Hot chocolate mug cake is a quick dessert made in a single cup using simple ingredients like flour, cocoa, milk, and chocolate chips.
This hot chocolate mug cake recipe allows anyone to enjoy a warm, chocolaty treat without needing an oven or extensive preparation.
The main purpose of creating this hot chocolate mug cake recipe is to offer a fast, comforting dessert for busy people, students, or chocolate lovers craving something sweet in minutes.
This hot chocolate mug cake recipe shares easy steps, serving suggestions, tips, health benefits, variations, storage ideas, and answers to common questions.
About This Hot Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe
The hot chocolate mug cake recipe tastes rich and indulgent, with a deep chocolate flavor that melts smoothly on the tongue. Soft, fluffy cake meets pockets of warm, gooey chocolate from the chips, creating a comforting, slightly sweet experience.
The cocoa adds a gentle bitterness that balances the sweetness of the sugar, while the melted butter gives a subtle, creamy richness. Vanilla hints linger in the background, enhancing the chocolate without being too strong.
Warm and tender, this hot chocolate mug cake recipe delivers a cozy, chocolaty treat in every spoonful, leaving a lingering, pleasant chocolate aftertaste.
How To Prepare Hot Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe?
To make this hot chocolate mug cake recipe perfectly, follow each simple step carefully. I’ve shared clear instructions and tips to guide you, along with the basic kitchen tools you’ll need.
Even if you don’t have everything, using what’s available will still give a warm, chocolaty, delicious treat in minutes.

Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: 1 mug cake
Kitchen Utensils
- Microwave-safe mug (roughly 300–350 ml / 1¼–1½ cup capacity)
- Spoon or small whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl
Ingredients
- 30 g (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour
- 20 g (1/4 cup) hot cocoa mix
- 1 g (1/4 tsp) baking powder
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) milk
- 15–30 g (1–2 tbsp) chocolate chips
- 30 g (2 tbsp) melted butter or vegetable oil
- 1 g (1/4 tsp) vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients
In a microwave-safe mug, mix together 30 g of all-purpose flour, 20 g of hot cocoa powder, 1 g of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is evenly blended.
Step 2: Add the wet ingredients
Pour in 60 ml of milk, 30 g of melted butter (or oil), and 1 g of vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
Step 3: Add chocolate chips
Fold in 15–30 g of chocolate chips gently, leaving a few on top so they melt beautifully while cooking.
Step 4: Cook in the microwave
Microwave on high for 1–2 minutes. Start with 1 minute, then check if the cake has risen and the top looks set. Let it sit for 1 minute to cool slightly, then enjoy straight from the mug.
Notes: Cook times may vary depending on microwave power. Start with 1 minute and add extra 10–15 seconds if needed. For extra richness, top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Cooking Method Explained Simply
This hot chocolate mug cake recipe is made by first mixing dry ingredients flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt until even. Milk, melted butter or oil, and vanilla are added and stirred to form a smooth batter.
Chocolate chips are folded in for extra richness. The mixture is poured into a microwave-safe mug and cooked on high for 90–120 seconds.
The microwave quickly cooks the hot chocolate mug cake recipe, causing it to rise and set while keeping the center soft and moist, ready to enjoy warm.
Nutrition Facts Of Hot Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Sugar | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
How It Works
Hot chocolate mug cake recipe works by combining dry and wet ingredients in a small, single-serving portion and cooking them quickly in the microwave.
The flour provides structure, while the baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake rise. Cocoa mix and chocolate chips deliver the chocolate flavor and sweetness.
Milk and melted butter or oil hydrate the dry ingredients and create a tender, moist texture. Heat from the microwave rapidly cooks the batter, setting the cake while keeping it soft inside. The result is a warm, fluffy, and chocolaty dessert ready in minutes.
Why This Recipe Is A Must-Try?
This hot chocolate mug cake recipe is a must-try because it delivers a rich, chocolaty dessert in just a few minutes without the need for an oven or complex preparation.
It satisfies sudden cravings instantly and uses common pantry ingredients, making it accessible for anyone at home. The texture is soft and moist, with melted chocolate chips adding small pockets of indulgence.
Its quick cooking process saves time while still feeling like a special treat. This hot chocolate mug cake recipe offers warmth, comfort, and a touch of homemade chocolate joy whenever a sweet moment is needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serving this hot chocolate mug cake recipe can make it feel even more special. It can be enjoyed straight from the mug, warm and fresh, or topped with a spoonful of whipped cream for extra creaminess.
A drizzle of chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder adds a decorative touch and extra flavor. Fresh berries or a few mini marshmallows on top create a fun, colorful presentation.
Hot chocolate mug cake recipe can also be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added texture and a richer dessert experience.
Expert Tips And Tricks
1. Use a microwave-safe mug that can hold at least 250 ml to prevent the batter from overflowing.
2. Stir the batter thoroughly so the flour and cocoa mix are fully blended and no lumps remain.
3. Measure ingredients carefully, especially the baking powder, to ensure the cake rises properly without a bitter taste.
4. Adjust cooking time based on your microwave’s power. Start with 90 seconds and add small increments if needed.
5. Let the cake rest for 30 seconds after microwaving; it continues cooking slightly and firms up.
6. Add extra chocolate chips or a few drops of vanilla to enhance flavor and create a richer taste.
Health Benefits
This hot chocolate mug cake recipe provides a small portion of energy through carbohydrates from the flour and cocoa, which can give a quick boost when needed.
Cocoa contains antioxidants that help support heart health and improve mood. Milk adds protein and calcium, contributing to stronger bones and teeth.
Using a controlled amount of chocolate chips allows for indulgence without overloading on sugar. Preparing a single-serving dessert helps with portion control, reducing the temptation to overeat.
Variations
➤ Peanut Butter Chocolate Mug Cake – Add a tablespoon of creamy or chunky peanut butter to the batter before microwaving. The peanut butter melts slightly, creating pockets of rich, nutty flavor that pair beautifully with the chocolate. This variation adds extra protein and a satisfying creaminess.
➤ Mocha Mug Cake – Stir in a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder with the dry ingredients. The coffee enhances the chocolate’s depth, giving a subtle, aromatic mocha flavor that feels indulgent without being overly strong.
➤ Berry Chocolate Mug Cake – Gently fold in a small handful of fresh or frozen raspberries, blueberries, or chopped strawberries. The berries release natural sweetness and juice while cooking, creating tart, juicy bursts that contrast with the rich chocolate.
➤ Nutty Chocolate Mug Cake – Mix in 1–2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. The nuts add a pleasant crunch and earthy flavor, giving texture to the soft, moist cake while complementing the chocolate’s richness.
➤ Spiced Chocolate Mug Cake – Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a tiny bit of chili powder into the batter. These spices give warmth, aroma, and a subtle kick, making the cake taste cozy and slightly exotic, perfect for cooler days.
Storage
This hot chocolate mug cake recipe is best enjoyed fresh from the microwave, but leftovers can be stored for later. Allow the cake to cool completely, and then transfer it to an airtight container.
Store at room temperature for up to 1 day, or keep it in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. To enjoy again, warm it in the microwave for 20–30 seconds until soft and slightly gooey.
Avoid freezing, as the texture may become dry and lose its light, tender quality. Adding a few chocolate chips on top before reheating can refresh the taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size mug should I use?
Use a microwave‑safe mug that is large enough so the batter fills no more than half. This gives space for the cake to rise without spilling over.
Can I add marshmallows or extra toppings?
Yes, adding mini marshmallows on top or extra chocolate chips before cooking gives fun textures and extra flavor after it’s done.
Why didn’t my cake rise much?
If baking powder is old or the microwave wasn’t hot enough, the cake may not rise fully. Make sure your baking powder is fresh and adjust the heat slightly.
Can this recipe be made without baking powder?
Baking powder helps the cake rise. Without it, the texture will be flatter and denser, so the result will be quite different.
Is it safe to cook cake in the microwave?
Yes. Microwaves heat food quickly and can cook a mug cake all the way through as long as there is enough liquid and the batter is stirred well before heating.
Conclusion
This hot chocolate mug cake recipe is a treat that everyone enjoys and loves to make. Every time I prepare it, the warm, chocolaty aroma fills the kitchen, and the soft, moist texture brings instant satisfaction.
I created this hot chocolate mug cake recipe to serve quickly and enjoy whenever a sweet craving strikes. Sharing this easy method allows others to experience the same joy without complicated steps or long baking times.
Hot chocolate mug cake recipe is a comforting, simple dessert that delivers happiness in minutes and makes chocolate lovers smile every time they try it.
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Hot Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Microwave-safe mug (roughly 300–350 ml / 1¼–1½ cup capacity)
- Spoon or small whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl
Ingredients
- 30 g 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 20 g 1/4 cup hot cocoa mix
- 1 g 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 60 ml 1/4 cup milk
- 15 –30 g 1–2 tbsp chocolate chips
- 30 g 2 tbsp melted butter or vegetable oil
- 1 g 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients
- In a microwave-safe mug, mix together 30 g of all-purpose flour, 20 g of hot cocoa powder, 1 g of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is evenly blended.
Step 2: Add the wet ingredients
- Pour in 60 ml of milk, 30 g of melted butter (or oil), and 1 g of vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
Step 3: Add chocolate chips
- Fold in 15–30 g of chocolate chips gently, leaving a few on top so they melt beautifully while cooking.
Step 4: Cook in the microwave
- Microwave on high for 1–2 minutes. Start with 1 minute, then check if the cake has risen and the top looks set. Let it sit for 1 minute to cool slightly, then enjoy straight from the mug.
Notes

Hi! I’m Sophia, your trusted cake guide with years of hands-on baking experience. I’m passionate about creating delicious and wholesome cakes that bring happiness to every occasion and home. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and inspiration to make your baking journey enjoyable and rewarding. From classic flavors to healthy twists, my goal is to help you discover the joy of baking and sharing beautiful cakes with family and friends.