Chocolate hazelnut mug cake is a single serving dessert made in the microwave from flour, sugar, cocoa, milk, oil, and a spoonful of chocolate hazelnut spread that melts into a gooey center. It takes two minutes to prepare, cooks in about one minute, and serves one.
The batter is stirred in the mug, so there is nothing else to wash, and the cake rises into a soft, fudgy sponge with a molten middle. It is rich, so a small mug goes a long way, and you can top it with whipped cream, fruit, or chopped nuts while it is still warm.
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Why You Will Love Chocolate Hazelnut Mug Cake
It uses pantry basics, so a craving is satisfied in minutes.
One mug and a spoon mean almost no cleanup.
The spread melts into a gooey center without extra effort.
What You Need for Chocolate Hazelnut Mug Cake
- The dry ingredients are four tablespoons of all purpose flour, four tablespoons of sugar, two tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, a quarter teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- The wet ingredients are three tablespoons of milk, two tablespoons of vegetable oil, and two tablespoons of chocolate hazelnut spread.
Cocoa powder. It gives deep chocolate flavor.
Chocolate hazelnut spread. It makes the center soft and rich.
Oil. It keeps the crumb moist.
Baking powder. It lifts the cake in the mug.
Milk. It binds the batter.
Making Chocolate Hazelnut Mug Cake Step by Step
1. Mix the dry ingredients. Stir the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, and salt in a large microwave safe mug.
2. Add the liquids. Pour in the milk and oil and stir until no dry spots remain.
3. Add the spread. Spoon the chocolate hazelnut spread on top and swirl it in lightly, or leave it as a gooey center.
4. Microwave. Cook on high for sixty to ninety seconds, until the cake looks set on top.
5. Cool. Let the mug stand for one minute before eating, since the cake is very hot.
Use a large mug, at least twelve ounces. The batter rises as it cooks, and a small mug overflows and leaves a mess in the microwave. Mix the dry ingredients well first so the cocoa does not leave dry pockets at the bottom, and scrape the bottom of the mug with the spoon.
Microwaves vary, so start with sixty seconds and add ten at a time. An overcooked mug cake turns rubbery and dry, while an undercooked one is raw in the center. The top should look dry and the edges should pull slightly away from the mug, with a soft middle.
Serving Ideas for Chocolate Hazelnut Mug Cake
Serve the cake warm in the mug with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a few berries. For more chocolate desserts, try easy chocolate brownies, chocolate custard cake, double chocolate muffins, or chocolate peanut butter sheet cake.
Tips and Swaps for Chocolate Hazelnut Mug Cake
Flag the allergens. This cake contains wheat, milk, and tree nuts from the hazelnut spread, so check every label.
Do not taste raw batter. Do not taste the raw batter, since it contains raw flour, and wash your hands and tools after mixing.
Check the doneness. The top should be dry and springy to a light touch.
Use a wide mug. It cooks more evenly.
Sift the cocoa. It stops lumps.
Top with fruit. Berries cut the richness.
Add chocolate chips. A few chips melt inside.
Check trusted guidance. Read the FDA safe food handling guidance for handling flour based batters.
For a bigger dessert, double the recipe and cook it in two mugs, since a single large batch cooks unevenly. For a richer cake, add a tablespoon of chocolate chips. For a lighter one, use only one tablespoon of the spread and swirl it through the batter.
You can use almond milk or oat milk in place of dairy milk, and melted butter in place of oil. Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor. A spoonful of peanut butter in the center is another good choice, and it melts just like the spread does.
Making Chocolate Hazelnut Mug Cake Ahead
The cake is better eaten right away, while it is warm and gooey. If you need to wait, cover the mug and keep it at room temperature for up to a day, then warm it for ten seconds in the microwave. You can mix the dry ingredients ahead in a jar, enough for several mugs, and add the wet ingredients when you are ready.
Questions About Chocolate Hazelnut Mug Cake
How long do you microwave chocolate hazelnut mug cake?
Cook it for sixty to ninety seconds on high.
Can you make chocolate hazelnut mug cake ahead of time?
Mix the dry ingredients ahead, then add the wet when ready.
Can you freeze chocolate hazelnut mug cake?
It is better eaten right away.
Can I bake it in the oven?
Yes, in a ramekin at 350 degrees F for about twenty minutes.
Why did my mug cake turn rubbery?
It cooked too long.
Chocolate Hazelnut Mug Cake
Equipment
- Large microwave safe mug
- Spoon
- Microwave
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 tbsp all purpose flour
- 4 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp chocolate hazelnut spread
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
Cooking
- Mix. Stir the dry ingredients in a large mug.
- Liquids. Add the milk and oil.
- Spread. Add the spread on top.
- Cook. Microwave 60 to 90 seconds.
- Rest. Cool for 1 minute.
