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Top-down view of the warm mug cake in the coffee mug, topped with chocolate chips and ready to eat. A spoon is placed beside the mug, inviting the first bite straight from the mug.

Mug Cake Without Milk

This quick and easy microwave mug cake is a perfect single-serving dessert. It’s light, moist, and rich in chocolate flavor, ready in under 10 minutes! You can customize it with your favorite toppings like chocolate chips, whipped cream, or jam for an indulgent treat anytime.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 413 kcal

Equipment

  • 10-ounce (or larger) coffee mug
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Measuring spoons
  • Microwave

Ingredients
  

  • 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • dash kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons canola oil
  • ½ teaspoon white vinegar or cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 4½ tablespoons water boiling

Instructions
 

Prepare the Mug:

  • Spray a 10-ounce or larger coffee mug with baking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and a dash of salt until evenly combined.
    Top-down view of a small mixing bowl with flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt being whisked together. The whisk is in motion, blending the dry ingredients smoothly on a clean marble countertop.

Add Wet Ingredients:

  • Add canola oil, white or cider vinegar, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
    Top-down view of the small mixing bowl as boiling water is poured into the batter, with a whisk blending the ingredients until smooth. The batter is silky and lump-free, ready for the next step.
  • Pour boiling water over the mixture and whisk until smooth.

Microwave:

  • Pour the batter into the prepared mug.
    Top-down view of the small mixing bowl as boiling water is poured into the batter, with a whisk blending the ingredients until smooth. The batter is silky and lump-free, ready for the next step.
  • Microwave on HIGH for 1½ to 2 minutes, uncovered.
  • Check for doneness by inserting a cake tester or toothpick—if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
    Top-down view of the mug inside the microwave, cooking on HIGH for 1½ to 2 minutes. The cake batter is rising, and steam is beginning to form as it cooks.

Serve:

  • While still warm, you can top the cake with chocolate chips or jam.
  • For a cooler cake, add powdered sugar, frosting, or whipped cream once it has cooled.
    Top-down view of the warm mug cake in the coffee mug, topped with chocolate chips and ready to eat. A spoon is placed beside the mug, inviting the first bite straight from the mug.
  • Grab a spoon and enjoy straight from the mug!