Easy Gooey Chocolate Lava Mug Cake Recipe for Quick Homemade Dessert
A quick and easy microwave mug cake with a soft exterior and molten chocolate center, perfect for satisfying late-night chocolate cravings with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute 30 seconds
- Total Time: 6 minutes 30 seconds
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons milk (whole or 2% recommended; almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (can substitute with melted coconut oil)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- Optional: A pinch of instant espresso powder
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of a microwave-safe mug with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sift together 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt in the mug. Use a small whisk or fork to blend well and avoid lumps.
- Add 3 tablespoons of milk, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until the batter is smooth and uniform. If using, add a pinch of espresso powder now.
- Nestle 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips into the center of the batter without stirring them in.
- Microwave on high for 70-90 seconds. The cake should rise and look set on top but remain slightly soft to the touch. Avoid overcooking to maintain the gooey lava center.
- Let the mug cake sit for about a minute before eating to allow the molten center to thicken slightly.
Notes
Start microwaving at 70 seconds and add 10-second increments if needed to avoid overcooking. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the chocolate chips intact for a molten center. Let the cake rest for a minute after cooking for best gooey texture. For richer flavor, substitute half the vegetable oil with melted butter. For vegan or gluten-free versions, use appropriate substitutes as described.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One mug cake (approx
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 5
Keywords: chocolate lava cake, mug cake, quick dessert, microwave cake, gooey chocolate, easy dessert, single serving dessert