Decadent Chocolate Lava Mug Cake

$- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder - 1/8 teaspoon salt - 3 tablespoons milk - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 chocolate square (or 1 tablespoon chocolate chips) - Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting To make my chocolate lava mug cake, you need a few simple ingredients. Each item plays a key role in creating that rich, gooey center. Start with all-purpose flour. It gives the cake structure. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while cocoa powder gives it that deep chocolate flavor. The baking powder helps the cake rise, and salt balances the sweetness. Next, you’ll need milk for moisture. Vegetable oil keeps the cake tender and adds richness. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor, making every bite more delightful. Finally, the star of the show is your chocolate square or chips! This is what creates the molten center. You can even dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to whip up a delicious treat! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, find a microwave-safe mug. This is key to making your mug cake safe and easy. Grab your measuring cups and spoons. Measure out 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Now, mix these dry ingredients well. I like to use a small whisk or fork. Make sure there are no clumps. This step sets the base for your rich lava cake. Next, let’s add the wet ingredients. Pour in 3 tablespoons of milk, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir this mixture until it becomes a smooth batter. You want it to be free of lumps. This creates that lovely texture you crave. Now comes the fun part! Take your chocolate square or 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips. Gently press it into the center of the batter. Make sure it is submerged a bit. This will form the gooey lava center that melts when you cook it. Place your mug in the microwave. Set the timer for 40-60 seconds on high. Start checking at the 40-second mark. The edges should feel slightly firm while the middle stays soft and gooey. Be careful not to overcook it! The melted chocolate is what gives you that amazing lava effect. Once it's done, carefully take it out. Let it cool for about one minute. If you want, you can sprinkle some powdered sugar on top. Enjoy your warm, decadent treat right from the mug! To get that perfect gooey center, timing is key. Start by cooking your mug cake for 40 to 60 seconds in the microwave. The time can vary based on your microwave's power. Check it at the 40-second mark to see if it’s ready. The edges should feel firm, but the middle must stay soft and gooey. If you've cooked it too long, the chocolate won’t melt properly. You want a good balance here. Look for a soft, jiggly center. If in doubt, undercook it. You can always pop it back in for a few more seconds. You can easily swap ingredients for your taste. For a richer flavor, try using dark chocolate instead of the regular chocolate square. This change adds a deeper chocolate taste. You can also use almond milk or coconut milk if you want a dairy-free version. Serving suggestions can elevate your mug cake. Top it with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar can make it look fancy. Add fresh berries for a burst of flavor. These simple touches make your dessert feel special. Pro Tips Use the Right Mug: Choose a mug that is at least 12 ounces to give the cake enough room to rise without overflowing. Experiment with Flavors: Add a pinch of espresso powder or a drop of almond extract to enhance the chocolate flavor. Check for Doneness: Keep a close eye on the cake while microwaving; it can go from perfect to overcooked in seconds! Serve with Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve your molten cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. {{image_4}} You can easily change some ingredients for this mug cake. If you want a gluten-free treat, switch the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many options work well. Just check that the blend includes a binding agent like xanthan gum. For a dairy-free version, use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk. You can also use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil. These swaps keep your cake moist and tasty. Want to add more flavor? You can mix in nuts or fruit. Chopped walnuts or raspberries add great taste and texture. Just fold them into the batter before microwaving. Another fun idea is to infuse your cake with flavors. Add a teaspoon of espresso powder for a rich coffee taste. Or try a drop of mint extract for a fresh twist. These little changes can make your mug cake unique and fun. You might have extra batter after making your cake. To store leftover batter, pour it into a clean, airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to two days. When you want to eat it, simply stir it again. For reheating, use your microwave. Place the batter in a microwave-safe mug. Heat it for about 30 seconds. Check to see if it's warm. If not, add a few more seconds. This cake is best fresh. I recommend eating it right away. If you store it, consume it within two days for the best taste. The texture changes after that. You may lose the gooey center charm. Always check for any off smells before eating leftovers. You can bake this cake in an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a small oven-safe ramekin instead of a mug. Follow the same steps to mix your batter. Pour it into the ramekin and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Check if the edges are firm but the center is soft. Adjust the time as needed. Yes, you can prepare the dry ingredients ahead of time. Mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Store this mixture in a sealed container. When you're ready, add the wet ingredients and bake. This saves time for a quick dessert. If your mug cake is dry, it likely cooked too long. Next time, check it sooner. Start with 40 seconds and add time in 10-second increments. If it overcooks, you can add a scoop of ice cream on top for moisture. Enjoy it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flavor. In this article, we explored making a delicious chocolate lava mug cake. We walked through the key ingredients and detailed the steps for a rich, molten dessert. I shared tips for achieving the perfect center and variations to suit your taste. You can easily store any leftovers and enjoy them later. Experiment and make this recipe your own. Happy baking!$

Decadent Chocolate Lava Mug Cake

A quick and indulgent chocolate mug cake that features a molten center.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 1

Total Time 6

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

0.25 cup all-purpose flour
0.25 cup granulated sugar
0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
0.25 teaspoon baking powder
0.125 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
0.25 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 square chocolate square (or chocolate chips)
to taste powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Begin by selecting a microwave-safe mug. In the mug, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Use a small whisk or fork to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly, ensuring there are no clumps.
Next, add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the mug. Stir the mixture until it transforms into a smooth batter with no lumps.
Take your chocolate square or chocolate chips and gently press them into the center of the batter. Ensure they are submerged slightly, as this will create the molten lava effect when cooked.
Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 40-60 seconds. Start checking the cake at the 40-second mark. You’re looking for it to be slightly firm around the edges while remaining soft and gooey in the middle. Be cautious not to overcook, as it is the melted chocolate that provides the luxurious 'lava' experience!
After microwaving, carefully remove the mug (it may be hot!) and allow it to cool for about one minute. For an added touch of elegance, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top before serving. Enjoy your decadent treat straight from the mug!

Notes

Be careful not to overcook to maintain the lava effect.

Keyword chocolate, mug cake, quick dessert