If you’ve got a chocolate craving and only a few minutes to spare, this Chocolate Lava Mug Cake will be your new favorite fix. It’s rich, warm, and has that irresistible molten center that feels like a mini dessert miracle. Best of all, it’s made in the microwave, so there’s no oven, no fuss, and barely any cleanup.
You’ll use simple pantry ingredients and a single mug. It’s perfect for late-night treats, sudden guests, or when you just want dessert for one without waiting.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
- Fast and foolproof: From start to finish, you’re talking about 5 minutes, with only 60–90 seconds in the microwave.
- Molten center: A few chocolate chunks tucked in the batter melt into a gooey lava core.
- Single-serve portion: Great for satisfying a craving without making a whole cake.
- Minimal cleanup: One mug, one spoon, zero mess.
- Flexible ingredients: Works with dairy or non-dairy milk, regular flour or gluten-free blends, and oil or melted butter.
What You’ll Need
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (adds moisture and depth; optional but recommended)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil or melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (for the lava center)
- Optional toppings: a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, sea salt flakes, berries
Instructions
- Choose the right mug: Use a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 12 ounces. Lightly grease it with a dab of oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix the dry ingredients: Add flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the mug.
Stir well to combine, breaking up any cocoa clumps.
- Add the wet ingredients: Pour in milk, oil or melted butter, and vanilla. Stir until you have a smooth, thick batter with no streaks of flour.
- Create the lava center: Sprinkle the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate over the batter. Gently press them into the center so they’re covered but not sunk to the bottom.
- Microwave: Cook on high for 60–90 seconds.
Start checking at 60 seconds. The top should look set around the edges but slightly glossy in the middle for a molten center.
- Rest briefly: Let the mug cake sit for 30–45 seconds. This helps the structure set while keeping the core gooey.
- Finish and serve: Top with ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a pinch of sea salt.
Enjoy straight from the mug while warm.
Storage Instructions
This dessert is best eaten immediately while the center is still molten. If you need to store it, cover the cooled mug cake and keep it in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to warm it through.
Note that the texture will be more cakey and less lava-like after storing.
Health Benefits
- Portion control: A single serving helps you enjoy dessert without overdoing it.
- Cocoa perks: Unsweetened cocoa contains antioxidants like flavanols, which may support heart health.
- Customizable ingredients: Use non-dairy milk, a gluten-free flour blend, or less sugar to suit your needs.
- Mindful indulgence: Satisfies a craving quickly, reducing the urge to snack on multiple sweets.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: The cake can go from gooey to dry fast. Start checking at 60 seconds and add time in 10–15 second bursts.
- Using too small a mug: The batter rises as it cooks. A 12-ounce mug prevents overflow.
- Skipping the pinch of salt: A little salt sharpens the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
- Not mixing thoroughly: Dry pockets of flour lead to uneven texture.
Stir until smooth.
- Too much chocolate in the center: It sounds great, but overloading can make the cake collapse. About 2 tablespoons is ideal.
Variations You Can Try
- Peanut butter lava: Add 1 teaspoon peanut butter to the center along with chocolate chips.
- Mocha cake: Swap 1 tablespoon of milk for strong brewed coffee or add 1/4 teaspoon instant espresso.
- Salted caramel: Press a soft caramel candy into the center and sprinkle sea salt on top.
- Mint-chocolate: Use mint chocolate chips and add a drop of peppermint extract.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and check a few seconds earlier, as cook times can vary.
- Dairy-free: Use almond, oat, or soy milk and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Extra fudgy: Replace 1 tablespoon flour with 1 tablespoon additional cocoa and add a splash more milk if needed.
FAQ
Can I make this without eggs?
Yes, and this recipe doesn’t use eggs. Mug cakes without eggs cook more evenly in the microwave and stay moist without turning rubbery.
How do I know when it’s done?
The edges should look set and slightly puffed, while the center stays a bit glossy.
If it looks wet all over, give it another 10–15 seconds. Remember, it continues to set as it rests.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
Use all granulated sugar. The cake will still be delicious.
Brown sugar just adds a little extra moisture and a caramel note.
Can I bake it in the oven?
If you prefer, transfer the batter to an oven-safe ramekin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye on the center for that slightly glossy finish.
Why did my cake turn dry or rubbery?
It was likely overcooked. Microwaves vary, so start low at 60 seconds and increase in short bursts.
Using oil instead of butter can also help keep it extra moist.
Can I double the recipe?
Make two separate mug cakes rather than doubling in one mug. They will cook more evenly. Microwave them one at a time for best results.
What’s the best cocoa to use?
Unsweetened natural cocoa works great.
Dutch-process cocoa gives a smoother, darker chocolate flavor. Use what you have—both are tasty in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Lava Mug Cake is the ultimate quick dessert: warm, gooey, and ready in minutes. With basic pantry ingredients and a microwave, you can treat yourself anytime.
Keep the method simple, watch the cook time, and enjoy that molten center while it’s hot. It’s proof that great dessert doesn’t need to be complicated.
Chocolate Lava Mug Cake (2 Minutes) - Fast, Gooey, and Incredibly Easy
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (adds moisture and depth; optional but recommended)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil or melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (for the lava center)
- Optional toppings: a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, sea salt flakes, berries
Instructions
- Choose the right mug: Use a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 12 ounces. Lightly grease it with a dab of oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix the dry ingredients: Add flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the mug. Stir well to combine, breaking up any cocoa clumps.
- Add the wet ingredients: Pour in milk, oil or melted butter, and vanilla. Stir until you have a smooth, thick batter with no streaks of flour.
- Create the lava center: Sprinkle the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate over the batter. Gently press them into the center so they’re covered but not sunk to the bottom.
- Microwave: Cook on high for 60–90 seconds. Start checking at 60 seconds. The top should look set around the edges but slightly glossy in the middle for a molten center.
- Rest briefly: Let the mug cake sit for 30–45 seconds. This helps the structure set while keeping the core gooey.
- Finish and serve: Top with ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a pinch of sea salt. Enjoy straight from the mug while warm.
Looking for more ideas?
If you need dinner on the table fast, explore our Quick & Easy category.
If you’re craving new flavors, take a look at our World Cuisine category.
If you want something lighter but still satisfying, visit our Healthy & Light category.
If you’re in the mood for a treat, find something sweet in our Sweets & Desserts category.
If you like to plan ahead, get inspired in our Meal Prep & Planning category.
If you’re keeping it low carb and still want satisfying meals, explore our Keto Weight Loss category.
And if you’d like to browse everything in one place, explore All Recipes.
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