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Quick Chocolate Lava Mug Cake

Close-up of a warm Chocolate Lava Mug Cake with a molten center in a white ceramic mug.

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Make a rich, single-serving chocolate cake with a molten center in minutes using only your microwave.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 4 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 square (about 1/2 oz) dark chocolate, or 1 tsp Nutella/peanut butter for the center

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease the inside of a standard microwave-safe mug.
  2. In the mug, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until combined.
  3. Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix well with a fork until the batter is smooth and no dry pockets remain. Do not overmix.
  4. Place the square of dark chocolate (or spoonful of filling) directly into the center of the batter. Do not stir it in; let it sit on top or push it slightly below the surface.
  5. Microwave on high power for 60 to 90 seconds. Cooking time varies based on microwave wattage. Start with 60 seconds.
  6. The cake is done when the edges look set but the center still looks slightly wet. If it is completely firm, it will not have a lava center.
  7. Let the cake cool for one minute before eating directly from the mug.

Notes

  • For a gooier center, slightly undercook the cake. The center will continue to cook slightly after removal from the microwave.
  • If your cake seems dry, reduce the cooking time by 10 seconds next time.
  • Use a 10 to 12-ounce mug to prevent overflow.

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