Craving something chocolatey but don't want to bake an entire cake? This Chocolate Lava Mug Cake is your ticket to instant dessert satisfaction. Made in just a few minutes using simple pantry ingredients, it’s perfect for when you want a quick sweet treat without the fuss.
Flour forms the structure of our cake and keeps it from collapsing. Granulated sugar sweetens the mix and balances the bitterness of the cocoa. Unsweetened cocoa powder provides the rich chocolate flavor that makes this cake irresistible. Baking powder is our leavening agent, giving the cake its fluffy rise. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, making the chocolate taste even richer.
Milk adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together. Vegetable oil keeps the cake tender and moist. Vanilla extract complements the chocolate flavor and adds depth. The egg helps with the structure and gives the cake its soft texture. Finally, a piece of dark chocolate is the star, melting to create that classic molten center.
Enhance your mug cake experience by topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you're feeling fancy, sprinkle some crushed nuts or drizzle with caramel sauce. Pair it with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea for a comforting treat.
Start by grabbing your favorite microwave-safe mug. You’ll want one that’s big enough to allow the cake to rise without spilling over. Into the mug, mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until they’re well combined. You can use a fork or small whisk for this — whatever gets the job done without making a mess.
Next, add the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and egg. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. This should take about 30 seconds of mixing.
Now, push that glorious piece of dark chocolate right into the center of the batter. You want it fully submerged for the best molten effect, so don’t be shy about pushing it down.
Pop the mug into your microwave and set it on high. Cook for 60 to 90 seconds. The cake should rise beautifully, and the top should be set but still a bit gooey. Let it cool for a minute — this is the hardest part of the recipe, I promise! — then dive in and enjoy your molten masterpiece.