Hot Chocolate Mug Cake

By
Leah Maroney
Leah Maroney
Leah Maroney
A recipe developer and food photographer, Leah Maroney is an ardent home cook and food blogger who has written over 300 recipes for The Spruce Eats.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 02/4/23
Tested by
Kiana Rollins
Kiana Rollins
Tested by Kiana Rollins
Kiana is a recipe tester with a background in Marketing in the food media world, who strongly believes that cocktails and great conversation are essential sides for any good meal.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
hot chocolate mug cake finished

The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 2 mins
Total: 7 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
769 Calories
31g Fat
115g Carbs
12g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 769
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 31g 39%
Saturated Fat 18g 92%
Cholesterol 66mg 22%
Sodium 721mg 31%
Total Carbohydrate 115g 42%
Dietary Fiber 5g 17%
Total Sugars 66g
Protein 12g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 300mg 23%
Iron 5mg 28%
Potassium 576mg 12%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

A cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter day is the perfect treat, and this recipe takes this beloved beverage one step further by transforming it into a decadent cake, with those quintessential mini marshmallows on top. If you are craving a bite of cake and don't have the time to bake one, this single-serving mug cake is prepped and cooked in less than five minutes, without making a whole lot of mess in your kitchen.

You can easily double this recipe to make it a dessert for two, and once you have the base technique down, can be adventurous and try new flavors or add-ins.

"Hot Cocoa is a cold weather go-to and this recipe will not disappoint your favorite cocoa lovers. From the delicious chocolate cake to the toppings, this mug cake is going to be your new cozy night go to!" - Kiana Rollins

KR_Tester_Hot Cocoa Mug
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons hot cocoa mix

  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 tablespoon semisweet chocolate chips

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • 1/4 cup milk

  • 1/4 cup mini marshmallows

  • Whipped cream, optional

  • Chocolate sauce, optional

  • Chocolate shavings, optional

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    chocolate mug cake ingredients gathered

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

  2. In an average-sized mug, mix together the flour, hot cocoa mix, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, baking powder, and chocolate chips until completely combined.

    mug cake dry ingredients in mug with whisk

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

  3. In another mug of the same size, whisk together the melted butter and milk.

    mug cake wet ingredients in different mug with whisk

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until they are completely combined and there are no lumps. Scrape the edges to make sure all of the batter is well mixed.

    mug cake ingredients combined with spoon and hand in frame

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

  5. Place the mug in the microwave and cook for 1 minute and 30 seconds, or until the top is no longer runny and is just slightly sticky. If it's not done after the initial cooking time, cook in 30-second intervals until done. (Not all microwaves have the same power and cooking times might vary.)

    mug cake cooked on counter

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

  6. Remove from the microwave and let cool for a minute or two. Top with the mini marshmallows and whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and chocolate shavings, if you like.

    mug cake topped with marshmallows and chocolate sauce

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

Tips

  • Make sure to use a mug that is large enough; the batter should not come close to the top since it will rise as it cooks. If the mug is too small, the cake will overflow in the microwave and make a mess.
  • Do not overcook the cake as it will turn dry and chewy. If the initial time isn't quite enough, cook in very small increments until done.

Recipe Variations

  • Mexican Hot Chocolate: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients before mixing the batter together.
  • Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Add 1/8 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the milk and butter before you mix all of the ingredients together. Top the cooked cake with crushed peppermint sticks and marshmallows.
  • Bailey's: Add 1 teaspoon of caramel syrup to the cake before cooking. Once done, top it with 1 tablespoon Bailey's and the ice cream of your choice.
  • Affogato: Pour a shot of strong espresso onto the cake and top with sweetened condensed milk until the cake is soaked with this sugary mix.
  • Peanut Butter: Mix 2 servings of powdered peanut butter with milk until creamy and add to the top of the cake. Crush some salted pretzels on top for crunch.
  • Other toppings: Top your mug cake with whipped cream, chocolate fudge, marshmallow fluff, sliced strawberries, crushed cookies, caramel sauce, dulce de leche, or fruit compote.