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Home » Mug Cakes

TikTok Viral 5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake

Published: Sep 26, 2023 · Modified: Jan 2, 2024 by Zoha · This post may contain affiliate links · 59 Comments

↓ Jump to Recipe

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.

chocolate mug cake in a glass mug with a moist cake topped off with nutella, spoon pulling off a bite revealing moist texture of the cake
Jump to:
  • WHAT MAKES THIS THE BEST CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE?
  • TIPS TO MAKE THE BEST CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
  • HOW TO MAKE THE TIKTOK VIRAL CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
  • HOW TO KNOW WHEN A MUG CAKE IS DONE?
  • FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  • MORE MUG CAKE RECIPES
  • 5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE RECIPE

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.

chocolate mug cake in a glass mug with a moist cake topped off with nutella

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:

  1. 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"
  2. 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!)
  3. 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
  4. Sift the dry ingredients. Since we are pretty much dumping everything into the mug, I recommend sifting the dry ingredients to minimize any lumps
  5. Adjust the sweetness to your preference - you can do anywhere from 1.5 to 3 tablespoon of sugar
  6. "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:

[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id="KCjPu4AE" upload-date="2023-07-25T01:23:33.000Z" name="Chocolate mug cake" description="How to make a 5 minute chocolate mug cake" player-type="default" override-embed="default"]

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

Can I substitute the cocoa powder in this mug cake?

Unfortunately, no, as that is the main chocolate component in this mug cake.

What size mug should I use for this chocolate mug cake?

You should use a microwave safe mug that is between 10-12oz, and ideally not too wide or too narrow.

Why are there lumps in my chocolate mug cake?

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.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar to as low as 1.5 tbsp.

Why did my chocolate mug cake explode?

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.

Why is my chocolate mug cake rubbery or dry?

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:

  • a glass mug from the side with a deep red red velvet cake inside with cream cheese frosting, spoon is pulling out a bite revealing moist texture inside
    5 Minute Red Velvet Mug Cake
  • oreo chocolate mug cake in a glass mug topped with melted chocolate and crushed oreos
    The Best Five Minute Oreo Mug Cake
  • carrot mug cake in a glass mug with a spoon taking out a bite revealing soft moist interior
    5 Minute Carrot Mug Cake
Print
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Molten Lava Chocolate Mug cake in a glass mug, with a small spoon taking out a bite revealing moist texture and molten chocolate instead

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE RECIPE


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 34 reviews

  • Author: Zoha
  • Total Time: 5 min
  • Yield: 1
Print Recipe
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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

Did you make this recipe?

Leave a review and tag @bakewithzoha on Instagram!

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  • Overhead picture of a Biscoff mug cake in a glass mug, covered in biscoff cookie butter and crushed cookies. spoon taking out a bite revealing moist texture inside
    Best Biscoff Mug Cake
  • Molten Lava Chocolate Mug cake in a glass mug, with a small spoon taking out a bite revealing moist texture and molten chocolate instead
    Best Molten Lava Chocolate Mug Cake

Comments

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  1. Nav says

    November 14, 2023 at 7:28 pm

    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!!!

    Reply
  2. Rohma says

    January 08, 2024 at 1:36 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      January 13, 2024 at 5:43 pm

      You are so wonderful, Rohma. Thank you so very much! <3

      Reply
  3. Maren says

    February 08, 2024 at 8:46 pm

    Most mug cakes just don’t taste or feel like real cake. This one does! Excellent flavor and texture.

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      February 21, 2024 at 3:23 am

      WUHU!!! Glad you like it!

      Reply
    • Sana says

      January 28, 2025 at 7:37 pm

      absolutely delicious! had it with some vanilla ice cream and added walnuts to the cake too. Just perfect 🙂

      Reply
  4. Najila Khan says

    February 12, 2024 at 12:26 am

    Amazing!

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      February 21, 2024 at 3:18 am

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
    • azella says

      March 09, 2025 at 5:47 pm

      i made this for an easy recipe and it’s delicious. so moist and the flavor is amazing. great job

      Reply
  5. Griffin says

    April 18, 2024 at 7:09 am

    Really good, just my dog got into it and ate it all, so he died. NOT DOG SAFE

    Reply
    • Sehrish says

      May 17, 2025 at 1:34 pm

      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!!!

      Reply
      • Zoha says

        May 27, 2025 at 8:33 pm

        YAYYY! Thank you!

        Reply
  6. Mahnoor H Sheikh says

    May 30, 2024 at 2:20 am

    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 🩷🩷

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      July 10, 2024 at 1:06 pm

      Thank you so much for sharing, Mahnoor!!

      Reply
  7. Isra Akhter says

    July 22, 2024 at 11:14 am

    I was in the mood for a super quick chocolate cake and this did not disappoint!

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      September 04, 2024 at 12:08 am

      wuhu!!

      Reply
  8. Bibi says

    August 19, 2024 at 6:13 pm

    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!!

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      September 03, 2024 at 11:32 pm

      YAY thank you so much!!! Really glad it hit the spot for you and your son 🙂

      Reply
    • Kathy says

      February 14, 2025 at 1:32 pm

      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?

      Reply
  9. Ayesha says

    August 23, 2024 at 9:26 am

    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:)

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      September 03, 2024 at 11:28 pm

      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 🙂

      Reply
  10. June before may says

    August 26, 2024 at 9:54 am

    How many calories in one mug ?

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      September 03, 2024 at 11:23 pm

      No calorie counting here haha

      Reply
  11. Tania says

    October 08, 2024 at 12:52 pm

    This cake satisfied my cravings ✨️🫡

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      October 31, 2024 at 8:45 pm

      Doing it's job 😀

      Reply
  12. Mariam says

    October 09, 2024 at 9:48 am

    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

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      October 31, 2024 at 8:39 pm

      YAY thank you!

      Reply
  13. Amanda says

    October 15, 2024 at 12:20 am

    Sorry to be one of those annoying people but could I make this in the oven we don’t own a microwave 😭

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      October 31, 2024 at 8:30 pm

      Aw so sorry but I have only tested this recipe for the microwave!

      Reply
  14. Umaima Lakhani says

    November 02, 2024 at 3:01 am

    its my favorite mug cake recipe, so yummy 🤤

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      November 04, 2024 at 2:09 pm

      YAY!

      Reply
  15. Natalia says

    December 22, 2024 at 10:17 pm

    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!

    Reply
  16. Anna says

    December 24, 2024 at 8:02 pm

    So disappointing. All I can taste is oil. Even Nutella can't save it

    Reply
  17. SS says

    December 29, 2024 at 3:55 am

    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!

    Reply
  18. Kayla says

    January 19, 2025 at 7:24 pm

    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!!

    Reply
  19. Sheri says

    January 20, 2025 at 9:23 pm

    Hi Zoha!

    This mug cake was so delicious. The perfect warm chocolate dessert for a cold winter evening! Thank you!

    Reply
  20. Jack says

    January 21, 2025 at 5:19 pm

    Sooooo good! Mmmm…. I found out you can substitute the milk for heavy whipped cream!

    Reply
  21. Rinku says

    January 21, 2025 at 7:30 pm

    Hi, is there any way to make this with almond flour?

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      January 29, 2025 at 5:08 pm

      you could try but it will likely turn out dry.

      Reply
  22. Anna says

    January 23, 2025 at 6:36 pm

    WOW! I'm not even a fan of chocolate. Delicious 😋

    Reply
  23. Rumy says

    January 24, 2025 at 7:42 am

    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

    Reply
  24. Nayeli Gonzalez says

    February 01, 2025 at 2:28 pm

    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.

    Reply
  25. Hazra says

    February 01, 2025 at 3:10 pm

    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 💝

    Reply
  26. Kathy S says

    February 07, 2025 at 4:57 pm

    Absolutely perfect texture! I didn't have chocolate chips, so added unsweetened coconut. Topped with Greek yogurt/vanilla/honey mix. Yummy!!!

    Reply
  27. sherry says

    February 08, 2025 at 4:38 am

    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

    Reply
  28. Khadija says

    February 11, 2025 at 3:28 am

    This was so good!!

    Reply
  29. Suzanne says

    February 12, 2025 at 8:40 pm

    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.

    Reply
  30. Amiyah says

    February 23, 2025 at 6:56 pm

    Honestly, no words. Just make it, you will not regret it. It's very delicious and moist!

    Reply
  31. Zaineb says

    March 02, 2025 at 1:00 pm

    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.

    Reply
  32. Regina says

    April 02, 2025 at 10:01 am

    the best mug cake recipe I have ever tried so far!

    Reply
  33. Neha Imran says

    May 01, 2025 at 6:37 pm

    My daughter and I are in love with this cake. Each recipe of yours is thoroughly loved in our house. Thank you Zoha

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      May 07, 2025 at 5:29 pm

      Thank you so much, Neha 🙂 Means a lot to me

      Reply
  34. dua says

    June 03, 2025 at 6:47 am

    toooo gooooooooodddd

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      June 04, 2025 at 12:22 am

      Thank you!!

      Reply
  35. Iram says

    June 12, 2025 at 10:46 am

    Can I bake this in an otg instead of microwave?

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      June 13, 2025 at 8:02 am

      Hi Iram! This recipe hasn't been tested in an OTG

      Reply
  36. Kathy says

    June 14, 2025 at 6:53 pm

    Easy and great but I used dark chocolate

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      June 16, 2025 at 4:43 am

      Amazing, thank you Kathy!

      Reply
  37. Mark M says

    July 05, 2025 at 8:14 pm

    Yumm and easy thanks 🙏 just fixed my craving

    Reply
girl (zoha) sitting with arm propped on counter, smiling at camera, muffins and brownies in front of her

Hi, I'm Zoha! Self taught home-baker, massive sweet tooth, lover of all things baked and content creator behind Bake With Zoha.

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