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Because it’s Friday and we need our fix…5 Minute Molten Chocolate Mug Cake. You don’t need to be a skilled baker to bake up these deliciously EASY chocolate mug cakes. This deep-dish style cake in a mug requires just one coffee mug, simple pantry staple ingredients, and takes almost no effort or time to make. There are hints of vanilla, swirls of melted chocolate, and every bite is truly delicious. Enjoy this personal-sized cake warm, right out of the microwave, with a scoop of ice cream.

overhead photo of 5 Minute Molten Chocolate Mug Cake with ice cream on top

The entire world is baking right now, it’s impressive and exciting. I love so much that you all are making the best of this time at home…and baking up a storm. I’ve said it before, but it’s so fun to see all the HBH recipes being made. And the desserts are without a doubt the most popular.

But the thing that I’ve come to realize? Some of us don’t need a strawberry cobbler that serves eight people. Or a three-layer cake that feeds a twenty-person birthday party. Or two dozen homemade Somoas cookies. Nope, most of us don’t need all those servings. Though I personally love a little leftover dessert…you know for late-night snacking and TV watching.

Sometimes, like on Friday or Saturday night, we just need a rich, heavy on the chocolate, warm, and melty piece of chocolate cake…with a scoop of ice cream too.

overhead prep photo of egg in mug before baking

Yes, sometimes that is just what we all need most.

Enter these cute little warm chocolate-filled mug cakes. They require no oven and instead are baked in the microwave and ready in just about five minutes.

Truth is, I’m not usually someone who uses the microwave. In fact, for many years I actually didn’t have a microwave in my house. I don’t often find many uses for it, but sometimes it’s a handy kitchen appliance. And you know something? It does have the ability to create a delicious chocolate mug cake within just 5 minute’s time. If there was ever a reason to own a microwave, this cake recipe is it.

overhead prep photo of 5 Minute Molten Chocolate Mug Cake before baking

The quick details.

This cake comes together in five minutes tops, so the details are pretty darn quick.

Start with your wet ingredients. I like to use coconut oil as the oil for these cakes. Melt it in the microwave in the mug you plan to “bake” your cake in. Once melted, whisk in a single egg, a few tablespoons of milk, a splash of vanilla, and honey…to sweeten things up. I personally like to use honey as my sweetener as I’ve found it creates a perfectly soft, tender, and moist cake. But maple syrup or granulated sugar work well too.

Once the wet ingredients are combined. Stir in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. At this point, the cake is almost ready for “baking”.

overhead photo of 5 Minute Molten Chocolate Mug Cake without ice cream

But I have a couple secrets.

First, coffee. Now, if you don’t enjoy coffee you can use an equal amount of water, but I will say that you really don’t taste the coffee. It only highlights the flavors of the chocolate and creates a slightly “gooey” cake. You want to swirl the coffee into the batter, not fully incorporating it. This is key and keeps the cake from drying out.

Second, chocolate chunks…and a generous helping too. The chunks are a must and act as the “molten” layer to these mug cakes. You will add them to the center of the batter. As the cake bakes, the chocolate sinks in, melting as it sinks. It leaves you with a puddle of warm melted chocolate at the bottom of your cake. With every bite, a little of that melted chocolate is scooped up with the cake.

And it is delicious.

overhead close up photo of 5 Minute Molten Chocolate Mug Cake with ice cream

Key for success.

Eat this warm, right after cooking. This isn’t a cake you want to eat leftover, it’s meant as a quick chocolate fix. It should be eaten right away and preferably with ice cream on top.

Nothing is better than warm cake with vanilla ice cream. SO. GOOD.

I will say that that every microwave is different, so the cooking time is a little tricky. That said, I tested this on two different microwaves and found two minutes to be just the right amount of time. You may need to adjust slightly by fifteen seconds, give or take.

overhead photo of 5 Minute Molten Chocolate Mug Cake with ice cream

So with all that, have I convinced you that you need a chocolate mug cake in your life tonight?

This is the best afternoon pick me up…warm after dinner dessert…or late-night snack with a side of TV watching. Hey, don’t judge, this is life in quarantine. It’s weird, and the normal “rules” of life just don’t apply. So enjoy your cake…any time of day you like!

See you all tomorrow for another Cocktail Saturday.

overhead photo of 5 Minute Molten Chocolate Mug Cake with spoon showing the inside of the cake

Looking for other quick desserts? Bake these up! 

Crinkle Top Chocolate Peanut Butter Skillet Blondies

Coconut Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread

5 ingredient Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies

watch the how to video:

Lastly, if you make this 5 Minute Molten Chocolate Mug Cake, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

5 Minute Molten Chocolate Mug Cake

Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 large mug
Calories Per Serving: 1080 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • 1. Melt the coconut oil in a (10-12 ounce) microwave-safe mug. Whisk in the egg, milk, vanilla, and honey until combined. Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, stirring until just combined.
    2. Spoon the coffee into the center of the batter and gently swirl it in. Do not fully incorporate the coffee. Place the chocolate chunks in the center of the batter.
    3. Microwave on full power for 1 minute 45 second to 2 minutes (I always do 2 minutes). Dig your spoon deep into the cake to spoon up melted chocolate with every bite. Serve with ice cream. ENJOY.

Notes

To Oven Bake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 2 cup oven safe ramekin/mug or 2 muffin tins. Add the batter and bake 22-25 minutes. 
Microwave: every microwave is very different, so results may vary slightly. I have a 1200 watt microwave and found 2 minutes to be the perfect cooking time. You may need to cook 1 minute 45 seconds or 2 minutes 15 seconds. Start with 2 minutes. 
Coffee: if you prefer to not use coffee, use an equal amount of warm water. 
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overhead horizontal photo of 5 Minute Molten Chocolate Mug Cake

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Comments

    1. Hey Hilda,
      Awesome! Love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! Have the best weekend:) xTieghan

  1. a good mug cake recipe, except don’t skimp on the honey I did 2 tbs needs more or chocolate chips. And my uk 800watt microwave 2 mins was too much I lost the goo 🙁 so trying 1.45 next time.

    1. Hey Hannah,
      Happy Friday! So glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving it a go! xTieghan

  2. 5 stars
    I have tried many mug cakes and usually am disappointed. Not with this one! I think the honey helps it not be grainy – which has been my past experience. Delicious, will definitely be making this again.

    1. Hi Aja,
      Happy Friday!! I am delighted that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! xTieghan

    2. 3 stars
      Looks great I’ll try it on the weekend. In the video it would be great if the ingredients are written in a dark colour to make it easier to see as it’s white you can’t see what your adding, since the marble top is mostly white making the ingredients typed blend in.

    1. Hey Mojo,
      Wonderful! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed. Thanks a bunch for giving it a try! xTieghan

  3. I’ve made a mug cake maybe once or twice before and it’s never cooked through appropriately – like super gooey in the middle/bottom. This had the perfectly baked consistency throughout and the flavor was delicious. I topped with coconut whipped cream – all I had on hand, and it was the perfect indulgence for my daughter and I. Thanks!!!

    1. Hey Kaylyn,
      Fantastic!! Love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! Have a great Sunday:) xxTieghan

    1. Hey Lydia,
      Fantastic! I am thrilled this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving it a go! Happy Friday:) xTieghan

    1. Hey Carly,
      So sorry you did not enjoy this recipe, please let me know if I can help in anyway! xTieghan

  4. 1 star
    Mine turned out eggy and rubbery too. It’s a shame because the flavor was great, but I could only eat a few bites. Used 3 tbsp maple syrup as the sweetener. Checked it after 1:45 seconds, added the final 15 seconds, and then another 30 seconds to see if the consistency would improve. My egg was straight from the fridge mixed into the warm melted coconut oil. Could that be causing the difference?? Or adjusting the power on the microwave? I’m sad this was my first HBH flop :'(

    1. Hey Emily,
      So sorry you did not enjoy the recipe. I am thinking it may have been in the microwave for too long! xTieghan

  5. 5 stars
    Made this and another blogger’s chocolate mug cake to see which I prefer. This was my preference – better texture and I subbed half the flour for almond meal. Really delicious. And I now I can’t decide between this and the banana bread mug cake – I’ve been eating both wayyyy to much!

    1. Hey Katie,
      I am thrilled this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! Happy Sunday! xTieghan

  6. 1 star
    Most of the blame goes on my old microwave for this, but: was liquid at the 2 minute point, and when finished, had bits of hard boiled egg throughout. That’s not the recipes fault – but if you don’t have a brand new/reliable microwave, don’t bother. It will not work and you will be sad as you spoon out the remnants from your cute pokemon mug.

    As for the actual recipe I felt like the honey and coconut oil flavors were a little too noticeable, but was otherwise fine.

  7. 5 stars
    This cake is very moist and taste was delicious. I used canola oil and 2 T. granulated sugar. I’ve also made the banana one and is also delicious. My husband kept saying how great it was. Thanks so much!

    1. Hey Brandie,
      Thanks a lot for giving the recipe a go, I am so delighted that it was enjoyed! Have a great week:) xTieghan

  8. Oh wow! This looks delish! I’m totally gonna bake this right now! Thank you so much! This will be the first recipe i have tried from your website! And what a way to start! Yummmm!!

  9. 5 stars
    Every single recipe is just amazing I cannot even describe!! Whether it’s a full blown meal or a quick mug cake( Devine by the way) every recipe is balanced so well and fool proof!
    Whenever I have a craving or need inspiration, your site is always my go too!!