This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
My 3 ingredient mug cake is the ultimate quick and easy chocolate fix. No flour needed, it’s super moist and fluffy and cooks up in under two minutes.
Everyone needs a simple and fast chocolate fix when cravings strike, and this 3-ingredient chocolate mug cake is a lifesaver.
It doesn’t require any flour or granulated sugar, and it takes just two minutes to make. It’s super moist and fluffy and tastes even better with a little more melted chocolate on top. I think my family requests it at least three times a week!
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Quick and easy. From prep to plate, it’s ready in a few minutes.
- So satisfying. It’s rich, moist, and so fluffy.
- Easy to customize. Add fruit, candy, or even more chocolate chips.
- Multiple cooking options. I prefer to use the microwave for it, but I’ve also tested it in the oven.
If you love mug cake recipes like us, try my almond flour mug cake, muffin in a mug, brownie in a mug, and protein mug cake next.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“This was by far the easiest and best tasting mug cake I’ve had, and it’s gluten free.” – MJ
Key Ingredients
- Egg. The egg provides the fluffy texture of the cake and gives it structure. Use a room-temperature egg.
- Chocolate. While any chocolate will work, I prefer dark or semi-sweet chocolate for its extra richness. Also, try using a chopped chocolate bar instead of chocolate chips, as bars melt more evenly.
- Butter. Unsalted, please. I tested this with coconut oil and margarine, and it did NOT work, so please do not use those.
How to make a 3-ingredient mug cake
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1 – Prep. Combine the melted chocolate, melted butter, and egg in a bowl. Whisk until combined.
Step 3- Cool for 30 seconds before enjoying.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Beat the eggs until foamy. Many mug cake recipes tell you to whisk the eggs with the melted chocolate. However, beating the eggs until foamy is always a better idea as it results in an airy and fluffy cake. I find this differentiates between a super moist mug cake and a dry one.
- Eat immediately. This is the kind of dessert that you make right there and then. The longer it sits, the less moist it will remain.
- Consider the mug size. The cooking time of mug cakes may vary depending on the type of mug you are using. The cake cooks faster and more evenly in shallow and wide mugs.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Once the mug cake batter has been prepared, transfer it to an oven-safe ramekin and bake for 8-9 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
I don’t recommend keeping the cake to enjoy later or making it in advance. It just loses its moist and rich texture.
If you over-microwave the mug cake, you risk it becoming a little rubbery or overcooked. I recommend keeping a firm eye on the mug cake during the cooking process as it is super minimal.
More minimal ingredient treats
- 3 ingredient cookies
- 2 ingredient peanut butter cookies
- 3 ingredient fudge
- 2 ingredient fudge
- Or any of my desserts with few ingredients
If you tried this 3 Ingredient Mug Cake recipe or any other recipe on The Big Man’s World, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe.
3 Ingredient Mug Cake
Video
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chocolate chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate and butter and melt in 15-second increments until melted.
- Add the egg to a bowl and whisk until frothy. Fold in the melted chocolate mixture.
- Distribute the cake batter into a mug and microwave it for 60 seconds. If the mug cake is still too wet on top, microwave in 10-second increments until set.
- Remove the mug cake from the microwave and let it sit for a minute before enjoying.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published August 2015, updated and republished April 2025.
tastes wonderful
I make a lot more high protein and healthy mug cake. I am not sure if this is going to be like muf cake, a lot fatty, no?