Easy No-Mixer Molten Lava Cakes Recipe for Perfect Coffee Mug Desserts
A quick and easy microwave mug cake recipe that creates a warm, chocolatey molten lava cake with a gooey center, perfect for an indulgent dessert in under 10 minutes without any mixer.
- Prep Time: 4 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 minutes
- Total Time: 5.5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons (30 grams) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 3 tablespoons (15 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 tablespoons (50 grams) granulated white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) whole milk (or any milk/dairy-free milk)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil (or light olive oil/canola oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 square (about 30 grams) semi-sweet or dark chocolate piece or 2 tablespoons chocolate chips
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of a microwave-safe coffee mug with butter or non-stick spray.
- In the mug, combine sifted flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently with a fork to break lumps and mix evenly.
- Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir briskly until smooth and thick but pourable. Add a splash more milk if too dry.
- Press the chocolate piece or chocolate chips gently into the center of the batter without mixing it in.
- Microwave on high for 60 to 90 seconds. Check after 60 seconds; the edges should be set and the center soft. Add 10-15 second increments if needed, avoiding overcooking.
- Let the mug cake cool for about 1 minute to thicken the molten center, then enjoy warm.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough cakes. Use room temperature ingredients for smooth batter. Watch microwave time closely to keep the molten center gooey. Standard mug size is important to avoid overflow or thin cake. You can bake in an oven-safe ramekin at 350°F for 12-14 minutes as an alternative. Variations include peanut butter center, berries, mint chocolate, gluten-free flour substitutions, and dairy-free milk/oil swaps.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One mug cake (about
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 5
Keywords: molten lava cake, mug cake, microwave dessert, no mixer dessert, quick chocolate cake, easy dessert, coffee mug dessert