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.
Hi Lisa, just wondering if I can use a flax egg?
Hi Rocco- I haven’t tried using a flax egg, but I’m sure it would work just fine!
I just made this and it’s super good! My microwave is a low wattage so I cooked my cake for 2 minutes. Fluffy, fudgey, and moist! It’s very rich but I like that. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe… currently stuck in this whole lockdown and I was craving cake!!!
Hi Mallory – So glad this caked turned out so moist and fluffy! Definitely a go-to chocolate recipe for when you’re craving it :)
I love this recipe! I’ve already made the chocolate mug cake a few times. It’s quick, easy, and most importantly, delicious! I have topped it raspberry chia jam recipe. :)
Hi Annette – Wonderful! This definitely is a great recipe to pair back with the chia jam :)
Have made this several times and it’s so good!! First time I microwaved it for 1 min 30 seconds and it was too dry. So the last two times I’ve done 1 min and it’s the perfect fudgey moist texture! I recently switched to a paleo diet and this has been perfect for those chocolate cravings! Thanks for the great recipe!
Hi April – So happy you enjoyed this chocolate treat! Can’t wait for you to whip up tons more of my paleo recipes now :)
Delicious and Easy! Not overly sweet… just sweet enough. My coconut oil was in solid form and that didn’t seem to make a difference.
Hi Arian – Such a great and easy chocolate recipe to keep on hand :)
This could not be any easier! It is the perfect quick dessert to cure a chocolate craving. You literally dump, mix, and microwave. It is rich but doesn’t feel bad for you because the ingredients aren’t that bad for you! Another hit!
Hi Sharon – This really is the best chocolate treat since you can make it in under 10 minutes!
Can I use agave instead of maple syrup?
Hi Sherry – Yes, you can use agave :)
Was so easy and so good!! Perfect healthier treat for that sugar craving
Hi Madison – It really is the best quick little chocolate treat :)
Hi Lisa,
Can any flour be used? I.e. a gluten free baking flour mix?
Thanks!
Hi Reenie – I’ve only tested this recipe with almond flour and each GF flour bakes differently, but you can certainly give it a try with a GF flour blend. If it works well, let us know! :)
Simple, easy to follow recipe and yum!!!!!
Hi Mary – So glad you found this recipe easy and delicious :)
That was good, rich and decadent. Added a few chocolate chips and it actually veered towards too chocolatey- if there is such a thing! Thanks!
Hi Sarah- I’m so glad you loved these mug cakes! Yep, this recipe is already super chocolatey, so adding chocolate chips might be a bit sweet!
Just made this and my mind is blown. So easy and delicious and pretty healthy too. I’m genuinely worried I won’t be able to stop myself making one of these every day.
I did 1.5 minutes and wish it was a little fudgier so I’d say listen to Lisa – do 45 seconds, see how it’s going and then more if necessary.
Hi Alex – It’s definitely a dangerous chocolate treat because of how easy it is!
Yum yum yum!! Easy to follow and delish.
Hi Gina – This seriously is the best quick chocolate recipe :)