This chocolate chip mug cake bakes up fluffy and warm in the microwave. It has all the decadence you want from a dessert in a single serving. With just a few ingredients plus no eggs, this mug cake whips up in minutes and will satisfy your chocolatey dessert cravings.
For more flavors, see my full collection of single-serving mug cake recipes.
Jump to:
- ❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
- 🥘 Ingredients
- 🔪 How To Make Chocolate Chip Mug Cakes
- 💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
- ⭐ Testimonials
- 🥡 Storing & Reheating
- ❓Can I Make My Mug Cake Vegan or Gluten-Free?
- ❓My Mug Cake Is Rubbery, What Can I Do?
- ❓Can I Substitute Baking Soda for Baking Powder in a Mug Cake?
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments & Reviews
As someone who's always on the go, I've found the perfect solution for when I'm craving something sweet but don't want to deal with a lot of fuss: mug cakes. These delightful treats have become a staple in my kitchen, and it's easy to see why they've soared in popularity recently.
This chocolate chip mug cake has the traditional flavors of a fluffy chocolate chip cookie, yet it's so simple to make. And when kids are around and want in on the treat, doubling the recipe is a breeze. Everyone gets their own cake in a mug, and there are smiles all around.
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
- It's quick. This mug cake takes only 4 minutes to make, prep time included.
- It's customizable. My mug cake tastes amazing as-is, but it can be added to so it's 100% satisfying. Toss in some nuts for added crunch, top it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or try different flavors of chocolate chips. Whatever you're craving, you can have it.
- So convenient. No slicing is necessary, and the ease of carrying a coffee mug means you can eat your cake wherever you want.
🥘 Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour - Any brand of all-purpose flour will do. If you have self-rising flour, you can use that too, but leave out the additional baking powder and salt below.
- Light Brown Sugar - A good habit to make when baking with brown sugar is to pack it down when measuring to press out any air pockets so you get an accurate measurement.
- Baking Powder - Baking powder is needed for rise, because this cake has no eggs.
- Salt - A small amount of salt helps balance the sweetness.
- Milk - Whole milk will add the most moisture because it has the most fat, but you can use whatever milk you keep in the fridge.
- Butter - Pop your butter in the microwave for 20-30 seconds because it needs to be melted for this recipe. I like using salted butter for my mug cakes because it adds the most flavor, but unsalted is fine, too.
- Vanilla Extract - Use 100% vanilla extract for the best flavor. Alternatively, if you have vanilla paste or a scraped vanilla bean, you can use that.
- Chocolate Chips - I prefer milk chocolate or semi-sweet mini morsels, but you can use whatever kind you like.
Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!
🔪 How To Make Chocolate Chip Mug Cakes
My chocolate chip mug cake is made in just three super easy steps. Grab your measuring utensils, a spoon or whisk, and a microwave-safe mug to get started.
This recipe is for a single-serving dessert mug cake for 1 person.
In a bowl or a large coffee mug, mix together ¼ cup (31.25 grams) of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt until well integrated (photos 1 & 2).
Add the 3 tablespoons milk, 3 tablespoons melted butter, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (photo 3), and mix until nice and smooth (photo 4). (Be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl to moisten all the flour.). Then, fold in 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips (photo 5).
Microwave it on high for 1-2 minutes. Then, continue microwaving in 30-second increments until your cake is fluffy and bounces back to the touch. Allow your mug cake to cool in the microwave for 1 minute before eating.
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💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
- Make as many mug cakes as you want. This recipe is for a single-mug cake, but you can easily double it to suit your needs. If you're making more than one, microwave them individually so they cook evenly.
- Testing for Doneness. Ensure your mug cake is fully cooked by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with batter, continue microwaving in short increments, checking after each until the toothpick comes out clean.
- Oven Baking Option. If you don't have a microwave, bake your mug cake in an oven-safe ramekin at 350℉ (175℃/Gas Mark 4) for 12-15 minutes. Remember, oven-baked cakes may have a denser texture but are equally satisfying.
- Sugar Alternatives. While brown sugar is typically used for its moisture and flavor, you can substitute it with white sugar or a sugar alternative like erythritol. I use Swerve for the best results. Keep in mind that this might slightly change the cake's flavor and texture.
⭐ Testimonials
I was a little worried about the batter looking thin or runny, but I added some nuts and cooked for 1 minute then added 15 more seconds for a perfect mug cake. So good!
Danny
🥡 Storing & Reheating
Mug cakes can be safely stored at room temperature for up to a day. To keep them moist, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
While refrigeration isn't necessary, you can chill your mug cake if you prefer it cold.
Freezing
For longer storage, mug cakes can be frozen. Wrap them securely in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer bag, and label them with the date. They're best consumed within 3-4 months.
To thaw a frozen mug cake, leave it in the refrigerator overnight. If you're short on time, you can also thaw it at room temperature, but make sure to eat it within a few hours.
Reheating
When reheating your mug cake, use the microwave in short bursts of 10-15 seconds. Be cautious, as it continues to cook slightly after heating. Remove it as soon as it's warm to avoid it turning rubbery.
❓Can I Make My Mug Cake Vegan or Gluten-Free?
You can! To make a vegan mug cake, substitute your favorite vegan butter and non-dairy milk (almond milk or oat milk will work). To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour that includes xanthan gum for texture.
Note: Substitutions may cause slight differences in flavor and/or texture in the mug cakes.
❓My Mug Cake Is Rubbery, What Can I Do?
I have some tips to help you make a perfectly fluffy mug cake. First, be sure not to over-mix the batter because that can make your cake tough. You want to mix it just until all the flour is incorporated. Be sure to check between every interval when you are microwaving.
The cake is ready when the top is shiny and slightly sticky to the touch. (This is also where you can use the toothpick trick mentioned above.) Your mug cake should give slightly when you touch it with your finger, almost bouncy. If it has no give, it is overcooked.
❓Can I Substitute Baking Soda for Baking Powder in a Mug Cake?
Although they are both leavening agents, baking soda and baking powder are not interchangeable. Baking soda needs acid to trigger the leavening, and there is not enough acid in this recipe for it to work.
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📖 Recipe Card
Chocolate Chip Mug Cake
Ingredients
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoon light brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 tablespoon milk
- 3 tablespoon butter (melted)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoon chocolate chips (milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate morsels, mini chips are best)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Whisk together your dry ingredients (¼ cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoon light brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon baking powder, and 1 pinch salt) either directly in your mug or in a small bowl.
- Stir in the liquid ingredients (3 tablespoon milk, 3 tablespoon butter, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract), mix until smooth, then fold in the 2 tablespoon chocolate chips. Transfer the batter into a mug if needed.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. Continue heating in 15-30 second increments if needed until the cake is puffy, set, and springs back to the touch.
- Allow your cooked microwave mug cake to sit in the microwave for 1 minute before serving.
Notes
- 1 pinch of salt = 1/16th of a teaspoon
- Ensure your mug cake is fully cooked by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with batter, continue microwaving in short increments, checking after each until the toothpick comes out clean.
- If you don't have a microwave, bake your mug cake in an oven-safe ramekin at 350℉ (175℃) for 12-15 minutes. Remember, oven-baked cakes may have a denser texture but are equally satisfying.
- While brown sugar is typically used for its moisture and flavor, you can substitute it with granulated sugar or a sugar alternative like erythritol. Swerve is my preferred sugar alternative for best results. Note that this might slightly change the cake's flavor and texture.
Nicole Ruiz says
So, my daughter and I are about to make this. We've never made it before so I can't attest to the taste. What I did want to absolutely review and say THANK YOU on is including the ingredients used in each step. Lol it sounds silly, I'm sure, but it's an extra step you took that's incredibly helpful.
Anonymous says
Omg you guys this is the most yummiest mug cake everrrrrrrrrrr
Nelly says
this was soooooo delishious.
Anonymous says
I’ve tried many mug cakes and this is the best one yet
Lisa S says
My family loved this recipe! I tripled the recipe and mixed all the ingredients in a small bowl, than I divided the batter between three mugs before I realized I only had white chocolate chips. It needed something sweeter so I poured about 1/2 tsp of maple syrup over the top after microwaving for 1.5 minutes and it was the perfect amount of sweetness. This was my first cake in a mug and will make again. New Swanson family favorite!
Theresa says
I loved this recipe. It reminds me of coming home from high school and having nothing to do and then making this really quick chocolate chip cake yummy recipe to satisfy my craving while watching TV. 2 minutes in a 900 degree oven is perfect. Thanks!
Al says
I was skeptical about microwaved "baked goods", but to my surprise this came out pretty good! I followed another user's suggestion and reduced butter to 2 tbs. I used mini chocolate chips and increased the amount by about 1/2 tbs to ensure there are some in each bite. I decreased vanilla to 1/4 tsp (pure vanilla extract), I found that to be appropriate for the low volume of finished product. Thank you for the recipe. Will be making it again.
Mela says
This recipe was amazing!! Super moist and delicious. Whenever I make this mug cake I tend to add a little more salt than the recipe suggests. I personally love sweet and salty things, so this was the recipe for me!
Nancy says
That seems like a lot, for just one regular size mug...
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says
It fits a standard 12-14 ounce mug. Enjoy!
Emily D. says
I added extra chocolate chips to feed my sweet tooth. Perfect mug cake recipe, looking forward to trying your others!
Åsa Johansson says
Jättegod! Rekommenderas!
"Scrumptious! Recommended!"
Edward Patterson says
I tried this recipe, my wife liked it, and its just the perfect size for a night time snac
Carol says
1st try so I followed the ingredient amounts as listed and added a dollop of hot fudge in the middle before baking. 😋 This gave it a “lava” center.
I also melted the butter in the mug which allowed the mug to be “greased” for the cooking process. Very good but very sweet! 😂😂😂
Melanie says
This recipe works and is very yummy. Great for a quick dessert when you’re craving something sweet.
Rachel says
Easy and delicious! THANK YOU SO MUCH for putting the ingredient amounts in the section with the directions. Everyone should be a cool as you and do that! Have a great day.
Mara says
I totally agree about listing the ingredient amounts in the directions - not necessary but extremely thoughtful, thank you!
The mug cake was perfect at 1 min 30 sec in my 1000w microwave. This recipe hit the spot!
Rana says
Made this for a late night solo craving. Delicious. I replaced the butter with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil, the light brown sugar with the dark brown that I had on hand, added a generous dash of cinnamon (ohhhh the smell) and half the amount of chocolate chips. Amazing result. Thank you
Jen D. says
My (vegan) daughter's go-to quick dessert for after karate and play rehearsals!
Chip says
Just made this. I enjoy trying different mug cake recipes. They are generally quick and easy to make….and I usually make the Chocolate variety! Decided to try this Chocolate Chip Mug Cake. It was SUPER easy and delicious! Thank you Angela!
Treena says
THIS IS THE BEST THING I'VE EVER HAD😍
Erin says
The best mug cake that I have tried!
Derek says
put 1/2 tablespoons of vanilla extract at first and it exploded in my microwave but when i did it again it was very good and would recommend.