Chocolate mug cake is that warm, gooey little treat you never knew you needed until 9 p.m. on a Tuesday. It smells like a real bakery, takes only 4 minutes start to finish, and somehow makes one perfect serving every time. I started making this on nights when baking a full cake felt ridiculous, and now it's honestly my go-to chocolate fix. A spoonful of peanut butter pressed into the center takes it completely over the top.
If you love simple, no-fuss desserts, you might also enjoy my Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls, or try something cozy and seasonal like my Apple Spice Cupcakes. And if you're in a chocolate mood all week, my Chocolate Tartlets are worth every minute.
Why This Chocolate Mug Cake Will Become Your New Habit
Four minutes. That is all it takes from craving to satisfaction. There's no mixer, no baking pan, no waiting for the oven to preheat. You mix everything in the same mug you cook it in, which means barely any dishes.
The peanut butter center is the secret move. It melts into the warm Chocolate Mug Cake and creates this rich, creamy pocket that makes the whole thing feel way more indulgent than its ingredient list suggests. It's the kind of dessert that feels homemade without the homework.
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Chocolate Mug Cake Ingredients
Here is everything you need for one perfect Chocolate Mug Cake.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
- All-purpose flour : Forms the structure of the mug cake and keeps it from turning into soup in the microwave.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder : Gives the cake its rich, dark chocolate flavor. Use good quality cocoa for the best results.
- Sugar : Sweetens the batter just enough without making it overly rich.
- Baking powder : Helps the cake puff up slightly and stay light instead of dense.
- Salt : Balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor.
- Cooking oil : Keeps the cake moist. Vegetable or canola oil works great here.
- Milk : Adds moisture and helps everything come together into a smooth batter.
- Peanut butter : Pressed into the center before cooking, it melts into a gooey, creamy surprise in the middle.
How to Make Chocolate Mug Cake
Quick and easy steps for a single-serve Chocolate Mug Cake in your microwave.
Mix dry ingredients: In a microwave-safe mug, stir together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and make sure there are no lumpy clumps hiding at the bottom.
Add wet ingredients: Pour in the cooking oil and milk. Stir until the batter is smooth and fully combined. It should look like thick chocolate pudding.
Add the peanut butter: Drop a tablespoon of peanut butter right into the center of the batter and press it down gently. It will melt into a rich, creamy pocket when it cooks.
Cook: Microwave on high for 1 minute. Keep an eye on it because microwaves vary. If needed, add 5 to 10 extra seconds. The edges should look set and the center should still seem slightly soft.
Enjoy: Let it cool for 30 to 60 seconds before digging in. Eat it straight from the mug or top it with a little ice cream or whipped cream if you're feeling fancy.
Easy Swaps and Substitutions
No milk on hand? Almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk works just as well. The cake texture stays soft and moist either way.
Not a peanut butter fan? Swap it for almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even a square of your favorite chocolate bar pressed into the center. All three melt beautifully.
Want a vegan version? Use plant-based milk and swap the cooking oil for melted coconut oil. This recipe is already egg-free, so no other swaps needed to keep it completely dairy-free and vegan.
Equipement For Chocolate Mug Cake
- Microwave-safe mug (at least 12 oz capacity so it doesn't overflow)
- A spoon or small spatula for stirring
- Measuring spoons
Storage Tips
This Chocolate Mug Cake is best eaten fresh and warm, right out of the microwave. The texture is at its absolute best in those first few minutes.
If you have leftovers (which is rare), cover the mug with plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 1 day. Reheat in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. It softens back up nicely.
Serving Ideas to Make It Extra Special
A small scoop of vanilla ice cream on top turns this into a warm brownie sundae situation. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds a little extra sweetness without much effort.
If you're setting up a cozy fall dessert spread, this Chocolate Mug Cake pairs perfectly with my Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispies on the side. Or if you're baking for a crowd and want a bright contrast to all that chocolate richness, my Lemon Crinkle Cookies are a wonderful addition to the table.
Expert Tips
Don't overmix. Stir until just combined. Overworking the batter makes the cake tougher.
Watch your microwave. Start with 1 minute and check it. A slightly underdone center is better than overdone, and it sets up as it cools.
Use a big enough mug. The batter rises while cooking. A mug that holds at least 12 ounces gives it room to breathe and prevents a messy overflow.
Let it rest. Even 30 seconds of cooling makes a difference. The inside keeps cooking slightly from residual heat, and you won't burn your tongue.
Customize freely. Add a few chocolate chips on top before cooking, sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon into the dry ingredients, or swap the peanut butter for Nutella. This recipe is incredibly forgiving.
FAQ
How do I make a peanut butter mug cake?
Follow this exact Chocolate Mug Cake and you're already making one. The tablespoon of peanut butter pressed into the center is what creates that rich, creamy pocket. Liam calls it the best part, and honestly, he's not wrong.
What can I substitute for the peanut butter in a mug cake?
Almond butter, cashew butter, and sunflower seed butter all work great. You can also press in a small square of chocolate or a teaspoon of Nutella. If you want to skip it entirely, the cake is still delicious with just the chocolate batter.
Can I add chocolate chips to a mug cake?
Yes, and you really should. Stir a tablespoon of chocolate chips into the batter or press a few on top before microwaving. They melt into little gooey pockets throughout. Mini chips work especially well.
How long do I microwave a mug cake for?
Start with 1 minute on high. Check the cake and add 5 to 10 seconds more if needed. The edges should look set and the center can still look a little soft. It will finish cooking from the heat of the mug as it sits. Overcooking makes it rubbery, so less is more.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Chocolate Mug Cake
Chocolate Mug Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Stir together the dry ingredients in a microwave-safe mug: flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no clumps.
- Add in the oil and milk, stirring until smooth.
- Drop the peanut butter into the center of the batter and gently press it down.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute. If needed, adjust the time by a few seconds depending on your microwave.
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