Hot Cocoa Mug Cake (5-Minute Dessert) – Cozy, Quick, and Chocolatey

If you’re craving something warm, chocolatey, and comforting but don’t want to bake an entire cake, this Hot Cocoa Mug Cake has your back. It’s rich, fluffy, and comes together in minutes—no mixer, no oven, no fuss. You’ll use basic pantry staples and a microwave, and the result feels like a hug in a mug.

It’s perfect for late-night cravings, snow days, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.

Print Recipe

Hot Cocoa Mug Cake (5-Minute Dessert) - Cozy, Quick, and Chocolatey

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time1 minute min

Total Time6 minutes mins

Servings: 1 servings

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons hot cocoa mix (regular or dark)
• 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for extra richness)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil or melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon chocolate chips (optional but recommended)
• Mini marshmallows for topping (optional)

Instructions

• Choose the right mug: Use a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 12 ounces to prevent overflow.
• Mix dry ingredients: Add flour, hot cocoa mix, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt to the mug. Whisk with a fork until well combined.
• Add wet ingredients: Pour in milk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla. Stir until the batter is smooth and no dry pockets remain.
• Stir in extras: Fold in chocolate chips for melty pockets of goodness.Smooth the top.
• Microwave: Cook on high for 60–90 seconds. Start checking at 60 seconds; the cake should look set on top but slightly glossy in the center.
• Rest briefly: Let it sit for 1 minute. It continues to set as it cools.
• Top and enjoy: Add mini marshmallows or a drizzle of cream.Eat warm right from the mug.

What Makes This Special

• Ready in 5 minutes: From mixing to microwaving, it’s fast and satisfying.
• Hot cocoa twist: Using hot cocoa mix adds that nostalgic flavor and a touch of sweetness.
• Single serving: No leftovers, no temptations—just the right amount.
• Customizable: Add chocolate chips, marshmallows, or peanut butter for fun variations.
• Minimal cleanup: Everything mixes and cooks in one mug.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons hot cocoa mix (regular or dark)
• 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for extra richness)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil or melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon chocolate chips (optional but recommended)
• Mini marshmallows for topping (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose the right mug: Use a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 12 ounces to prevent overflow.
2. Mix dry ingredients: Add flour, hot cocoa mix, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt to the mug. Whisk with a fork until well combined.
3. Add wet ingredients: Pour in milk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla. Stir until the batter is smooth and no dry pockets remain.
4. Stir in extras: Fold in chocolate chips for melty pockets of goodness.

   Smooth the top.

5. Microwave: Cook on high for 60–90 seconds. Start checking at 60 seconds; the cake should look set on top but slightly glossy in the center.
6. Rest briefly: Let it sit for 1 minute. It continues to set as it cools.
7. Top and enjoy: Add mini marshmallows or a drizzle of cream.

   Eat warm right from the mug.

Keeping It Fresh

This dessert is best eaten immediately while warm and soft. If you have leftovers, cover and chill for up to 1 day. Reheat in 10–15 second bursts just until warm, and add a splash of milk or a dollop of whipped cream to bring back moisture.

Health Benefits

• Portion control: Single-serve desserts help curb overeating.
• Cocoa perks: Unsweetened cocoa contains antioxidants that may support heart health.
• Customizable ingredients: Use non-dairy milk, reduce sugar, or choose dark chocolate chips for a slightly lighter treat.

What Not to Do

• Don’t overfill the mug: Leave room for the cake to rise to avoid spills.
• Don’t overmix: Stir just until smooth.

  Overmixing can make it tough.

• Don’t overcook: A dry mug cake happens fast. Err on the side of slightly underdone—carryover heat will finish it.
• Don’t skip the salt: A pinch balances sweetness and boosts chocolate flavor.
• Don’t use baking soda instead of baking powder: The texture and taste won’t be right.

Variations You Can Try

• S’mores: Add crushed graham crackers to the batter and top with marshmallows and a square of chocolate.
• Mocha: Replace 1 tablespoon of milk with strong brewed coffee or espresso.
• Peanut Butter Core: Spoon a teaspoon of peanut butter into the center before microwaving.
• Mint Cocoa: Add a drop of peppermint extract and use mint chocolate chips.
• Gluten-free: Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-free: Use almond, oat, or soy milk and dairy-free chips.

FAQ

Can I make this without hot cocoa mix?

Yes. Replace the 2 tablespoons of hot cocoa mix with 1 tablespoon cocoa powder and add an extra 1/2 to 1 tablespoon sugar, to taste.

The cake will still be rich and chocolatey.

How do I know when it’s done?

The top should look set and spring back lightly when touched, with a faint gloss in the center. If the edges pull from the mug and the center is dry, it’s overcooked.

What wattage is this timing for?

The times are based on a 1000-watt microwave. If yours is lower wattage, add 10–15 seconds.

If higher, start checking at 45–50 seconds.

Can I double the recipe?

It’s better to make two mugs separately for even cooking. If you must double in one mug, use a large bowl or oversized mug and cook in intervals, pausing to check for overflow.

Why is my mug cake rubbery?

Rubbery texture comes from too much mixing, overcooking, or using too much flour. Measure carefully and cook in shorter bursts.

Can I bake this in the oven instead?

Yes.

Bake in an oven-safe ramekin at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until just set on top.

Wrapping Up

This Hot Cocoa Mug Cake is the kind of treat you can make anytime with what you have on hand. It’s fast, cozy, and endlessly customizable. Keep a packet of hot cocoa mix in the pantry and you’ll always have dessert in your back pocket.

Warm spoonfuls, melty chocolate—done in minutes.