The Five Minute Chocolate Mug Cake

May 29th, 2009 by Not Quite Nigella
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Picture this: it’s cold, you’re in your pajamas and the heater is on and you’re all rugged up for bed. Outdoors seems like a forlorn, lonely cold tundra and you’d rather gnaw off your foot than go outside. But a chocolate craving strikes you so intense that you beg your flatmate/husband/dog to go out and fetch you some chocolate cake. Of course they don’t and you’re left contemplating eating the box of chocolate flakes with a spoon and wondering why on earth you don’t have a “Break Glass in Case of Emergency” slice of chocolate cake.

Then I have a good crutch for you. It went round the internet a while back and I’d heard varying descriptions from heinous to delicious so I didn’t bother making it. Then a friend Nic who is a new mum to baby Xavier and doesn’t have a lot of time to pfaff about the house making cakes put me onto it. I admit I fiddled with the recipe just to make it a bit more luscious and whilst it won’t replace a quintuple chocolate cake, it’s a damn fine replacement for it when times are tough, desperation is harking and the chocolate withdrawal symptoms won’t cease.

Baking powder version

You can also use baking powder in which case it will be lighter (simply add 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder to each mug when you add the flour) but it will spill over so place it on a plate before microwaving it and just be aware that it won’t look as pretty. The cooking time of course depends on the microwave you have. At 2 minutes, mine wasn’t dried out at all and still moist and had a lovely layer of chocolate and a molten layer of chocolatey goodness at the bottom. However mine is not a particularly powerful microwave so setting it at medium, which is what I melt my chocolate on, was perfect. To me, the cooking time is crucial and if you have a particularly powerful microwave, 1 – 1 1/2 minutes will probably do you just fine (and they do cook further on standing remember).  I couldn’t resist of course and served it with a cafe au lait ice cream that I made a while back-if you have ice cream it’s a delicious addition. And with that my chocolate craving subsided. And don’t like chocolate cake? Try my blogging buddy JdG’s Lemon & Coconut version here at Play With Your Food! Newsflash: I’ve found that if you add baking powder but cover it with Glad Wrap then it won’t spill over yet is lovely and fluffy.

This is also my entry to Gel’s Kitchen’s No Time To Cook May 2009 challenge! :)

5 minute Chocolate Mug Cake

Makes 2

  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 5 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon coffee powder (optional)
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • 3 tablespoons chocolate chips or flakes plus 2 tablespoon extra
  • A small splash of vanilla extract
  • 2 microwave safe coffee mugs

1. This recipe makes two mug cakes and therefore is made in two separate mugs. You can mix the entire thing in the mugs and therefore avoid any extra dishes except for the egg which I whisk lightly in a bowl. Add dry ingredients to the mugs, and mix well ensuring the there is no flour stuck at the bottom.

Mixing dry ingredients

2. Pour in the milk, oil, chocolate chips or flakes and vanilla extract and mix well. Whisk egg lightly in a bowl and pour half of the egg in each mug and mix well. Add the extra tablespoonful of chocolate chips or flakes on top of the batter. Cover with glad wrap.

3. Do one mug at a time. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 1 minute on medium heat. Then microwave for another 30 seconds on medium heat. Check on the consistency-it should be cooked but still moist and gooey. If it is still not cooked, microwave on another 30 seconds on medium heat. Remember, it will cook further on standing.

Cooked cake with melted chocolate flakes on top

4. Allow to cool a little and serve with ice cream.

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167 Comments | Add your own

  • 1. Barbara | May 29th, 2009 at 6:35 am | #

    Even your microwave chocolate cake looks elegant!

  • 2. Kathy | May 29th, 2009 at 7:26 am | #

    Yours looks soo much better than mine! I still don’t know what I did wrong :(

  • 3. BethieofVA | May 29th, 2009 at 7:46 am | #

    I have seen this on the internet as Danger Cake. LOL! I have not tried it, yet.

  • 4. Angela @ A Spoonful of Sugar | May 29th, 2009 at 7:52 am | #

    I’ve seen several people attempt this in the past with rather unappetising results, but (unsurprisingly) yours looks lush, Lorraine!

  • 5. Feasting on Art | May 29th, 2009 at 8:03 am | #

    Wow, this is so strange. My aunt back in the States just emailed me a recipe for this exact same cake this morning! Your pictures are much prettier though!

  • 6. Steph | May 29th, 2009 at 8:08 am | #

    This is awesome! I remember when an email went around with something similar to this and ever since my friends and I keep saying we will try it in the office but we never got around to it. Looks deliciously gooey!

  • 7. Anita | May 29th, 2009 at 8:09 am | #

    I got sent a similar recipe via email a few months ago and tried it, although it didn’t turn out as well as yours. I think you’ve included better quantities of better ingredients, so even though I wasn’t going to try my one again… I think I’ll try your version. :) Thanks for fiddling with the recipe and posting about it.

  • 8. SydneyGal | May 29th, 2009 at 8:12 am | #

    Oh yeah …. you’re singing my song.

    But – the baking powder version? I’ve got to say that’s the first time I’ve ever seen a photo on this blog that didn’t look absolutely scrumptious. Not your fault, just the messy nature of the cake. But I’m sure it was still yummo.

  • 9. Johanna | May 29th, 2009 at 8:32 am | #

    oh dear this is a dangerous discovery – but I have to do it and I suspect it will be something I will love and make many times

  • 10. Trisha | May 29th, 2009 at 8:56 am | #

    I received this email a few months ago too and always thought about giving it a go…

  • 11. Betty | May 29th, 2009 at 8:58 am | #

    :o I was having one of those days yesterday where I just NEEDED chocolate! lol. Mmm.. I can just imagine the gooey chocolate.. yum! Thanks for the recipe :)

  • 12. the projectivist | May 29th, 2009 at 8:59 am | #

    holy bejeebus!!!!
    that looks JUST the ticket for my recent 9:07pm sugar cravings.

    oh Lorraine – with these pictures you are spoiling us.

    (said in the same voice as that old Rocher choccy commercial)

  • 13. Kathryn @ Australia Entertains | May 29th, 2009 at 9:03 am | #

    I am so trying this tonight… it’s freezing in Canberra :)

  • 14. Angela | May 29th, 2009 at 9:26 am | #

    This is a very important recipe to have in one’s repetoire! Perfect for a girls’ night in, or when you’ve run out of chocolate and can’t go out and buy some more ’cause you’ve just polished off a bottle of wine! No doubt I will make this over the weekend:)

  • 15. Gab* | May 29th, 2009 at 9:45 am | #

    Looks like just the thing for a chocolate craving! I’ve heard it can be a bit oily and is better with melted butter. Must give it a try soon!

  • 16. Sweta | May 29th, 2009 at 9:55 am | #

    Gosh-this sounds too good to be true.Who cares how it looks-it’s still CHOCOLATE CAKE!!!

  • 17. The Duo Dishes | May 29th, 2009 at 10:37 am | #

    This cake always amazes. Individual cake in 5 minutes. Perfect!

  • 18. Nic | May 29th, 2009 at 11:05 am | #

    It’s good, isn’t it? So proud to have my (and Xavier’s!) name appear above the Comments section :D

  • 19. Sophia | May 29th, 2009 at 11:06 am | #

    No way! I refuse to believe it! a luscious, chocolate souffle-cake thingy in 5 minutes? it’s too crazy to comprehend!

  • 20. Arwen from Hoglet K | May 29th, 2009 at 11:10 am | #

    I like the idea of an emergency chocolate cake, although I think I’d have to replace the glass far too often!

  • 21. Midge | May 29th, 2009 at 12:25 pm | #

    Simple and quick to whip up in the event of either a serious choc craving or a very bad case of the blues. (Applies to me in both cases, alas.) Ice cream on top? Heavenly. Ice cream AND homemade caramel sauce on top? BLISS!

  • 22. anna | May 29th, 2009 at 1:09 pm | #

    Ooh, lovely! I rarely get a crazy chocolate craving but if I do I’ll remember this.

  • 23. Forager | May 29th, 2009 at 1:57 pm | #

    I am so going to try this! I have such an aversion to baking and using sugar measured by the cup. I know it’s a ratio thing, but I think I can deal with 2.5 tblsp of sugar per person.

  • 24. justJENN | May 29th, 2009 at 2:01 pm | #

    OH. I will have to try these!!

  • 25. Karen | May 29th, 2009 at 3:17 pm | #

    Lol how perfect for a lazy night chocolate craving (I’ve been having a lot of those lately!). Will have to give it a try tonight!

    Coincidently, I’ve been trying to develop a quick microwave pudding recipe….haven’t been immensely successful yet but I’ll keep trying :)

  • 26. lisa (dandysugar) | May 29th, 2009 at 4:04 pm | #

    This is a treasure! It’s such a perfect fix for an emergency chocolate craving. I agree, a scoop of ice cream is the finishing touch to this yummy treat!

  • 27. Big M | May 29th, 2009 at 4:29 pm | #

    will make it on the weekend, definitely something for the cold evenings

  • 28. Aparna | May 29th, 2009 at 7:16 pm | #

    These are great from every angle. They are quick to make, not too many dirty dishes and a quick chocolate fix!

    I make chocolate cupcakes in the MW on and off too.

  • 29. Rachel | May 29th, 2009 at 7:34 pm | #

    well i was underwhlemed with the original (which was only saved by slathering with chocolate and cointreau forsting I had leftover in the fridge) but am going to have to try this improved edition – all in the name of research you understand…

  • 30. Yasmin (Almond & The Hazelnut) | May 29th, 2009 at 7:41 pm | #

    Haha! I just loved your scene setup! Too many times I have been in the exact same scenario, and as all my chocolate/cakes/sweets are consumed as soon as they are created or brought in the front door (often before) I often find myself digging into my flatmate’s nutella jar with some roasted almonds to reduce the imminent urge! The dessert looks delicious… I feel a craving coming on now!

  • 31. Sneh | Gels Kitchen | May 29th, 2009 at 8:13 pm | #

    Wow! Looks awesome! Jane mentioned this recipe earlier this month and shame on me! I still haven’t gotten around to it, tonight maybe? Would you plz plz submit this for my NTTC MAY 2009 Chocolate Roundup? http://www.gelskitchen.com/blog/blog-events/no-time-to-cook/nttc-may-2009-chocolate-challenge/ Thanks!

  • 32. grace | May 29th, 2009 at 8:28 pm | #

    it’s always a good idea to have an emergency action plan. i’m writing this one down and sticking it to the fridge. :)

  • 33. 5 Star Foodie | May 29th, 2009 at 9:50 pm | #

    I’ve made this mug cake a few weeks ago and secretly enjoyed eating it on my own while hubby was away on a business trip. I’ll add some coffee or espresso powder next time, that sounds good.

  • 34. Pigpigscorner | May 29th, 2009 at 11:08 pm | #

    Love the idea of this! Sounds so simple and looks awesome!

  • 35. stephchows | May 30th, 2009 at 12:19 am | #

    I’ve been meaning to try this one… I have a habit of using boxed cake mix and water for a quick trip in the microwave to fix my chocolate cake late night craving :) I just wrote all about it yesterday haha :) Hey just a heads up I have a fabulous giveaway today don’t forget to enter!

  • 36. maris | May 30th, 2009 at 1:27 pm | #

    Oh WOW I can’t wait to make this. It looks too good and these are ingredients I often have on hand. YUM and YUM.

  • 37. Julia @ Mélanger | May 30th, 2009 at 1:46 pm | #

    Last week I had never seen or heard of this recipe before. Then I was sent “the email” at work the other day by a colleague who asked me, “would this even work”? Then I noticed over the weekend my Mum happened to have “the email”. And now I have seen your post here. Too funny!! Looks pretty good to me, given the investment of time. :)

  • 38. Cakelaw | May 30th, 2009 at 8:58 pm | #

    I have often wondered did this recipe work (has been doing the rounds of my inbox for a while), but it obviously does – hooray!

  • 39. Jamie | May 30th, 2009 at 10:35 pm | #

    Pretty, shmetty! Who needs pretty when you are eating something that looks so amazing and chocolaty and good! What a fantastic discovery and I am copying down this recipe!

  • 40. Sneh | Gels Kitchen | May 30th, 2009 at 11:54 pm | #

    I just made this … not bad at all! I might have cooked it a tad much … [high], but happy and content :-) and with custard too!

  • 41. Morta Di Fame | May 31st, 2009 at 4:04 am | #

    I am definitely marking this off as a recipe to try!

  • 42. Chris | May 31st, 2009 at 7:15 am | #

    oh, i wish i could try this – our microwave is broken =(

  • 43. Jenny | May 31st, 2009 at 7:49 am | #

    I heard good and bad things about this too, but I guess if it worked for you it will hopefully work for me! Only problem is that I don’t have a microwave… will have to make a secret mission to the boyfriend’s house instead!

  • 44. Not Quite Nigella | May 31st, 2009 at 10:20 am | #

    Hi Barbara-Thankyou so much! That’s very sweet of you to say :)

    Hi Kathy-I think the cooking time and temp is crucial. My first one was way too hard at 3 mins on high. Try 1 minute on medium :)

    Hi Bethie-Hehe Danger Cake! As in it’s so easy and goiod it’s dangerous? :lol:

    Hi Angela-I think if it’s overcooked it looks and tastes terrible. Thankyou, I fiddled with the recipe and I think it worked! :)

    Hi Feasting on Art-Wow what a coincidence! :D Thankyou!

    Hi Steph-Thankyou! Hehe it would be great for the 4pm sugar rush! :D

    Hi Anita-Ahh ok yes it is different. I’d love to know what you think of it if you do try it and just remember lower heat (medium) and much shorter time starting at 1 minute :) You’re welcome!

    Hi SydneyGal-Ha yes it looked like it exploded but it tasted good!

    Hi Johanna-I know, a chocolate cake only minutes away is certainly a dangerous thing! :lol:

    Hi Trisha -Definitely give it a go :D

    Hi Betty-I have those days too! Especially during Winter when I’m a bit cold and the idea of a warm chocolate pudding is so appealing…You’re welcome!

    Hi the projectivist-Hehe yes! Great minds think alike! LOL :lol:

    Hi Kathryn -Oh yes you poor things, it’s so much colder there! :o

    Hi Angela-I agree! Sometimes you just need chocolate cake! Wonderful, I’d love to know what you think of it! :)

    Hi Gab*-Hmm honestly I didn’t taste the oil but perhaps because I used a very mild flavoured oil? It wasn’t oily in texture

    though from what I tried (and I tried quite a few :lol: )

    Hi Sweta-Ha it doesn’t look too bad! :lol:

    Hi The Duo Dishes-I know, who’d have thunk it? :lol:

    Hi Nic-Hehe thankyou for the recipe sweetie! :D

    Hi Sophia-I know but it’s true! :lol:

    Hi Arwen-Yes there is that risk isn’t there :lol:

    Hi Midge-Yes it should be the comfort and consolation cake! Mmm caramel sauce, I like that! :)

    Hi anna-You’re lucky you don’t! :D I wish!

    Hi Forager-Yup virtually no equipment is needed, just a spoon, a cup and the overwhelming urge to eat cake :D

    Hi justJENN-Definitely, please do! :D

    Hi Karen-I’m glad that it helped with the microwave pudding recipe. And as they say there’s a lot of fun in researching it! :D

    Hi lisa-I couldn’t have it without the ice cream I don’t think :lol:

    Hi Big M -I hope you liked the ones I made fir you and the boys last night! :)

    Hi Aparna-Thankyou! I know, no dishes, no equipment, just chocolate!

    Hi Rachel-Definitely do give this version a try. The first one I made wasn’t as nice I admit but once it was fiddled with it was delicious!

    Hi Yasmin-Yes so many of us have it’s true! :) Yes Nutella is a good, quick chocolatey fox!

    Hi Sneh-Sure thing, I’ve submitted it! :D

    Hi grace-Yep in case of emergencies, it’s always best to be prepared! ;)

    Hi 5 Star Foodie-Hehe secret vice indeed! The coffee makes it more mud cakey :)

    Hi Pigpigscorner -Thankyou so much! :D

    Hi stephchows-You know I just realised don’t think I’ve ever tried making cake in a micowave before! Cool! :D

    Hi maris-Fantastic! I’d love to know what you think of it! :D

    Hi Julia-I saw it a while back and then googled it to read that it wasn’t very good but then my friend said that it was excellent so I had to try it. And it’s really so delicious! Yes it’s not going to be the best ever chocolate cake in the world but it’s great for the amount of time invested :)

    Hi Cakelaw-It does, it does! :D But I think it works best in the quantities and times here IMHO :)

    Hi Jamie-I didn’t think it looked bad! :lol: Definitely give it a go!

    Hi Sneh-Yep I think it’s a matter of getting to know your microwave so once you g=figure out your optimal time then you’re laughing! Yum I like the addition of custard! :D

    Hi Morta-Wonderful! :D

    Hi Chris-Aww no, you poor thing! Maybe when you get it fixed or a new one you can christen it with this? :D

    Hi Jenny-I think temperature and time microwaving really is crucial as it can easily overcook :D Ah yes I’m sure he’d more than understand! :D

  • 45. Alexandra | June 1st, 2009 at 12:27 pm | #

    Perfect! for when you want a quick chocolate cake :P could be dangerous tho too…for women who just can’t control themselves arnd chocolate cake…hehe…imagine having access to making one everyday if you wanted! oh my…hehe…

  • 46. Not Quite Nigella | June 1st, 2009 at 6:51 pm | #

    Hi Alexnadra-Yes it’s so dangerous. Like right now I’ve just eaten dinner and I know that a yummy chocolate cake is only 5 minutes away :P

  • 47. Soma | June 1st, 2009 at 10:17 pm | #

    This awesome thing in the microwave?!!! How wonderful & i’ll have to give this a try. temptation, temptation.. cannot keep it away:-)

  • 48. Sophie | June 3rd, 2009 at 12:10 am | #

    MMMMM…Lorraine: this is delicious & very creative in every way! yummie! Can I have 1 or 2 ?

  • 49. Brenda | June 4th, 2009 at 2:15 pm | #

    I made this last night and wowed my husband…he thinks I should make it every night it’s so easy. Thank you!

  • 50. Forager | June 4th, 2009 at 2:33 pm | #

    I made an extra batch, took it to work and made it for post lunch snack. Almost started a riot. The marvel of cake made at work!

  • 51. ArtemisIII | June 4th, 2009 at 6:33 pm | #

    craving! such a big craving!

    Everyone is talking about micromave cake :D

  • 52. Taiko Tari | June 5th, 2009 at 11:13 am | #

    You are a godsend. :) Made it the other night, because of the exact same reason (couldn’t be bothered going out, it was miserably rainy, the world was looking so forlorn, etc etc).
    Thanks so much Lorraine!

  • 53. Not Quite Nigella | June 5th, 2009 at 1:32 pm | #

    Hi Soma-Yep all in a microwave! :) Hehe it is very tempting and freakishly easy to do :)

    Hi Sophie-hehe you can have as many as you want darling! :D

    Hi Brenda-Oh wonderful! :D So glad that he liked it!

    Hi Forager-Haha cool, that sounds hilarious! They must’ve loved you! :D

    Hi ArtemisIII-haha it’s just so easy and dangerously so! :lol:

    Hi Taiko-Aww shucks, thankyou! I love being the chocolate cake conduit! :lol: You’re more than welcome!

  • 54. Nat | June 7th, 2009 at 10:52 pm | #

    I literally just made it (I’m sitting on the computer eating it right now).

    It’s AMAZING! I’ve made it before with the ‘original’ recipe and hated it, it was truly horrible.

    This one though I really watched it to make sure it didn’t overcook. In fact I probably undercooked it compared to what was done here, but it’s actually got this really light, gooey, chocolate mousse cake like texture which is amazing. I think the extra chocolate on top helped – I ended up sticking in two squares of cooking chocolate too. Amazing!

  • 55. Not Quite Nigella | June 7th, 2009 at 10:59 pm | #

    Hi Nat-YAY! So glad that you liked it. I think undercooking it was an excellent move and one that I think really contributes to the light texture. Thanks so much for letting me know what you thought of it! :D

  • 56. aimee | June 14th, 2009 at 4:13 pm | #

    hey, i tired it the first time and it ended up being really rich even with dark choc bits. But it was still delicious.

    i’m kinda wondering how a choc-chip version would turn out, im trying work on one but it becomes rubbery on top.
    if you make a really good choc-chip mug cake can you please post it or send it to me? thank so much!

  • 57. Not Quite Nigella | June 14th, 2009 at 6:00 pm | #

    Hi aimee-yep it’s quite rich (which is why I like it :P ). Hmm so adding choc chips makes it rubbery on top? That’s unusual. I would have thought it wouldn’t change the texture on the top? Hehe sure!

  • 58. Val | July 2nd, 2009 at 9:25 pm | #

    Just tried this and it is fantastic.Husband is enjoying his last mouthful as I type. Great lil’ recipe!

  • 59. shab | July 4th, 2009 at 7:35 am | #

    I was just googling in this recipe, and saw its almost same everywhere….U have quite lot of info, thx….Look at the same cake in my blog:)

  • 60. Not Quite Nigella | July 5th, 2009 at 11:22 am | #

    HI Val-Fantastic! I’m so glad that you like it and thanks for letting me know :D

    Hi shab-Mine is a bit different as it doesn’t require you tipping it out of the cup. It’s more moist if you undercook it and eat it from the mug :)

  • 61. Liss | October 10th, 2009 at 6:17 pm | #

    We just had this in the bleakness of a spring night that’s more like winter – lifted my spirits and my hubby the chocolate addict called it ‘sensational’. Yum.

  • 62. Stefania | October 14th, 2009 at 8:30 pm | #

    OMG!!!! I just made it and I have to say it was pretty good – I made it that little bit more decadent like it needed it (NOT!!!) added some butterscotch morsels (I bought from NY in July) instead of choc chips and sprinkled it with some Equagold Hazelnut Praline Crunch! I didn’t cover them with clingwrap though as I found the first one rose and then melted the plastic don’t think that would be so healthy!!! Definitely one to save for a quick fix for a fun night with friends!!! Let the Detox begin!!!!!

  • 63. Stefania | October 15th, 2009 at 8:16 am | #

    Hi Lorraine, after making this last night I posted my results on my fb wall!!! I have now posted a link to your blog as well and the recipe for my foodie friends who want to try it…. Thanks again….

  • 64. Meas | October 26th, 2009 at 5:03 pm | #

    I’ve tried similar recipe for my family and it was great… though I missed the fluffy taste of the choc cake, so I’ll try your recipe with the baking powder.

  • 65. Dakkota | November 26th, 2009 at 8:14 am | #

    Hey
    Thanks for this recipe my kids have been whinging about cake for ages and now i have a quick and easy recipe for them thank you so much guys

    acoonamatata

  • 66. The Little Teochew | February 8th, 2010 at 12:53 pm | #

    I did it, Lorraine! It totally rocked! Thank YOU!
    http://thelittleteochew.blogspot.com/2010/02/5-minute-chocolate-mug-cake.html

  • 67. Clare | February 10th, 2010 at 10:22 am | #

    Just a heads-up, I made this without eggs, as we’d run out, and the egg-free version worked just fine.

    Also, in the absence of choc chips I added about a tablespoon of the closest thing we had – hot chocolate powder that was cocoa, sugar, choc chips, cinnamon and chilli. Worked well enough as a replacement.

  • 68. marcella | February 10th, 2010 at 6:38 pm | #

    I just have to say that this is hands down the best ‘i just have to have chocolate right now’ recipe I have found. I have used it many times in the last few months, sometimes I over cook sometimes under cook but everytime hits the spot. Thank you!!! I am curious about the carrot cake ice cream now. Keep up the fine work

  • 69. Not Quite Nigella | February 11th, 2010 at 11:13 am | #

    Hi Liss-I’m so happy (not about the bleak Spring night of course hehe)! YAY!! :D

    Hi Stefania-Hehe wow, those butterscotch morsels sound aamzing! :o Wonderful, I’m so glad that you liked it! :D And thankyou so much for putting it on your facebook wall!

    Hi Meas-Excellent, I hope you like it! :D

    Hi Dakkota-Hehe I hope they like it. It’s so easy and quick! :D

    Hi The Little Teochew-YAYY I’m so glad that you liked it Ju! :D

    Hi Clare-Ahh that is great to know! And yep chocolate powder is a great alternative! :D

    Hi marcella-Thankyou SO much! That’s so sweet of you to say! You are too kind! :D

  • 70. David | February 20th, 2010 at 12:58 am | #

    Hmm well i have tried the basic recipe but it was a little sickly for me but overall top score :D

  • 71. Nicola | April 27th, 2010 at 1:14 am | #

    Hi
    the first one i made without the choc chips (if we had chocolate in the house it would be long gone!). It was still delicious!! The first cup was nice and was more like a cake and the second cup i cooked for a shorter time and it was more like a pudding (cake with some gooey stickiness). The second cup was much better. I use bowls so that there is no spill over as we don’t have any large mugs. Tonight i was the only one awake so i ended up eating both bowls! Better give it a rest tomorrow ;) Thanks for the recipe :)

  • 72. Nicola | April 27th, 2010 at 1:17 am | #

    P.S. As we had no choc chips I did use brown sugar instead of regular sugar to give it a richer flavour ;)

  • 73. Carine | May 2nd, 2010 at 1:17 pm | #

    I made these yesterday and it totally rocks :) Very light and moist! Yeah, the cooking time is indeed very important!

  • 74. Forager | May 13th, 2010 at 8:31 pm | #

    Have I mentioned I love this recipe? Lifesaver. You deserve a medal.

  • 75. Emilija P. | May 15th, 2010 at 6:36 am | #

    I experimented and made a great vegan version of this!
    Just replace the milk with soy milk, and the egg with a tablespoon of flaxseed and three tablespoons of water (:

  • 76. missy | June 7th, 2010 at 9:35 pm | #

    Hi, silly question but im still going to ask it- i know this is for 2 mugs but are the ingregients listed for EACH mug- ie: 4 tablespoons flour etc PER mug and only the egg gets shared between the two?

    thank you
    missy

  • 77. Zoz | June 9th, 2010 at 7:11 pm | #

    just for the record, on a HIGH setting, about 750W, optimum time is one minute, maybe 50 secs if youre aiming for gooey, thanks for sharing!

  • 78. tania | July 15th, 2010 at 4:34 pm | #

    Oh my goodness, this is perfect!!! We followed your recipe exactly and we have just enjoyed the most delicious after school snack ever:)) Thanks for this post, the oldies are still goodies hey!!! My teen daughter says it is better than hot chips from the fish and chip shop OMG

  • 79. Katie | July 17th, 2010 at 8:48 pm | #

    I was all set to make this tonight when I realised I had no eggs!

    I’ve had to console myself with a handful of choc chips until I can get to the shops to buy eggs.

    I’m really keen to try this :)

  • 80. tootsie | July 18th, 2010 at 6:32 am | #

    I just tried this a few minutes ago! i must say.. this is the best ever invented quick to do recipe. It taste so good. I cooked it in less than a minute. Varying the cooking time affects the softness and gooeness really. Husband had the not so soft version! =) i loovvee it. rich, cakey, and a little saucy too! hmmmm.

  • 81. georgia | July 22nd, 2010 at 8:23 pm | #

    wow, i just made this. turned out great, although i had no eggs on hand so i added a tablespoon of sour cream and a quarter tablespoon of baking powder. it made it really nice and creamy.
    so glad i found a fix to my baking/chocolate cravings, so i can just made a little mug instead of a big baking endevour.

  • 82. Jenny | July 26th, 2010 at 2:58 am | #

    What a perfect solution to a chocolate craving at work.. I think I’ll mix all the dry ingredients in a ziploc baggie and stick a few in my desk as work. That looks like it would work just perfectly… Yummy.
    -Jenny

  • 83. SarahB | August 5th, 2010 at 2:21 pm | #

    I just tried this! I always resisted the mug cake recipes because they just didn’t look good, but your pictures did, and I really wanted some chocolate cake tonight, so I gave it a try. Yum!

  • 84. Ashley | November 3rd, 2010 at 3:06 pm | #

    It’s 10:30 at night and my husband has been asleep for an hour and I got a chocolate craving. I received an email for this chocolate cake years ago and googled the recipe because I wanted a little something to fill my belly before going to bed. My first attempt at this years ago turned out badly so I hadn’t tried it again…until now. Your recipe was so light and fluffy and tasted great! I used the baking powder version and put the whole mess in an oversized cappuccino cup. No mess and the cake cooked in 1.5 minutes. I will be using this recipe again…Thank you!

  • 85. BookNerd7 | December 27th, 2010 at 12:43 pm | #

    Wow. I tried this recipe for me and my sister, and it was delicious. I couldn’t find any baking powder, so i omitted it, and instead of three tablespoons of milk, i used two tablespoons and one tablespoon of thickened cream. Tastes great with mint choc chip ice cream! :)

  • 86. Raelynn | December 28th, 2010 at 5:45 am | #

    i just made the cake! (yes, imagine a desperate chocolate craving at 1.38am local time) i’m really glad it worked because i’ve never baked a cake successfully before (previous attempts included forgetting to add the flour into a chocolate cake). i just wanna quip in a few things, the teaspoon of baking powder is so essential to getting a fluffier cake that helps to lighten up the otherwise too rich and heavy cake. the portion is actually pretty big.. 3-4 people can definitely share it for a midnight snack. i baked this one is a Corelle dish, it rose quite nicely and only the middle sank slightly to the level of the cake. i microwaved till the top had no uncooked batter while the cake still wobbled when jiggled (about 2 and a half minutes). i was surprised when the cake was actually perfectly cooked except for a slightly moist base (almost like a chocolate sauce, who would mind that!), i would attribute that to the point that the dish that i cooked it in was pretty shallow compared to a mug (about 1.5inches tall and 6-7inches diameter). lots of love!

  • 87. Pam | January 6th, 2011 at 1:46 pm | #

    Like everyone else here, I have also seen this around the internet, and I have also received it in an a few times.
    The last time I got it, I decided I’d give it a go, but as we don’t use a microwave, I just thought I’d try it in stoneware mugs in the conventional oven. Turned out not too bad really! Can’t remember how long I cooked it for though. Might give yours a go Lorraine in my oven too and see how it goes. And will definitely give the lemon and coconut one a try too. Thanks! x

  • 88. Gwen | January 24th, 2011 at 11:36 pm | #

    I made this tonight and it was better and more moist than any chocolate cake I’ve made using an oven! I poured this into 3 china tea cups and served them with a tablespoon of vanilla ice cream. I avoided the slight mess by mixing it all in a bowl before pouring it into the cups. They took about 1 min 40 s on medium for my microwave. Thanks NQN for this fabulous ( yet potentially dangerous) recipe! :)

  • 89. Debbie | February 9th, 2011 at 1:06 am | #

    Thank you so much for this decandent afternoon treat… I’ve made it a couple of times and it never fails :)

  • 90. Natalie | February 11th, 2011 at 12:46 am | #

    Tried this tonight for the first time and it was HEAVEN IN A MUG! Absolutely divine :) The first mug came out a little rubbery because I think I microwaved it for too long. The second mug, I microwaved on high for 1 minute and it was perfect. It also did not spill out of the mug. Thank you :)

  • 91. Not Quite Nigella | February 13th, 2011 at 11:26 am | #

    Thankyou everyone for your lovely comments about this recipe! I’m so pleased that you’ve been enjoying it! :D xxx

  • 92. rose | March 11th, 2011 at 3:04 pm | #

    oh yum, you saved a chocoholic (me) from slowly going insane! best choc mug cake i’ve tried. i used self raising flour, worked a treat. wish i’d had some ice cream, but it was very nice with a coffee. :)

  • 93. Rachelle | March 16th, 2011 at 2:48 pm | #

    Thanks for roadtesting and improving this recipe. Had made it once and was like a doorstop. Because it makes two it allowed me to play with the times and the second one is perfect.

  • 94. muppy | March 17th, 2011 at 8:36 am | #

    haha, this is so fantastic, i will have to keep supplies at my work too!

  • 95. Marianne | March 28th, 2011 at 7:05 am | #

    You guys sound fancy… btw wat does pfaff mean?

    PS r u british???

  • 96. leemz | April 11th, 2011 at 5:00 pm | #

    I just made two batches. And one again for the rest of the family, I poured some cream on top and lovin’ it :D

  • 97. Mmmm | May 2nd, 2011 at 8:51 pm | #

    Yum! Yum! Yum! I used oversize mugs with the baking powder, grated dark choc (6 squares of whittacker 72%) and didn’t cover it or add extra choc to too. Both in the microwave at once, for 1 min, then another min. Gooey pudding like texture that didn’t need cream or ice-cream.

  • 98. Sarah Rae | June 12th, 2011 at 5:31 pm | #

    “this is the most awesome desert ever..apart from Mum’s chocolate log” says my 9 year old son 4 year old girl loves it too , trying to stop her eating too much !as a washed up retired chef this is adivine quick and easy find especially with Valrhona cocoa and chocolate !

  • 99. Debbie | June 23rd, 2011 at 9:54 pm | #

    This recipe is the ult! I don’t share mine – I make it in a small mixing bowl and eat the whole thing myself. I cut down on the sugar and only use 3 tablespoons otherwise its too sweet for me. It comes out like chocolate satin and its divine :) )

  • 100. CindyN | July 6th, 2011 at 10:28 am | #

    Ohhh, this looks awesome… I often get chocolate cravings when I’m working (call it the design-fuelled munchies!) but can’t afford to get up to find something (made the mistake of having a bag of M&Ms within arms reach the other night… oops!) think this will work perfectly when I get up to make a coffee.

    Will try it tonight! :)

  • 101. Danni | July 10th, 2011 at 9:41 pm | #

    All I can say is that recipe is the bomb! YUMMMMMMMMMMMMY

  • 102. Sarah | July 25th, 2011 at 4:16 pm | #

    I have tried several different mug cake recipes…but this one really takes the cake! The recipes I tried before were all either dry, rubbery or just left something to be desired. I’m a huge chocolate fan and have a huge sweet tooth and this really hit the spot. I think microwaving it on medium is the key, and the chocolate chips on top melted real nicely. It was super rich, fudgy, smooth and moist. I topped it with some fresh homemade whipped cream. Truly amazing, thank you!

  • 103. April | July 30th, 2011 at 9:52 pm | #

    OMG!!! YUM YUM YUM this is the best thing anyone’s ever invented!!!! I’m giving you a cyber high five!!! Thanx so much! I’m forever in your debt!! xx

  • 104. Eve | August 12th, 2011 at 8:58 pm | #

    Have made this twice today for myself, hubby and 7 year old because it is SO good, quick and easy. I used choc chips halved the oil, only put in 1 tablespoon of sugar in each, omitted the baking powder and used self raising flour instead, I also omitted the coffee. The second time I also put in slices of pear and topped with chopped pecans and it was absolutley DIVINE!! I have also seen cake in a cup recipes but non of them seemed as decadent as yours, I found it late last night and couldn’t wait to make it. My 7 year old loved it and I can see I am going to be hounded to make it again and again. I can I am definitely going to exercise some self control with this little beauty!!!

  • 105. Not Quite Nigella | August 12th, 2011 at 9:20 pm | #

    Hi everyone! I’m so glad that you’re all enjoying this recipe. I love it myself and it has saved on me on many a cold night! :)

  • 106. G.A.B | October 14th, 2011 at 6:07 am | #

    Hello and greetings from North Carolina.

    I tried quite a few online recipes and found yours was by far the tastiest that suited my purpose.

    I sent ingredients and slightly modified recipe (based on what would ship well- powdered ingredients instead of fresh, for example) to my little cousin currently in Afganistan. In an email she had mentioned that the thing she was missing most was being able to bake for her friends, and had met so many new ones over there.

    The conditions are rough to say the least. Apart from training it’s the first time most of them have been away from home. Extreme weather, sandstorms, all the dangers of being in harm’s way in a very foreign land.

    They have no running water. They have very little in the way of what most people, at least in industrialed countries, consider basics, and even less privacy. And they are all terrified, not of injury or capture, but of running out of feminine products as that seems to them all the more likely. I have sent a ton of them of course, as have others in the family, but mail delivery is unpredicable at best. Packages are lost in transit. Sometimes certain items disappear out of sealed packages. Sometimes care packages are returned to sender for no reason on earth I can fathom.

    As for amenities, they have one shower rigged up which they share with all the male soldiers too. (When I say shower, think watering can on a string.) They do have a microwave if power is working, which is usually a couple hours per day. They are irregularly supplied with the necessities for life and have no BX to shop for the extras, or to replace all the equipment and clothing that are lost, stolen, or damaged.

    Out of these hardships, they’ve become very dear friends, sharing what little they brought with them or receive, all looking out for one another. My cousin called her tent-mates “the sisters she’s always wanted.”

    Some of the others in the tent have received little to zero support from home. One hasn’t received so much as a postcard from her family or friends, for whatever reasons. She’s not an isolated case. Apparently no support from home isn’t at all uncommon. In a lot of cases soldiers are supporting their families and are depriving themselves of their basic needs in order to do that as best they can.

    The holidays and winter are quickly approaching too. The thought of spending holidays sleeping on the cold ground has got to be taking a toll on morale.

    Needless to say, when my cousin collected empty mugs and returned with fresh, warm, delicious cakes, she lifted some heavy spirits. She was over the moon to have had the opportunity to treat her new sisters with her microwave baking. Her cake was and I quote, “the most delicious thing I ever ate. I can’t believe I made it here!”

    Sometimes tiny choices make a world of differnce. A kindness can ripple far beyond the effects we might have imagined. With all my heart, thank you for deciding to share this recipe here. You brought a taste of home to brave young female soldiers in dire need of some sweetness and luxury in their lives. May that karma see you and yours safely through whenever you need it the most.

    Sincerely, Genevieve

  • 107. Not Quite Nigella | October 14th, 2011 at 7:39 pm | #

    Hi Genevieve-Thank you so much for this truly wonderful comment. I’m so honoured that you chose my chocolate mug cake recipe to send to her and I’m so glad that it was well received and cheered them up. I’m so wonderfully humbled by this comment words cannot express how heartening it was. Thank you – Lorraine

  • 108. Tahlia.M | October 28th, 2011 at 11:38 am | #

    Oh my gosh , this taste soooo wonderful , i love it , one thing, i put it in the microwave for 1 min and it overflowed in my microwave and made a HUGE mess , i love it anyway

  • 109. thebakingaddict | November 4th, 2011 at 10:39 am | #

    I’ve finally made this and it’s amazing. Thanks! I’ve also added a link back to your post. Hope that’s ok.

  • 110. Hayley | November 5th, 2011 at 11:36 pm | #

    I am always searching for a delicious chocolate pudding recipe – this is definitely it, and as a bonus it is so easy! Thankyou thankyou thankyou!! The balance of ingredient was perfect! The only problem is… now I have this brilliant recipe I will be eating chocolate pudding far too often :)

  • 111. Kellie | November 8th, 2011 at 8:44 pm | #

    I just tried this and, as a self proclaimed devotee to all things chocolate, I must say I was blown away! I’ve tried several of these “Coffee Cup Cake” recipes, but this is just lush!

  • 112. Hannah | November 9th, 2011 at 11:47 am | #

    PERFECT!
    Great for after Year 12 Exam stress!
    TIP; Add a sprinkle of cocoa powder and brown sugar to the top and cover (only just ) with boiling water….

    becomes a self saucing mug cake!

  • 113. Latika | November 27th, 2011 at 8:28 am | #

    I’m half way through wolfing down this amazing cake! I woke up with an intense chocolate craving and there is nothing in the house that will satisfy. I typed in ‘quick chocolate fix’ into Google and your website popped up. Luckily I had all the ingredients and this divine concoction took me all of 2 minutes to make. I used chunks of cooking chocolate that sank to the bottom creating a rich sauce and the coffee really makes this an indulgent experience. Love your work! Back to my moist fluffy cake…

  • 114. Claire | February 3rd, 2012 at 2:19 am | #

    Waht wattage is counted as medium? My attempt splurged all over the microwave (despite clingfilm) when going at 650W and still didn’t seem very cooked, just sludgy. It was delicious though

  • 115. Shelley | February 17th, 2012 at 12:30 am | #

    Gorgeous! Definitely had my fix! Should’ve had ice-cream to go with that! Thanks!

  • 116. Chrissa Brown | March 8th, 2012 at 10:14 pm | #

    Hi Lorraine, I just wanted to say thank you for this recipe – it’s a lifesaver!!! I always cook this now whenever I need a chocolate fix – fast!

  • 117. Not Quite Nigella | March 8th, 2012 at 10:20 pm | #

    Hi everyone! I’m so pleased that you like this cake and thank you for taking the time to let me know how you found it! I’ve used this recipe late at night more times that I can admit to! ;) xxx

  • 118. Rosie | March 13th, 2012 at 8:52 pm | #

    I added some fudge – made it even more moist and yummy (and dangerous, of course!)

  • 119. Sarah | April 8th, 2012 at 6:12 pm | #

    I put chopped up Cadbury dairy milk chocolate in this and mixed it around before nuke-ing it, and it tasted absolutely orgasmic! Happy Easter everyone!

  • 120. Nila007 | April 28th, 2012 at 12:23 pm | #

    The cake looks good. I’m gonna try it right now. I have a question. Mine is a microwave oven and I don’t think it has the temperature setting. So how can I use it in recipes which require pre-heating? In some versions of this cake they don’t whisk the egg. Won’t that affect the cake?

  • 121. Alex | June 14th, 2012 at 2:21 pm | #

    omg this is amazing!! it is so good on a winter night! i eat it a little to much :/

  • 122. Victoria | June 15th, 2012 at 8:31 am | #

    I made this last night and was absolutely awesome, forgot to split the ingredients into the 2 mugs, instead put double into each,so ended up making it in a bowl. My fiance was very excited when I brought it over to the couch, so well done.
    Cheers!!!!!!!

  • 123. Bobbi | July 15th, 2012 at 11:44 am | #

    I’ve made this twice now and it’s turned out awesome both times! The first time I thought maybe I undercooked it, but then realized all the chocolate chips had sunk to the bottom and had formed a scrumptious layer of melted chcolate! What an excellent surprise! (o:

  • 124. Megan | August 9th, 2012 at 7:20 pm | #

    Its classic Melbourne winter weather outside, husband is away on a business trip, so now just waiting for the kids to go to bed coz, well, I just don’t want to share this with anyone! :P

  • 125. Megan | August 9th, 2012 at 8:45 pm | #

    Its classic Melbourne winter weather outside, husband is away on a business trip, so now just waiting for the kids to go to bed coz, well, I just don’t want to share this with anyone! Oh, I strongly recommend instead of chocolate bits, a chopped up snickers OMG!!

  • 126. traceyd | August 16th, 2012 at 6:06 pm | #

    Awesome I am usually the worst dessert maker but just “wowed” the family with this dessert, thanks

  • 127. Not Quite Nigella | August 16th, 2012 at 9:48 pm | #

    HI everyone! I’m so glad that you like it! It’s one of my favourite recipes (and sometimes, you just need that quick, small fix). xxx

  • 128. Peter | August 30th, 2012 at 6:46 am | #

    My 12 yr old son thinks this is a winner! Thank you. I added a few drops of orange essence. Wow.

  • 129. Sweet Tooth | November 9th, 2012 at 10:18 am | #

    If u want to try the lemon coconut version, stick to Lorraine’s recipe & timing. Tried the other link’s one and bleuuuugh.. Truly horrible! This one is waaaaaay better!

  • 130. Alyssa | November 10th, 2012 at 9:35 pm | #

    This didn’t work for me :(
    I forgot the salt and vanilla, used olive oil and cooked it for 1 min and 20 secs, and it was awful. I don’t actually know how to change the strength of the microwave, so maybe it was on high? It was definitely overcooked. I’ll try making it again, and remember the missed ingredients, and cook it for less.

  • 131. Bec | November 17th, 2012 at 8:58 pm | #

    Delicious! I used self raising flour and brown sugar instead and they were a delight! Only took me about 8 mins from start to finish! Also I think this mis could do 3 or 4 mugs, I’ll try that next time :-)

  • 132. Dale Hoffman | April 4th, 2013 at 7:29 pm | #

    Your 5 minute chocolate mug cake, do you use Aust 20ml tbl or US 15ml tbl?
    Many thanks.
    Dale

  • 133. Not Quite Nigella | April 4th, 2013 at 7:48 pm | #

    Hi Dale, I usually use 15ml tablespoons but I don’t think it really matters in the end :)

  • 134. Mia | April 14th, 2013 at 8:11 pm | #

    After my boyfriend complained he had been craving cake all day, I settled for something easy, and this was perfect!!
    We both loved it. My microwave was a bit more powerful than I had anticipated so it was a tad dry (easily resolved by ice cream…yum!!). I will definitely be making this one again! :)

  • 135. Chloe | April 30th, 2013 at 8:13 pm | #

    WOW! I have been looking for a quick chocolate dessert recipe for soo long. THIS IS AMAZING!!! And so so easy!!!!!!
    Thanks :)

  • 136. Josie | May 22nd, 2013 at 6:15 pm | #

    I just made these, SO GOOD! :) they do taste a little bit different to normal oven baked chocolate cakes, but they are delicious nonetheless! The second one is sitting in the microwave….tempting me haha.
    I made these a few years back and they didn’t turn out so well, so I was initally wary when I came across this recipe. But, really good :) thanks!

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