Chocolate Mug Cake with Hazelnut Spread Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, absolutely satisfying dessert that you can whip up in a jiffy, you’re going to adore my Chocolate Mug Cake with Hazelnut Spread Recipe. It’s fuss-free, irresistibly chocolatey, and delivers a warm, gooey treat right out of your microwave—like magic! I remember the first time I tried this; it blew my mind how a few simple ingredients could create such a decadent little cake in literally minutes. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with complicated desserts.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fast & Easy: You’ll have dessert ready in about 2 minutes—no mixer, no oven required.
  • Minimal Ingredients: Just pantry staples and a tablespoon of hazelnut spread to make it extraordinary.
  • Perfect Portion: This single-serving mug cake is guilt-free and perfect for one.
  • Deliciously Moist: That luscious hazelnut spread melts right inside, giving the cake an irresistible moist center.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Mug Cake with Hazelnut Spread Recipe plays a special role to keep things simple yet so tasty—you’ll only need a handful, mostly things you probably already have in your kitchen. When I shop for these, I look for a good-quality hazelnut spread because it really elevates the flavor.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with unsweetened cocoa powder, a tiny pinch of kosher salt on the surface, a small white ceramic bowl with granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl containing milk, a small white ceramic bowl with golden vegetable oil, and a small dollop of hazelnut chocolate spread on a plain white ceramic dish, all perfectly arranged in balanced symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Chocolate Mug Cake with Hazelnut Spread, quick chocolate mug cake, easy mug cake dessert, microwave hazelnut mug cake, indulgent chocolate dessert
  • All-purpose flour: The base for the cake, nothing fancy—just regular flour works perfectly.
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives that rich chocolate flavor; make sure it’s cocoa powder, not hot cocoa mix.
  • Baking powder: Just a pinch helps the cake rise nicely without turning it spongy.
  • Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness, but you can adjust this depending on your taste.
  • Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and heightens the chocolate notes—small detail, big difference.
  • Milk: I use whole milk, which helps the cake stay moist, but any milk you like will do.
  • Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender without overpowering the flavor.
  • Hazelnut chocolate spread: This little spoonful is what makes this mug cake truly special. I’ve also swapped in mini chocolate chips on busy days with great results.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how customizable this Chocolate Mug Cake with Hazelnut Spread Recipe is—you can tweak it based on what you have or how indulgent you want to get. Don’t be shy to experiment here; I often add a pinch of instant coffee powder or swap the spread out for something different to switch flavors up.

  • Nut Butter Swap: I once used peanut butter instead of hazelnut spread and was amazed by the cozy twist it gave the mug cake.
  • Dairy-Free: For a vegan or lactose-free option, swap regular milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free hazelnut spread.
  • Extra Chocolatey: Adding mini chocolate chips on top of the spread creates delightful melty pockets in the cake.
  • Spices: A dash of cinnamon or chili powder can add surprising warmth or a mild kick.

How to Make Chocolate Mug Cake with Hazelnut Spread Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, sugar, and kosher salt. Whisking at this stage helps evenly distribute everything and prevents clumps from forming, so your cake is perfectly smooth.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, pour in the milk and vegetable oil. Stir gently until you have a uniform batter—no streaks or lumps. The batter should be thick but pourable. I like to give it a little rest here to let the baking powder start working its magic.

Step 3: Fill Your Mug and Add Hazelnut Spread

Pour the batter into a microwave-safe mug—mine holds about 14 ounces. Make sure to leave enough room because this cake will definitely rise! Then drop your tablespoon of hazelnut spread right in the middle of the batter. Don’t worry about pushing it down; as the cake cooks, the spread sinks in, creating a hidden molten center that is dreamy.

Step 4: Microwave and Enjoy

Place a paper towel over your microwave plate and set the mug on top—it helps catch any overflow just in case. Microwave on HIGH for about 70 to 90 seconds, depending on your microwave’s wattage. My first microwave only needed 70 seconds, but my newer one takes closer to 90. Keep a close eye the first time you try it so you don’t overcook; you want the cake to be set but still moist and soft inside.

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Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Mug Cake with Hazelnut Spread Recipe

  • Know Your Microwave Power: I learned the hard way that microwaves vary; start with less time and add in 10-second bursts to avoid overcooking.
  • Don’t Skip the Paper Towel: This small step saves you from cleanup if your mug cake bubbles over unexpectedly.
  • Use a Larger Mug: It’s tempting to grab a small cup, but a bigger mug stops the cake from spilling and as a bonus gives room for the cake to rise nicely.
  • Let it Rest Briefly: After microwaving, give it a minute to cool and set so the molten center is perfectly gooey—and you’re not burning your tongue!

How to Serve Chocolate Mug Cake with Hazelnut Spread Recipe

Chocolate Mug Cake with Hazelnut Spread Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I adore adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top—it melts into the warm cake and makes every bite heavenly. A sprinkle of chopped toasted hazelnuts adds a lovely crunch and ramps up the nutty flavor. For extra flair, I sometimes dust a bit of powdered sugar or cinnamon over the top.

Side Dishes

Since this is a rich dessert in itself, I usually keep sides light—a fresh fruit salad or some berries complement the chocolate wonderfully. A hot cup of coffee or tea alongside balances the sweetness perfectly, turning a quick snack into a cozy treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special nights in, I’ve served this mug cake in charming teacups with matching spoons. Another fun idea is layering the batter and hazelnut spread twice for a marbled effect—it’s impressive but still effortless. You can also add edible gold leaf or chocolate shavings on top to feel extra fancy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), cover the mug tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. The cake keeps well for about 1-2 days, but it might firm up, so I recommend reheating gently before enjoying.

Freezing

I haven’t tried freezing this mug cake simply because it’s so quick to make fresh. Plus, the texture can change after freezing and thawing. If you’re curious, I suggest freezing just the baked cake without spread and reheating with a fresh dollop of hazelnut spread.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm. Avoid overheating or it might become dry. A few seconds is usually enough to bring back that soft, cakey texture with a molten center.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different nut spread instead of hazelnut spread?

    Absolutely! You can swap hazelnut spread for peanut butter, almond butter, or even cookie butter. Each will give the mug cake a unique twist. Just be mindful of the sweetness level, especially if your substitute is less sweet.

  2. What if I don’t have a microwave? Can I bake this in a conventional oven?

    This recipe was developed specifically for microwave cooking, so oven times aren’t tested. However, if you want to try, bake at about 325°F (160°C) for around 10-12 minutes in a small oven-safe ramekin. Keep an eye on it to avoid drying out, and adjust time accordingly.

  3. Why is there no egg in this mug cake?

    Great question! This recipe omits eggs to keep it super simple and quick. Also, one egg is quite a lot for a single serving mug cake and can change the texture more than desired. The combination of baking powder, milk, and oil does a fantastic job creating a moist and soft cake without it.

  4. How do I prevent the mug cake from overflowing?

    Using a larger mug with enough headspace is key. Also, watch your microwave time closely—overcooking causes overflow too. Placing a paper towel under the mug in the microwave helps catch any leaks and saves cleanup headaches.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Chocolate Mug Cake with Hazelnut Spread Recipe manages to be both comforting and incredibly easy. It’s my go-to when I need a chocolate fix fast or when someone drops by unexpectedly. The melty hazelnut center feels like a warm hug, and the simple preparation means you don’t have to be a seasoned cook to nail it. You’ll have so much fun making this, and I’m sure it’ll quickly become a favorite little secret dessert you share with friends too!

Print
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Chocolate Mug Cake with Hazelnut Spread Recipe

Chocolate Mug Cake with Hazelnut Spread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 91 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 1 minute
  • Cook Time: 1 minute
  • Total Time: 2 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Microwaving
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This quick and easy chocolate mug cake recipe is perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings in just minutes using a microwave. Made without eggs and with simple pantry ingredients like cocoa powder and vegetable oil, it delivers a moist, rich chocolate cake ideal for a single serving. Customize it with hazelnut chocolate spread or mini chocolate chips for an extra gooey center.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup (59 ml) + 1 tablespoon milk
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Add-ins

  • 1 tablespoon hazelnut chocolate spread or mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, granulated sugar, and kosher salt until fully combined.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Whisk in the milk and vegetable oil into the dry ingredients until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
  3. Prepare Mug: Pour the batter into a microwave-safe mug with about 14-ounce capacity, leaving enough space for the cake to rise without overflowing.
  4. Add Chocolate Center: Drop the hazelnut chocolate spread or mini chocolate chips right in the middle of the batter. Do not push down; it will sink automatically during cooking.
  5. Microwave Setup: Place a paper towel inside the microwave and set the mug on top to catch any overflow during baking.
  6. Microwave Cake: Cook the mug cake on high power for 70 seconds if your microwave is around 950 watts. Adjust cooking time if your microwave wattage differs to avoid overcooking.
  7. Cool and Enjoy: Carefully remove the mug from the microwave and allow the cake to cool slightly before eating. Enjoy your warm, moist chocolate mug cake!

Notes

  • Microwave times vary by wattage; 70 seconds was tested on a 950 watt microwave. Some microwaves may require up to 90 seconds.
  • The recipe can be customized by omitting chocolate spread or substituting with other spreads like peanut butter or biscoff, or using mini chocolate chips instead.
  • This recipe is designed specifically for microwave cooking; oven times and temperatures are not tested for this mug cake.
  • No eggs are used to keep the cake moist and balanced since one egg would be too much for such a small cake.
  • Self-rising flour is not recommended as it can make the cake overly spongy.
  • Use kosher salt for best results, as it differs in density from table salt.
  • For a vanilla alternative, refer to The Moistest Vanilla Mug Cake recipe.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mug cake (approx. 150g)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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