Fudgy, super simple, and ready in minutes, this vegan chocolate mug cake is one of the easiest desserts you’ll find.
This vegan microwave cake in a mug is exactly what you should make when you are craving something sweet but don’t want to make a big dessert.
It is an individual serving of yumminess that will make you happy in as little as 5-minutes.
What is a mug cake?
Maybe you haven’t ever heard of a mug cake, but it’s time for that to change!
A mug cake is simply a single serving of cake that is made in a coffee mug in the microwave in only minutes.
How to make a vegan mug cake
A full list of ingredients, measurements, instructions, and a print button can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
What makes this easy dessert so great, besides being delicious, is that it requires only a few ingredients, very little time, and is made one serving at a time.
First, you are going to want to find a coffee mug. We aren’t talking about a small tea cup but a nice roomy mug.
Next, add the dry ingredients–flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt–to your coffee mug and whisk them together well.
What type of flour to use
I like to use either whole wheat flour or oat flour. Oat flour will make this mug cake gluten-free.
If you would like to use other gluten-free flours, Minimalist Baker has a great gluten-free baking guide.
Next, add the wet ingredients–applesauce, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly.
Add the non-dairy chocolate chips and walnuts if using and stir with a spoon or fork until folded into the batter well. I like to sprinkle a few more on the top as well.
Place in the microwave and cook for about 1.5 minutes. Some microwave cooking times may vary, but mine takes a little over 1-minute.
You might want to check the consistency after one minute and add additional time if needed. I actually like mine a little fudgy in the middle.
Your Chocolate Vegan Mug Cake Questions Answered:
Q: Can you reheat a mug cake?
A: Yes, simply place in the microwave and heat for 10-15 seconds.
Q: How can I make a mug cake oil-free?
A: Using applesauce in place of oil helps keep cakes and other desserts moist when baking without oil.
Q: How do you remove a mug cake from a mug?
A: Actually, I don’t. I simply use a fork or spoon to scoop out the cake bite-by-bite. No need to remove it from the mug.
More easy vegan desserts

Chocolate Vegan Mug Cake
Fudgy, super simple, and ready in minutes, this vegan chocolate mug cake is one of the easiest desserts you’ll find.
Ingredients
- 2 rounded Tbsps flour (whole wheat, oat, etc)
- 2 level Tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp applesauce
- 2.5 Tbsp plant milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 heaping Tbsp non-dairy chocolate chips
- 1 tsp crushed walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- First, you are going to want to find a coffee mug. We aren’t talking about a small tea cup but a nice roomy mug.
- Next, add the dry ingredients–flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt–to your coffee mug and whisk them together well. I suggest making sure that your flour is rounded (or heaping) tablespoons and the cocoa is level tablespoons.
- I use whole wheat flour, but oat flour can be substituted to make this gluten-free.
- Next, add the wet ingredients–applesauce, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly.
- Add the non-dairy chocolate chips and walnuts if using and stir with a spoon or fork until folded into the batter well. I like to sprinkle a few more on the top as well.
- Place in the microwave and cook for about 1.5 minutes. Some microwave cooking times may vary, but mine takes a little over 1-minute. You might want to check the consistency after one minute and add additional time if needed. I actually like mine a little fudgy in the middle.
Notes
Detailed instructions, in-process photos, and my personal helpful tips can be found in the article above.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 305Total Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gSodium: 428mgCarbohydrates: 57gFiber: 3gSugar: 33gProtein: 6g
To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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Denise B Rose
Monday 15th of February 2021
Great Recipe Terri. I wonder since you posted this have you ever made this with date syrup?
Terri Edwards
Monday 15th of February 2021
Hi Denise- I haven't, but date syrup should work well. These are so good, and I hope you'll love them.
Aleana
Tuesday 26th of January 2021
I made this today. I love how quick and easy it was to make and how delicious it was! I'm glad it is one serving, otherwise I could over do it on this yummy desert!
Terri Edwards
Wednesday 27th of January 2021
Hi Aleana- Thank you for the great feedback. This has become a favorite of mine lately. We have been making them on Sunday afternoons as a treat.
Sharon Smith-Wollner
Saturday 23rd of January 2021
Delicious! I used half of the maple syrup and just increased the plant based milk. It was plenty sweet for me!
Terri Edwards
Saturday 23rd of January 2021
Hi Sharon- That's awesome to hear! Guess what I'm about to make right now, lol.
Mary
Thursday 21st of January 2021
I am wondering if the maple syrup can be replaced with monk fruit since I am diabetic?
Terri Edwards
Thursday 21st of January 2021
Hi Mary- I think monk fruit would work just fine to replace the maple syrup. Enjoy!
Cheryl
Wednesday 20th of January 2021
Delicious!!❤