If you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours baking, this Chocolate Chip Mug Cake is about to be your new kitchen hero. Imagine the warmth of a freshly baked cookie, the nostalgia of homemade cake, and the simplicity of a treat you can whip up in under 10 minutes—right in your favorite mug. This single-serve delight is rich, gooey, and loaded with melty chocolate chips, making it the ultimate pick-me-up for late-night cravings, after-school snacks, or anytime you need a little dessert magic in a hurry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chocolate Chip Mug Cake lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is a pantry staple, yet together they create a cake that feels extra special. Every component plays an important part, lending shape, richness, or a touch of sweetness that turns an ordinary mug into a personal celebration.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Gives the cake its rich, moist base and helps blend flavors together beautifully.
- Granulated sugar (2 tbsp): Brings that classic sweetness and helps create a fluffy texture.
- Brown sugar (1 tbsp): Adds warmth and a hint of caramel flavor for extra depth.
- Vanilla extract (¼ tsp): Amplifies the flavors and gives the mug cake that homemade aroma.
- Egg yolk (1): Supplies richness and binds the cake together, keeping it tender.
- All-purpose flour (3 tbsp): The structure of your cake, ensuring the perfect soft crumb.
- Pinch of salt: Balances and intensifies all the sweet notes—don’t skip it!
- Chocolate chips (2 tbsp): The melt-in-your-mouth stars of the show—use your favorites or swap for other fun mix-ins.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Mug Cake
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by placing 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe mug. Heat it in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds, just until fully melted. This quick step not only creates the moist foundation for your Chocolate Chip Mug Cake but also keeps everything contained in one mug—less mess, all the flavor.
Step 2: Mix in Sugars and Vanilla
Next, stir in 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract into the melted butter. Mixing these now ensures the sugars dissolve thoroughly, giving your mug cake an ultra-smooth texture and distributing that irresistible vanilla aroma in every bite.
Step 3: Add the Egg Yolk
Crack in just one egg yolk (save the white for breakfast tomorrow!) and stir until well combined. The egg yolk is the secret to a delightfully tender, cake-like consistency. Make sure it’s fully blended before moving on—this keeps your Chocolate Chip Mug Cake perfectly uniform and soft.
Step 4: Stir in Flour and Salt
Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and a small pinch of salt over the wet ingredients. Gently fold everything together until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep your mug cake light and tender. These two classics form the backbone of your batter, bringing structure and balance.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips
Now, fold in 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips. Give everything a gentle stir so the chocolate is evenly distributed. As the mug cake cooks, these chips melt into gooey pockets of joy—there’s nothing quite like digging your spoon into warm, melty chocolate!
Step 6: Microwave and Enjoy
Pop your mug in the microwave and cook on high for 40–60 seconds, keeping an eye on it—the top should look just set but still soft at the center. Every microwave is a little different, so start at 40 seconds and add in 10-second increments if needed. Let it cool for 1–2 minutes—just enough to handle—then dig in while it’s still warm for maximum gooey deliciousness.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Mug Cake
Garnishes
This mug cake is already fabulous on its own, but why not take it over the top? Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips or flaky sea salt on top while it’s still hot, or add a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Each garnish adds a fun twist and an extra layer to your Chocolate Chip Mug Cake experience.
Side Dishes
Since the cake is so rich, enjoy it with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm mug of coffee or tea for the perfect balance. Fresh berries also complement the chocolate beautifully—think of raspberries, sliced strawberries, or even a handful of cherries for a colorful dessert duo.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this cake for friends or family? Try mixing things up! Layer the Chocolate Chip Mug Cake batter with a spoonful of Nutella or peanut butter in the center before microwaving for a molten surprise, or use white chocolate chips for a fun twist. For special occasions, serve your mug cakes in mismatched vintage teacups or mini mason jars for a personal and Instagram-worthy dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you can resist finishing your entire Chocolate Chip Mug Cake in one go, you can simply cover the mug with plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 12 hours, or in the refrigerator for up to two days. The texture is best enjoyed fresh, but a day-old cake still offers a satisfying snack.
Freezing
While freezing is not ideal due to the delicate, quick-cooked nature of mug cakes, you can freeze any leftovers by placing the cooled cake in an airtight container. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
To restore that fresh-from-the-microwave warmth, simply pop your stored mug cake back in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. Keep an eye on it—overheating can dry it out. Add fresh chocolate chips or a scoop of ice cream to revive its gooey magic!
FAQs
Can I use the whole egg instead of just the yolk?
Using only the yolk keeps the Chocolate Chip Mug Cake ultra-rich and prevents it from becoming rubbery or dry. The whole egg has too much moisture and protein, which throws off the balance. For best results, stick with just the yolk!
What’s the best mug size for this recipe?
Choose a micowave-safe mug that holds at least 12 ounces to give your cake plenty of room to rise and cook evenly. You don’t need anything fancy—just make sure it’s tall enough to prevent overflow.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
While melted butter creates the richest, most flavorful cake, you can substitute with an equal amount of neutral oil in a pinch. Just know that you’ll miss out on a little of that classic bakery taste and aroma.
How can I make this Chocolate Chip Mug Cake gluten-free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The result will still be fluffy, moist, and totally crave-worthy!
Do I have to use chocolate chips?
Not at all! Feel free to get creative—try chunks of your favorite chocolate bar, white chocolate, butterscotch chips, or even a spoonful of Nutella in the center for a molten core.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried a Chocolate Chip Mug Cake yet, this is the perfect place to start. It’s quick, comforting, endlessly customizable, and delivers bakery-level enjoyment in just a few minutes. Grab your mug and treat yourself—you absolutely deserve it!
Print
Chocolate Chip Mug Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Total Time: 6 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a warm, gooey treat with this easy Chocolate Chip Mug Cake recipe. Perfect for a quick dessert fix, this single-serve delight is made in the microwave for convenience.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp chocolate chips
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a microwave-safe mug, melt the butter.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add the egg yolk and mix thoroughly.
- Add Flour: Stir in the flour and salt until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips.
- Microwave: Microwave on high for 40–60 seconds until top is set but center is soft. Let cool for 1–2 minutes before enjoying warm.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking for a soft, gooey texture.
- Experiment with variations like different chocolate types or a Nutella center.
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