Chocolate Mug Cake (Ready in Minutes!)

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 tbsp sugar
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 3 tbsp milk
• 2 tbsp neutral oil (or melted butter)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp chocolate chips (optional but heavenly)

Instructions

• Grab a microwave-safe mug (10–12 oz so it doesn’t overflow).
• Stir together the flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• Add milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix just until smooth.
• Fold in chocolate chips if using.
• Microwave 60–80 seconds depending on microwave strength.
• Let sit for 30 seconds — it keeps cooking and sets the texture.
• Enjoy warm, preferably with a scoop of ice cream melting into the top.

Tips & Variations

• Lava Center:
  • Push a square of chocolate or a spoonful of Nutella into the middle of the batter before microwaving so it melts into a soft, gooey center.
• Mocha Mug Cake:
  • Replace one tablespoon of the milk with hot coffee to deepen the chocolate flavor without changing the texture.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate:
  • Swirl a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter into the batter right before microwaving. It behaves like a fat and keeps the cake extra soft.
• Chocolate Orange:
  • Add half a teaspoon of orange zest and use orange extract in place of vanilla. The zest adds bright flavor without adding moisture.
• Salted Caramel:
  • Cook the mug cake as usual, then drizzle caramel sauce over the top and finish with a tiny pinch of flaky salt.
• Double Chocolate Fudge:
  • Add an extra tablespoon of chocolate chips and microwave about ten seconds less to keep the center extra gooey.

If you’re craving something cozy and decadent, don’t miss the Gooey Samoa Brownies, Chocolate Cardamom Crinkle Cookies, Gooey S’mores Brownies and Gooey Red Velvet Bars… soft, rich, and dangerously irresistible!