Craving a rich, decadent chocolate dessert but short on time? This 5-ingredient chocolate mug cake is your new best friend. It’s a single-serving treat that goes from pantry to piping hot in about two minutes. Forget pre-made mixes; this from-scratch recipe delivers a perfectly moist and fudgy cake using ingredients you probably already have. It’s the ultimate quick fix for any chocolate emergency.
Why You’ll Love This 5-Ingredient Chocolate Mug Cake
Incredibly Fast: Satisfy your sweet tooth in literally minutes. It’s the perfect last-minute dessert.
Minimal Ingredients: No eggs, no butter, and no fuss. Just five simple pantry staples are all it takes.
Perfectly Portioned: The single-serving size is ideal for a solo treat without the temptation of a whole cake.
Rich & Fudgy: Unlike many mug cakes that turn out rubbery, this recipe is engineered for a tender, moist crumb every single time.
The Only 5 Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s the short list of what you’ll need:
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our cake.
Granulated Sugar: For the perfect amount of sweetness.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The source of our deep, rich chocolate flavor.
Milk: Adds moisture and brings the batter together. Any kind works—dairy or plant-based.
Vegetable Oil: The secret to a moist and tender cake instead of a dry, spongy one.
Ingredient Notes & Easy Swaps
Don’t have something on hand? No problem. For a slightly richer flavor, you can swap the vegetable oil for melted coconut oil or a neutral-flavored olive oil. If you’re out of granulated sugar, brown sugar works well too, adding a hint of caramel flavor. For a fun twist, check out these easy baking recipes for more simple dessert ideas.
How to Make a 5-Ingredient Chocolate Mug Cake Step-by-Step
Making this cake is as easy as 1-2-3. Just grab your favorite microwave-safe mug (about 10-12 ounces is perfect) and you’re ready to go.
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In your mug, add the flour, sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Use a fork to whisk them together thoroughly. This is key to avoiding pockets of unmixed flour in your finished cake.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the milk and vegetable oil. Now, stir everything together until just combined. The batter should be smooth, but be careful not to overmix!
Just a quick stir and it's ready for the microwave.
Step 3: Microwave to Perfection
Place the mug in the center of your microwave. Cook on high for 60 to 90 seconds. The cake is done when the top looks set and dry. Let it cool for a minute before diving in—it will be incredibly hot!
Pro Tips for the Perfect, Non-Rubbery Mug Cake Every Time
The biggest complaint about mug cakes is a tough, rubbery texture. Follow these simple tips to guarantee a tender, delicious result for your 5-ingredient chocolate mug cake.
1. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Once you add the wet ingredients, mix only until you no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing develops gluten, which is great for bread but leads to a chewy, rubbery cake. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
2. Choose the Right Mug
Use a standard, microwave-safe ceramic mug. A mug that is too small will cause the batter to overflow, while one that is too wide and shallow can make the cake cook too quickly and dry out. A 10-12 ounce mug is ideal.
3. Know Your Microwave’s Wattage
Microwave power varies. A 1200-watt microwave might only need 60 seconds, while an 800-watt model could take up to 90 seconds. Start with the shorter time and add 10-second intervals if needed. This prevents overcooking, the number one cause of dryness.
Look at that perfect, fudgy crumb! No dry cake here.
Fun Variations & Topping Ideas
While this 5-ingredient chocolate mug cake is fantastic on its own, it’s also a wonderful canvas for creativity. Try one of these simple additions:
Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in a tablespoon of chocolate chips before microwaving for pockets of melted chocolate.
A Hint of Coffee: Add 1/4 teaspoon of instant espresso powder with the dry ingredients to deepen the chocolate flavor.
Top It Off: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
For another incredibly simple and satisfying dessert, try these no-bake Oreo truffles. They are always a crowd-pleaser!
The key to a non-rubbery mug cake is to not overmix the batter and, most importantly, not to overcook it. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined, and start with the shortest recommended cooking time for your microwave’s wattage, adding 10-second intervals if needed.
Yes, this recipe is naturally egg-free! The combination of oil and milk provides all the moisture needed to create a tender and delicious cake without any eggs.
You can substitute the milk with any plant-based alternative like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk in equal amounts. You can even use water in a pinch, though the cake will be slightly less rich.
You can easily customize your mug cake by stirring in a tablespoon of chocolate chips, a teaspoon of peanut butter, a dash of vanilla extract, or a sprinkle of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Your mug cake likely overflowed because the mug was too small for the amount of batter. We recommend using a standard 10 to 12-ounce mug to give the cake enough room to rise as it cooks.
More Quick & Easy Dessert Recipes
If you love desserts that come together in a flash, you’re in the right place. These no-bake mini cheesecakes are a breeze to make, and these air fryer churro bites are dangerously addictive. Both are perfect for when you need a sweet treat without the wait.
Share Your Creation!
I can’t wait to see your masterpiece! If you make this 5-ingredient chocolate mug cake, be sure to leave a comment below and share a photo on Pinterest. Your feedback helps us all become better home cooks!
The easiest chocolate fix! Get the recipe for this 2-minute dessert.
5-Ingredient Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe
FL Recipes
5-Ingredient Chocolate Mug Cake (Ready in 2 Minutes!)
This 5-ingredient chocolate mug cake is a single-serving treat that goes from pantry to piping hot in about two minutes. It delivers a perfectly moist and fudgy cake using simple pantry staples.
In a 10-12 ounce microwave-safe mug, add the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Whisk together with a fork until well combined.
Pour the milk and vegetable oil into the mug. Stir with the fork until the batter is smooth and just combined. Do not overmix.
Place the mug in the center of the microwave and cook on high for 60-90 seconds. The cake is ready when the top is set and springs back lightly to the touch.
Carefully remove the mug from the microwave. Let it cool for at least one minute before enjoying. Add toppings if desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcalProtein: 6gFat: 22gFiber: 4g
Notes
For extra decadence, add 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips to the batter before microwaving. Ensure you do not overcook the mug cake, as this will result in a rubbery texture. Check it at the 60-second mark.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
