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.
I’ve made this recipe at least half a dozen times and it turns out moist, fluffy and delicious each time I make it. I have made many grain free mug cakes that have turned out dense, dry, and flavorless, and it is so great to find this recipe! I usually cut it in half (except for the oil and egg) to save calories.
Happy to hear this one always turns out perfectly Joy!
I’ve tried so many mug cake recipes in the past, and not tried any for so long because I kept being disappointed, but this one is perfect. Thank you
Happy to hear you’ve finally found a winning mug cake recipe Louise :)
I have just made this and it was really good. I have doubts at first but it turned out perfectly.
Lisa, thanks for sharing such an amazing recipe! :)
Glad your first time making this mug cake was a success!
Yummy and always works!!! This time made it with ghee and sugar instead of the coconut oil and the maple syrup. Mixed well. Still yummy, and kid liked it too
Oh my another win and as u said I always have those ingredients on hand! It was delicious. In my microwave it was 1 minute 20 seconds. I topped with coconut milk yogurt and pecans.
Glad you enjoyed this mug cake! :)
This looks amazing! I like that it’s not too sweet. Have you tried cooking this in an air fryer? If so, at what settings?
I have not tried this in an air fryer! But if you do, please let me know how it turns out :)
How did you arrive at 14g of protein? An egg only has 6g of protein. I love your recipes.
The almond flour. ;)
I ACTUALLY had everything I needed to make this!! It’s fantastic!!
I tried 3x and they were disgusting every time! How is it that everyone had delicious cakes? Mine were gross. All three went down the drain. So sad.
Hi Sarah – I’m happy to try to help you troubleshoot the recipe if you let me know what you didn’t like about them. :)
This chocolate mug cake is delicious! I made it for my husband and he loved it. It’s gluten-free and paleo, so it’s perfect for those diets.
Happy to hear both you and your husband enjoyed this mug cake!
I love to put peanut butter in the center for a gooey core. These are also delicious in the air fryer!
Great idea on the peanut butter Heather!
Hey Heather, how long did you air fried the mug cake?
Thanks:)
This is actually the best mug cake EVER. So addicting!! I had to limit myself because I started making them every night last week 😂
So glad you enjoyed this mug cake Quinn!
So good!! I substituted the coconut oil for olive oil and the almond flour for buckwheat flour, but it was still amazing! I know you’re not supposed to review when you change things, but it was amazing!
Sounds like some good subs. Glad you were able to tweak the recipe to your liking!
Yep, when you said it’s the best one out there you were right. :)
1 T maple syrup was enough for us (we like dark chocolate) and I used avocado oil instead of coconut oil, just because it’s easier to mix in – so this recipe is not only delicious, but super flexible!
90 seconds in my microwave was just about perfect for 2 cakes.
Yum yum yum! Perfect to satisfy a craving for chocolate cake without making a whole cake.
really great i added a touch of espresso – and halved maple syrup and it hit the spot
Made exactly to measurements and cooking time. Turned out perfectly. Thank you
Wonderful! So happy you loved it, Helena!
Just what I needed – a little pick me up. My 900 W micro took one minute to be perfect.
Added a teaspoon of nutella in the centre, reduced maple syrup to 1tbsp and a glob of natural yoghurt on top. Yummy
Can this be made in a conventional gas oven.
We don’t have or want a microwave in our home.
If you would like to use the oven instead of microwave, you can bake this in a 3 inch ramekin at 375°F 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 :)
Absolutely amazing 🤩I didnt believe it could bake in a microvawe for only 2 minutes. But its true. Really fast and easy recipe.
Hello! I’m very interested! Would it work if I substituted the almond flour for a nut-free alternative, like gluten-free flour?
I haven’t tried, but it could work. If you make it – please let me know how it turned out!
Omg this was sooo good !! Really amazing how it becomes cake !
Glad you enjoyed this chocolate mug cake Monica :)
This was a quick & tasty treat. I added chocolate chips to the batter (why not?) & baked in a convection toaster over at 375 for 15 minutes (don’t own a microwave). I’d probably go a little less in the future to give it a gooey center. Thanks!
Easy and so full of chocolate taste. A real keeper!
I made 2 of these last night for the first time. The first one I microwaved for 2 minutes. The second one for 1.4 minutes and that was better. But both were fully enjoyed by us. This is a fabulous recipe, as are all of yours on this site. Thanks!
I made this and it turned out better than expected! I’ve been craving something warm and chocolatey for weeks, but we are packing to move. This was perfect! I guessed on the measurements based on yours and it was outstanding. Very rich and clean ingredients! Will be making this again. Ours did take 2.5 minutes to cook but probably because I didn’t measure perfectly. Thanks for helping us stay on our clean eating journey!