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 easy to make as it is delicious.

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 best 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!

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. 

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 best bet!

Serving Suggestions

This chocolate coffee mug cake recipe is best 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 make this recipe in the oven? 

No, this coffee mug cake recipe is only suitable for the quick cooking time of a microwave. 

Can I double the recipe? 

We do not recommend doubling the ingredients as typical mugs will not be large enough to hold all the batter. To make a double portion, we recommend using two separate mugs!

Are microwave mug cakes safe to eat? 

Yes! Mug cakes are completely safe to consume. Just make sure to microwave them long enough for the cake batter to cook completely!

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? 

Yes, feel free to store your coffee mug cake covered in the fridge for up to one day. Then, when you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or just long enough for it to warm. Just make sure not to overcook your cake, or it will become dry and rubbery! 

More Microwave Mug Cake Recipes You’ll Love

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

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

Chocolate Coffee Mug Cake

4.86 from 7 votes
Author: Food Dolls
Servings: 2 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 1 minute
Total: 6 minutes
Ready in minutes, this coffee mug cake is an easy single-serving dessert full of rich chocolate and espresso flavors you’ll love!

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
    Dry ingredients for a chocolate mug cake being whisked.
  • 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
    Unbaked chocolate mug cake.
  • Top with chocolate chunks.
    2 ounces dark chocolate chunks
    Overhead image of a cooked chocolate mug cake.
  • Microwave on high for 1 minute. (See notes.)
    Overhead image of two chocolate mug cakes, one with a spoon sticking out the other topped iwth ice cream.

Video

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.

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Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 627kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 501mg | Sodium: 535mg | Potassium: 521mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 1228IU | Calcium: 161mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this recipe?Please leave a comment!

We hope you love this coffee mug cake recipe as much as we do. If you do give it a try, please let us know in the comments below! 

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Meet Alia & Radwa

Welcome to Food Dolls! Weโ€™re so glad you found us. We are Alia and Radwa, sisters who want to share simple and easy recipes with you. We hope you find recipes here that you enjoy making as much as we do! Learn more about us!

4.86 from 7 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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4 Comments

  1. 4 stars
    Next time, a little less espresso and a little more sugar. Otherwise, it was a pleasant surprise as to how well it turned out.