Craving a rich, indulgent dessert but don’t have the time or energy for a complicated recipe? Enter the Decadent Chocolate Lava Mug Cake – a quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious single-serve treat that you can whip up in just 5 minutes. This microwave-friendly cake is the ultimate comfort food for busy days, satisfying your sweet tooth without any mess or stress.
Why You’ll Love This Decadent Chocolate Lava Mug Cake Ready in 5 Minutes
This Decadent Chocolate Lava Mug Cake is the perfect cozy, rewarding dessert for any time you need a quick pick-me-up. It’s made with real, simple ingredients and comes together in just a few minutes, making it the ultimate busy-day treat. Plus, the rich, molten chocolate center is pure comfort in a mug. Whether you’re looking for a stress-free weeknight dessert or a make-ahead grab-and-go option, this lava cake has you covered.
Ingredients (Single-Serve)
This Decadent Chocolate Lava Mug Cake requires just a handful of basic pantry staples. You’ll need flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, an egg, milk, butter, and a pinch of salt. The simple ingredients come together quickly to create a deliciously indulgent single-serve dessert.
- 2 tablespoons – all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons – granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon – unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 – egg
- 2 tablespoons – milk (any type)
- 1 tablespoon – unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch – salt
Ingredient Substitutions
- Milk: You can use any type of milk you have on hand, including dairy-free options like almond or oat milk.
- Butter: For a dairy-free version, swap in vegetable or canola oil.
How to Make Decadent Chocolate Lava Mug Cake
This Decadent Chocolate Lava Mug Cake comes together in just a few quick steps, and it’s all done in the microwave for a no-mess, no-fuss dessert.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Grease a microwave-safe mug with a little butter or nonstick cooking spray. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a separate bowl, beat the egg and milk together until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix. Finally, melt the butter and pour it into the batter, mixing until it’s fully incorporated.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Scoop half the batter into your prepared mug, then place a small pile of chocolate chips or a chocolate square in the center. Top with the remaining batter, making sure to cover the chocolate completely.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Microwave the mug cake on high for 60-90 seconds, or until the top is set but the center is still slightly gooey. Be careful when removing the hot mug from the microwave. Allow the cake to cool for a minute or two before serving.
Variations & Time-Saver Tips
- Richer Flavor: For an even richer flavor, try using dark chocolate chips or cocoa nibs in the center.
- Mix-Ins: You can also experiment with mix-ins like chopped nuts, peanut butter, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. The key is to keep the total ingredients to a minimum so this lava cake stays quick and easy.
- Vegan-Friendly: Use a dairy-free chocolate chip or morsel in the center for a vegan-friendly version.
- Oven Bake: No microwave? No problem! You can also bake this lava cake in the oven. Preheat to 400°F, then follow the recipe instructions. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the top is set but the center is still soft and gooey.
Serving, Storage & Reheat
Serve with: a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra-special treat.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the texture may not be quite as soft and molten.
Microwave Reheat: To reheat, simply pop the mug cake back in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the batter up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply scoop it into a mug and microwave as directed.
Nutrition Info
This single-serve Decadent Chocolate Lava Mug Cake clocks in at around 300 calories, making it a satisfying yet reasonable indulgence. It provides a good source of protein from the egg, and the chocolate and cocoa powder offer antioxidants. Of course, this is still a dessert, so be sure to enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1 mug cake
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
FAQs
How do I know when the mug cake is done?
The top of the cake should be set, but the center will still be slightly gooey and molten when it’s ready. Microwave times may vary, so start with 60 seconds and check it, then add 10-15 seconds at a time until it reaches the perfect texture.
Can I make this cake in advance?
While the lava cake is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the batter up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply scoop it into a mug and microwave as directed.
How do I avoid a dry or overcooked mug cake?
The key is to not overcook the cake. Start with the minimum time and check it frequently. If the top appears fully cooked but the center is still liquid, that’s exactly what you’re going for! Allow it to cool for a minute or two before digging in.
Can I double the recipe to make more servings?
Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to make multiple mug cakes at once. Just be sure to use larger, microwave-safe mugs or ramekins and adjust the cooking time as needed.
What if I don’t have a microwave?
No problem! You can also bake this lava cake in the oven. Preheat to 400°F, then follow the recipe instructions. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the top is set but the center is still soft and gooey.
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Decadent Chocolate Lava Mug Cake Ready in 5 Minutes
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Dessert Mug Treats
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Decadent Chocolate Lava Mug Cake is a quick and easy dessert that is ready in just 5 minutes. Perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings!
Ingredients
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
4 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 square of chocolate (about 1 ounce) for the molten center
Instructions
1. In a microwave-safe mug, combine flour, cocoa powder, and sugar.
2.
3. Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4.
5. Place the square of chocolate in the center of the batter.
6.
7. Microwave on high for 40-60 seconds, until the cake has risen but is still slightly gooey in the center.
8.
9. Let it cool for a minute before enjoying.
10.
11. Serve with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
For best results, do not overcook the cake. Adjust microwave time based on your microwave’s wattage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg