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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71 Comments | Add your own
Even your microwave chocolate cake looks elegant!
Yours looks soo much better than mine! I still don’t know what I did wrong
I have seen this on the internet as Danger Cake. LOL! I have not tried it, yet.
I’ve seen several people attempt this in the past with rather unappetising results, but (unsurprisingly) yours looks lush, Lorraine!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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
I received this email a few months ago too and always thought about giving it a go…
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)
I am so trying this tonight… it’s freezing in Canberra
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:)
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!
Gosh-this sounds too good to be true.Who cares how it looks-it’s still CHOCOLATE CAKE!!!
This cake always amazes. Individual cake in 5 minutes. Perfect!
It’s good, isn’t it? So proud to have my (and Xavier’s!) name appear above the Comments section
No way! I refuse to believe it! a luscious, chocolate souffle-cake thingy in 5 minutes? it’s too crazy to comprehend!
I like the idea of an emergency chocolate cake, although I think I’d have to replace the glass far too often!
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!
Ooh, lovely! I rarely get a crazy chocolate craving but if I do I’ll remember this.
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.
OH. I will have to try these!!
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
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!
will make it on the weekend, definitely something for the cold evenings
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.
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…
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!
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!
it’s always a good idea to have an emergency action plan. i’m writing this one down and sticking it to the fridge.
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.
Love the idea of this! Sounds so simple and looks awesome!
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!
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.
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.
I have often wondered did this recipe work (has been doing the rounds of my inbox for a while), but it obviously does – hooray!
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!
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!
I am definitely marking this off as a recipe to try!
oh, i wish i could try this – our microwave is broken =(
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!
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?
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!
Thankyou!
Hi Steph-Thankyou! Hehe it would be great for the 4pm sugar rush!
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!
Hi Trisha -Definitely give it a go
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
Hi Kathryn -Oh yes you poor things, it’s so much colder there!
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
)
Hi Sweta-Ha it doesn’t look too bad!
Hi The Duo Dishes-I know, who’d have thunk it?
Hi Nic-Hehe thankyou for the recipe sweetie!
Hi Sophia-I know but it’s true!
Hi Arwen-Yes there is that risk isn’t there
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!
I wish!
Hi Forager-Yup virtually no equipment is needed, just a spoon, a cup and the overwhelming urge to eat cake
Hi justJENN-Definitely, please do!
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!
Hi lisa-I couldn’t have it without the ice cream I don’t think
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!
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!
Hi stephchows-You know I just realised don’t think I’ve ever tried making cake in a micowave before! Cool!
Hi maris-Fantastic! I’d love to know what you think of it!
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!
But I think it works best in the quantities and times here IMHO 
Hi Jamie-I didn’t think it looked bad!
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!
Hi Morta-Wonderful!
Hi Chris-Aww no, you poor thing! Maybe when you get it fixed or a new one you can christen it with this?
Hi Jenny-I think temperature and time microwaving really is crucial as it can easily overcook
Ah yes I’m sure he’d more than understand! 
Perfect! for when you want a quick chocolate cake
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…
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
This awesome thing in the microwave?!!! How wonderful & i’ll have to give this a try. temptation, temptation.. cannot keep it away:-)
MMMMM…Lorraine: this is delicious & very creative in every way! yummie! Can I have 1 or 2 ?
I made this last night and wowed my husband…he thinks I should make it every night it’s so easy. Thank you!
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!
craving! such a big craving!
Everyone is talking about micromave cake
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!
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!
Hi Brenda-Oh wonderful!
So glad that he liked it!
Hi Forager-Haha cool, that sounds hilarious! They must’ve loved you!
Hi ArtemisIII-haha it’s just so easy and dangerously so!
Hi Taiko-Aww shucks, thankyou! I love being the chocolate cake conduit!
You’re more than welcome!
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!
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!
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!
Hi aimee-yep it’s quite rich (which is why I like it
). 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!
Just tried this and it is fantastic.Husband is enjoying his last mouthful as I type. Great lil’ recipe!
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:)
HI Val-Fantastic! I’m so glad that you like it and thanks for letting me know
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
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.
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!!!!!
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….
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.
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
I did it, Lorraine! It totally rocked! Thank YOU!
http://thelittleteochew.blogspot.com/2010/02/5-minute-chocolate-mug-cake.html
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