With all the hot chocolate bombs floating around the internet these days, it’s an understatement to say I’ve had hot cocoa on my mind. I wanted to take it one step further and figured a hot cocoa mug cake was the perfect spin on this trend.
This mug cake is ready in minutes and is the perfect way to warm up on a cold day.
I enjoy this recipe the most right out of the microwave when it’s still warm and the chocolate chips are perfectly melted.
Add a few mini marshmallows and a swirl of whipped cream on top and you’ll be in hot cocoa heaven!
You can also add mini marshmallows into your batter, but they’ll dissolve as the cake batter cooks in the microwave.
Cooking Your Hot Cocoa Mug Cake to Perfection
When I think of a mug cake, I want it to be warm and the tiniest bit gooey.
To achieve this perfect texture, I like to heat my mug cakes in my microwave for 1 minute, then heat it in 15 seconds intervals until it’s ready.
Cooking in intervals after 1 minute makes sure you don’t overcook your mug cake and helps prevent the batter from overflowing. My total cook time is usually 1 minute and 15 seconds.
However, cook time can vary based on your microwave! Different microwaves have different wattage and can vary from 600-1200 watts.
The higher the watts the faster your mug cake will cook. My microwave cooks at 1200 watts and is from 2013.
Test your mug cake after a minute by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake.
If it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, it’s been heated long enough! The sides may still be a bit gooey but that’s way it’s supposed to be.
If the toothpick doesn’t come out clean from the center (ignore any melted chocolate chips you may hit) and the batter still seems goopy, heat the mug cake for another 15 seconds. Repeat this process until the toothpick test works.
Err on the side of undercooking your mug cake, as it will continue to set as it cools. If you overcook your mug cake it can get a somewhat spongy, firm texture.
Picking The Right Mug
Another factor you need to consider when making a mug cake is the mug you use!
Obviously, it needs to be microwave safe (no-metal), but it also has to be large enough. While initially the batter might not fill your mug very high, the cake will rise as it cooks in the microwave.
The batter shouldn’t go higher than halfway up your cup.
As long as your mug has a capacity of 12 oz. or 1 1/2 cups or more, you’re good to go.
You also want a little extra room in your mug for toppings!! Cue the whipped cream and chocolate syrup.
Mug Cake Substitutions and Swaps
This hot cocoa mug cake recipe uses a lot of ingredients and I know you might not have them all on hand. Or if you have food allergies or restrictions, I’ve got you covered.
Below are some swaps and substitutions that you can make.
- All Purpose Flour – This recipe turns out best with AP flour, but you can use a gluten free flour blend or cake flour if that’s all you have on hand.
- Granulated Sugar – You can use brown sugar in place of granulated sugar if it’s all you have on hand. I do not recommend reducing the amount of sugar though, as it will change the texture of your mug cake.
- Hot Cocoa / Hot Chocolate Mix– Any hot cocoa or hot chocolate mix will work! Swiss Miss and Ghirardelli are my go-to brands.
- Vegetable Oil – You can use any flavorless oil in this recipe or melted butter. Canola or sunflower oil would work great!
- Vanilla Extract – Other extracts can also be used in place of the vanilla extract. Feel free to use coconut extract, hazelnut extract or even pistachio extract.
- Chocolate – You can use milk, dark or semi-sweet chocolate. I like using dark chocolate best!
Tips for Making the Best Hot Chocolate Mug Cake
- Properly measure your flour (spoon into the cup measure, then level) or use a kitchen scale to measure your dry ingredients.
- Make sure you use a large enough mug or glass and that it’s microwave safe (metal-free). As long as your mug has a capacity of 12 oz. or 1 1/2 cups or more, you’re good to go.
- Cook time can vary based on your microwave! Different microwaves have different wattage and can vary from 600-1200 watts. The higher the watts the faster your mug cake will cook. My microwave cooks at 1200 watts.
- Any hot cocoa or hot chocolate mix will work. Swiss Miss and Ghirardelli are my go-to choices.
- Top your mug cake with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and / or chocolate syrup to make it even more delicious.
- Please see the section above for substitutions and ingredients swaps.
Let Me Know What You Think!
If you make this hot chocolate mug cake recipe, I’d love to hear what you think of it! Please leave a rating and comment below.
Don’t forget to tag me @chelsweets! Use the #chelsweets so that I can see your amazing creations on social media.
Other Recipes You Might Like:
Hot Cocoa Mug Cake
This hot cocoa mug cake comes together in minutes, and is the perfect, easy dessert for one!
Ingredients
Hot Cocoa Mug Cake
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled (30g)
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar (25g)
- 1/4 cup hot cocoa mix (45g)
- 1/4 tsp baking powder (1g)
- 1/8 tsp salt (>1g)
- 1/4 cup hot water (60g)
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil (28g)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (1g)
- 1 Tbsp milk or dark chocolate chips (12g)
Instructions
- Whisk together 1/4 cup flour, 2 Tbsp granulated sugar, 1/4 cup hot cocoa mix, 1/4 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
- Add in 1/4 cup hot water, 2 Tbsp vegetable oil, and 1/4 tsp vanilla. Stir together with a whisk together until no clumps of flour remain.
- Pour into a 12 oz or larger microwave-safe mug and sprinkle 1 Tbsp of chocolate chips over the top of the batter.
- Heat for 60 seconds then check the doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs (melted chocolate is ok too if you hit a chocolate chip), your mug cake is ready! If the batter is still liquid in the center, heat for an additional 15 seconds, then retest with a toothpick. Repeat until your mug cake is cooked through.
- Let the cake cool for a few minutes (or else you will burn your tongue - trust me!!), then top with your favorite toppings and enjoy warm! Ice cream, whipped cream, Nutella, caramel sauce, or chocolate sauce all work great as a topping.
Notes
Tips for Making the Best Hot Cocoa Mug Cake
- Make sure you use a large enough mug or glass, and that it is microwave safe (metal-free). As long as your mug has a capacity of 12 oz. or 1 1/2 cups or more, you're good to go.
- Cook time can vary based on your microwave! Different microwaves have different wattage and can vary from 600-1200 watts. The higher the watts the faster your mug cake will cook. My microwave cooks at 1200 watts.
- Any hot cocoa or hot chocolate mix will work! Swiss Miss and Ghirardelli are my go-to choices.
- Top your mug cake with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and / or chocolate syrup to make it even more delicious.
- Please see the section above for substitutions and ingredients swaps.
Nutrition Information
Yield
1Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 594Total Fat 41gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 29gCholesterol 5mgSodium 21mgCarbohydrates 50gFiber 4gSugar 20gProtein 6g
14 Easy Microwave Desserts - Quick & Tasty Treats - DIY Crafts
Monday 12th of August 2024
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Katie
Sunday 28th of July 2024
I love this recipe sooo much!!! As a livid mug cake maker, this is by far the best recipe ive done. The texture, soft and fluffy but not spongey...It's perfect!!! Please come out with a cupcake version of this!
Caitlin
Wednesday 26th of June 2024
I have eaten this everyday for a week straight. It’s so freaking good. Almost like brownies
Chelsweets
Saturday 29th of June 2024
Love to hear that Caitlin!! It really is so delish! Thank you for sharing :)
scarlett
Monday 29th of April 2024
actually amazing and perfect. reminds me lava cake. to die for honestly. absolutely recommend.
Chelsweets
Sunday 5th of May 2024
I am so happy to hear that!! Thank you for sharing scarlett!!
Martha
Tuesday 16th of April 2024
Delicious! Swapped the veg oil and vanilla extract for coconut oil and coconut extract. Highly recommend!
Chelsweets
Monday 22nd of April 2024
Sounds absolutely delicious Martha!! Thank you for sharing :)
Martha
Tuesday 16th of April 2024
Also halved the granulated sugar.