After creating my own homemade hot cocoa mix so I can indulge in a hot chocolate drink whenever I want, it occurred to me- it’s not just for beverages. Toss in some basic baking ingredients with the cocoa mix and tada! You have got yourself a deliciously gooey hot chocolate mug cake ready to enjoy.
Speaking of hot chocolate, there’s a fun similarity between the drink and today’s cake- both are ready in a minute! Except, it’s even better because the cake version is warm and gooey, and you get to enjoy the chocolaty goodness in a solid form. And since it’s a mug cake, you don’t need to bring out the electric beater, bowls, or mixer- just a simple mug and spoon is good enough for this recipe!
Still, feel like you are missing something vital from your favorite drink?
I bet it’s the toppings! Throw in marshmallows, whipped cream, and all the other stuff you usually add to your drink and make your very own personalized hot chocolate mug cake that’s the ultimate cozy treat!
Fun Topping Ideas To Upgrade Hot Chocolate Mug Cake
Like I said before, toppings are what make this mug cake extra special. Let’s look at some of the tasty options you can add to your hot chocolate mug cake:
Caramel Sauce
Warm caramel sauce drizzled over the mug cake makes for a fantastic topping that adds a rich, buttery taste to every bite. I like to add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a delicious salted caramel combination!
Marshmallows
A handful of mini marshmallows pair well with both hot chocolate drinks and mug cakes. Add the marshmallows while the mug cake is still warm so that they melt beautifully.
Graham Crackers
To add some crunchy texture to every bite, stir in crushed graham crackers into the cake batter. What I like to do is create a thin layer of graham crackers in the middle of the cake, so when you dig in, you get a delicious, crunchy surprise!
Peanut Butter
Before microwaving the mug cake, add a dollop of peanut butter on top and wait for the ‘beep’- you will be greeted with a gooey, peanut butter delight.
Chocolate Syrup
Drizzle chocolate syrup or hot fudge over the mug cake and enjoy a double dose of chocolatey goodness in one serving!
Flavor Variations You Must Try!
Too adventurous to settle for a classic recipe? I’ve got you covered with some unique flavor variations for hot chocolate mug cake:
Peppermint
Add ½ tsp of peppermint extract to the cake batter to enjoy a delicious contrast between chocolate and minty flavor!
Nuts
Turn your soft and fluffy chocolate cake into a crunchy delight with chopped nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, and pecans.
Cinnamon Spice
For those who love the scent of spices, try adding ¼ tsp of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to enjoy a warm, aromatic flavor in your mug cake.
Tiramisu
Swap cocoa mix with instant espresso powder and enjoy a delicious Italian-inspired dessert named ‘Tiramisu’!
Hot Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour
- ¼ cup Hot Cocoa Mix
- 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
- ¼ tsp Baking Powder
- A Pinch of Salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup Whole Milk
- 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
- ½ tsp Vanilla Essence
Equipments
Instructions
Add Dry Ingredients
- Grab a 12-oz microwave-safe mug and add ¼ cup of all-purpose flour and 2 tbsp of granulated sugar.
- Pour ¼ cup of hot cocoa mix into the mug.
- Sprinkle ¼ tsp of baking powder and ⅛ tsp of salt to help the cake rise and balance the flavors.
- Use a small whisk to combine all the ingredients until well combined.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- Start adding the wet ingredients by pouring 1/4 cup of Whole milk into the mug.
- Stir in 2 tbsp of vegetable oil and ¼ tsp of vanilla extract.
- Mix everything together thoroughly until the batter is smooth and no clumps of flour remain.
Microwave The Cake
- You can also mix the dark chocolate chips in if you prefer more chocolate flavor throughout the mug cake.
- Pop the cake in the microwave and heat it for 60 seconds.
- Use a toothpick to see the cake’s doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean with a few moist crumbs, the hot chocolate mug cake is done. If the batter is still liquid, it may require an additional 15 seconds.
Cool The Cake and Add Toppings
- Once cooked, carefully remove the mug from the microwave.
- Let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving. The cake continues to set as it cools.
- Top the cooled mug cake with freshly whipped cream, extra chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, or Nutella.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Sprinkle a little powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a finishing touch.
- Serve and enjoy your warm, gooey hot chocolate mug cake.
Oh, I love this hot chocolate mug cake because of how simple the whole thing is! Although I have used my own stash of cocoa mix, you can totally use store-bought cocoa mix for this recipe.
It’s a quick, forgiving recipe, so even if you mess up a little, like adding too much hot water or not mixing enough, the cake will still turn out more or less perfect. It’s the type of recipe you don’t want to pass up without trying, and once you do, I bet you will love it just as much, if not more, than the drink version!
Recipe FAQs
How Long Does This Hot Cocoa Mug Cake Stay Fresh?
I usually don’t have leftovers as it’s a single-serving dessert that’s best eaten fresh. However, you can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How Do I Make My Mug Cake Fluffier?
To make your cake fluffier, use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour. Also, consider adding an extra ¼ tsp of baking soda to make it a bit taller.
What Can I Use Instead Of Vanilla Extract?
If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can use other flavored extracts such as almond extract, peppermint extract, or hazelnut extract. Personally, I find cinnamon extract to work really well with this recipe.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Cocoa Powder?
Cocoa powder is one of the core ingredients of this recipe, but you can still enjoy a delicious chocolate cake by using melted chocolate or chocolate chips instead.
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