Baking a cake from scratch can be daunting, but this microwave chocolate mug cake mix recipe is simple and easy to follow. This recipe is perfect for those times when you want something sweet but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
It only takes a few minutes to prepare, and you end up with a delicious chocolate cake that’s perfect for one person or making a couple for sharing with friends.
The first time I tried to make a mug cake, I was nervous about how the texture would turn out. However, it turned out to be the perfect quick treat and it used simple ingredients too.
I mix the ingredients right in my cup for less mess and easy clean up. If you are making a couple at a time, mix in a small bowl and transfer to the cups making sure not to fill more than ¾ full.
Keep Cake Mix Fresh
Keep the cake mix ingredients fresh and in a handy location for when those sweet tooth cravings kick in. I normally keep my cake mix ingredients in my pantry in the basement. However, after I made my first microwave mug cake, I now keep a box of my favorite cake mix in a mason jar in the cupboard by the microwave.
That way, when I want to make a little dessert, it is so easy to reach for the jar, take out what I need and keep the rest fresh for another day.
Can You Double This Mug Cake Recipe?
Yes, you can double this recipe. If you do, make sure to use a larger cup or other container. Additionally, the amount of cooking time will be a bit longer as there is a larger volume to cook.
What Flavor Cake Mix Works Best for Mug Cakes?
Today, I used a chocolate fudge cake mix. Then again, any flavor cake mix will work. There are so many flavors to choose from, red velvet, funfetti, carrot cake, vanilla, coconut, German chocolate, lemon, party rainbow, Devil’s food, milk chocolate, butter recipe, and the list goes on. Find the flavors that you and your family like the best. Keep a couple mason jars filled with the cake mix and label them so you know which one to grab when the desire for a mini cake hits you.
That way, you don’t have to make the whole cake just for yourself. It is perfect for a single serving.
Ingredients used to Make This Simple Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe
It just takes three ingredients to make this mini cake recipe. I like to use applesauce in mine as it seems a bit healthier than adding oil and I still get a delicious and moist cake. Pro Tip. This recipe works with gluten-free cake mix too.
- Chocolate cake mix
- Applesauce, it can be sweetened or unsweetened applesauce
- Milk or Water
Mug Cake Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use an Oven Rather Than a Microwave to Make a Mug Cake?
Yes, however, it will take longer. Just place an oven safe mug or ramekin on a baking tray. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. This method will also work in a toaster oven. It is a simple recipe for individual servings.
Can I substitute the applesauce?
Yes, you can, if you happen to not have applesauce on hand. Go ahead and use ½ a tablespoon of oil and 2 tablespoons of milk or water to replace the applesauce.
How can I make my mug cake extra chocolatey?
Well, who doesn’t love as much chocolate as possible, right? Here are a few ideas for you.
1 Tablespoon of chocolate syrup
1/2 Teaspoon of cocoa powder. I have used both sweetened and unsweetened with success
1 Tablespoon of mini chocolate chips mixed in the batter or a handful of chocolate chips sprinkled on top
1 Ounce square of chocolate in the middle of the cake batter to make a chocolate lava cake
Is it better to use water or milk in cake mix?
Add milk rather than the water to the box cake mix. It will add more flavor and the fat will help create a rich, dense texture.
In fact, you can amp up the creaminess and flavor even more by using whole whipping cream or buttermilk. It will taste just like homemade.
What are some add-ins that work to flavor mug cakes?
An easy way to create even more delicious flavor when making a mug cake is adding in other ingredients. I recommend 1 Tablespoon of an add-in. Here are a few different flavors to use. Pro Tip. These also work as favorite toppings on this sweet treat. But don’t forget a dollop of whipped cream.
- Jam, any flavor
- Dried fruit, diced small
- Pie filling, any flavor
- Caramel sauce
- Butterscotch sauce
- Strawberry sauce
- Peanut butter
- Nuts, chopped small
- Coconut flakes
- Chocolate chips
- Cookies, crushed
- Candy bar, diced small
- Vanilla extract
- Fresh fruit, diced small
- Powdered sugar dusted on top
Why are mug cakes rubbery?
Mug cakes can become a bit rubbery if when overcooking or adding too much oil. Therefore, cook for 1 minute on high and check for doneness. If the cake is spongy and springs back when lightly touched, it is done. If not, cook for another 10 seconds rechecking to see if the cake is done before cooking any longer. This will help reduce the chance of overcooking and becoming rubbery. Make sure to follow recipes for how much oil to add or use a substitute for oil such as applesauce or pumpkin puree.
Are mug cakes safe to eat?
Yes, they are perfectly safe to eat. Just make sure to cook them long enough to thoroughly cook the flour and egg that might be in the recipe. If you are making your cake without eggs, that will not be a concern.
Therefore, just make sure that the flour in the cake batter is cooked through. If the cake springs back when the top is lightly touched with your finger, the batter is cooked through, and your mug cake is safe to eat.
How do you keep a mug cake from overflowing?
Use a Microwave-safe mug that is 10-to-12-ounces in size. A nice wide cup works best for making your mug cake. This will allow enough room for expansion of the ingredients as it cooks. Additionally, just fill the cup ½ to ¾ full.
Another tip is to use the lowest cook time that a recipe calls for. Check for doneness and microwave another 10 seconds if needed.
What size mug is used for mug cakes?
The best size cup to use for a mug cake is a 10-to-12-ounce mug. If you can find a bit wider mug, they seem to work the best for even baking. Just make sure that it is microwave safe.
How do you make a boxed cake better in a mug?
Make the mug cake better and a bit healthier too by substituting the oil for applesauce or pumpkin puree. If adding the applesauce or pumpkin puree add 1 to 2 Tablespoons. Also add milk, or even butter milk rather than the 1 to 2 Tablespoons of water.
Your mini cake will be moist with a delicious flavor, and you will never miss the added oils from the fat.
Make a fun care package
This is a Microwave Chocolate Mug Cake Mix Recipe is a great recipe for college students or anyone that you want to brighten their day with a little cake.
Get a mug the size of a soup mug, add the dry ingredients to a small plastic bag. Add a note with the easy mug cake mix recipe and add in a mini candy bar or a little bit of other topping ideas. The recipient will have a delicious treat in no time.
Microwave Chocolate Mug Cake Mix Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons Cake mix I used a chocolate fudge flavor
- 2 Tablespoons Applesauce
- 1 Tablespoon Milk or Water
Instructions
- Prepare the microwave safe 10-to-12-ounce mug by spraying with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add the cake mix, milk, applesauce and your preferred add-in and stir until smooth.
- Bake in the microwave at full power for 1 minute. Each microwave is a little different. You may need to adjust your cook time by adding 10 to 20 seconds. Check at a minute, if the feels spongy and springs back when lightly touched, it is done. If not, cook for another 10 seconds and check again.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before eating and add any desired toppings.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Can I substitute the applesauce?
Yes, you can, if you happen to not have applesauce on hand. Go ahead and use ½ a tablespoon of oil and 2 tablespoons of milk or water to replace the applesauce.How can I make my mug cake extra chocolatey?
Well, who doesn’t love as much chocolate as possible, right? Here are a few ideas for you.1 Tablespoon of chocolate syrup
1/2 Teaspoon of cocoa powder. I have used both sweetened and unsweetened with success
1 Tablespoon of mini chocolate chips mixed in the batter or a handful of chocolate chips sprinkled on top
1 Ounce square of chocolate in the middle of the cake batter to make a chocolate lava cake
What are some add-ins that work to flavor mug cakes?
An easy way to create even more delicious flavor when making a mug cake is adding in other ingredients. I recommend 1 Tablespoon of an add-in. Here are a few different flavors to use. Pro Tip. These also work as favorite toppings on this sweet treat. But don’t forget a dollop of whipped cream.• Jam, any flavor
• Dried fruit, diced small
• Pie filling, any flavor
• Caramel sauce
• Butterscotch sauce
• Strawberry sauce
• Peanut butter
• Nuts, chopped small
• Coconut flakes
• Chocolate chips
• Cookies, crushed
• Candy bar, diced small
• Vanilla extract
• Fresh fruit, diced small
• Powdered sugar dusted on top
