If you’re ever struck by a late-night dessert craving, or find yourself needing an instant treat to brighten your day, the Chocolate Chip Mug Cake is about to become your new go-to rescue recipe. In just six minutes, one mug, and a handful of pantry staples, you can enjoy a slice of warm, gooey cake loaded with melty chocolate chips—no oven required. It’s a little miracle for college students, busy parents, or anyone who wants a sweet morsel without a mound of dishes. If you love classic chocolate chip cookies and crave cake but can’t decide, this recipe strikes the perfect balance for a quick, chocolatey fix!

Chocolate Chip Mug Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Chocolate Chip Mug Cake extra special is how effortlessly simple the ingredients are, yet each one brings a vital role to the party. These basic pantry items work together to create an unbelievably rich, soft, and chocolate-studded cake, all in your favorite coffee mug!

All-purpose flour: The main structure-builder, giving your mug cake its traditional cake crumb.
Brown sugar: Not only sweetens but adds a deep caramel flavor and extra moisture for tenderness.
Baking powder: This little powerhouse ensures your cake rises to a perfect, fluffy height.
Salt: Just a pinch makes all the other flavors pop and balances sweetness.
Milk: Moistens the batter and creates a creamy texture—any dairy or plant-based milk works.
Melted butter (or oil): Adds richness and that essential buttery taste; oil is perfect for a dairy-free option.
Vanilla extract: A few drops enhance the cake’s aroma and round out the flavors beautifully.
Chocolate chips: The star of the show! They melt into dreamy pockets of chocolate with every bite.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Mug Cake

Step 1: Measure and Mix Dry Ingredients

Start with your sturdiest microwave-safe mug (at least 8 ounces is perfect). Into the mug, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This ensures everything’s evenly distributed, setting you up for a smooth, lump-free cake later on.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in the milk, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it transforms into a smooth, thick batter with no dry spots hiding at the bottom. Take a little extra time to combine everything well for the softest possible cake.

Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Now for the fun part! Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Make sure they’re well dispersed, so every spoonful of mug cake is packed with bursts of molten chocolate. You can tuck a few extra chips on top for dramatic effect, too!

Step 4: Microwave to Bake

Pop the mug in the microwave and heat on high for 60 to 90 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the top looks set but still has a little softness in the center—perfect for that just-baked, gooey-in-the-middle experience. Avoid over-microwaving to keep your mug cake delicate and moist.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Let your Chocolate Chip Mug Cake rest for 1 to 2 minutes—this gives it a chance to finish setting, and ensures those chocolate chips won’t scorch your mouth. Grab a spoon, dig in fresh from the mug, and enjoy every warm, chocolatey bite!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Mug Cake

Garnishes

Dress up your mug cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a cloud of whipped cream right on top. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce sends it over the top, while a light shake of powdered sugar delivers a classic, bakery-inspired touch. Try adding fresh berries for a tart contrast with the rich cake!

Side Dishes

Pairing this cake with a cold glass of milk or your favorite coffee or tea is classic comfort. For a more decadent pairing, a scoop of fruit sorbet or a handful of nuts can add both flavor and crunch, transforming your Chocolate Chip Mug Cake into a mini dessert extravaganza.

Creative Ways to Present

Get whimsical by serving multiple mini mug cakes on a platter for a dessert party, or use a clear glass mug to show off those melty chocolate chips! For extra fun, layer your mug cake with a bit of whipped cream and more chocolate chips for instant mug cake parfaits. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you ever have leftovers (and that’s a big if!), let the mug cake cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The texture may become a bit denser, but it’ll still taste delicious!

Freezing

This recipe is meant to be enjoyed fresh, but in a pinch, you can freeze an extra mug cake. Remove from the mug, wrap in plastic and place in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat straight from the freezer when those chocolate cravings strike. Note: the chocolate chips may solidify, but a gentle reheat will make them gooey again.

Reheating

To revive a stored Chocolate Chip Mug Cake, microwave it for 10–15 seconds until just warmed through. Avoid overheating so the cake doesn’t dry out or turn rubbery. If reheating from frozen, give it about 20–30 seconds, checking every 10 seconds for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Chocolate Chip Mug Cake vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the milk with any plant-based alternative (like almond or oat milk) and use oil or vegan butter. Pick dairy-free chocolate chips and you’re all set for a plant-based, single-serve dessert.

What size mug should I use?

Choose a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 8 ounces. This gives your cake room to rise without spilling over, and ensures even cooking throughout.

How do I keep the cake extra moist?

The secret is to slightly undercook the mug cake, leaving the center a bit gooey. Using brown sugar instead of white also adds extra moisture and softness to every bite.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Feel free to stir in chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or even a spoonful of peanut butter for a delicious twist. Just keep the total mix-ins to two tablespoons so the cake bakes evenly.

Why did my mug cake turn out rubbery?

This usually happens from overcooking. Microwave times vary, so check your cake at the 60-second mark and continue microwaving in 10–15 second bursts until just set for the softest result.

Final Thoughts

No matter when your sweet tooth strikes, you’re always just a few minutes—and a mug—away from homemade comfort in the form of a Chocolate Chip Mug Cake. Try it today, get creative with your toppings, and don’t forget to share this little slice of joy with friends or family when they need a pick-me-up. Happy microwaving!

Chocolate Chip Mug Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a decadent treat with this quick and easy Chocolate Chip Mug Cake recipe. In just a few minutes, you can satisfy your sweet cravings with this single-serve dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and vanilla.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients:

3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon melted butter (or oil)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additions:

2 tablespoons chocolate chips

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Instructions

Prepare the Batter: In a microwave-safe mug, whisk together the dry ingredients. Stir in the wet ingredients until smooth. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Microwave: Cook on high for 60-90 seconds until the top is set but slightly soft in the center.
Cool and Serve: Let it cool for 1-2 minutes before enjoying straight from the mug.