Chocolate Mug Cake (gluten-free, paleo)
An easy, delicious and healthy chocolate mug cake that’s also gluten-free, dairy-free and paleo. I think it’s the best chocolate mug cake recipe out there.
I remember scrolling through the TV a while back and seeing something on one of those daytime talk shows about “mug food.” Meaning, things you could microwave in a mug (ie – mug cakes, pizzas, etc). I may have chuckled out loud. And figured it was the latest novelty that’d be here today, gone tomorrow.
But a funny thing happened the other day. I got a massive craving for chocolate cake. And while I actually contemplated baking an entire chocolate cake…my brain *thankfully* kiboshed that notion. Phew. Because you guys know that I have no will power, so an entire chocolate cake sitting on the counter staring at me all day was just the worst of bad ideas. Especially with Christmas indulgence happening next week.
Watch this quick video of my Chocolate Mug Cake recipe
It’s easy to make this mug cake, but it always helps to watch a step-by-step tutorial video. And you can subscribe to my YouTube Channel for weekly cooking videos.
Sooo, I decided to investigate this whole easy chocolate mug cake phenomenon. I mean, could you really bake a chocolate cake in a mug? And have it turn out halfway decent? Hmm. I was doubtful, but up to the challenge. Thus began my adventure to make not only the best chocolate mug cake (obviously), but one that’s gluten-free and paleo-friendly. A healthy chocolate mug cake if you will.
Are you ready to hear the end result? Not only did my mug cake turn out, but it’s damn good as well! Like a real deal chocolate cake. In a mug. Holy smokes! You guys have no idea how much the wheels in my brain are turning with new recipe ideas now.
The Best Paleo Chocolate Mug Cake
So let’s chat quickly why I’m loving this recipe. First, it’s perfectly portioned. Which means if it’s 9pm and you get a hardcore craving for chocolate cake (ahem), you can whip this thing up in less than two minutes to get an individual chocolate cake the size of a cupcake.
Next, which I just mentioned above, is that it’s seriously done, cooked, baked in less than two minutes in the microwave. I actually debated calling this recipe a 2-minute chocolate mug cake, but since each person’s microwave wattage and power differs…I didn’t want to hang my hat on that two minute mark. For me, I’ve found my chocolate mug cake cooks best at one minute thirty seconds. But you’ll have to play around with yours a bit to find that perfect cook time.
Lastly, this thing is healthy. Seriously. The ingredients are super simple and clean – almond flour, raw cacao powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, coconut oil and an egg. Yep, it has no milk, so it’s dairy-free.
I did attempt it without the egg (switching the other ingredients around a bit) as I saw some reviewers say that the egg made it chewy, but those reviews were for mug cakes using wheat flour. And wheat flour (which contains gluten) already has binding and chewiness to it. Since we’re using almond flour, I’d say the egg is definitely needed.
Here’s a Few Other Chocolate Mug Cake Tips
- Don’t use a huge mug as it’ll dwarf the cake. Well, I guess it’s fine if you’re just cooking for yourself, but if you’re presenting these as dessert I’d stick to a smaller mug. I switched to smaller 9-oz coffee mugs (pictured), which were the perfect size.
- You can absolutely mix everything together in the mug you’re gonna use. But I find it’s easier to mix it in a measuring cup, then pour it into the mug.
- If you’re watching the mug cake cook in the microwave, you’ll see it shoot straight up like a cylinder (or soufflé) as it cooks. Don’t be alarmed. As it cools, it just collapses right back down again.
- These cakes will be HOT when you take them out of the microwave. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before digging in.
- Play around with the cook time that works best for your microwave – which could range from 45 seconds to 2 minutes. Less time and they’ll be more moist and brownie-like.
Lastly, get creative with add-ins, like a tablespoon of mini chocolate chips, a sprinkle of cinnamon or some grated orange (yum). You can also dust the top with organic powdered sugar and fresh berries.
For more gluten-free and paleo chocolate desserts, make sure to check out my Amazing Paleo Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Chia Pudding, Flourless Chocolate Cake (nut-free!), Black Forest Mug Cake, Chocolate Avocado Pudding with Hazelnuts and Sea Salt, Molten Chocolate Cake with Coconut Whipped Cream, Chocolate Covered Bananas and Paleo Brownies. Enjoy!
Chocolate Mug Cake (gluten-free, paleo)
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 2 tbsp cacao powder
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Optional Toppings
- Coconut Whipped Cream
- Organic Powdered Sugar
- Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and other fruit
- Chocolate Chips
- Zested orange
Instructions
- Whisk all of the ingredients together in a measuring cup.
- Pour the batter into your mug and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until the cake is cooked through.
- Enjoy plain or top with coconut whipped cream, powdered sugar or berries.
Lisa's Tips
- Make sure to read the tips above and watch the video for a chocolate mug cake that turns out perfect every time!
- If you would like to use the oven instead of microwave, you can bake this in a 3 inch ramekin at 375 degrees Farenheit for 20 minutes. But, if you don't want to just bake one mug cake and utilize your entire oven space, then I suggest making my Molten Chocolate Cake
Nutrition
Recipe originally posted December 2016 and updated May 2017 to include the video.
Absolutely incredible. This mug cake is rich and moist, but not overly sweet. Perfection! This will certainly be my go to recipe to satisfy chocolate cravings!
This is definitely one the top chocolate treats!
Hi! Planning on the kids making this for the parents tonight (I’m their nanny and we learning about cooking, Chili for dinner!). We are all paleo and then gluten, dairy, walnut and pecan allergies for the kids, so this is perfect!!! We were wanting to make enough for 4 mugs. Would we just quadruple the recipe? It seems like it might be too much egg and while it would probably be better to just use a mix, there isn’t a good paleo mix. Thanks in advance for the help!
Hi Loren – I would just make the same recipe in 4 mugs as is – no need to quadruple the recipe if you’re making it individually in mugs :)
Great recipe Lisa! Fast, delicious and overly sweet! Thank you again!
Correction: *not overly sweet
Glad you enjoyed this mug cake recipe :)
Can you use coconut flour?
Coconut flour isn’t ideal as it will become too dense.
I’m sorry, but this was not good. By far the worst-tasting, driest mug cake I’ve ever had. Other “healthy” recipes I’ve tried were better. It was fun watching it rise up in the microwave, but it doesn’t taste good, and it feels like eating desert sand. :-( If coconut is allowed on paleo, I’d use some coconut flour to replace some of the almond, and I’d add some water and at least triple the oil.
Hi Andrea – sorry you didn’t love this recipe. If it was too dry, it sounds like you may have over-cooked it. Every microwave is different, so I’d recommend cooking for less time in the future. Mine is always very moist inside. And you can see from all of the positive reviews that others have had success with this recipe. :) Hope your next try turns out better!
can i sub the egg with something vegan?
I do believe others have made this with a flax egg and it turned out just fine.
I cannot believe I had not tried this! So simple , delicious and hit the spot for the chocolate cake craving. I can see this will be made many times so thank you so much for putting it up on your stories this week!
So glad you enjoyed this recipe :)
Can I use another type of flour in place of almond flour? I am allergic to almonds. Thank you.
Hi Shawn – I haven’t tried this without almond flour, but someone used flaxseed meal and it worked!
Such an easy, quick, and delicious dessert!
It sure is, and a Downshiftology favorite :)
Hi Lisa! If I cannot eat any sugar, what can I use as a sweetener instead of Maple? and how much?
Looking forward to make this!! Thanks.
Hi Amadeo – you can leave the sweetener off. You may need to add a little bit of water though to thin down the batter. Enjoy!
Has anyone tried making it with chia or flax egg?
This turned out amazing! I love all of your recipes!
Amazing! Glad this dessert was a success Leila :)
Made this cake for supper tonight – delicious!! Thanks for another great recipe, Lisa.
Amazing! Glad this dessert hit the spot Sue :)
Do you need to use SWEETENED cacao powder?
No, I normally use an unsweetened cacao powder :)
Well..my first attempt come out a little tough, Im going at it again after I get some more Almond flour. I loooobe mud cakes. Lisa, how long and to what consistency to you mix the ingredients?
Hi Veronica – if it came out a little tough I would recommend reducing the time in the microwave. And I just stir the ingredients until they’re combined, 10-15 seconds or so.