More must try easy chocolate desserts you’ll love: Small Batch Brownies (makes just 3), No Bake Cookies (a family favorite), Oreo Balls (a party staple).
Since I first tried mug cakes way back when, I was so surprised that something so good could really be cooked in a microwave. If you’ve never tried mug cake this is the recipe to start with! It’s chocolate bliss made in minutes! I tested over 15 mug cakes and this is the one I love most. And it uses just a handful of everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand. In other words this is one dangerous recipe! Perfect for when those chocolate cravings strike but you don’t want to put in all the effort or have a need for an entire cake!
So What’s the Secret Ingredient for the Best Mug Cake?
Mayonnaise! I tried so many different variations including butter, vegetable oil, eggs, yolks, applesauce etc. and surprisingly mayonnaise (along with milk) came out the winner with the best overall texture and moisture. Mayonnaise is made with oil, liquid and egg yolks (which are natural emulsifiers) so it helps bind ingredients and also helps produce a soft, moist and fluffy, and even fudgy mug cake. It does seem strange but you really don’t taste it. It just works.
Ingredients Needed to Make Microwave Chocolate Mug Cake
All-purpose flour – I don’t recommend substitutes here, unless you’re up for some experimenting. If you were to use gluten free flour, almond flour, etc. ratios would likely need to be altered. Granulated sugar – surprisingly the texture was better with granulated sugar than brown sugar so stick with the white. Baking soda – you really only need a pinch in this recipe (just a fair pinch), a little baking soda goes a long way. Cocoa powder – use unsweetened cocoa powder, that way you can control the amount of sweetener added. Milk – I recommend using whole milk though 2 percent, 1 percent or even skim should work just add an extra 1 tsp mayonnaise to make up for the lower fat. Vanilla extract – don’t skip this, it perfectly compliments the chocolate flavor. Mayonnaise – use good quality mayonnaise with a good flavor (such as Hellman’s/Best Foods) and stick with full fat. Unfortunately I haven’t yet tested with vegan mayo, if you do please let us know how it goes. Chocolate chips – you could also just mix in 2 Tbsp chocolate chips instead. Chocolate chunks will work great too. As a side note no salt is needed for the recipe since it’s already included in the mayonnaise.
How to Make Chocolate Mug Cake
This couldn’t be easier to make, it’s just a 4 step process:
Can I Double the Recipe?
Yes double the batter amounts mix in a bowl, then just divide among two mugs and cook separately. Or just make two side by side, measuring out the ingredients twice.
Can Mug Cake be Made in Advance and Stored?
Unfortunately no. Mug cakes are best served shortly after preparing (within about 5 – 10 minutes). The texture changes as they cool, this recipe was however best of all others tested after a 30 minute rest.
Chocolate Mug Cake Variations
Optionally if desired top warm mug cake with vanilla or chocolate ice cream, or whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Top with a scoop of Nutella after cooking (instead of using chocolate chips). Add a drizzle of natural peanut butter after cooking. Finish with fresh sliced strawberries or whole raspberries. Try with dutch process cocoa, use 1/4 tsp baking powder instead of the pinch of baking soda.
Tips for the Best Mug Cake
Don’t use light mayonnaise or cake will likely end up dry and texture won’t be as soft and tender. If you have a cappuccino style mug those are my favorite to use for mug cakes. Be sure mug is large enough. Once batter is mixed there should be about 1/3 of empty space left for cake to expand. You don’t want batter all over in your microwave.
Mix everything well. You don’t want little pockets of dry mixture, use the prongs of the fork to get to bottom edges. Don’t over-cook or it will be dry. Mine is usually perfect at about 1 minute 10 seconds (in 1000 watt microwave), cook time will vary based on shape of mug used and microwave wattage. No greasing mug is necessary, whether or not you use non-stick spray you’ll will end up with mixture stuck on. Just soak in water for a while once you’ve finished the cake then it will clean up easy.
More Mug Cake Recipes to Try
Banana Mug Cake Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake Nutella Mug Cake Peach Cobbler Mug Cake
