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A close-up of a chocolate lava mug cake in a white mug, with a spoon revealing its rich, molten chocolate center and powdered sugar dusting.

Chocolate Lava Mug Cake – Rich, Gooey & Ready in 5 Minutes

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This indulgent chocolate lava mug cake delivers a warm, gooey molten chocolate center in just 90 seconds using your microwave. Made with simple pantry ingredients like flour, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips, this single-serving dessert is perfect for satisfying sudden chocolate cravings without the hassle of traditional baking. The recipe creates a perfectly portioned cake with a flowing lava center that rivals any restaurant dessert, all prepared and cooked in under 4 minutes total.

  • Total Time: 3.5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients

Scale
A flat lay of ingredients for a chocolate lava mug cake, including chocolate chips, sugar, cocoa powder, and milk, arranged on a dark slate background.

For the Cake:

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 tablespoons whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lava Centre:

  • 1 tablespoon semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 tablespoon butter

Optional Toppings:

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Fresh berries

Instructions

A white mug on a marble counter filled with dry ingredients like flour and cocoa powder for a chocolate lava mug cake, with a fork ready to mix.

Step 1: Mix all dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt) directly in a microwave-safe mug until well combined.

A hand pouring milk into a white mug containing chocolate batter, which is being mixed with a fork to make a chocolate lava mug cake.

Step 2: Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the mug and stir thoroughly until the batter is smooth with no lumps.

A mug of chocolate lava cake batter with a pat of butter and chocolate chips in the center, illustrating how to make the molten core.

Step 3: Drop chocolate chips and butter into the centre of the batter, pushing them down slightly but not stirring them in.

A hand setting the timer on a microwave, with a white mug inside ready to cook the chocolate lava mug cake.

Step 4: Microwave on high for 75-90 seconds, checking at 75 seconds first as cooking times vary by microwave wattage.

A hand dusting powdered sugar over a warm chocolate lava mug cake in a speckled mug on a wooden table.

Step 5: Let the mug cool for 30 seconds, then dust with powdered sugar and enjoy.

Notes

  • Microwave Wattage: Recipe tested in 1000-1200 watt microwave. Lower wattage may require 10-15 seconds additional time.
  • Mug Size: Use minimum 12-ounce mug to prevent overflow
  • Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to keep cake tender
  • Center Temperature: The molten center can exceed 160°F immediately after cooking
  • Best Enjoyed Fresh: Consume immediately for optimal molten lava texture
  • Substitutions: Can use melted butter instead of oil for richer flavor

 

  • Altitude Adjustment: Above 3,000 feet, reduce baking powder to 1/8 teaspoon
  • Author: Roz
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1.5 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Microwave
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://www.rozrecipes.com/chocolate-lava-mug-cake-recipe/