Chocolate Lava Mug Cake

There’s nothing better than a warm, gooey lava mug cake when that chocolate craving hits fast. With just a few pantry staples and a microwave, you’ll have a rich, fudgy dessert in under five minutes. No oven, no mess, and best of all? Just one dish to clean.

A chocolate mug cake topped with whipped cream sits in a white mug on a light wooden surface, next to a spoon and a small bowl of chocolate pieces.

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

This recipe has saved us on many late nights when we needed something sweet right now. It’s one of those easy treats that feels extra indulgent with minimal effort. Plus, the molten chocolate center? Pure heaven in a mug.

If you’re into easy chocolate desserts, you might also love our Raspberry Chocolate Bars, Cherry and Chocolate Brownies, or our Hot Chocolate Mug Cake.

A spoon lifting a portion of chocolate mug cake with melted chocolate from a white mug.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick: Ready in under five minutes from start to finish.
Minimal Cleanup: Everything mixes and cooks in one mug.
Rich and Gooey: That molten chocolate center is next-level.
Perfect Single Serve: Great when you want dessert without making a full batch.

Ingredients

A spoon holds a serving of chocolate mug cake with melted chocolate, above a white mug containing the rest of the cake.

Lava Mug Cake

This gooey lava mug cake is the perfect quick fix for chocolate cravings. With simple ingredients and a microwave, you’ll have a rich, fudgy treat with a molten center in minutes!

No ratings yet

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Servings: Mug

Calories: 348kcal

Author: Wendy

Equipment

Microwave-safe mug
Spoon or fork
Measuring spoons

Ingredients

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons sugar
⅛ teaspoon baking powder
Pinch salt
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon chocolate chips or a small square of chocolate for the lava center

Instructions

In a microwave-safe mug, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the milk, oil, and vanilla, stirring until smooth.
Press the chocolate chips or chocolate square into the center of the batter.
Microwave for 45–60 seconds, or until the top is set but the middle still looks soft.
Let cool for 1–2 minutes before enjoying.

Notes

Cook until the center is just barely set.
Use a large mug to prevent overflowing.
Adjust microwave time based on wattage.

Storage

Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
Reheating: Microwave for 10–15 seconds to warm it up again.
Freezing: Not recommended—this dessert is meant to be enjoyed fresh.

Disclaimer:

Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.

Nutrition

Wendy’s Tips

Use a wide mug so the cake cooks evenly.
Don’t overcook, it should still look a little soft in the center.
Let it sit for a minute or two to finish setting after microwaving.
Want it extra gooey? Go for the 45-second mark.

A chocolate mug cake topped with whipped cream sits beside a bowl of chocolate squares and a metal spoon on a light wooden surface.

FAQ

Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Can I double the recipe?

Not in the same mug. Make a second mug instead so it cooks evenly.

Why is my mug cake rubbery?

It was probably overcooked. Microwave times vary, so start with less time and add a few seconds if needed.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes! A square of dark chocolate, a caramel-filled chocolate, or even white chocolate all work great.