Description
Easy Chocolate Lava Mug Cake is the fastest way to get a warm, gooey chocolate dessert with a molten center—made right in a microwave-safe mug.
This single-serve treat delivers bakery-style lava cake vibes with pantry staples in about 5 minutes.
Pinterest tip: Save this Easy Chocolate Lava Mug Cake for weeknight cravings, last-minute date-night dessert, or anytime you want a quick chocolate fix.
It’s rich, fudgy, and perfect topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch fine salt
- 5 tbsp milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (or 2 tbsp melted butter)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp semisweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
- Optional: 1/8 tsp espresso powder
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, ice cream, whipped cream, flaky salt
Instructions
- 1. Use a microwave-safe 12–16 oz mug to prevent overflow
- 2. Add flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to the mug and stir until evenly combined
- 3. Pour in milk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla and stir until smooth with no dry pockets
- 4. Press chocolate chips (or a chunk of chocolate) into the center of the batter without fully mixing them in
- 5. Microwave on high for 45 seconds, then check the top for set edges and a slightly glossy center
- 6. Microwave 10–20 seconds more as needed until edges are set but the center is still soft
- 7. Let the mug cake rest for 1 minute so the lava thickens and the cake finishes setting
- 8. Top with powdered sugar, ice cream, or a pinch of flaky salt and eat warm, spooning into the molten center
Notes
- Microwave times vary by wattage; start low and add 10-second bursts to avoid overcooking
- For a more dramatic lava center, use a 1-inch chunk of chocolate bar instead of chips
- Stir dry ingredients thoroughly before adding wet to prevent bitter cocoa pockets
- Oil keeps the cake moister; butter adds richer flavor—both work well
- Resting 1 minute is key for a thick, spoonable lava rather than scalding liquid chocolate
- If the cake turns rubbery, reduce cook time next round; lava cakes should look slightly underdone
- Use a larger mug (12–16 oz) to avoid overflow and ensure even cooking
- Add 1/8 tsp espresso powder for deeper chocolate flavor without a coffee taste
- For a peanut butter core, press 1 tsp peanut butter into the center with the chocolate
- Best eaten immediately; reheating warms it but the lava will be less molten
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute 5 seconds
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug cake
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 74 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Easy Chocolate Lava Mug Cake, chocolate mug cake, lava mug cake, microwave dessert, single serve dessert, quick chocolate cake