Hot chocolate mug cake made in minutes with hot chocolate mix, a soft chocolate crumb, and optional marshmallows for a cozy finish.
This hot chocolate mug cake is the kind of quick dessert I make when my kids want something warm, chocolatey, and comforting without turning on the oven.
Made with hot cocoa mix and cooked in the microwave, it’s soft, rich, and easy to customize with marshmallows, whipped cream, or chocolate chips.
Why you’ll love it
- Ready in just a few minutes, straight from the microwave
- Made with hot chocolate mix for a rich, familiar chocolate flavor
- Perfect cozy treat with or without marshmallows on top
Ingredients you need
- All-purpose flour: classic wheat flour
- Granulated sugar: white sugar
- Hot cocoa mix: sweetened cocoa powder mix
- Baking powder: standard baking powder
- Salt: fine salt
- Milk: dairy or plant-based
- Vegetable oil: neutral oil
- Vanilla extract: pure or imitation
- Chocolate chips: dark or milk
- Marshmallows: mini or regular
Tips for the perfect hot chocolate mug cake
- Use a microwave-safe mug large enough to prevent overflow
- Mix just until smooth, don’t overmix
- Cook in short bursts to avoid a dry center
- Add marshmallows right after baking so they melt slightly
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor
How to make the best hot chocolate mug cake
Mix the dry ingredients directly in a large microwave-safe mug.
Add the milk, oil, and vanilla, then stir until smooth.
Fold in the chocolate chips, mixing just until combined.
Microwave at 600–800 W for 1 minute.
Check the center with a toothpick; cook in 10–15 second bursts if needed.
Rest briefly, then top with marshmallows or your favorite toppings and enjoy.
Best toppings for hot chocolate mug cake
- Mini marshmallows (classic hot chocolate style)
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate syrup or melted chocolate
- Vanilla ice cream
- Extra chocolate chips
Storage
- This mug cake is best eaten right away.
- If needed, cover and keep at room temperature up to 2 hours.
- Reheating is not recommended, the texture changes quickly.
Recipe variations
Peppermint hot chocolate mug cake with peppermint extract
White hot chocolate mug cake with white chocolate chips
Vegan version using plant-based milk and oil
Extra chocolate version with double chocolate chips
Recipe Questions
Why is my mug cake rubbery?
It was overcooked. Reduce the microwave time and stop while the center is still soft.
Can I use hot chocolate mix instead of cocoa powder?
Yes, this recipe is made specifically with hot cocoa mix.
What size mug should I use?
A wide, microwave-safe mug of at least 12 oz works best.
Can I make this mug cake without eggs?
Yes, this recipe is completely egg-free.
More mug cake recipes
I hope you’ll love this recipe! If you try this recipe, feel free to leave a comment. It always helps. Happy baking!
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Hot cocoa mug cake
- Total Time: 3 minutes
- Yield: 1 mug
Description
Recipe for hot cocoa mug cake, a quick chocolate cake made with hot cocoa powder and chocolate chips, cooked in the microwave.
(For 1 mug / 1 serving)
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp (¼ cup) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp hot cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 4 tbsp (¼ cup) milk
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix the flour, sugar, hot cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt directly in the mug.
- Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla, then stir until smooth.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Microwave for 1 to 1½ minutes (600–800W) until just set.
- Rest briefly, then enjoy with your favorite topping.
Notes
Storage: Best eaten immediately. This mug cake does not store well once cooked.
Tips:
- Use a mug of at least 12 oz (350 ml) to avoid overflow
- Do not overcook or the cake will turn dry
- Stop cooking when the center looks just set
- Let it rest 30 seconds before eating
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Category: Mug cake, dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 656
- Sugar: 50.6 g
- Sodium: 2445.4 mg
- Fat: 36.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 79.2 g
- Protein: 5.6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Charissa
Well, I must say that the Hot Cocoa Mug Cake turned out delicious. The chocolatey flavor stood out throughout the treat it became my new favorite recipe!