Easy Chocolate Lava Mug Cake: A 5-Minute Dessert for One
You know those moments when a chocolate craving hits hard, but the idea of baking a whole cake feels impossible? This Easy Chocolate Lava Mug Cake has been my late-night savior and my mid-afternoon pick-me-up more times than I can count. It’s the fastest, fudgiest way to get a personal, restaurant-style dessert from your microwave to your spoon in under five minutes.
Easy Chocolate Lava Mug Cake: A 5-Minute Dessert for One
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: EasyServings
1
mug cakePrep time
2
minutesCooking time
1
minuteCalories
500
kcalTotal time
3
minutesIngredients
4 tablespoons – All-Purpose Flour
3 tablespoons – Granulated Sugar
2 tablespoons – Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1/4 teaspoon – Baking Powder
1 pinch – Salt
3 tablespoons – Milk
2 tablespoons – Vegetable Oil (or melted butter)
1/2 teaspoon – Vanilla Extract
1 tablespoon – Water
1 tablespoon – Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Directions
- In your microwave-safe mug, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix with a fork or small whisk until just combined and no dry streaks remain. The batter will be thick.
- Spoon the tablespoon of water directly onto the center of the batter. Do not mix it in.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top, again, do not stir.
- Microwave on high for 60-70 seconds. Start with 60 seconds—the center should look slightly wet and molten. Be careful not to overcook, or the lava center will solidify.
- Let the mug sit for a minute before serving. It will be very hot! Enjoy directly from the mug with a spoon.
Notes
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and will help keep the cake tender.
The Water is Key: That tablespoon of water sitting on top creates steam as it cooks, which is the secret to creating that perfectly gooey, molten lava center. Trust the process!
Mug Matters: Always use a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 12 ounces to prevent any messy overflow while the cake rises.
Customize It: Feel free to stir in a handful of chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt over the top before microwaving for a gourmet touch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a winning addition!
