Craving something sweet but short on time? This 5-Minute Chocolate Mug Cake is your perfect solution for a quick cake recipe. You can whip up a warm, chocolatey treat in just minutes, satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free quick cake.
- Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar or brown sugar can be used for a slightly different flavor.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give a darker color and richer chocolate flavor.
- Baking Powder: Essential for a fluffy mug cake.
- Milk: Any plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat) works perfectly as a dairy-free quick cake option.
- Vegetable Oil: Melted coconut oil or unsalted melted butter can be substituted.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional:
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Servings: 1
- Tools: Microwave-safe mug, fork or small whisk, measuring spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Dry Ingredients
Into your microwave-safe mug, add the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Use a fork or small whisk to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly, ensuring no lumps remain. This step is crucial for a smooth quick cake.
2. Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together with your fork or whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your mug cake tough. If using, stir in the chocolate chips now.
3. Microwave Your Cake
Place the mug in your microwave. Cook on high for 60-90 seconds. Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave’s wattage, so keep an eye on it. The cake should look set and slightly springy to the touch.
4. Enjoy Immediately
Carefully remove the hot mug from the microwave. Allow your delicious 5-minute chocolate mug cake to cool for a minute or two before digging in. Be mindful, as the mug and cake will be very hot.
Variation Ideas:
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl in a teaspoon of peanut butter before microwaving for a nutty twist.
- Coffee Infusion: Add 1/4 teaspoon of instant coffee powder to the dry ingredients to deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Mint Chocolate: Include a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing mint chocolate quick cake.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) on top before cooking.
Storage Instructions:
This 5-minute chocolate mug cake is best enjoyed immediately after baking. If you have any leftovers, cover the mug tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to one day. Reheat in the microwave for 15-30 seconds until warm, but the texture might be slightly different.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can you make this quick cake without a microwave?
A: This specific recipe is designed for the microwave. Baking it in a conventional oven would require different proportions and cooking times.
Q: Why is your mug cake dry?
A: Overcooking is the most common reason for a dry mug cake. Start with 60 seconds and add more time in 10-second increments if needed.
Q: Can you double the recipe?
A: It’s best to make this quick cake recipe one serving at a time. Doubling it in a larger mug might result in uneven cooking.
Q: What if you don’t have baking powder?
A: Baking powder is essential for the cake to rise and become fluffy. Without it, your mug cake will be dense.
Q: Can you use self-rising flour?
A: If using self-rising flour, omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe, as they are already included in the flour.
Q: How do you know when your mug cake is done?
A: The cake should look set around the edges and slightly gooey in the middle. If a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean, it’s ready.