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    Home > 5 Ingredients or Less

    Published: Jul 19, 2020 by Denise Browning · "This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission." · 18 Comments

    Healthy Chocolate Fudge Cake in a Mug (5 Ingredients)


    Jump to Recipe ↓

    This microwave chocolate cake in a mug is rich and fudgy yet healthy. Make it either for breakfast or as a healthy dessert for one with only 5 ingredients in 1-2 minutes. It’s both flourless and eggless, and also Paleo, vegan, and gluten-free! It is so darn delish that will become your NEW OBSESSION!

    chocolate cake in a mug being spooned

    Breakfast for one? Or perhaps dessert for breakfast? LOL

    Holy bananas, my friend! This sinful chocolate mug cake is the ultimate treat! Everything that you ever dreamed of and more. Follow along and see why!

    The BEST Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe that you’ll have

    When I say this recipe for mug cake is THE THING, I mean it! Here is why:

    • It’s fudgy and gooey!
    • Made with only 5 ingredients: mashed bananas, cocoa powder, sweetener of choice, chocolate chips, and peanut butter. In other words... things that you probably already have in your pantry!
    • Cooked in the microwave for 1 or 2 minutes
    • It’s versatile: you can make it for breakfast or as a dessert!
    • This mug cake is cheap and healthy!
    • It’s naturally gluten-free, Paleo, and contains no eggs. Moreover, it can be vegan and dairy-free, depending on the type of chocolate chips you use and also the sweetener that you choose. To make it dairy-free, use dark chocolate chips. To make it vegan, use dairy-free chocolate and maple syrup to sweeten.
    • Perfect for college students who live in a dorm and also for busy people rushing in the morning to grab a bite before going to work. Or simply for those who want to quickly satisfy their cravings! 
    • Don’t have a microwave? No problem! You can bake this one in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until set.

    Could it get any better? 

    mug cake topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce

    What is a mug cake or cake in a mug?

    A mug cake is literally a cake made in a mug! There are several different recipes and flavors but most of them can be quickly cooked in the microwave (for about 1 to 2 minutes). It’s quite simple to make by simply mixing ingredients in a mug, and so is virtually mess-free. 

    This recipe for chocolate mug cake is made without eggs. Why?

    Mug cakes made with eggs have a spongy texture and are more cakey than fudgy. They are more on the dry side. Because you are making a cake that is actually an individual serving, you would need less than one egg to get the same texture as a full-size cake. But the problem is, how to divide a single egg?

    On the other hand, an egg-free cake in a mug has a fudgy, gooey texture – in between a regular cake and a lava cake. The top center is soft and creamy while from the middle to bottom is more solid. Because it has no egg, it is ideal for those who have an allergy to eggs. Our chocolate fudge mug cake has mashed bananas, which makes a good substitute for eggs without making the cake dry.

    But one thing is for sure. If baking the mug cake in the oven, the cake will rise and cook faster if it contains an egg. It will have the structure of a real cake if it has flour or at least a nut flour like our flourless chocolate nut cake and flourless pumpkin muffins.

    It's one of many 5-ingredient or less recipes on our blog!

    Can this mug cake be made in the oven?

    Yes, it can! For that, preheat the oven at 350 degreesF/180 degrees C and bake a chocolate cake in a mug for 15-20 minutes. But I find the cake has a better texture when cooked in the microwave.

    How to Make Healthy Chocolate Cake in a Mug

    ingredients mixed in a mug

     

    1. In a medium bowl, mash the banana and then stir in cocoa powder, peanut butter, and your choice of sweetener until homogeneous. Stir in half of the chocolate chips.
    2. Pour into a 10-ounce mug (it will fill halfway up maximum). Add the remaining half of the chocolate chips on the top.
    3. Microwave for 1 minute and 20 seconds to 2 minutes, or until cooked and well set. Let cool for at least 5 minutes before enjoying either warm or at room temp. If you want, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

    chocolate cake in a mug made in the microwave

    Substitutes

    • Peanut butter: for any other nut butter, or Nutella
    • Chocolate chips: raisins, chopped nuts
    • Sweetener: sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, xylitol, etc
    • Cocoa powder: protein powder
    • Banana: ¼ cup mashed banana = ⅓ cup applesauce

    Additional Add-in Ideas:

    • Coconut flakes
    • Chopped nuts
    • Spices
    • Almond or vanilla extract
    • Flavored chocolate chips (peanut butter, mint, butterscotch)

    Cooking/Baking Tips 

    • To avoid spill, be sure to use a mug that is large enough, as the batter will rise a lot in the microwave. I suggest using at least a 10-ounce mug for this recipe.
    • Keep a close eye on the mug cake as it is in the microwave.
    • Cook it just until the center is just set. The final cooking time will depend on 1)The potency of your microwave. On a 1200 Watts microwave, it takes around 1 minute and 20 seconds to 2 minutes. 2) If your mug is wider than taller. Wider mugs will have the cake batter spread out and so, it will cook faster than if in a deep or tall mug. In addition, it will take more time to bake (about 15-18 minutes) than cook it in the microwave (1-2 minutes).

    Storage

    The cake is best if eaten warm. But you can cover a mug cake when cool and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

    Other mug cake recipes:

    • Amaretto Mug Cake 
    • Cookies and Cream Mug Cake 
    • Lemon Cheesecake Mug Cake 
    • Vegan Mug Cake
    • Orange Mug Cake 
    • Pina Colada Mug Cake 
    • Raspberry Lemon Mug Cake 
    • Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake 

    PIN & ENJOY!

    close up of chocolate mug cake with chocolate sauce being spooned

    A close up of a chocolate dessert on a plate
    Print SAVE Saved Recipe! Pin
    4.60 from 5 votes

    Healthy Chocolate Fudge Cake in a Mug (5 Ingredients)

    This microwave chocolate cake in a mug is rich and fudgy yet healthy. Make for either breakfast or as a healthy dessert for one with only 5 ingredients in 1-2 minutes. It’s both flourless and eggless, and also Paleo, vegan, and gluten-free! It is so darn delish that will become your NEW OBSESSION!
    Course:Breakfast
    Cuisine:American
    Keywords:breakfast recipes, chocolate cake in a mug, healthy recipe
    Prep Time 1 minute minute
    Cook Time 1 minute minute
    Total Time 2 minutes minutes
    Servings 1
    Calories280 kcal
    Author Denise Browning
    Cost $ 1.00

    Equipment

    • microwave
    • bowl
    • Mug

    Ingredients

    • ⅓ cup mashed banana
    • 2 tablespoon peanut butter creamy
    • 2 tablespoon cocoa powder
    • 2 tablespoon sweetener of choice
    • 4 tablespoon chocolate chips

    Instructions

    • In a medium bowl, mash the bananas and then stir in cocoa powder, peanut butter, and sweetener of choice until homogeneous. Stir in half of the chocolate chips.
    • Pour into a 10-ounce mug (it will fill halfway up maximum). Add the remaining half of the chocolate chips on the top.
    • Microwave for 1 minute and 20 seconds to 2 minutes, or until cooked and well set. Let cool for at least 5 minutes before enjoying either warm or at room temp. If you want, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

    Recipe Notes

    Can this mug cake be made in the oven?
    Yes, it can! To do this, preheat the oven at 350 degreesF/180 degrees C and bake the chocolate cake in a mug for 15-20 minutes. But I find the cake has a better texture when cooked in the microwave.
    Substitutes
    • Peanut butter: for any other nut butter, or Nutella
    • Chocolate chips: raisins, chopped nuts
    • Sweetener: sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, xylitol, etc
    • Cocoa powder: protein powder
    • Banana: ¼ cup mashed banana = ⅓ cup applesauce
    Additional Add-in Ideas:
    • Coconut flakes
    • Chopped nuts
    • Spices
    • Almond or vanilla extract
    • Flavored chocolate chips (peanut butter, mint, butterscotch)
    Cooking/Baking Tips 
    • To avoid spill, be sure to use a mug that is large enough, as the batter will rise a lot in the microwave. I suggest using at least a 10-ounce mug for this recipe.
    • Keep a close eye on the mug cake as it is in the microwave.
    • Cook it just until the center is just set. The final cooking time will depend on: 1)The potency of your microwave. On a 1200 Watts microwave it takes around 1 minute and 20 seconds to 2 minutes. 2) If your mug is wider than taller. Wider mugs will have the cake batter spread out and so, it will cook faster than if in a deep or tall mug. In addition, it will take more time to bake (about 15-18 minutes) than cook it in the microwave (1-2 minutes).
    Storage
    The cake is best if eaten warm. But you can cover a mug cake when cool and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 150mg | Potassium: 641mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2mg

    ** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.

    Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.

    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Comment and rate the recipe. Also follow us on Pinterest at @easyanddelish for more delish recipes.

     

    « Easy Chocolate Mousse Recipe (3 Ingredients/Eggless)
    Passion Fruit Mousse (Mousse de Maracujá) »

    Filed Under: 5 Ingredients or Less, American Recipes, Easy And Delish, Easy Breakfast and Brunch Recipes, Easy Dessert Recipes, Quick & Easy Recipes

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Nydia says

      July 13, 2012 at 2:20 pm

      I can't believe how easy is to meke it, and you did on a microwave (I only use it to heat food)

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        July 13, 2012 at 8:57 pm

        Nydia: This is a great recipe. Actually, it is the best that have ever tasted. The cake is easy, quick, moist, and very delicious. Try it and let me know., please! I looooooove this cake. xx

        Reply
    2. Jill O'Bryant says

      July 18, 2012 at 10:25 pm

      Oh my word...I have all of these ingredients except for the sweetened condensed milk...otherwise I'd be making it right now. And I think I'll make it at night when the kids are in bed so that I don't have to share 🙂
      Thanks for the easy quick recipe!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        July 18, 2012 at 11:13 pm

        You're welcome, Jill! No worries...You can use milk instead of the condensed milk. The four of us here are big fans of this quick and delicious dessert. If you are a chocolate lover, you'll enjoy it. If you have the homemade vanilla Blue Bonnet ice cream like we always do ;), please place a scoop on top. I am telling you: It is to die for... :):):)

        Reply
        • Jill O'Bryant says

          July 19, 2012 at 5:29 pm

          I made it and it was sinfully delicious!

          Reply
          • Denise Browning says

            July 19, 2012 at 6:14 pm

            I am so glad that you liked it...xx

            Reply
      • Cbewell says

        November 06, 2022 at 1:31 pm

        No sweetened condensed milk
        ⅓ cup mashed banana
        2 tablespoon peanut butter creamy
        2 tablespoon cocoa powder
        2 tablespoon sweetener of choice
        4 tablespoon chocolate chips

        Reply
        • Denise Browning says

          November 07, 2022 at 7:52 pm

          I am sorry but I didn't understand your comment.

          Reply
          • Charlene Jonckheere says

            June 13, 2023 at 5:14 pm

            What she means is that you didn’t put milk or condensed milk in the ingredients of the recipe

            Reply
            • Denise Browning says

              June 14, 2023 at 1:05 pm

              Sorry but I didn't understand your comment.

    3. Heidi | The Frugal Girls says

      July 20, 2020 at 5:45 pm

      5 stars
      I love your dark chocolate mug cake. This is such a fun way to make a single serving dessert.

      Reply
    4. Little Cooking Tips says

      July 22, 2020 at 1:04 am

      5 stars
      OMG! Denise this is mouthwatering! So chocolaty and so easy to make, is already on our dessert list 🙂

      Reply
    5. Dennis Yannakos says

      July 22, 2020 at 3:15 am

      I love this look. Can't wait to make it!

      Reply
    6. John / Kitchen Riffs says

      July 22, 2020 at 8:52 am

      Mug cakes are so much fun! And they're perfect portion control. Neat recipe -- thanks.

      Reply
    7. Raymund says

      July 23, 2020 at 8:55 pm

      5 stars
      Another 5 ingredient recipe and it gets better and better, I would definitely love two mugs of this please 🙂

      Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. Peanut Butter Mug Cake with Chocolate (Keto) - Easy and Delish says:
      September 14, 2020 at 9:31 pm

      […] substitute, and chocolate chips. It will satisfy your craving without the guilt – just like our chocolate cake in a mug! Don’t you love […]

      Reply
    2. Jon Cartu Declare: 10 Easy Gluten-Free Mug Cake Recipes - Jonathan Cartu Restaurant, Baking & Catering Services says:
      September 21, 2020 at 4:35 pm

      […] They come in many flavors and be quite scrumptious such as this hot chocolate mug cake,  peanut butter mug cake, and chocolate fudge cake in a mug. […]

      Reply
    3. Death by Chocolate Cake Recipe (Super Moist) - Easy and Delish says:
      September 23, 2020 at 7:53 pm

      […] Death by Chocolate Cake is a moist and fudgy chocolate cake topped with a creamy chocolate buttercream frosting. It’s a chocolate lovers’ favorite dessert recipe and one that will satisfy all of your cravings. For more decadent chocolate desserts, make sure to try my chocolate cake in a mug. […]

      Reply

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