This chocolate 3 ingredient mug cake is a delightful and quick dessert that can be made effortlessly in just a few minutes from start to finish.
This microwave recipe requires only three simple ingredients, making it a convenient option for those craving a sweet treat but lacking time or access to an oven.
With minimal effort and basic pantry staples, anyone can enjoy the indulgence of a freshly baked cake in the convenience of their own home.
For more 3 ingredient recipes, check out my 3 ingredient peach cobbler, 3 ingredient no bake cheesecake, 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies, and 3 ingredient chocolate cake.
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Why this recipe works
- 3 ingredient recipe- all you will need is 3 simple ingredients for this recipe! Nutella (or any chocolate spread), flour, and and egg.
- Ease- this mug cake is made with simple ingredients that you can find in your kitchen and comes together in a mug!
- Time- this whole recipe comes together in 3 minutes from start to finish!
- Texture- this cake is soft and moist and will melt in your mouth!
What is a mug cake?
A mug cake is a simple and quick dessert that comes together in a mug cake. You mix a few ingredients in a mug, microwave it for about a minute, and then a cake is formed! Magic.
Mug cakes come in many flavors from chocolate to vanilla to peanut butter to funfetti. The options are endless.
Ingredients
Before you start to make this recipe, measure and prepare your ingredients so the cooking process will go smoothly and easily.
Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
Flour– we used all-purpose flour for this recipe, self-rising flour, and cake flour will work great as well.
Nutella- you will need a few teaspoons of Nutella for this recipe. We like using Nutella for this recipe, but if you don’t like Nutella or are allergic to one of the ingredients, you can use any kind of chocolate hazelnut spread.
Egg- To give the cake a good structure. Make sure you’re using a room-temperature egg.
Instructions
Into a microwave safe tall large mug, add the egg, flour, and Nutella.
Use a fork to mix the batter well until you get a smooth batter.
Place the mug in the microwave and microwave for 1 minute and 20 seconds. If the middle is raw, microwave for an additional 10 to 20 seconds until the cake is done.
Serve with more Nutella, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or by itself!
Expert Tips
- Measure your flour correctly! When measuring your flour, avoid scooping it with a measuring cup. Instead, stir the flour with a spoon to create as many air pockets as possible, and spoon it into your measuring cup. Finally, level it with a back of a knife.
- Don’t overmix the batter, you don’t want to develop the gluten in the flour. This step ensures you have a moist cake and not a dense and dry cake.
- Don't overcook the mug cake! If you will overcook your mug cake, it will turn out dry.
- Ensure that you are using a heat-resistant mug so it won't break in the microwave!
Faq's
Yes, if you don’t have a microwave, you can make these single-portion cakes in the oven. Pour the Nutella cake batter into greased oven-safe mugs or small baking pans, and bake in a preheated oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes.
Yes! This recipe will turn out great with self-rising flour. Make sure that you are using a large enough mug.
Yes. If you want to double this recipe, make it in two separate mugs or a small to medium baking dish.
Storing
If you have leftovers, cover the mug cake with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
Freezing
I do not recommend freezing mug cake. It will turn dry and the best part about this recipe is that it's made in just 2-3 minutes. So when you are craving a sweet dessert, make this quick mug cake.
Substitutions
Chocolate spread- you can use any kind of your favorite chocolate spread. Place 1-2 tablespoons of the chocolate spread on top of the batter before baking and microwave according to the instructions.
Whole wheat flour- to make this a tad healthier, use your favorite whole wheat flour.
Gluten-free - if you want to make this recipe gluten-free, simply replace the flour with gluten-free flour.
Cake mix- use your favorite cake mix for this recipe instead of plain flour. You can use your favorite flavor like chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter, red velvet, etc.
Spread- instead of using chocolate spread, you can use your favorite spread like peanut butter, cookie butter spread, etc.
Variations
Toppings- we love topping this mug cake with a spoonful of Nutella spread, but feel free to top it with your favorite toppings like whipped cream, chocolate ganache, fresh berries, powdered sugar, etc!
Chocolate chips- add chocolate chips to the cake batter for a delicious addition of chocolate flavor!
Serving tips
Serve this mug cake hot with vanilla ice cream. Another way to serve this mug cake is with powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh berries, and chocolate syrup. Serve this mug cake by itself as a quick dessert.
More easy desserts
Nutella Mug Cake- This Nutella mug cake is gooey, rich, chocolaty, soft, tender, and dreamy. When you’re in the mood for a decadent dessert, this easy mug cake comes in handy.
Cornflake Candy- This peanut butter cornflake candy is a delicious old-fashioned treat that combines peanut butter, sugar, and corn syrup with crunchy cornflakes.
Homemade Vanilla Wafers Cookies- These homemade vanilla wafers are rich and buttery and can be enjoyed on their own or used as a versatile ingredient in various desserts like banana pudding.
If you tried this recipe, don’t forget to leave a rating and a comment below. We love hearing from you.
If you liked this recipe
📖 Recipe
3 Ingredient Mug Cake (1 Minute Cake)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Nutella
- 2 tablespoon Flour AP
- 1 Egg
Instructions
- Into a microwave safe tall large mug, add the egg, flour, and Nutella.
- Use a fork to mix the batter well until you get a smooth batter.
- Place the mug in the microwave and microwave for 1 minute and 20 seconds. If the middle is raw, microwave for an additional 10 to 20 seconds until the cake is done.
- Serve with more Nutella, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or by itself!
Notes
- Measure your flour correctly! When measuring your flour, avoid scooping it with a measuring cup. Instead, stir the flour with a spoon to create as many air pockets as possible, and spoon it into your measuring cup. Finally, level it with a back of a knife.
- Don’t overmix the batter, you don’t want to develop the gluten in the flour. This step ensures you have a moist cake and not a dense and dry cake.
- Don't overcook the mug cake! If you will overcook your mug cake, it will turn out dry.
- Ensure that you are using a heat-resistant mug so it won't break in the microwave!
Anna
Convenient, fudgy, moist, sweet and fluffy. All I could ask for in cake. But... 41 grams of sugar are you kidding me? I use same amount of unsweetened cocoa powder and some syrup or fruit juice instead.
gobbler
very tasty spongy and it is a little bitter had for breakfast
Jannah
It's so good and easy to make I thought gonna be a field turned out amazingly great