Hot Chocolate Mug Cake

The problem with most mug cakes is that they don’t actually taste like a classic cake. This one does. The crumb is tight and tender, almost like a fudgy brownie at the edges, while the center stays soft and plush. Chocolate chips sink into the batter just enough to form streaks of melted richness without pooling at the bottom. When you add a few miniature marshmallows on top, they slump gently into the warm cake, forming a gooey lid.

You won’t need a mixer, or even a mixing bowl larger than your cereal dish. Everything comes together with a fork and cooks in under three minutes, making this hot chocolate mug cake a rare dessert that’s both impulsive and deeply satisfying. It smells and tastes like a snow day.

Hot Chocolate Mug Cake Ingredients

• 2% milk
• Canola oil
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Instant hot cocoa mix
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Semisweet chocolate chips
• Miniature marshmallows and chocolate sauce (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Mix the batter

Spray a 16-ounce microwave-safe coffee mug with cooking spray. In a small bowl, mix the milk, oil and vanilla extract until combined. Add the flour, hot cocoa mix, sugar, baking powder and salt, and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into the prepared mug, then sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top.

Step 2: Microwave and garnish

Microwave on high until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 2-1/2 minutes (the mug will be hot!). Top the cake with miniature marshmallows and chocolate sauce, if desired.

How to Store Hot Chocolate Mug Cake

Let the mug cake cool completely before covering it tightly with storage wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat the cake, microwave it for 20 to 30 seconds or until it’s warmed through.

Hot Chocolate Mug Cake Tips

Can you use a different type of milk in this mug cake recipe?

You can swap in any milk you have on hand for the 2% milk in this mug cake with hot chocolate mix. Whole milk will make the cake slightly richer, while a nondairy milk option like oat or almond milk will work well too—just choose an unsweetened version so you can control the sweetness.

What can you use if you don’t have instant hot cocoa mix for this hot chocolate mug cake recipe?

If you don’t have instant hot cocoa mix, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder plus 1 tablespoon of sugar for every 3 tablespoons of cocoa mix in the recipe. The texture will stay the same, and you’ll still get that deep chocolate flavor.

How do you know when the hot chocolate mug cake is done cooking?

To tell when the hot chocolate mix mug cake is fully cooked, insert a toothpick into the center after microwaving. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready; if there’s wet batter, microwave the cake for another 10 to 15 seconds.

What’s a good drink to serve with this hot chocolate mug cake recipe?

A good drink to serve with this hot chocolate mug cake is a tall glass of cold milk to balance the richness, or try a hot spearmint tea for a cozy contrast to the cake’s sweet, chocolaty flavor.