• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Make It Dairy Free
  • Back to School
  • Recipes
  • About Us
  • Resources
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Back to School
  • Recipes
  • About Us
  • Resources
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Back to School
    • Recipes
    • About Us
    • Resources
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Dessert

    Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake

    Published: Oct 5, 2020 · Modified: Sep 7, 2022 by Larisha Bernard · This post may contain affiliate links · 16 Comments

    Sharing is caring!

    145 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    This Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake is the perfect 5 minute vegan dessert when you are craving something sweet without the hassle!

    A vegan chocolate mug cake with whip and a spoon laying on top with cake.

    Sometimes you want something chocolate but you don’t feel like spending an hour in the kitchen making something. Insert: vegan chocolate mug cake.

    Mug cakes are just what they sound like. Cake made inside of a mug. In this case an oversized mug.

    They take about 3 minutes to mix together in the mug and then less than 2 minutes inside of the microwave.

    That’s right, a complete cake in just 5 minutes. This is enough for 2 small servings or 1 large serving

    Never miss another post! Sign up for our weekly newsletter and get them all delivered easily! Plus, 15 easy recipes delivered immediately!
    Sign Up For My Newsletter Today!

    vegan chocolate mug cake with a spoon inside.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    My vegan mug cake tastes spongy, chewy, or rubbery. What happened?

    Overcooking can happen very quickly with a mug cake leading to an undesired texture.

    Under microwaving is better than over microwaving it and you can do it in increments after checking.

    How do I know when my vegan mug cake is done?

    The middle of the top of the cake will no longer be wet/moist when the cake is done.

    My cake is dry. What happened?

    There are a few reasons that this can happen.

    • Inaccurate measurements — since this is mostly tablespoons, make sure that you do not add heaping tablespoons. Level off the ingredients, especially the flour as this is the usually culprit.
    • Overmixing – You want to mix just until combined. The more you mix the cake, the tougher it will be. Do make sure that you get to the bottom and stir up all the flour.
    • Overcooking – As soon as the middle is no longer moist, the cake is ready. You don’t want to over cook it as the longer it’s in the microwave the harder it will get.

    Why is there flour at the bottom of my mug still?

    Flour is left if you did not completely stir the mixture together. Make sure when mixing that you get all the way to the bottom and stir together.

    vegan chocolate mug cake in a white mug topped with chocolate chips.

    CAN I MAKE THIS A TOP 8 ALLERGEN FRIENDLY VEGAN CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE?

    There are a few ingredients that we are looking at for Top 8 allergens, but it is possible to make these Top 8 safe.

    To start, use a gluten free flour (we like this GF flour).

    Then, use a safe for you dairy free milk.  We like oat, but you could use hemp or flax or pea milk for a top 8 free milk. 

    And finally, the melted coconut oil can be swapped with another oil like canola or you can use a soy free, dairy free butter like Earth Balance soy free in the red tub.

    Can I make vegan chocolate mug cake in advance?

    We don’t recommend making this up in advance. It only takes 5 minutes to make and is really is best served as soon as it is made.

    If you did want this to go even faster, then you could make little containers filled with the dry ingredient mixture and then all you’d have to do when ready is add the wet ingredients.

    Can I make this oil free?

    Yes, you can replace the oil with the same amount of unsweetened, unflavored applesauce at the same stage the oil is added.

    Note that oil is used for moistness, tenderness, and helping with the crumble that traditionally happens with cake. Swapping oil with applesauce can lead to a more dense cake.

    vegan chocolate mug cake with a spoonful missing.

    WHAT ARE SOME VEGAN FROSTING IDEAS FOR THIS CAKE?

    One great thing about cakes is that you can mix and match frostings! We absolutely love doing this.

    It’s important to note that you don’t have to make a frosting to go with this, it’s just an optional thing. Alternatively, you could just do some store bought vegan frosting.

    Tip: Many store bought containers of frosting are made dairy free.

    Some ideas for vegan cake frostings are: 

    • Vegan Vanilla Frosting
    • Vegan Buttercream Frosting
    • Vegan Chocolate Frosting
    • Vegan Strawberry Buttercream
    A slice of layered Vegan Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting being removed.

    WHAT OTHER DELICIOUS VEGAN DESSERTS SHOULD I TRY?

    Once you have perfected these vegan vanilla cupcakes, you may be looking out for other delicious dairy free cupcakes or cakes.  Here are some dairy free dessert recipe ideas. 

    • Vegan Coconut Cake
    • Dye Free Red Velvet Cupcakes
    • Vegan Strawberry Cake 
    • The Best Vegan Chocolate Cake
    • Vegan Apple Pie
    • Vegan Carrot Cake
    • The Best Vegan Chocolate Lava Cakes
    • Vegan Lemon Pound Cake

    Pin this vegan chocolate mug cake for later:

    A collage of vegan chocolate mug cake.
    A vegan chocolate mug cake with a spoon laying on top with some cake.
    Print Recipe
    4.87 from 23 votes

    Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake

    If you're looking for a solo treat without the hassle, then this vegan vanilla mug cake is the perfect treat that you need!
    Prep Time3 minutes mins
    Cook Time2 minutes mins
    Total Time5 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 1 cup
    Calories: 662kcal
    Author: Larisha Bernard

    Ingredients

    • 5 tablespoon flour
    • 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • 2 tablespoon vegan cane sugar
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • 5 tablespoon dairy free milk
    • ½ tablespoon maple syrup (or sub with same about of cane sugar)
    • 1 ½ tablespoon neutral oil (sunflower, coconut or vegetable)
    • 1 tablespoon vegan chocolate chips optional

    Instructions

    • In an oversized, microwavable mug whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
    • Add in the dairy free milk, maple syrup, and oil and mix until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
    • Microwave for 45 seconds to 1 ½ minutes, or until firm to the touch (timing is based on microwave wattage).
    • Serve warm with vegan frosting, ice cream or cream.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1mug cake | Calories: 662kcal | Carbohydrates: 91g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Sodium: 334mg | Potassium: 563mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 49g | Vitamin A: 295IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 282mg | Iron: 6mg
    Tried this recipe? 🌟Share So We Can See! @makeitdairyfree or tag #makeitdairyfree!

    More Dessert

    • vegan chocolate coffee cake on a white plate with blueberries on the side
      Vegan Chocolate Coffee Cake
    • vegan pie crust with scalloped edges.
      Super Flaky Easy Vegan Pie Crust
    • Healthy vegan black bean brownies with walnuts.
      Healthy Vegan Black Bean Brownies (Oil-Free)
    • Vegan banana bundt cake with icing and two slices cut.
      Vegan Banana Bundt Cake

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Andrea

      November 27, 2022 at 8:28 pm

      Omg you guys! This is absolutely perfect when you just need a delicious dessert for one! Cause Lord knows I don’t need a whole cake 😂 thank you for the awesome recipe.

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        November 29, 2022 at 9:50 pm

        haha i hear you! Glad you liked

        Reply
    2. Kristy Lynn

      July 28, 2022 at 12:44 am

      5 stars
      I was desperately craving some dessert but didn’t have anything handy in the house and didn’t want to make a full on time consuming dessert after 9:00 at night. So I thought, “I wonder if make it dairy free has a mug cake?” And I’m so glad that thought crossed my mind because I found this recipe and it whipped up in no time at all. I think it took longer to pull the ingredients out of the pantry than it did for me to mix it up and cook it. It seems so simple but the flavor really delivers and hits the spot! So chocolatey and a bit decadent thanks to the melty chocolate chips. Yumm!!! 10/10 recommend and will be making again!!

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        November 30, 2022 at 10:10 pm

        so glad you thought of us and enjoyed the recipe

        Reply
    3. Heavin

      April 06, 2022 at 1:15 am

      5 stars
      I’m going to be honest I was a little sketchy about how this would turn out but you have to try this it’s so good!!

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        April 07, 2022 at 12:14 am

        Yay! We’re glad it came out better than expected LOL

        Reply
    4. Hiba

      November 03, 2021 at 1:31 pm

      5 stars
      Hands down the best mug cake recipe I’ve tried so far. It’s not too sweet, so those who prefer their cake sweeter may want to add more sugar to it. I loved it and will be making this more often! <3

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        February 10, 2022 at 7:45 pm

        So glad that you enjoyed it

        Reply
    5. Casey

      April 24, 2021 at 3:05 pm

      5 stars
      Just finished this and immediately came to leave a review. This is perfect! I’m working on balancing out my sweet tooth and I can see how this will really help with sugar cravings because of the portion size. Thanks for sharing this!

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        April 27, 2021 at 10:38 am

        So glad that it’s a hit! Thanks for taking time to leave a review!

        Reply
    6. Tami

      January 26, 2021 at 9:37 pm

      5 stars
      Just made this mug cake and it’s a keeper. Perfect balance of chocolate and sugar and the texture was perfect. Yummy!

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        January 26, 2021 at 10:23 pm

        So happy to hear that you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking time to leave a review!

        Reply
    7. Akili

      December 07, 2020 at 2:36 pm

      Just tried this last night and it was amazing! I’m so glad my husband and I found y’all on YouTube! Your recipes looks so good.

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        December 20, 2020 at 8:52 am

        We’re so happy to hear that! Thanks for leaving a review!

        Reply
    8. Holly

      October 21, 2020 at 5:38 pm

      5 stars
      This mug cake is amazing! It’s not too sweet and is great even without the chocolate chips or frosting (i didn’t have either). Be sure to not over or under mix like the recipe says, and it will turn out perfectly

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        November 02, 2020 at 8:17 pm

        We’re so happy to hear you are liking the recipe. Thanks for taking time to leave a review. Have a great week.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome to Make It Dairy Free! Here you’ll find delicious dairy free recipes that are kid-approved along with resources you need for helping live a dairy free life! Learn more about the award-winning team behind the site.

    Vegan Back to School Recipes

    • A pot of one pot vegan mac and cheese chili with cheese sauce on top.
      One Pot Vegan Chili Mac and Cheese
    • Two slices of vegan cinnamon quick bread.
      Vegan Cinnamon Quick Bread
    • Copycat Chick-fil-A veggie wraps halved on a table.
      Copycat Chick-fil-A Veggie Wraps
    • A single glazed vegan donut in a hand.
      Glazed Vegan Donuts
    • vegan cashew chicken in a white skillet with a wooden spoon.
      Cashew Tofu (Vegan Cashew Chicken)
    • Vegan banana bread baked oatmeal topped with chocolate chips and vegan whip in a dish.
      One Bowl Vegan Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal

    Trending Posts

    • A baking tray of Vegan honey garlic oven fried tofu with roasted broccoli.
      Vegan Honey Garlic Oven Fried Tofu
    • Vegan cinnamon roll sheet pan pancakes with powdered sugar sprinkled across.
      Vegan Cinnamon Roll Sheet Pan Pancakes
    • A dutch oven filled with homemade vegan chicken noodle soup.
      Homemade Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup
    • A plate of fluffy vegan pancakes stacked with syrup drizzling.
      Fluffy Vegan Pancakes
    • A ceramic bowl of Vegan crispy roasted cauliflower and creamy garlic parmesan pasta.
      Vegan Crispy Roasted Cauliflower with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
    • A couple posing funnily in front of an assortment of vegan mayo bottles.
      Vegan Mayo Review & Taste Test

    All links on our site may be affiliate links and should be treated as such. Make It Dairy Free is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Us

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Policies

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Make It Dairy Free

    145 shares