Chocolate Mug Cake

For years, birthdays meant elaborate chocolate cakes layered with fillings and frostings- an indulgence my husband, a devoted chocoholic, relished, and the kids happily devoured. Those cakes disappeared within days. Now, as empty nesters with an eye toward balance, I’ve reimagined the tradition in a smaller, more thoughtful form. This quick chocolate mug cake captures the same rich decadence in under five minutes, with one key advantage- built-in moderation. It is a celebration in a cup, no leftovers required. See different options for serving below in the Notes section. Try this today. @sarchakra

PREP TIME: 2 mins

COOK TIME: 70-90 secs

SERVES: 1

Ingredients

• Espresso powder 1 tsp dissolved in 1 tbsp of warm water 
• Milk 2 tbsp
• All purpose flour 3 tbsp
• Cocoa powder 1 tbsp 
• Granulated sugar 2 tbsp 
• Vanilla ½ tsp
• Sea salt ¼ tsp 
• Baking powder ¼ tsp
• Chocolate chips 1 tbsp, divided 
• Melted butter 1 tbsp plus 1 tsp 
• Mascarpone to serve (optional)

Method

• Grease a microwave-safe mug with 1 tsp melted butter. Add the dry ingredients- flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sugar. Mix well.
• Stir in the wet ingredients- espresso mixture, milk, vanilla, 1 tbsp melted butter, and half the chocolate chips. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
• Microwave for 1 to 1 ½ minutes. Let it rest for a minute before serving.
• Finish by topping with a dollop of mascarpone and the remaining chocolate chips.

Notes

Swap some of the flour for almond flour or add a spoon of yogurt or sour cream to keep it moist.

Do not skip the espresso powder- it helps deepen the chocolate flavor.

D not overcook -microwave until just set, it keeps it fudgy.

Add 1 tsp of peanut butter, Nutella, or tahini in the center before cooking for a molten surprise.

Add a few drops of orange zest for a zaffa cake kind of flavor. Chocolate goes really well with orange. 

Instead of just chocolate chips, drizzle with salted caramel, berry compote, or whipped cream.

Scatter some toasted nuts like hazelnuts, almonds or pecans for crunch.

Serve with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of mascarpone or Greek yogurt. 

Pour a quick ganache or drizzle some melted chocolate over the chips so they look glossy.

When unmolding from the mug, smooth the sides with a spoon dipped in hot water for a neat look.

Create a chocolate or caramel swoosh on the plate under the cake.

A light sprinkle of cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or even espresso powder around the rim makes it even more appetizing.

Add fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries) or a mint sprig for a beautiful color pop.

If you try a recipe, please use the hashtag #sarchakra on INSTAGRAM for a chance to be featured!

FOLLOW SARCHAKRA ON FACEBOOK| INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TWITTER I TIKTOK FOR ALL OF THE LATEST CONTENT, RECIPES AND UPDATES.