Casablanca – Craving something chocolatey but don’t feel like spending an hour in the kitchen? This chocolate mug cake is an easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth with a handful of everyday ingredients and just a few minutes of preparation.

Made with simple ingredients, this single-serving dessert comes together in one mug and cooks in the microwave. It’s perfect for an afternoon treat, a late-night chocolate craving, or whenever you want something sweet without making a whole cake.

Here’s what you’ll need

4 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

¼ teaspoon baking powder

A pinch of salt

3 tablespoons milk

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

How to make it

  1. Mix the dry ingredients: Add the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to a large microwave-safe mug. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
  2. Add the wet ingredients: Pour in the milk and vegetable oil. Mix well until you have a smooth batter with no visible pockets of dry flour.
  3. Microwave the cake: Place the mug in the microwave and cook for 60 seconds. Check the center, then continue in 10-second intervals if needed, until the cake is cooked through. The exact time will depend on your microwave.
  4. Let it cool slightly. Leave the cake to rest for about one minute before digging in. The mug will be hot, so handle it carefully.

Tips for a better mug cake

Choose a large mug. The batter rises as it cooks, so leave enough room at the top to prevent overflow.

Avoid overcooking, as a few extra seconds can make a mug cake dry or rubbery. Check it frequently toward the end of cooking.

Make it extra chocolatey if you like it this way. Add a few chocolate chips to the batter or place a small piece of chocolate in the center before microwaving.

Enjoy the cake on its own or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a spoonful of chocolate spread, or fresh strawberries.

Because sometimes, dessert doesn’t need to be complicated. This chocolate mug cake is a simple option when you want something homemade without the effort of preparing a full-sized cake.