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
Tbone
Sunday 26th of February 2023
I would adjust this recipe by adding an extra tablespoon or two of flour. Without that extra flour the batter comes out soupy and the cake becomes mushy and without integrity. It becomes a hot sloppy mess that isn’t very appetizing, so just add a little extra flour or even cocoa powder.
Chelsweets
Tuesday 28th of February 2023
So sorry to hear your cake didn't turn out well! It sounds like it might have been a bit undercooked?? You can also try coking it a tiny bit longer and that should help it be more set and have more structure. Hope that helps, happy baking!
Elvie
Sunday 29th of January 2023
I tried this recipe to use up some excess hot cocoa mix I had in my cupboard for a while and omg, I'm not only going to use up all of my hot cocoa, I'm now going to have to keep it on hand and buy more in bulk!! I use melted butter instead of oil and I put a big dollop of peanut butter in the center (which makes it verrrry gooey), and it's amazing. Thanks for a great recipe!!
Chelsweets
Sunday 5th of February 2023
Hi Elvie,
I'm so happy to hear that!! That sounds absolutely incredible :) Thank you for sharing!!
Patricia
Saturday 14th of January 2023
This recipe was easy to follow and provided a great result. A little rich for me on it’s own, but some ice cream would help me with that. After the holidays I have so much cocoa mix I need a new way to consume it, this is a good recipe to keep on hand :)
Chelsweets
Sunday 15th of January 2023
Hi Patricia,
Love that!! Thank you so much for sharing :) It is a great way to use up leftover hot cocoa mix!!
Mary Ellen
Thursday 5th of January 2023
This was really good and I am not a fan of instant hot chocolate. Not spongy like some mug cakes can be. The bad part is, I wanted to eat the whole mug. ?
Chelsweets
Sunday 8th of January 2023
Haha sounds like a good problem to have ;) So happy to hear you loved this recipe Mary! Thank you for sharing!!
NinaV
Friday 23rd of December 2022
This tasted SO GOOD, I added a bit of chocolate chips into the batter itself and it honestly tasted like a brownie! But i did need about 2 minutes for it to cook through fully, but other than that i had no problems
Chelsweets
Sunday 1st of January 2023
Yay! I'm so happy to hear that Nina, thank you for sharing :)