This super easy 3 ingredient mug cake is a fluffy and moist cake made in one minute and topped with your favorite toppings like Nutella.
This three ingredient mug cake recipe uses just Nutella, an egg, and flour to whip up a delish and indulgent mug cake in minutes to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The texture of this mug cake is wonderfully moist and slightly gooey, thanks to the creamy Nutella base. The mug cake is finally topped with more Nutella.
The best part? It only takes about five minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal dessert for those busy or lazy days when you want something homemade but don't have much time or energy to spare.
Just mix the ingredients in a mug, pop it in the microwave, and enjoy this delish cake!
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
- Texture- one of the best things about this mug cake is its texture. Despite having only three ingredients, it manages to achieve a wonderfully soft and moist cake consistency.
- Flavor- the star ingredient, Nutella, infuses the entire dessert with its signature creamy and nutty chocolate flavor. Topping it off with an extra layer of Nutella adds another layer of creamy goodness.
- Time- this mug cake takes just minutes to prepare and cook in the microwave, making it an ideal quick dessert or snack for those sudden dessert cravings without compromising on taste.
- 3 ingredient recipe- made with just three ingredients—Nutella, an egg, and flour—you can easily make this tasty treat without complicated recipes or long ingredient lists.
- Recipe for two- this recipe makes enough for two servings (or one generous serving if you're feeling indulgent). It's perfect for cozy nights in or when you want something sweet without a lot of work.
What is a mug cake?
A mug cake is a single-serving dessert that you can quickly whip up in a microwave using just a few basic ingredients. All you need is a mug and a few simple ingredients.
Mix these ingredients directly in the mug, pop it into the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, and voilà!
You have yourself a warm, fluffy treat perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without having to bake an entire cake.
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– I used all-purpose flour for this recipe, self-rising flour and cake flour will work great as well. Feel free to use your favorite kind of flour for this recipe. For a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or oat flour.
Nutella- you will need a few tablespoon of Nutella for this recipe. I 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.
If you don’t want to use chocolate hazelnut spread, you can use peanut butter or cookie butter instead, it will work great.
Egg- to give the cake a good structure. Make sure you’re using a room-temperature egg. This can’t be substituted.
Instructions
In a microwave-safe tall mug (at least 12 oz or 350 ml), start by cracking the egg into the mug. Add the Nutella and flour.
Using a fork or small whisk, mix everything together until you have a smooth batter. Ensure that there are no lumps of flour remaining.
Place your mug in the microwave and cook on high for about 1 minute and 15 seconds to 1 minute and 30 seconds. The exact time may vary depending on your microwave's power, so keep an eye on it as it cooks.
Once done, carefully remove the mug from the microwave (it will be hot). The cake should look set but still slightly moist on top – that's when it's perfect.
Serve with more Nutella on top, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or enjoy it by itself!
Let it cool for a minute or two before digging in with a spoon directly from the mug or transferring it onto a plate if you prefer.
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.
- Choose the right mug. Start with a microwave-safe mug that can hold at least 12 ounces. This ensures your cake has enough room to rise without overflowing.
- Microwave in intervals. Cook your mug cake in short bursts of 30 seconds to prevent overcooking and ensure even rising.
- Watch for rising. Keep an eye on your mug cake as it cooks; it should rise slightly above the rim when done but settle back down as it cools.
- Test doneness carefully. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it's ready.
- 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. If you want to double this recipe, make it in two separate mugs or a small to medium baking dish.
A rubbery mug cake often results from overcooking, which can occur if the microwave setting is too high or the cooking time is too long.
Additionally, using too much flour or insufficient liquid in the batter can also contribute to a dense, rubbery texture.
Using too much flour or not enough liquid can also contribute to a tough consistency. To prevent this, it's important to carefully measure ingredients.
Storing
Mug cakes are best enjoyed fresh because their texture and flavor can change quickly over time. When a mug cake cools down, it often becomes dense and chewy, losing the light and fluffy quality that makes it so yummy.
Eating your mug cake immediately ensures you experience its warm, gooey goodness at its peak.
Freezing
Freezing mug cakes can change their consistency, making them dry and less enjoyable. Eating your mug cake immediately ensures you get the delicious, gooey experience it's meant to provide.
Substitutions
Chocolate spread- you can use any kind of your favorite chocolate spread instead of using Nutella.
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. Another option is using almond flour and oat 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.
Variations
Toppings- I love topping this mug cake with a spoonful of Nutella spread, but feel free to top it with your favorite spread like peanut butter, biscoff butter, etc.
Spread- instead of using chocolate spread, you can use your favorite spread like peanut butter, cookie butter spread, etc.
Chocolate chips- add ¼ cup of chocolate chips to the cake batter for a delicious addition of chocolate flavor and pockets of melty chocolate!
Serving tips
Vanilla ice cream- for a classic combination, top your warm mug cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold and creamy texture of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich, gooey cake.
Whipped cream- add a dollop of freshly made whipped cream for an airy touch. It adds lightness to every bite and balances out the richness of the chocolate.
Nutella spread- spread a generous layer of Nutella over your mug cake for an extra dose of chocolaty goodness.
Fresh berries- sprinkle fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries over your mug cake for a burst of freshness and color.
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
Easy 3 Ingredient Mug Cake (1 Minute Cake)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Nutella or any chocolate spread of your choice
- 2 tablespoon Flour AP
- 1 Egg
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe tall mug (at least 12 oz or 350 ml), start by cracking the egg into the mug. Add the Nutella and flour.
- Using a fork or small whisk, mix everything together until you have a smooth batter. Ensure that there are no lumps of flour remaining.
- Place your mug in the microwave and cook on high for about 1 minute and 15 seconds to 1 minute and 30 seconds. The exact time may vary depending on your microwave's power, so keep an eye on it as it cooks.
- Once done, carefully remove the mug from the microwave (it will be hot). The cake should look set but still slightly moist on top – that's when it's perfect.
- Serve with more Nutella on top, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or enjoy it by itself!
- Let it cool for a minute or two before digging in with a spoon directly from the mug or transferring it onto a plate if you prefer.
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.
- Choose the right mug. Start with a microwave-safe mug that can hold at least 12 ounces. This ensures your cake has enough room to rise without overflowing.
- Microwave in intervals. Cook your mug cake in short bursts of 30 seconds to prevent overcooking and ensure even rising.
- Watch for rising. Keep an eye on your mug cake as it cooks; it should rise slightly above the rim when done but settle back down as it cools.
- Test doneness carefully. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it's ready.
- 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!
Rori says
This mug cake satisfied my 3 am sweet tooth, will make again!
Anna says
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 says
very tasty spongy and it is a little bitter had for breakfast
Jannah says
It's so good and easy to make I thought gonna be a field turned out amazingly great