Chocolate Chip Mug Cake

Moist and buttery cake studded with chocolate chips, this chocolate chip mug cake is an easy recipe that comes together in just 3 minutes

Sometimes you need a quick sweet fix, but you don’t have time to go bake a whole cake. This recipe is perfect for those lazy days when you need something sweet!

The cake is fluffy and filled with pockets of melted chocolate chips. Top it with whipped cream or ice cream for a decadent treat that couldn’t be any easier to make.

3 minute microwave Chocolate chip mug cake topped with whipped cream

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: Flour gives the cake structure and that cake-like texture. Feel free to use self-raising flour and leave out the baking powder if that makes things easier!
  • Brown sugar: Brown sugar gives the cake flavor and sweetness. I like to use brown sugar over white sugar as it gives the final product a slightly caramelized flavor. It also boosts the cake’s moisture.

  • Baking powder: Baking powder is essential for the cake to rise. Without baking powder, the resulting cake will be gummy.
  • Milk: Milk gives the cake moisture! If you can’t have milk feel free to replace it with water. Water doesn’t give the cake as much flavor, but it’ll be just as delicious.
  • Unsalted butter: Butter is the secret behind the flavor of this small cake. It adds an extra buttery fragrance along with a plush texture to your cake crumb.

  • Salt: A pinch of salt helps to balance out the sweetness of the cake.
  • Chocolate chips: The star of the show! Use any kind of chocolate chips, or even break up your favorite chocolate bar for a unique dessert made just for you.
  • Vanilla extract: This is optional, but it’ll give your cake a delicious aroma.
See Also This Recipe:  Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
3 minute microwave Chocolate chip mug cake topped with whipped cream

Serving suggestions

There are so many ways you can serve this up, here are just a couple of my favorite ways you can spice up this easy cake.

  • Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream: Spoon over some whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Both add extra creamy moisture to the cake beneath and help elevate it to an all-around dessert.
  • Add nuts to the cake: Adding toasted nuts like peanuts, walnuts, or hazelnuts to the cake can give it extra texture and excitement!

  • Drizzle with melted chocolate or your favorite spread: Melt some chocolate, or heat a spread like Nutella, Biscoff, or peanut butter, and drizzle for extra decadence
  • A simple knob of butter: A simple knob of butter on top of this cake is heavenly. The butter will melt down into the cake adding flavor and moisture
3 minute microwave Chocolate chip mug cake topped with whipped cream

How do you make the best microwave mug cake?

A lot of people struggle with microwave cakes because they think that they just don’t turn out as good as regular cakes. But that isn’t the case!

A well-made mug cake will be equally if not more delicious than a baked cake. And it takes no time at all. Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect mug cake.

Don’t overmix the batter

Overmixing the batter will give it a dense, gummy texture. Only mix the cake until just mixed and place it in the microwave immediately. The best way to do this is straight in a microwave-safe mug rather than transferring the mixture later.

Don’t over-microwave

If you heat a mug cake for too long it will become dry and rock hard. It’s always better to under-cook it and heat it for another 30 seconds until it’s just cooked through. To make sure your cake is perfect, stop at 1 minute 30 seconds and check whether it is done before continuing.

See Also This Recipe:  Chocolate Tres Leches

Eat immediately

Mug cakes taste the best and are at the perfect texture the moment they come out of the microwave.

Mug cakes have fewer ingredients than regular cakes, and as a result, don’t have the ingredients that help them retain moisture like eggs and oil. This is why they taste best when they are freshly made, so don’t wait too long before consuming

3 minute microwave Chocolate chip mug cake topped with whipped cream

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this last?

Mug cakes taste the best when they are freshly made and still warm. I wouldn’t recommend making them ahead of time, so microwave them right before serving!

Can you reheat a mug cake?

You can reheat mug cakes, but keep in mind that they won’t be as moist and fluffy as when they were freshly made.

If you had any cake left over I’d recommend storing it in the fridge and reheating it in the microwave for 30 seconds, or until slightly warm before consuming it.

Why did my mug cake become hard?

The mug cake most likely became hard because it had been cooked for too long.

I recommend heating it in the microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds and checking to see if it is ready. If it still looks a little gooey, microwave it for another 30 seconds.

Why did my mug cake turn out gooey?

If the mug cake is still gooey it’s undercooked! Just put it in the microwave for another 20 to 30 seconds.

This can happen if your microwave isn’t as powerful, or you use a small mug.

See Also This Recipe:  Pineapple Coconut Cupcakes

Can I add egg to my mug cake?

I wouldn’t recommend adding an egg to the mug cake as it has a tendency to add too much moisture to the cake. This results in a very wet, soggy cake.

Can I make this in the oven?

Yes, you can make this in the oven! Put it in a ramekin and bake at 170C/340C for 10-15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center emerges clean with a few moist crumbs.

3 minute microwave Chocolate chip mug cake topped with whipped cream
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If you liked this recipe make sure to leave me a comment and rating down below. I’d love to know how it went! Also, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @catherine.desserts.

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Chocolate Chip Mug Cake

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Moist and buttery cake studded with chocolate chips, an easy recipe that comes together in 3 minutes

  • Author: Catherine Zhang
  • Prep Time: 1 minute
  • Cook Time: 2 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 minutes
  • Yield: 1 Mug Cake 1x
  • Category: Cake
  • Method: Easy
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1/4 cup All purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp Brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp Baking powder
  • 3 tbsp Whole milk
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted butter, melted
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup Chocolate chips, dark or milk

Instructions

  1. Heat the butter in the microwave for 20 seconds, until melted
  2. Add the sugar and milk, and mix until combined
  3. Add the baking powder, flour and salt, and mix until just combined
  4. Stir in the chocolate chips and microwave for 1-2 mins, or until a toothpick inserted emerges clean with a few moist crumbs

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo, tag me @catherine.desserts and hashtag #cattycakes

I cannot wait to see what you make!

author avatar
Catherine Zhang
My name is Catherine, a food blogger and dessert lover. If I look familiar you may have seen me on NETFLIX's Zumbo’s Just Desserts S2! As an Australian-Chinese pastry chef and recipe developer I share recipes and tips on desserts inspired by amazing flavours, fresh produce and of course my Asian background.

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