Decadent Chocolate Lava Mug Cake

$- All-purpose flour: 4 tablespoons - Granulated sugar: 4 tablespoons - Cocoa powder: 2 tablespoons - Baking powder: 1/8 teaspoon - Milk: 3 tablespoons - Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons - Vanilla extract: 1/4 teaspoon - Chocolate chips: 1 tablespoon (semi-sweet or dark) - Salt: A pinch To make a chocolate lava mug cake, you need simple ingredients. Each item plays a role in creating a moist, gooey treat. - All-purpose flour gives the cake structure. It holds everything together. - Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps the cake rise. - Cocoa powder brings rich chocolate flavor. It’s key for that deep taste. - Baking powder helps the cake rise in the microwave. A tiny bit goes a long way. - Milk adds moisture, making the cake soft. - Vegetable oil keeps the cake tender and adds richness. - Vanilla extract gives a warm, sweet aroma. It enhances the chocolate flavor. - Chocolate chips create the ooey-gooey center. Use semi-sweet or dark for a chocolatey punch. - Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors. Gather these items, and you're ready to create a delicious treat in just minutes! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by grabbing a microwave-safe mug. You need to mix the dry stuff first. Add 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1/8 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Use a small spoon to stir. Make sure everything is mixed well. This step is key for a smooth cake. Now, it’s time for the wet ingredients. Pour 3 tablespoons of milk into the mug. Then, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until you see no dry flour. This mix should be thick, but not too thick. Next, fold in 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips. You can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate. Make sure they are spread throughout the batter. Now, it’s time for the fun part! Microwave your mug on high for 40-60 seconds. The cake should be set at the edges but still soft in the middle. Keep an eye on it! Let it cool for about a minute. This gives your lava cake a nice gooey center. Microwave timing is key to a great chocolate lava mug cake. You want it to cook enough to set the edges but stay gooey in the center. Start by microwaving for 40 seconds. Check it closely. If the center looks wet but edges are firm, it’s just right. If your microwave is strong, you may need only 40 seconds. For weaker microwaves, go up to 60 seconds. To avoid overflowing, use a large mug. Fill it only halfway with batter. This gives the cake room to rise. Keep an eye on it as it cooks. Letting the cake cool for one minute is very important. This short wait helps the gooey center develop. If you skip this step, the lava may be too hot and messy. A minute is all you need for the perfect balance of warmth and gooeyness. For presentation, you can serve the mug cake right in the mug. If you want to impress, invert it onto a plate. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. For extra flair, sprinkle cocoa powder or chocolate shavings over it. This makes your dessert look gourmet and taste even better! Pro Tips Choose the Right Mug: Opt for a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 8 ounces to ensure your batter has enough space to rise without overflowing. Perfecting the Microwave Time: Microwaves vary in power, so start with 40 seconds and check. If the center is still too gooey, add 10-second increments until it's just right. Customize Your Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as white chocolate or peanut butter chips, for a unique twist on the flavor. Let It Rest: Allowing the mug cake to sit for a minute before digging in helps the lava center become more pronounced and enhances the overall texture. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor of your chocolate lava mug cake easily. Try adding a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella before you microwave it. Just drop a spoonful in the center of the batter and give it a gentle stir. This will add a rich, creamy taste. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate chips. Use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for a fun twist. Each type brings a unique flavor that can change your dessert game. If you're looking for gluten-free options, almond or coconut flour works well. Replace the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of almond flour. It will give your cake a nutty flavor. For coconut flour, use half the amount since it absorbs more liquid. Adjust the milk slightly to ensure the cake remains moist. These alternatives keep the dessert tasty while meeting special dietary needs. Toppings can elevate your chocolate lava mug cake. Fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries add a nice tartness. Nuts like walnuts or almonds give a great crunch. For a creamy finish, try flavored whipped cream. Whip cream with vanilla or hazelnut extract to add extra flavor. You can also sprinkle cocoa powder or chocolate shavings on top for a nice touch. Each topping transforms your mug cake into a delightful treat! If you have leftover chocolate lava mug cake, store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to two days. Make sure to cover the mug with plastic wrap or a lid. This keeps it moist and tasty. To reheat your mug cake, use the microwave. Heat it for about 10-15 seconds. Check if it’s warm enough. If you want that gooey center back, you can add a splash of milk before reheating. This keeps the cake soft and helps restore its original texture. Enjoy that rich chocolate goodness again! Yes, you can make this cake without eggs. For an egg-free version, use 1 tablespoon of unsweetened applesauce. This will help bind the ingredients and keep your cake moist. You can also try using 1 tablespoon of yogurt or mashed banana as an alternative. Both options work well for a soft, rich cake. Microwave settings can change how your cake cooks. Most microwaves have different wattages. If your microwave is 700 watts, cook the cake for 60-70 seconds. For 900 watts, 40-50 seconds will work. If it's 1,100 watts or more, start with 40 seconds. Always watch the cake closely to prevent it from overflowing. Check your mug cake by looking at the edges. They should be set while the center is still soft. If the cake springs back when you gently press it, it’s done. You want that gooey lava center! If it looks too wet, microwave it for an extra 10 seconds. Let it cool for a minute to develop the lava texture. This blog covered how to make a delicious Chocolate Lava Mug Cake. You learned the right ingredients, how to mix them, and the perfect microwave time for a gooey center. We discussed tips to enhance your cake, variations to try, and how to store any leftovers. In the end, microwave desserts like this one are fun and quick. Enjoy making this treat and share it with friends or family. You'll impress everyone with your new skills and tasty creation!$

Decadent Chocolate Lava Mug Cake

A quick and indulgent chocolate mug cake with a gooey center.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 1

Total Time 6

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
1 pinch salt

Instructions

In a microwave-safe mug, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix well until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined and no dry flour remains.
Carefully fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they're evenly dispersed throughout the batter.
Microwave the mug on high for 40-60 seconds. The exact time will depend on your microwave's power; you want the cake to be set around the edges but still slightly gooey in the center. Keep an eye on it to avoid overflowing!
Let the mug cake cool for about a minute before serving; this helps the lava center develop more.

Notes

Serve with ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Keyword chocolate, dessert, mug cake