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    Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Dessert

    Healthy Chocolate Mug Cake

    Published: Jan 11, 2021 · Modified: Jan 18, 2022 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links · 43 Comments

    1058 shares
    • 544
    Diet: Vegetarian
    Jump to Recipe
    Healthy Chocolate Mug Cake with a text title overlay.

    For a quick and easy chocolate fix that is lower in calories than more traditional chocolate cake, try this super simple Healthy Chocolate Mug Cake. Healthier than most, totally delicious, easy to adapt and ready in under 5 minutes. Fudgy, moist and the perfect individual chocolate treat.

    A large mug full of chocolate cake. topped with a dollop of yogurt.

    We love chocolate cake just as much as the next person, but baking a whole cake is sometimes a bit too much effort when the cravings hit. So, why not make this individual chocolate mug cake, that has a couple of healthy twists. All mixed in the mug and then cooked in the microwave, it couldn't be easier.

    While you're here, have you seen our Biscoff Mug Cake?

    Jump to:
    • Why you will love it
    • Step by step
    • What is a chocolate mug cake?
    • What makes it healthy?
    • Flavour options
    • FAQs
    • Extra tips
    • More chocolate recipes
    • Recipe
    • Feedback

    Why you will love it

    • Really easy to make
    • Ready in less than 5 minutes
    • Quick chocolate fix
    • Kids will love them
    • Easy to adapt with different flavours
    • Lower in calories than regular chocolate cake

    Step by step

    One: Combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in a large mug.

    A large mug containing flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.

    Two: Add the milk, yogurt, nut butter and maple syrup.

    Milk, yogurt, nut butter and maple syrup added to the mug.

    Three: Add the chocolate chips.

    Chocolate chips added to the mug.

    Four: Mix well so that everything is combined. Cook in the microwave on high power for 90 seconds (times may vary depending on your microwave).

    All the ingredients mixed together in the mug.

    Five: Top with a dollop of yogurt and chocolate sauce (optional)

    What is a chocolate mug cake?

    It is pretty much what it says - a chocolate cake that is in a mug. It's probably the most simple chocolate cake you could make, as you don't need a big bowl or a cake mixture. Just a mug and a fork and then a spoon to eat it with. Cooked in just 90 seconds and then a little cooling time and served with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of chocolate syrup if you like.

    a chocolate cake in a mug topped with yogurt and a drizzle of chocolate.

    What makes it healthy?

    It is healthier. The word healthy is relative after all. This mug cake doesn't have all the butter, oil and refined sugar that a regular chocolate cake would have in it. It is also healthier as it is individual cakes, rather than a whole one, so it's all about portion control. If you are expecting a super sweet cake, you will be disappointed. But, this does have enough sweetness to it.

    We swapped the butter for Greek yogurt and used just a little maple syrup rather that a lot of refined sugar. This is still a dessert though, so portion control is what helps it to be healthier.

    There is also a little surprise when you dig your spoon in. By adding a tiny bit of chocolate to the mix, it melts and makes a molten middle. This can be left out and it will reduce the calories and it still tastes great. If you do add some chocolate, try to use good quality dark chocolate.

    Flavour options

    The great thing about this healthy chocolate mug cake is that you can easily adapt it with of flavours and fillings, so you never have to have it the same way twice. Here are some of our favourite things to add:

    • Nutella
    • Biscoff
    • Orange extract
    • Peppermint extract
    • Cinnamon
    • Cherries
    someone spooning out some chocolate cake from a large mug.

    FAQs

    How many does this serve?

    We have made this in one mug with is meant to be shared. To make two individual mug cakes, halve the ingredients and put them in separate mugs.

    How long to cook mug cake for?

    Cooking times really will vary depending on the mug you have used and how powerful your microwave is, so you maybe have to experiment a little. This cake is meant to be fudgy, however if you want it less fudgy, then you can cook it for 5-10 seconds longer. Be careful that it doesn't dry out though.

    Can healthy chocolate mug cake be oven cooked?

    All the cooking for this cake is done in the microwave, and it's designed for a speedy chocolate fix. Cooking in the oven isn't really the point and there are a million great oven baked chocolate cake recipes out there.
    When you're in a hurry or you just can't be bothered to bake a cake in the oven, this microwave chocolate cake is for you.

    What to serve with healthy chocolate mug cake

    A dessert eaten straight from a mug doesn't really lend itself to accompaniments. You could drizzle a small amount of cream on top or Greek yogurt, some nut butter or sprinkle a few small chunks of fruit.
    For an additional bit of flavour, why not add some orange zest or juice, desiccated coconut, chunks of cookie, cherries or ginger?
    We served ours with Greek yogurt and some choc shot syrup and a little powdered sugar. Banana and caramel sauce is another great flavour topping too.

    Can you make it ahead?

    There really is no need to make ahead as the whole process takes less than 5 minutes. If you're making more than one, the cooking time increases, but it is still a very quick process. 
    If you are really pressed for time, you could mix the ingredients beforehand and keep it in the fridge. Remove the mixture from the fridge about 30 minutes before you are ready to cook.

    heart icon

    Extra tips

    • The cake will be HOT when it first comes out of the microwave. Leave to cool for a couple of minutes before eating.
    • Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for presentation.
    • Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave.

    More chocolate recipes

    • Easy Chocolate Mousse in a glass ramekin topped with raspberries.
      Easy Chocolate Mousse
    • Slow cooker chocolate cake in a bowl with a ball of vanilla ice cream.
      Slow Cooker Chocolate Cake
    • A plate of cubes of chocolate fudge.
      Slow Cooker Chocolate Fudge
    • Mint Chocolate Dessert in a glass topped with chocolate chips and mint leaves.
      Mint Chocolate Dessert

    If you’ve tried this microwave mug cake, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
    Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

    Recipe

    Healthy chocolate mug cake in front of a towel

    Healthy Chocolate Mug Cake

    By: Dannii Martin
    For a quick and easy chocolate fix that is lower in calories, try this super simple Chocolate Mug Cake. Healthier than most and totally delicious.
    An illustration of a v-shaped plant.
    Vegetarian
    4.74 from 52 votes
    Pin Print Save recipe Recipe saved!
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American, British
    Prep: 2 minutes mins
    Cook: 2 minutes mins
    Total: 4 minutes mins
    Servings: 2 servings
    Calories: 272kcal
    Allergens:
    An illustration of a carton of milk.
    Dairy
    An illustration of two ears of wheat.
    Gluten
    An illustration of four different nuts.
    Nuts
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 3 tablespoon Plain flour
    • 3 tablespoon Cocoa powder
    • 1 teaspoon Baking powder
    • 1 pinch Sea salt
    • 2 tablespoon 0% Greek yogurt
    • 3 tablespoon Nut butter
    • 1 tablespoon Maple syrup
    • 4 tablespoon Whole milk
    • 30 g (2 tablespoon) Milk chocolate chips

    Instructions

    • Combine 3 tablespoon Plain flour, 3 tablespoon Cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon Baking powder and 1 pinch Sea salt in a large mug.
    • Add 4 tablespoon Whole milk, 2 tablespoon 0% Greek yogurt, 3 tablespoon Nut butter and 1 tablespoon Maple syrup.
    • Add 30 g Milk chocolate chips. Mix well.
    • Cook in the microwave on high power for 90 seconds.
    • Top with yogurt and chocolate sauce (optional)

    Recipe tips

    • The cake will be HOT when it first comes out of the microwave. Leave to cool for a couple of minutes before eating.
    • Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for presentation.
    • Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave.

    Nutritional Information

    Serving: 1cake | Calories: 272kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 47mg | Potassium: 600mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 50IU | Calcium: 246mg | Iron: 3mg

    The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rkm

      May 28, 2023 at 7:12 pm

      5 stars
      Super easy, super quick, my 5 year old and I absolutely loved it! We're a low sugar household so he's used to the richer taste of dark chocolate and this was delightful. Next time I'll halve the recipe, though. Bit too much for one person.

      Reply
    2. Kiara

      September 01, 2022 at 3:27 pm

      5 stars
      I started making this before realizing I didn't have cocoa powder. I used chocolate protein powder instead and everything else was as you wrote. Came out perfect!

      Reply
      • Dannii

        September 01, 2022 at 5:38 pm

        Oooh thanks for the tips! I will try that next time.

        Reply
    3. Amy

      July 03, 2022 at 11:42 pm

      2 stars
      I really, really wanted to like this, but it just wasn't good. Too dry, not chocolatey enough. Texture was off. Disappointing.

      Reply
      • Dannii

        July 04, 2022 at 1:58 pm

        Sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy it. It shouldn't be dry - that sounds like you might have cooked it for too long. Every microwave cooks differently, so if yours is more powerful than mine, it will cook it quicker. As for not chocolatey enough, this is a healthier version of a traditional chocolate mug cake. So it is never going to be super chocolatey and gooey.

        Reply
    4. Jules P

      January 18, 2021 at 9:29 pm

      4 stars
      Hi. Any tips on mixing this fully? I struggled to mix it all properly so had a lump of nut butter in mine and cocoa powder at the bottom! Still tasted good though! Loving all your suggestions and your site is so easy to navigate.

      Reply
      • Dannii

        January 19, 2021 at 12:45 pm

        What was the problem with mixing it? It being too thick? or not enough room? If room is an issue, then you could mix it in a bowl and then pour in to the mix. There shouldn't be cocoa powder at the bottom if it has been mixed properly. You have to get the spoon right down to the bottom to make sure everything is mixing. In terms of the nut butter, it will depend on what you used. What nut? What brand? Some are thicker than others. You should mix your nut butter jar first to make sure it is runny. If it still isn't runny, you can melt it in the microwave for a few seconds before using it to make the mug cake.

        Reply
      • Kris M

        March 09, 2022 at 12:56 am

        2 stars
        Not sure what this was… but it wasn’t cake. Ew.

        Reply
        • Dannii

          March 09, 2022 at 7:19 am

          Sorry you didn't enjoy it. However, as it is a healthy version and it is cooked in the microwave and not baked in an oven, it won't taste the same as a full fat caked baked in the oven.

          Reply
    5. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry

      January 13, 2021 at 11:13 am

      5 stars
      You had me at the words 'healthy' and 'chocolate' - those words don't often go together so when they do, they are music to my ears! You can't beat a mug cake and this sounds and looks so delicious and indulgent!

      Reply
    6. Jane Saunders

      January 12, 2021 at 3:47 pm

      5 stars
      I love all your ideas for pimping this recipe occasionally. My kids love Biscoff, so that might be first.

      Reply
    7. Maria

      January 12, 2021 at 3:44 pm

      5 stars
      Hey! Less guilt, more yum!

      Reply
    8. Toni

      January 12, 2021 at 3:13 pm

      5 stars
      I really loved how easy this is to make! Everyone at my house enjoyed it!

      Reply
    9. Shelley

      January 12, 2021 at 3:09 pm

      5 stars
      I just love that this can be whipped up in no time - and is the perfect little portion size, so I don't have to figure out what to do with an entire cake lol! And thanks for the fabulous ideas to customize it, like orange, coconut, and (YUMMM!) cherries!

      Reply
    10. Sharon

      January 12, 2021 at 2:57 pm

      5 stars
      This is the perfect chocolate treat that you don't have to feel guilty about.

      Reply
    11. Claudia Lamascolo

      January 12, 2021 at 12:43 pm

      5 stars
      I love how rich and dark this looks which dark chocolate is our favorite and this is so simple for the kids at college!

      Reply
    12. Jen

      January 12, 2021 at 12:23 pm

      5 stars
      Perfect work from home snack. Love that you can make just one and the yogurt keeps it moist. Yum!

      Reply
    13. Danielle Wolter

      January 12, 2021 at 11:46 am

      5 stars
      I am all about a cake in a mug - and in need for a healthier version too! This sounds absolutely delicious and easier on my waistline :-)

      Reply
    14. Jess

      January 11, 2021 at 5:53 pm

      5 stars
      This is everything my chocolate dreams are made of! Love that I can make this for myself to enjoy after I put kids to bed!

      Reply
    15. Chris Collins

      January 11, 2021 at 5:41 pm

      5 stars
      Loving this healthy version of a chocolate cake! Can't wait to try the recipe :)

      Reply
    16. Julie Menghini

      January 11, 2021 at 5:36 pm

      5 stars
      This look so super chocolatey! So good! Really love that I can make this anytime I'm craving chocolate!

      Reply
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