- In a microwave-safe mug, combine cocoa powder and sugar.
- Add 3 tablespoons of milk and whisk vigorously until smooth.
- Pour in the remaining milk and stir to combine.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds, or until heated through.
- Carefully remove from microwave, stir well, and serve immediately.
- Calories:135 kcal25%
- Energy:564 kJ22%
- Protein:8.5 g28%
- Carbohydrates:19 mg40%
- Sugar:18 mg8%
- Salt:125 g25%
- Fat:3 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Easy Chocolate Mug Recipe – Quick Indian-Style Dessert
Hey everyone! Sometimes, you just need chocolate, right? And you need it now. This easy chocolate mug recipe is my go-to when those cravings hit. It’s ridiculously simple, takes just a couple of minutes, and is perfect for a cozy night in. I first made this when I was a student and needed a quick dessert fix – it’s been a lifesaver ever since!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a warm, gooey chocolate treat? This mug cake is perfect because it’s:
- Fast: Ready in under 2 minutes!
- Easy: Seriously, it couldn’t be simpler.
- Single-Serving: No temptation to eat the whole batch (unless you want to, of course!).
- Customizable: We’ll talk about tons of fun variations later.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this little bit of heaven:
- ½ tablespoon Cocoa Powder (about 6 grams)
- ½ tablespoon Sugar (about 7 grams)
- 1 cup Milk (240 ml)
Ingredient Notes
Let’s chat about these ingredients for a sec, because even simple recipes have little secrets!
Cocoa Powder Varieties
You can use regular unsweetened cocoa powder, or even Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother, less acidic flavour. I usually use regular, because that’s what I have on hand, but feel free to experiment!
Milk Options – Dairy & Non-Dairy (Regional Preferences)
Traditionally, in many Indian households, full-fat milk is preferred for richer desserts. But honestly, any milk works! I’ve made this with everything from cow’s milk to almond milk. Speaking of which…
Sugar Types – Refined vs. Unrefined & Sweetness Levels
I use regular granulated sugar, but you can definitely use unrefined sugar like jaggery powder (gur) for a more traditional Indian flavour. Just be aware it will slightly alter the colour and taste. You can also adjust the amount of sugar to your liking – if you prefer a less sweet cake, start with ¼ tablespoon.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get baking (well, microwaving)!
- First, grab a microwave-safe mug. It needs to be fairly large, as the cake will rise a bit.
- Add the cocoa powder and sugar to the mug. Give it a good whisk to get rid of any lumps.
- Pour in 3 tablespoons (45ml) of milk and whisk vigorously until you have a smooth paste. This is important – you don’t want any dry cocoa powder left!
- Add the remaining milk and stir to combine everything nicely.
- Now, for the magic! Microwave on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Keep an eye on it – you want it to start bubbling, but not overflow.
- Carefully remove the mug from the microwave (it will be hot!). Give it a quick stir if needed, and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
A few little things that make all the difference:
- Don’t overcook it! Mug cakes are best when they’re slightly gooey in the middle.
- Use a large mug. Seriously, it prevents overflows.
- Whisk, whisk, whisk! Getting rid of lumps is key for a smooth texture.
Variations
This is where things get fun!
Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake
Simply use your favourite plant-based milk – almond, soy, or oat milk all work beautifully.
Spice Level – Adding a Hint of Cardamom or Chili
My grandmother used to add a tiny pinch of cardamom to her chocolate desserts. It’s amazing! You could also try a very small pinch of chili powder for a Mexican chocolate vibe.
Festival Adaptations – A Quick Treat for Diwali or Holi
During Diwali, I sometimes add a sprinkle of chopped nuts (pistachios or almonds) on top. For Holi, a tiny drop of rose water adds a lovely floral note.
Gluten-Free Option (Using Alternative Milk)
This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure your milk is also gluten-free if you have a severe allergy.
Serving Suggestions
This mug cake is perfect on its own, but you can also get fancy!
- A dollop of whipped cream (or coconut cream for vegan)
- A sprinkle of chocolate shavings
- A few fresh berries
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream (my personal favourite!)
Storage Instructions
Honestly? This is best enjoyed immediately. It doesn’t really store well. But if you absolutely have leftovers (lucky you!), you can cover it and refrigerate it for a few hours, but the texture will change.
FAQs
Let’s answer some common questions!
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely! It’s a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen. Just supervise them closely with the microwave.
Can I use almond milk or other plant-based milks?
Yes, definitely! Any milk will work.
How can I make this mug cake richer and more chocolatey?
Add a teaspoon of chocolate spread or a few chocolate chips to the mug before microwaving.
What if my mug cake overflows in the microwave?
Your mug is probably too small, or you microwaved it for too long. Use a larger mug and reduce the cooking time slightly.
Can I add any toppings to this mug cake?
Yes! Get creative! Sprinkles, nuts, fruit, ice cream… the possibilities are endless.