Moist chocolate mug cake with a gooey melted chocolate center and spoonful lifted from the mug

Easy Chocolate Mug Cake
with a Gooey Center

This easy Chocolate Mug Cake is rich, incredibly moist, and packed with melted chocolate in every bite. Chocolate chips melt throughout the cake while an extra spoonful hidden in the center creates a warm, gooey chocolate middle. Made right in a mug and cooked in the microwave in just 60 seconds, this single serving chocolate cake is perfect when you want a quick chocolate dessert without baking an entire cake. Enjoy it warm on its own or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cook Time

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Prep Time

5 minutes

Ingredients

Mix the Dry Ingredients
Add the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to a microwave-safe mug. Stir until evenly combined and no lumps of cocoa remain.

Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is smooth and no dry flour remains.

Add the Chocolate Chips
Stir 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips into the batter until evenly distributed.

Make the Gooey Center
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips to the center of the batter. Gently push them beneath the surface and cover with a little batter. Do not stir them in.

Microwave the Mug Cake
Microwave on HIGH for 60 seconds. The top should look set while the cake remains soft and moist inside.

Rest and Serve
Let the mug cake rest for 1–2 minutes before eating. The cake will be very hot, especially the melted chocolate center. Serve warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

For an extra-rich dessert, top the warm mug cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The ice cream melts into the incredibly moist cake and gooey chocolate center for the perfect hot-and-cold combination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chocolate mug cake without chocolate chips?

Yes, but the chocolate chips are what give this recipe melted chocolate throughout and create the gooey center. Without them, the cake will still be chocolatey but won't have the same rich, molten texture.

Why did my mug cake turn out dry?

Microwave wattages vary, and even a few extra seconds can overcook a mug cake. Start with 60 seconds and only add more time if the top still looks wet and uncooked.

What size mug should I use?

Use a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 12 ounces. This gives the cake enough room to rise without overflowing while it cooks.

Can I use different kinds of chocolate chips?

Absolutely. Semi-sweet, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a combination will work. Choose whichever chocolate you enjoy most.

What can I serve with a chocolate mug cake?

Vanilla ice cream is especially good with it, but you could also add whipped cream, fresh strawberries, raspberries, caramel sauce, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

□ 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
□ 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
□ 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
□ ¼ teaspoon baking powder
□ Pinch of salt
□ 3 tablespoons milk
□ 2 tablespoons butter, melted
□ ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
□ 2 tablespoons chocolate chips, for the batter
□ 1 tablespoon chocolate chips, for the gooey center

1 minute