6 Minute Recipe: Chocolate Coffee Mug Cake

Overhead image of two chocolate mug cakes, one with a spoon sticking out the other topped iwth ice cream.

Craving something sweet and satisfying but don’t want to commit to a whole cake? You’re going to love our Chocolate Coffee Mug Cake — it’s your ticket to instant dessert gratification! With just a few simple ingredients and mere minutes, you’ll have a delectable single-serving treat that’s as simple to make as it is tasty.

Two chocolate mug cakes, one with a spoon lifting a bite and the other topped with ice cream.

What is a Microwave Mug Cake, Anyway?

Before we go any further, let’s first cover what exactly a microwave mug cake is. As the name suggests, it’s a cake prepared in a mug and baked in the microwave.

Unlike traditional cake recipes, coffee mug cakes serve just one person. In addition, they cook in the microwave, not the oven — most mugs shatter to pieces under such intense heat. Because of their ease and convenience, mug cakes have gained lots of popularity, and we’re not complaining!

Ingredients

Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions for this recipe. Don’t forget to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!

Flour – Regular all-purpose flour forms the base of the cake batter.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – This creates a rich chocolate flavor base.
Espresso Powder – This enhances the chocolate taste. Feel free to use decaf varieties if needed.
Milk – Any milk you like finest will work.
Butter – We recommend using unsalted butter to avoid overpowering the cake.
Egg – This adds structure to the cake, helping it hold its shape.
Dark Chocolate Chunks – Feel free to swap chocolate chips, and use semi-sweet, milk, or white chocolate instead!

Chocolate mug cake ingredients being whisked in mugs.

Overhead image of an uncooked chocolate mug cake.

Espresso vs Coffee

Although commonly confused, espresso and coffee are not the same things! Both drinks feature a coffee bean base. However, espresso is a thicker, more concentrated liquid.

Meanwhile, coffee has a higher ratio of water to coffee grounds. As a result, it has a milder taste and a thinner consistency.

A chocolate mug cake topped with vanilla ice cream.

A spoon lifting a bite of chocolate mug cake.

Does it Matter What Kind of Espresso I Use?

We recommend using an instant espresso powder. However, any espresso powder you have on hand or find in the store will work just fine!

Can I Use Coffee Grounds Instead of Espresso Powder?

We recommend sticking with espresso powder if you can find it. However, coffee grounds will work in its place if you’re in a pinch.

A spoon sinking into a chocolate mug cake.

How to Make Chocolate Coffee Cake in a Mug

Mix. To start, add all the dry ingredients to a coffee mug, and mix until they are well combined.
Stir. Then, stir in the wet ingredients, until a smooth batter forms.
Top. Top your mug cake recipe with chocolate chunks. Or, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, press a large chocolate square into the center.
Microwave. Place your mug in the microwave, and cook on high until the cake sets. You should be able to insert a toothpick into the center and pull it out clean, apart from the gooey chocolate chunks, of course!

Baking Tips

Don’t Overbake! If you leave your coffee mug cake in the microwave for too long it will become way too dry. To prevent this from happening, be sure to keep an eye on it while cooking, and pull it out as soon as the batter has set.
Use the Right Size Mug. Most conventional coffee mugs will work just fine. The trick is to allow an extra two inches from the top of the batter. Otherwise, the cake is likely to explode while cooking, leaving you with a mess!
Measure Carefully. We recommend using a food scale for the most accurate results and a soft, rich cake. However, if that’s not an option, the spoon and level method is your next finest bet!

Serving Suggestions

This chocolate coffee mug cake recipe is finest served warm! We recommend topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, but you could also add whipped cream, sprinkles, or fresh fruit!

Common Questions

Can I add mix-ins to my mug cake?

Definitely! Sprinkle in nuts, candies, or even a dollop of peanut butter before you microwave it.

How do I know when my mug cake is done?

The cake is ready when it has risen and the top looks set. It should feel slightly springy to the touch. Be careful not to overcook it — microwaves can vary.

Can I make a vegan version of this mug cake?

Yes, you can! Substitute dairy milk with almond, soy, or oat milk, and use vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. Make sure to check that your cocoa powder and other ingredients are also vegan-friendly.

Can I prepare the batter in advance?

It’s finest to mix and microwave the batter immediately for optimal texture. But you can pre-mix the dry ingredients and store them in a sealed container. When you’re ready, just add the wet ingredients and cook!

More Microwave Mug Cake Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of speedy and simple single-serving recipes, you’ll be excited to know we have a few more up our sleeves!

Biscoff Mug Cake
Monster Cookie Mug Cake
Ho Hos Mug Cake

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 2 servings

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 1 min
Total: 6 mins

Ready in minutes, this coffee mug cake is an simple single-serving dessert full of rich chocolate and espresso flavors you’ll love! Email

Ingredients

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 Tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 Tablespoons milk
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
1 large egg room temperature
2 ounces dark chocolate chunks

Instructions

Add all of the dry ingredients to a microwave-safe mug. Mix until combined.1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 2 Tablespoons sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add the wet ingredients to the mug with the dry ingredients. Mix again until smooth.1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 Tablespoons milk, 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 large egg
Top with chocolate chunks.2 ounces dark chocolate chunks
Microwave on high for 1 minute. (See notes.)

Equipment

1 Mug

Notes

For an extra-indulgent dessert, replace the chocolate chunks with a square of dark chocolate instead. Baking times may vary, depending on the microwave. If the mug cake is still gooey after 1 minute, microwave it for an additional 30 seconds. Be careful not to overbake your cake! If left in the microwave too long, it will become dry and rubbery.