When my kids wake me up in the middle of the night asking for a chocolate treat, I can barely open my eyes, let alone make arrangements for baking! For times like this, today’s chocolate mug cake recipe is a big lifesaver. Ready in just a few minutes, this chocolate cake is perfect for late-night cravings and so easy that you can whip it up even while half-asleep.
Despite requiring so little in terms of preparation, don’t think this mug cake falls short of the full-sized ones you enjoy on birthdays!
The sugar and cocoa powder used in this recipe give the cake just the right amount of sweetness balanced by the bitterness. With a velvety smooth texture that melts as soon as you take a bite, this mug cake is pure bliss for chocolate lovers. You will get the same rich, delicious chocolaty goodness of a classic chocolate cake- just served in a cup minus the hassle of whipping, folding or preheating the oven!
Mix-In and Topping Ideas For Your Chocolate Mug Cake
Don’t settle for the basic version- enhance your chocolate mug cake by experimenting with these fun and delicious min-in and toppings!
Chocolate Chips
The more chocolate, the better the taste!
Grab a handful of chocolate chips- dark, milk or semi-sweet ones and mix them with the batter before microwaving. As the chips melt, they create gooey pockets of melted chocolate that doubles the flavor, making every bite more delicious than the cake alone! To prevent the chips from sinking to the bottom while baking, lightly coat them in flour before mixing them with the batter.
Marshmallows
Want some contrasting texture to compliment your chocolate cake?
Bring in the marshmallows!
Soft, chewy and slightly sticky, marshmallows add a subtle sweetness to the chocolate mug cake. For this recipe, I suggest using the mini ones as they melt pretty fast and blend in with the other ingredients. If you don’t want them to get completely melted, add them on top of your chocolate cake when it’s baked halfway and microwave it for an additional 15 seconds after that.
Peanut Butter
The creamy flavor of the peanut butter goes wonderfully well with chocolate! Depending on your preference, you can opt for either smooth or crunchy peanut butter variations.
To add this nutty goodness to your mug cake, take a spoonful of peanut butter and swirl it into the batter for a marbled effect. As for me, I love having that gooey and creamy deliciousness right in the center. So I add the peanut butter in the middle of the batter to create a nutty surprise when I get to that yummy part!
Crushed Cookies
Want to add some crunch to your cake as toppings?
Grab your favorite cookie, crush them into fine crumbs and add them to your cake while it’s still hot! The warmth of the mug cake helps soften the cookies and make it easier to stick. Don’t worry, the crunch will still be there once the crumbs settle.
Cookies work great as a mix-in option as well. You can mix the crushed cookies directly into the cake batter before microwaving and enjoy delicious cookie bits in every bite!
Tips For The Perfect Chocolate Mug Cake
For those moments when you are making the chocolate mug cake with your eyes half-closed(on those late-night cravings!), here are some tips to help you nail it perfectly:
- Use a microwave-friendly mug to make this chocolate cake. This recipe works best if you use a mug that holds at least 12 oz. After pouring the batter into the mug, make sure to leave enough space on top to allow the cake to rise without overflowing as it bakes.
- Mix just enough to combine the ingredients. If you stir the batter too much, the cake will turn out denser and less fluffy than expected.
- If your microwave doesn’t have 1200 wattages of power like mine does, you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly. Keep a close eye on the cake and check its doneness by inserting a toothpick in the middle. If the toothpick comes out clean, then the mug cake is done baking.
- All done baking? Before you start digging in with your fork, wait a minute or two! Mug cakes can be super hot coming straight out of the oven. So, you need to let it cool before taking that first delicious bite to avoid getting burned badly.
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You know what I like the most about a mug cake recipe?
Once I am finished baking and digging into the delicious treat, there’s only one thing to clean- the mug that just served me that warm, chocolaty deliciousness!
While traditional cakes are perfect for a big group of people, I see no point in going through all the hassle of baking if it’s just for one or two people. In fact, this mug cake is absolutely perfect in that case as its individual serving allows you to try multiple toppings with different flavors- all in one sitting! From a drizzle of warm caramel sauce to crushed nuts and sprinkles, have fun customizing and turning this mug cake into a delightful experience rather than just baking.
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