Easy Nutella Mug Cake Recipe – 2-Minute Microwave Dessert

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Nutella Mug Cake Recipe – 2-Minute Microwave Dessert

Okay, let’s be real. Sometimes you just need chocolate. Like, right now. And you don’t want to bake a whole cake, wait for it to cool, and then actually frost it. Am I right? That’s where this ridiculously easy Nutella mug cake comes in. It’s my go-to when those chocolate cravings hit, and it takes literally minutes to make. I first discovered this when my niece was visiting and demanded dessert – stat! It saved the day (and my sanity).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any mug cake. It’s a single-serving explosion of chocolatey, hazelnutty goodness. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

• Super Fast: Ready in under 3 minutes!
• Easy Peasy: Seriously, anyone can make this.
• Minimal Dishes: One ramekin, that’s it!
• Totally Satisfying: It hits the spot every single time.
• Perfect Portion: No leftovers to tempt you (or to share… maybe!).

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this little slice of heaven:

• 4 tbsp flour (about 30g)
• 2 tbsp sugar (about 25g)
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (about 15g)
• A pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp oil (about 30ml)
• 1 large scoop Nutella (about 30-40g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because even in a simple recipe, a few tweaks can make a difference!

• Nutella: Obviously, the star of the show! Feel free to be generous with the scoop. I sometimes add a little extra… don’t judge!
• Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly, giving a nice soft texture. If you want a slightly denser cake, you can use a little whole wheat flour (maybe 1-2 tbsp mixed with the all-purpose).
• Oil: Vegetable oil is classic, but coconut oil (melted) adds a subtle coconut flavor that’s amazing. You could even use a mild olive oil if that’s what you have on hand.
• Cocoa Powder: Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give a richer, darker chocolate flavor, but regular unsweetened cocoa powder works just fine too.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking (well, microwaving)!

1. First, grease a microwave-safe ramekin really well with oil or butter. This is important, otherwise your cake might stick.
2. Now, add the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt directly into the ramekin. Give it a quick mix with a fork.
3. Pour in the oil and add that glorious scoop of Nutella.
4. Mix everything together until it’s fully combined. If the batter seems too thick – and it sometimes does – add milk or water, just 1 teaspoon at a time, until it’s a thick but pourable consistency. You want it to drop easily from your fork.
5. Finally, microwave on high for 2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it – microwaves vary!
6. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before digging in. It’s best enjoyed warm, but be careful, it will be hot!

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t overmix the batter. Just combine until everything is incorporated.
• If your mug cake rises too much and overflows, reduce the cooking time by 10-15 seconds next time.
• A slightly undercooked mug cake is better than an overcooked one – it’ll be gooey and delicious!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the Nutella for a vegan chocolate hazelnut spread. There are some great options available now!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour works well.
• Spice Level: Add a tiny pinch of cinnamon or even a very small pinch of chili powder for a little kick. My friend loves this!
• Festival Adaptations: Add some sprinkles for a birthday treat, or a few chopped strawberries for Valentine’s Day. It’s a fun way to make it extra special.

Serving Suggestions

This mug cake is perfect on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy:

• A dollop of whipped cream is always a good idea.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level.
• A sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts adds a nice crunch.
• A dusting of powdered sugar looks pretty!

Storage Instructions

Honestly? This is best enjoyed immediately. But if you absolutely must save some (I can’t imagine why!), you can cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just be aware that it will lose some of its fluffy texture. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this cake best served warm or cold? Definitely warm! That’s when the Nutella is all melty and gooey.
• Can I make this cake ahead of time? Not really. It’s best made and eaten right away.
• What can I add to the batter for extra flavor? Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, a swirl of peanut butter… the possibilities are endless!
• What if I don’t have a microwave-safe ramekin? You can use a large mug, but make sure it’s microwave-safe.
• Can I use a different chocolate spread instead of Nutella? You can, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. Nutella has a unique hazelnut flavor that really makes this recipe special.