I am back with another 5 ingredient recipe! This chocolate mug cake is ready in minutes. It’s perfect for when a sweet craving strikes… instead of reaching for packaged junk, make yourself a nice cup of cake.
If you want to make this perfectly dense and moist cake even more decadent, add some allergy-friendly chocolate chips! You can also add your favorite spice – vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom – for variety. I find this cake to be sweet – but not overly sweet. It’s not quite as good as my chocolate cake recipe (perfect for a special occasion) but given that this mug cake takes less than 2 minutes to make… in terms of convenience and instant gratification, well, you can’t beat it.
This is the perfect dessert for one… or two. It’s very filling and so if you can, try to eat just half in one sitting. I feel like I have to say that, but the truth is… I always eat the whole thing. Do as I say not as I do? The good thing about this mug cake is that once I’m done eating it… there aren’t several other lonely slices of cake sitting on the counter calling my name.
One more thing – you should know that this is a microwave cake. You mix together a few ingredients in a mug, and then you nuke it for 1-3 minutes. All microwaves are different – mine takes about a minute and a half to fully cook this cake. If you’re anti-microwave you can pour the batter into a mini cupcake maker (I’m the queen of kitchen gadgets, so I have one… obviously) or you can bake it in the oven, but that’ll take longer. If you’re going to bake, you might as well make my chocolate cupcakes instead.
Let me know what you think of the mug cake – AND what additions you plan to try 🙂
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup almond flour
- 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon ghee
- Optional additions: chocolate chips vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, etc.
Instructions
- Add the egg to a microwave safe mug and whisk.
- Next, add the remaining ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until the cake is done.
Karen says
What a healthy way to eat chocolate cake doing whole 30. I cheated a little and added a chocolate peanut bar. About half chopped up. It’s perfect thank you!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Thanks, Karen! Yum, can’t go wrong with a chocolate peanut butter bar – nice addition 🙂
Upstairs Woman says
Delicious! My preschooler LOVES it, and in fact it is the only way she will eat eggs or nuts (apart from peanut butter)! Yay for a way to get her B vitamins enjoyably!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
That’s awesome! I’m so glad your preschooler likes this 🙂
Maddy says
I’ve had such bad luck trying gluten free desserts on my kids, but I finally found one they like. In fact, they like it so much, this is my third night in a row making them. I used grass fed butter instead of ghee. I’ve also found it to be very versatile. The last 2 nights I subbed the 2tbsp of cocoa for matcha (freehanded amount) & it was amazing. Thank you so much for this recipe!
My Heart Beets says
Maddy, I’m so happy to hear that your kiddos like this mug cake so much! Thanks for letting me know 🙂
Cassandra says
WOW! The only problem with this recipe is that its TOO good. Now that I can make chocolate cake in under 3 minutes, I’ll have to rely on self control not to eat them every day. I added chocolate chips to mine! Topped it with a touch of peanut butter. Would be great with strawberries and whipped cream too!
My Heart Beets says
Haha, I’m so happy to hear that!! Thanks for letting me know how much you like it 🙂
Laura says
Really moist, quick snack that completely satisfied my chocolate craving without all the carbs! Win win!!
My Heart Beets says
Laura, so happy to hear that! Thank you for letting me know how it turned out for you 🙂
Chhavi says
My first mug cake and it came out great ! Thanks Ashley for this great and easy recipe ! This one’s a keeper ! Cant wait to try out your other recipes.
My Heart Beets says
Chhavi, that’s so great to hear! I can’t wait to hear what you think of any other recipes you try! 🙂
Sneha Jacob says
This cake is amazing!!!Thanks Ashley for this easy and guilt free cake ❤️❤️❤️❤️
My Heart Beets says
Sneha, thank you!! I’m so happy to hear that!! 🙂
Donella says
Delicious, quick, and simple with healthy ingredients. Having something instant AND healthy makes me feel less guilty about the fact that it’s microwaved, lol. Thank you!
My Heart Beets says
Donelle, lol glad you like the recipe! 🙂
Dawn says
What can I use in place of maple syrup
dalene says
I made this cake, delicious!
I used flaxseed instead of almond and oil instead of ghee. Yum!
My Heart Beets says
Dalene, that’s so great to hear! Thank you for letting me know how it turned out for you 🙂
Veronica says
I was so happy when I saw someone shared this on facebook, but then I saw that you use ghee.. I’ve noticed a lot of people use ghee, but it isn’t really paleo, is it?
Lori Willett says
I put this recipe into myfitnesspal recipe calculator and a whole recipe comes out to 440 calories, 26g fat, and 46g carbohydrate. I subbed extra virgin olive oil and added 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract. It’s really yummy, but just be aware it’s not a low cal food by any means. I would suggest splitting it into two custard cups and microwaving it for a shorter time. Dust with a bit of powdered sugar and split with a friend or partner!
Nisha says
Added vanilla and mint extract for a gluten-free friend who came to visit for a 12th Night party. Very festive! Next round, if I’m feeling in the mood, maybe a small amount of instant coffee powder or chai blend. 🙂
My Heart Beets says
Yum! That sounds awesome, Nisha!
Joodie says
Finally tried this tonight, and it was delicious! Except for using grass-fed butter instead of ghee, I followed the recipe exactly, microwaving for 1 minute. I think I will add a splash of vanilla extract next time and maybe some cinnamon, and I’m seriously considering making this a breakfast dish with some cold almond milk poured over the warm cake 🙂 Thank you!
My Heart Beets says
Awesome! I’m so glad you liked the recipe 🙂 Cold almond milk over warm cake sounds like the perfect breakfast!
Deb says
We have nut allergies so tried this with 1 tbs fine coconut flour sweetened with coconut sugar and honey. Didn’t have ghee so used pasture raised butter. Made a chocolate version and a vanilla version – kids gobbled them up! The chocolate version came out more cake like – the vanilla was a little “custardy”. Thanks so much for posting nut free paleo recipes – both Asian and Western foods!
My Heart Beets says
Happy to hear that, Deb! Thanks for sharing your substitutions 🙂
Melissa says
My question is could this be made without using a microwave? I haven’t used one for 7 years now but i want to see about making this cake. Thanks!
My Heart Beets says
Melissa, I’d suggest making my paleo chocolate cake or cupcakes if you want to use an oven. Let me know how they turn out for you!
Cicely says
Yum! I am not much of a chocolate person but when I want it I want it, and this did not disappoint! I am one of the anti-microwave folks but I caved in to try this. Delish! Next time I will pop in the oven to see how it turns out.
My Heart Beets says
Cicely, I’m so glad you liked it! 🙂
Sue says
Awesome recipe! Just made it for the first time and had with some warm berries. It will make a great substitute for work morning teas when I normally just miss out – now I can just pack the ingredients and zap in the microwave and join in for a change 🙂 Thanks
My Heart Beets says
So happy you like the recipe!! 🙂
Ally says
This is such an awesome recipe!! So perfect to fulfill my chocolate craving without making a whole cake. I will definitely be making this again and checking out your other recipes!!
My Heart Beets says
Thanks, Ally! 🙂 Can’t wait to hear what ya think of my other recipes!
jessie says
I must have done something wrong, mine turned out super dry! I saw a few other comments like this, but no reply. Everyone else raves about it so I’m thinking I didn’t do it quite right…
My Heart Beets says
I’m not sure, maybe try adding a little more ghee next time?
Shenelle says
This was delicious. Thanks for the recipe. 🙂
My Heart Beets says
Glad you liked it, Shenelle 🙂
Lisa says
Just made this recipe. I cooked for 1 minute 30 seconds. It was extremely dry. I’m going to have to adjust ingredients to make it moist. General flavour is good, but too dry to enjoy. But I will definitely try again as I’m pleased at the ingredients and ease in making a quick treat. 🙁
Pony says
Mine turned out SUPER DRY. What can I do to mak it moist?
Jennifer says
I made this recipe last night as written but used coconut oil. It was very good. I tried it tonight with 1 T coconut flour and I added 1/2 t vanilla, a sprinkle of cinnamon and 3 t water because it was quite thick. Instead of mixing it in the mug I whizzed it in the food processor for a finer consistency. It is awesome this way!
My Heart Beets says
Great to hear!! 🙂
Charlotte says
My go-to Paleo mug cake recipe!! So, so, so good! I use the exact ingredients and microwave for just one minute. Incredibly moist and delicious, and very rich from the cocoa powder. Couldn’t recommend this recipe more!
My Heart Beets says
Charlotte, so happy to hear that!! 🙂
Genevieve says
My most favorite mug cake recipe ever! Quick and easy, one minute bake and five minutes wait… delicious! It will be hard not to eat every day! Use agave instead of maple syrup and add some peanut butter chips
My Heart Beets says
Genevieve, so happy you like the recipe!! 🙂
CFloyd says
I just made this mug cake but used your suggestion of 1T coconut flour and 1T of cream (I didn’t have coconut milk) and i used grass fed organic butter instead of ghee, it turned it out great!
Annette says
I was out of almond flour and used hazelnut meal/flour. It was fantastic. I also added a few chopped dried cherries and some pecans. Love chocolate and cherry together. Thank you for a recipe I will definitely add to my favorites!
My Heart Beets says
Annette, so happy to hear that!! I must try this with hazelnut flour and cherries! yum!
Michelle Welch says
I went to make this tonight and forgot that all the almond flour was gone. I used the Hodges (sp?) gluten free baking mix. I also had used up all my ghee making bulletproof coffee during the Christmas rush so I used Coconut oil. It turned out a little dry but I just poured some cream (not paleo) over it and it was yummy. I think it would have been just as good with some warmed up jam over it. Thanks for a great new dessert!
My Heart Beets says
great to know that works! 🙂
Samantha says
I just made and ate this for BREAKFAST! Not my finest hour but I knew as soon as I saw this I had to try it. It was so worth it! Delicious!
My Heart Beets says
lol, awesome!! happy you liked it, Samantha!! thanks for letting me know 🙂
Holly says
This cake hits the spot when I just want a serving of sweet. I changed it to fit my sweetness preferences by using 1T maple syrup, 1T coconut milk/gf cream and few tsp of Enjoy life chocolate chips. The chips make up for the maple syrup. I get my own little brownie in a few minutes. My non-paleo 13 yr. old loves it too.
My Heart Beets says
Holly, love the additions 🙂
Chel says
This mug cake has become my favorite. I’ve making this on a daily basis for 3 to 4 days now. This morning I added 1 tbsp of chia seeds. Turned out superb! Thank you for sharing your recipes. 🙂
My Heart Beets says
That’s awesome!! So glad you like it so much 🙂
Patti says
I made this tonight and it was yummy. I enjoy your videos also. Thanks for making paleo easier!
My Heart Beets says
Thank you, Patti!! 🙂 I appreciate the kind words!
Kseniya says
Yum! This is delicious. I used honey instead of maples syrup and it was so quick and yummy
Miriam says
Yummo!! Had it with Greek yoghurt and raspberries.
My Heart Beets says
Miriam, awesome! Thanks for letting me know how it turned out 🙂
Lauren says
Just tried this after finding it on Pinterest. This recipe rocks!!
My Heart Beets says
Yay! Glad you found my blog, Lauren! And happy you liked the recipe!
Amber Hamilton says
This cake is THE BOMB!!! Just made it and enjoying it now.
My Heart Beets says
Amber, thank you!! so glad you like it!! 🙂
Emily says
I made this today for my non-Paleo husband on his birthday with a candle stuck in the middle. I added some vanilla and Enjoy Life chocolate chips. He loved it!
My Heart Beets says
Emily, that’s awesome!! I’m so glad he loved it! Happy Birthday to your hubby! 🙂
Lennyswife says
I went Paleo in August 2014 but I am brand new to your site. I tried the mug cake as my first recipe of yours. It was so quick, easy and it killed that craving I was having for dessert. I only used 1 tblspn of maple syrup and it was fine. I really don’t like anything sweet since I’ve virtually eliminated all sugar from my diet. Can you come up with a few more like this? Not a huge fan of chocolate. Thank you!
My Heart Beets says
Thanks! I’ll definitely be working on more recipes like this 🙂
Cindy P. says
I am not a lover of chocolate either so I omitted the cocoa powder and just added 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract and then served it with whipped coconut cream with a bit of maple syrup mixed in and it was very good
My Heart Beets says
Glad you liked it, Cindy!!
Katie says
I just made this cake and it was delicious!! I made it exactly as the recipe says, except I used a tsp of canola oil instead of ghee (I am not paleo). I topped it with chocolate hazelnut spread and it was so tasty and filling. This is the best mug cake. It was so easy to make plus simple and real ingredients. Thank you for this recipe!
My Heart Beets says
Katie, so happy to hear that you liked the recipe 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Roselani says
I LOVE mug cakes and I love all of your recipes! Unfortunately, on of my little guys has serious tree but allergies..could I use coconut flour instead? I know it’s different in texture and much drier..what would you do?
My Heart Beets says
Oh man, I’ll add coconut flour mug cake onto my list of things to make! If you want to try adapting this recipe… maybe you can omit the almond flour and use 1 tablespoon of coconut flour instead. If it looks dry, try adding 1 tablespoon of coconut milk. This is honestly just a guess so I can’t make any promises but if this works, please let me know!
Sarah says
This looks great but have you made it with anything other than almond flour? My husband is allergic to almonds and cashews. Thanks!
My Heart Beets says
Hi Sarah, no but I do want to experiment with coconut flour! When I come up with something, I’ll post it!
Leslie says
YUMMY – made it last night and it was wonderful!! Is there anything I can use to sub the Ghee?? My husband was not a fan and kept asking….”what is that”? Umm – I don’t know – lol! I tried to sneak 100% paleo on him and he caught me…I will continue to do it with mine but wondering if I can just use organic butter on his.
My Heart Beets says
Leslie, so glad you liked it! Yes, you can definitely use butter for his cake – or you can use coconut oil (but I’m guessing he may not like that either?).
Mimi says
Girl you are amazing!!! I just made this as well to go with my Thai curry meatballs this is soo good! Thanks for all the wonderful recipes!
My Heart Beets says
Thanks, Mimi!! So glad you liked the meatballs and the mug cake!!