-mixing can result in a rubbery texture)
- If using, add in the chocolate chips and stir until just combined
- Clean the edges of the mug with a paper towel, and microwave on high for 60-90s. The cake will heat up, then rise rapidly and start to sink again - at this point it's usually cooked! I usually check with a toothpick around the 70s mark and give it another 10-20 seconds if there's still wet batter inside. If in doubt, lean towards undercooking rather than overcooking, as overcooking in the microwave can result in a tough, rubbery texture
- Optionally, spread on some Nutella or chocolate ganache. Serve and enjoy!
Video Tutorial:
Notes
- Optional add-ins: I like to add chocolate chips to my mug cake, but you can add any kind of chocolate candy you like, as long as it's chopped into chunks! Serve the cake as it is, or spread some Nutella or chocolate ganache on top. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Storage: This is a single serve cake meant to be eaten in one sitting. If you have leftovers, cover the mug with a coaster or cling wrap, and keep at room temperature for up to 1 day
- Prep Time: 4 min
- Cook Time: 1 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American
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:
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!!!
Semra says
So good!
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
Ambre says
So, so good.
Me and my 2 toddlers, we had it second time in a week for a quick after lunch dessert, with vanilla ice-cream.
Zoha Malik says
Love to you and your babies!
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 🙂
Shanaya says
this recipe is nice and very simple to make it anywhere and also in office and college 😜
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!
Nida says
Thank you for this recipe Zoha! This was absolutely delicious and so simple to make. This is my first time ever making a mug cake and let me tell you this was so moist and soft and amazing!
Zoha says
Aw, so happy to read that - thank you!
Carrie says
Can I ask what flour you use?
Zoha Malik says
Regular all purpose flour!
Samantha says
woah, that got dark fast
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!
Penny says
Amanda, I haven't tried this recipe yet, but I have tried others that I put in our air fryer on the bake setting at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. I will be trying this recipe soon. If they don't require eggs, I usually do in the microwave. With eggs, I do like to bake them. Microwaves don't cook hot enough to kill any bacteria or parasites in food.
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
Zoha says
Thank you!
hanie says
sorry i meant to put 5 stars but i thought we just had to click the last star sorry ur recipes are really wonderful keep going
Umaira Ishtiaq says
Usually mug cakes can be very spongy but this one turned out really fudgy and yummy. A keeper for sure!
Zoha says
Thank you!
Finley says
I have tried A LOT of mug cakes, and I can confidently say this is the best chocolate one I’ve tried. I cooked it for a minute and added a ton of semi-sweet chocolate chips and chocolate frosting. Delicious!
zoyyr says
love this !! It turned out amazing !
karen says
very scrumptious, it is easy peasy lemon squeezy!!! And the kiddos loved it. such a fun family activity.
Hareem says
will it work if I use an egg??
Zoha says
Not needed 🙂
Andrea Barr says
mother
Madison says
Very delicious and chocolaty 😋! Happy I tried this recipe and will use again for a late night craving!
Emaan Tariq says
it is absolutely Delicious! I can't wait to try it again!
Mimi says
the best and the easiest mug cake recipe! my daughter and I love it is our go to dessert!
Zoha says
AWW TYYYY
Zoha Nasee says
it was really delicious 😋.Even my mom loved it.
Zoha says
Aw yay!
Tina says
Hi Zoha,
Can I halve this recipe? If so, how long should I cook it in the microwave
Zoha says
I don't recommend doing that, it will likely burn from being htat small 🙂
Preeti says
Yummmm!!!! Turned out so good! And enough to share as well! So delicious!
Ushna Hassan says
This was THE best mug cake I’ve ever had! Legit tastes like a fresh chocolate cake! The texture was perfect it wasn’t rubbery and didn’t taste off at all! Highly recommend ❤️
Zoha says
This makes me SO happy!! The mug cake holds such a special place for me 😍 Thank you Ushna! 🙏
Azeema says
It’s perfect
Bhargavi Kannan says
Incredible ! The best mug cake I’ve ever tasted. Tastes like actual cake 🙂 my husband who hates mug cakes loved this one!!!
Zoha Malik says
YAY I agree! it tastes so good
rida says
the best ever single serve cake you will get to eat. It's so yummyy
Zoha Malik says
I'm glad you think so!! <3
Sienna says
This is the first mug cake that has actually worked for me! It tastes really nice and I will be making it again.
Zoha Malik says
Yay!!
Zainab says
Best everug cake of my life✨😋. I was making one for myself then my sister came then I had to make 1 for her. After that I was about to eat mine then my brother came to ask for mug cake. It's super delicious, chocolatey 😭😭✨
Zoha Malik says
AWW thank you zainab!!
Asma Nagi says
Zoha this is the first time I’ve made your recipe. Only because my oven’s not working. This mug cake was excellent. Thanks for helping satisfy an old lady’s chocolate cravings.
Zoha Malik says
Thank you Asma! So glad you made this and liked it! <3
aiman anees says
Loved the mug cake, so easy and quick even my husband could make it
Zoha Malik says
Yay!
Safa Aurangzeb says
On my GOD!! This is heavenly!! It is sooo moist and quick and easy to make. One of the best options if you are craving for something sweet. Can't say enough of how good this mug cake turned out to be. Thank you Zoha for this
Zoha Malik says
Thank you for the love! It's so great, I am obsessed too 🙂
Shaista Abbas says
I made it just now and it turned out to be the most soft mug cake ever. Timings were perfect. I took it out on 70s and let it rest for a minute. It was just perrrrrrfect.
Zoha Malik says
Yay thank you so much, Shaista! Glad it turned out well!
Ayesha says
Loved the recipe! followed it to a T except we microwaved it for 60 seconds in a bowl. Perfection!
Zoha Malik says
YAY thank you so much!
R says
Best chocolate mug cake I’ve ever made
Zoha Malik says
I agree!
Saba says
The best mug cake ever!!!!
Zoha Malik says
I AGREEEE!
Ayesha Jameel says
It was amazing!! Loved it.
Zoha Malik says
YAY!