This chocolate mug cake is rich, satisfying and ready in minutes. Mix and cook in the microwave for a healthy dessert your family will love!
This post was originally published on February 6, 2017.
If you love chocolate and you need it fast, then this mug cake is for you! It comes together so fast and is moist, very fudgy and just all around delicious.
Mug cakes are mini cakes that are quickly made in your microwave. They're great when you're short on time but still want something decadent to snack on, or if you don't want an entire cake in your kitchen for a week.
Plus, this vegan mug cake is made from only whole food plant based ingredients, so it's healthier than other versions and the store bought mixes!
Ingredients
There is a secret ingredient here that you will probably think is a misprint, tomato paste, but I promise it isn't. It gives a richer flavor to the chocolate. I got this idea from a children's book I used to read to my class many years ago when I was teaching.
The book was about a little girl scared of thunder, so her and her grandma made cake to help her get through her fear. At the end of the story, they included the recipe, which had tomato sauce, and we used to make it to go along with the teaching lesson.
- Cocoa powder
- Dairy free chocolate chips
- Maple syrup
- Tomato paste
- Dairy free milk
- Baking powder
- Sea salt
How to Make a Chocolate Mug Cake
This mug cake is a great option for a quick and easy sweet tooth craving because it's so easy! (Plus not a lot of dishes to clean up!) Here's what to do:
- Add the dry ingredients into a mug and stir.
- Mix in the rest of the ingredients.
- Microwave.
- Top and enjoy!
Serving suggestions
This healthy chocolate mug cake is fantastic as is, but when you want something a little extra special add toppings!
My favorite is to make it S'more flavor! You'll need:
- Mini marshmallows (use the rest of the bag to make my vegan rice krispie treats!)
- Crushed graham crackers
- Vegan chocolate chips
- Non dairy milk
- Tomato paste
- Salt
Here is how I do it:
- Add the marshmallows to the top of the mug cake 90 seconds into microwaving so they can melt.
- While the mug cake is resting mix up the chocolate chips, milk, tomato paste, and salt in a separate microwave safe container and heat in 20 second increments, stirring each time until the sauce is smooth.
- Top the finished cake with the crushed graham crackers and chocolate sauce and dig in!
If S'mores aren't your jam, try out these other tasty topping ideas:
- Crushed nuts
- Sprinkles
- Vegan whipped cream
- Cream cheese frosting
- Fresh fruit
- Peanut butter
Tips and tricks
When you're making this easy vegan mug cake, the following suggestions may come in handy:
- This recipe results in a deep dark chocolate flavor. To make it sweeter use sweet chocolate chips instead.
- Microwaves vary so make sure you do not over cook. The cake is meant to be gooey and chocolaty, not like a firm traditional cake.
- Any dairy free milk will work in this recipe, I like to use cashew milk.
- Make sure to let the cake rest for a bit before digging in. One, so it's not lava hot; and two, it will firm up a little as it sits.
- If you want to make two mini mug cakes at once, you can also divide the batter into two mugs and cook it a little less, start checking at 1 minute.
- A microwave safe coffee mug is best to use for this recipe. It should specify on the bottom of your mug if it's safe to use in the microwave or not.
Common Questions
You can really make a mug cake in any microwave safe container, but the best to use is a standard coffee mug. Just make sure that it's safe to use in the microwave, there's usually a label on the bottom.
Yes it is! The only dangers you might encounter with this recipe are burning your tongue from not waiting long enough to eat, or making them too often because they're just so convenient!
Mug cakes can become chewy for a number of reasons. Overcooking the cakes is the number one culprit, so make sure to watch carefully and not overcook! Some ingredients can also add a chewy texture, but this vegan version avoids that.
Mix up the ingredients in a mug, microwave, let the lava temp cool down to a palatable one and enjoy! It's that simple!
More Vegan Desserts
Satisfying that sweet tooth can seem like an around the clock job sometimes, so it's nice to have plant-based dessert recipes in your back pocket you can feel good about indulging in. Next time the cravings hit, try one of these other vegan recipes:
- Grain Free Sea Salt Chocolate Chips
- Gluten Free Vegan Brownies
- Layered Strawberry Chocolate Mousse
- Salted Caramel Chocolate Espresso Protein Pudding
- Frothy Hot Chocolate
- Homemade Strawberry Milk
- Gluten-Free Vegan Carrot Cake
- Vegan Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake
Healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 4 tablespoons dairy free chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt , optional
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons dairy free milk , I used cashew
Optional toppings:
- 25 mini marshmallows
- 2 rectangles graham crackers , crushed
Optional chocolate sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegan chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons non dairy milk , I used cashew
- ¼ teaspoon tomato paste
- dash salt
Instructions
- Add the cocoa powder, chocolate chips, baking powder and sea salt into a mug and mix.
- Add the rest of the cake ingredients and mix to combine.
- Microwave for 2 minutes, stopping to check for doneness at 90 seconds and every 15 seconds after that. Microwaves vary so time may be different. Mine took 2 full minutes.
- You can also divide the batter into two mugs and cook it a little less, start checking at 1 minute.
- Allow to set and cool and devour! Top with optional ingredients if preferred.
- To make the chocolate sauce, simply add all ingredients into a microwave safe container and heat at 20 second increments, stirring in between, until melted throughout!
Notes
- This is meant to have a deep dark chocolate flavor. To make it sweeter use sweet chocolate chips.
- Microwaves very so make sure you do not over cook. The cake is meant to be gooey and chocolaty, not like a firm traditional cake.
- If you add marshmallows, add them at 90 seconds so they can melt a bit.
- Nutrition facts are for the main mug cake only.
Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.
Nutrition
Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.
Nancy Furstinger
This looks and sounds amazing! But what if you don't own a microwave? Curious about which children's book inspired that unusual ingredient (I'm a children's book author).
veggiesdontbite
Hi Nancy! Thanks so much! You can definitely try this in the oven. Bake at 350, maybe for about 6 minutes to start and check it? Add the marshmallow and then bake a few more minutes. I haven't tried it yet but if you do let me know! The book that inspired this is Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco!
Rosie
Wow. This looks impressive!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you Rosie!
Commodore
Looks Yummy!
Karen
Hello, looks great but I haven't had a microwave in 6 years can I do it stove top ?
veggiesdontbite
Hi Karen! There are a few people here that asked about doing it without a microwave if you look through the comments. You can definitely do this in an oven just make sure to use an oven safe dish. I'd start with cooking at 350, maybe for about 6 minutes to start and check it. Add the marshmallow and then bake a few more minutes. The sauce you can do in a pot on the stove over low heat. Let me know if you give it a try!
Shanasy
Thank you Sophia for this wonderful recipe! LOVE the surprise ingredient! I have sent this link to my FB group "Super Quick Plant-Based Recipes" https://www.facebook.com/SuperQuickPBRecipes/ where I feature PB recipes that take 20 minutes or less to prepare...but 5 minutes....that's way better!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks so much! I appreciate the kind words and the share!
Rachel
How would you make this without a microwave?
veggiesdontbite
Hi Rachel! I have not made this yet without one, but I advised another reader to try baking it at 350 for about 6 minutes to start and then check it. You don't want it totally done yet because you will need to add the marshmallows. Once you add them, bake a few more minutes or until they have melted. Let me know if you try it!
Vegan Heaven
Oh wow! This looks so insanely, delicious, Sophia! Drooling! 😀
veggiesdontbite
Thank you Sina!
Nicole Dawson
I never would have thought of adding tomato paste? What if I don't use it? Have you tried it without and prefer the addition of it? I'm intrigued now. 🙂
veggiesdontbite
Hi Nicole! The tomato paste gives it such a deep rich flavor! I did a side by side comparison with and without and I loved the flavor with. You can do it without for sure though, but you'll need to add a little more nut butter (or in your case sunbutter or tahini maybe to keep it nut free?) or maybe a tad more milk to make up for the loss in moisture.
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen
I am drooling!!! This looks amazing and so rich. I want it right now, lol!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you Ceara!!
Wayne | Recipezazz
You had me at the very first glance on Tastespotting. What a treat, just had to pin this wonderful Lava Cake 🙂
veggiesdontbite
Thank you Wayne!! I'm so happy to hear that you came over from Tastespotting. I appreciate the pin and the kind words!
Uma
I love this how simple! I love mug cake and this looks absolutely delicious:)
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Uma!
Donna
Oh wow, I NEED to try this out!! The photos are just beautiful and make me want to jump right in there 🙂
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Donna!! I so appreciate your kind words!
Mallory
Great, GREAT job with this photo displaying the richness of the recipe. Now I'm salivating over my keyboard! I'm definitely going to try this out for my next "need chocolate NOW" moment since this looks so quick & easy to make. This could also be an awesome Valentine's Day recipe! Thank you for sharing this loveliness with the world!
veggiesdontbite
Haha!!! Thank you Mallory! It is the perfect Valentines treat. I imagine popping it in the microwave and snuggling on the couch to enjoy while watching a movie.
Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy
This looks insane sophia! I love the photographs and totally want to just dig in! Chocolate and marshmallows are my kids favorites!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Anjali!! They are a tasty combo! My kids definitely devoured every trial. LOL
The Vegan 8
Made it, devoured it, loved it. Delicious girlfriend!!! I loved how rich and chocolatey it was! The marshmallow topping was just heavenly! Definitely fantastic for a quick and indulgent treat! I let mine sit a few minutes so it became really cake-like, just as you suggested, great tip! I loved it and will definitely make it again!
veggiesdontbite
SO SO happy you loved it!! Definitely a rich indulgent treat. LOL Thank you so much for making it!