This Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake is the perfect 5 minute vegan dessert when you are craving something sweet without the hassle!
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
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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.
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.
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
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:
Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 5 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp vegan cane sugar
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 5 tbsp dairy free milk
- 1/2 tbsp maple syrup (or sub with same about of cane sugar)
- 1 1/2 tbsp neutral oil (sunflower, coconut or vegetable)
- 1 tbsp 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 1/2 minutes, or until firm to the touch (timing is based on microwave wattage).
- Serve warm with vegan frosting, ice cream or cream.
Nutrition
Let’s see your creations!
Share to Instagram and tag us @makeitdairyfree so we can see and share it!
Holly
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
LarishaBernard
We’re so happy to hear you are liking the recipe. Thanks for taking time to leave a review. Have a great week.
Akili
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.
LarishaBernard
We’re so happy to hear that! Thanks for leaving a review!
Tami
Just made this mug cake and it’s a keeper. Perfect balance of chocolate and sugar and the texture was perfect. Yummy!
LarishaBernard
So happy to hear that you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking time to leave a review!
Casey
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!
LarishaBernard
So glad that it’s a hit! Thanks for taking time to leave a review!
Hiba
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
LarishaBernard
So glad that you enjoyed it
Heavin
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!!
LarishaBernard
Yay! We’re glad it came out better than expected LOL
Kristy Lynn
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!!
LarishaBernard
so glad you thought of us and enjoyed the recipe
Andrea
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.
LarishaBernard
haha i hear you! Glad you liked