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.
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?
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Step by step
One: Combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in a large mug.
Two: Add the milk, yogurt, nut butter and maple syrup.
Three: Add the chocolate chips.
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).
Five: Top with a dollop of yogurt and chocolate sauce (optional)
Why should you try 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
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.
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
FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Recipe
Healthy Chocolate Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon plain flour
- 3 tablespoon unsweetened 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 milk
- 30 g chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in a large mug.3 tablespoon plain flour, 3 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 pinch sea salt
- Add the milk, yogurt, nut butter and maple syrup.2 tablespoon 0% Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 4 tablespoon milk, 3 tablespoon nut butter
- Add the chocolate chips.30 g chocolate chips
- Cook in the microwave on high power for 90 seconds.
- Top with yogurt and chocolate sauce (optional)
Notes
- 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.
Carrie Robinson
I am loving this chocolaty, guilt-free treat for one! Definitely trying this recipe soon. :)
rika
A warm chocolate mug cake would be perfect for me right now.
Toni
This is seriously ahh-mazing! Love how easy and delicious it is!
Jen
This is the perfect sweet treat to indulge in once the kids are put to bed. A total Mom win for me!
Kathryn Donangelo
I love how healthy this recipe is especially for when I'm craving sweets! Love how you make this in a mug too for easy clean up :)
Alisa Infanti
Is it bad that I ate this for breakfast? So good with a cup of coffee!
Beth
My daughter and husband are going to love this recipe! Looks so delicious and easy! So excited to make this!
Sandhya's Kitchen
My kids love chocolate mug cakes and they are great as quick fixes to the cravings! Love the addition of peanut butter in it!
Danielle Wolter
The greek yogurt in this makes it so moist and delicious. Plus, peanut butter and chocolate is always a winner!
Helen
This looks like such a treat! Fudgy and chocolatey, and I love that it's ready so quickly.
Jacqueline Meldrum
I make mug cakes a lot for my husband and son. They love them. I like your idea of adding a piece of chocolate, I must try that.
Amanda Wren-Grimwood
This looks so comforting and great for those moments when only chocolate will do. Great for using store cupboard ingredients too.
Sophia
Hi Dannii, I just made this for breakfast and it was totally delicious! I added orange zest & replaced the chocolate squares with cacao nibs for some crunch and it was so scrummy & satisfying - thanks for toe lovely & simple recipes!
Sophia
Ps. I'm an 18 year old girl who isn't on any kind of weight loss journey but I'm still massively inspired by your blog x
Mallory
Oh my goodness! I just made this tonight for my fiancé and I and we both LOVED it! It was a great serving size to curb the chocolate craving I've had all day :) Thanks so much for sharing!
Alicia
I believe this is what I'll be making on Valentines Day for my boyfriend and the kids. They just got new "hot chocolate" mugs for christmas..so this will be a fun treat using those :) thank you for your posts...I'm always visiting your page for inspiration :)
Z
I just loveee your recipes.
Cannot wait to try this one out.
Tammy
This is really, really good. I just made it. Thank you Dannii!
Linsy
Can't wait to make this tomorrow. I love your recipes x
Natalie
I just made this and it is amazing! Thank you so much.
Vanessa
I am so happy to see this recipe. I remember when you mentioned it a few weeks ago and I have been checking your blog every day since waiting for it to go up. You could say I kind of like chocolate cake lol.