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What I love most about this no-bake vegan chocolate mug cake is how ridiculously easy it is to make. No oven, no fancy baking skills—just a mug, a handful of simple ingredients, and a microwave. In less than five minutes, I’m digging into a warm, gooey chocolate cake that tastes like pure heaven. It’s perfect for those late-night sweet cravings, a post-dinner dessert, or even a great afternoon pick-me-up.
Plus, this little cake isn’t just delicious—it’s healthier than your average chocolate cake. I make it with oat milk, coconut oil, and cacao powder, which means it’s naturally plant-based and gluten-free. And the best part? It’s completely customizable!
Why This No-Bake Vegan Recipe Rawks
This vegan chocolate mug cake is the ultimate quick and healthy indulgence. It’s completely plant-based and gluten-free, so I can enjoy a rich, fudgy dessert without any dairy, eggs, or refined sugar. Since it’s made with wholesome ingredients like oat milk, cacao powder, and maple syrup, it’s a treat that makes me feel good.
Plus, it’s perfectly portioned—no leftovers tempting me for days! I also love that it’s a one-mug, no-mess recipe, which means less cleanup (because who has time to wash a pile of dishes?).
And since it cooks in just 60–90 seconds in the microwave, I don’t have to wait long to satisfy my chocolate cravings. Whether I need a quick energy boost, or just a little self-care moment, this vegan chocolate mug cake always delivers!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This vegan chocolate mug cake is my go-to when I need a quick, rich, and fudgy treat. It’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together in minutes. Here’s what I’m using to make this indulgent single-serving cake:
- Oat Milk (Unsweetened): This plant-based milk keeps the cake moist and creamy without overpowering the chocolate flavor. I like using oat milk because it has a naturally mild sweetness and a smooth texture. You can learn how to make oat milk or check out my list of the best oat milk brands.
- Coconut Oil (Melted): For that perfect fudgy texture, coconut oil adds richness and keeps the cake from drying out. If you prefer an oil-free option, unsweetened applesauce makes a great alternative while still keeping the cake soft.
- Maple Syrup: Instead of refined sugar, I’m using pure maple syrup for natural sweetness. It blends beautifully with the chocolate flavors, or you can check out my list of the best natural sweeteners for more ideas.
- Vanilla Extract: A small amount of vanilla enhances the deep chocolate flavors and rounds out the sweetness. I always opt for pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
- Gluten-Free Flour: To keep the cake light, I use a good-quality gluten-free flour blend. You can also use Almond flour in the pantry section.
- Baking Powder: This is what makes the gluten-free vegan mug cake rise properly and have a soft, cake-like texture. Without it, the cake would be dense instead of airy and light.
- Cacao Powder: For that rich, intense chocolate flavor, cacao powder is a must. It’s less processed than unsweetened cocoa powder. It means that it has a deeper, slightly bitter chocolate taste. If you only have cocoa powder, that works too!
- Dark Chocolate Chips (Optional): I’ll stir in a handful of dairy-free extra chocolate chips for gooey chocolate in every bite. You can also sprinkle some on top for an even richer experience.
How to Make a Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake
Making this vegan chocolate mug cake is as easy as mixing, microwaving, and enjoying! Follow these simple steps, and in just minutes, you’ll have a rich, fudgy, and completely satisfying no-bake dessert.
- Start by pouring oat milk into a 2-cup microwave-safe mug. Add a splash of vanilla extract and give it a quick stir.
2. Whisk together the mixture with melted coconut oil, and maple syrup until everything is well combined.
3. Add gluten-free flour, cacao powder, baking powder, and a pinch of sea salt in a separate bowl.
4. Mix all the dry ingredients together until they are well combined.
5. Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the mug with the wet ingredients. Mix everything until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
6. Sprinkle dairy-free chocolate chips on top of the batter. Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 1 minute and 10 seconds.
7. Top your mug cake with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream. The warm cake and cold ice cream create the perfect contrast!
How to make a Gooey Mug Cake
For the best fudgy texture, slightly undercook the cake. The vegan chocolate chip mug cake will continue to cook as it cools, ensuring a soft and gooey center. This little trick is key to achieving the perfect balance between a warm, rich outer layer and a melt-in-your-mouth interior!
Easy Swaps and Add-Ins
This vegan chocolate mug cake recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious ways to customize your no-bake vegan mug cake to suit your tastes:
- Boost with homemade nut butter: For added richness, try mixing in a tablespoon of almond butter. It makes the cake extra moist and adds a delightful nutty flavor.
- Top with coconut whipped cream: After microwaving, top your mug cake with my easy creamy coconut whipped cream for a quick icing.
- Crunchy texture: Add some crushed nuts or shredded coconut on top for a satisfying crunch that complements the soft cake.
- Mocha twist: Want a little coffee flavor? Add ½ teaspoon of instant coffee to the batter for a mocha-inspired mug cake.
- Peppermint brownie cake: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter for a tasty holiday-inspired flavor.
- Oil-free version: Want to skip the oil? Substitute coconut oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter, oil-free version.
- Protein boost: Add a tablespoon of my amazing homemade protein powder or another plant-based protein powder to turn your vegan chocolate mug cake into a protein-packed treat!
Health Benefits of Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake
Not only is this vegan cup chocolate cake a delicious treat, but it also is surprisingly good for you as well.
Cacao powder is packed with antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and support heart health. Dark chocolate has natural compounds that can improve your mood, and this mug cake delivers that in spades. Cacao contains theobromine and phenylethylamine, known to promote feelings of happiness and increase serotonin levels in the brain. Eating this cake can be your own personal mood-lifting treat!
Since this no-bake recipe is made with vegan ingredients, it’s a great option for those looking to reduce their intake of animal products. Oat milk is not only dairy free but also rich in fiber and healthy fats, making this dessert more nutritious. In addition, a benefit of using coconut oil is that it aids with digestion. Instead of refined granulated sugar or cane sugar, this cake is sweetened with maple syrup, which is lower on the glycemic index than regular sugar, making it a better choice for keeping blood sugar levels stable.
Common Questions
If your vegan chocolate mug cake turned out rubbery, it could be due to overmixing the batter or overcooking it in the microwave. Overmixing can cause the gluten-free flour to develop too much, leading to a dense, rubbery texture. To prevent this, mix the ingredients just until combined—don’t overdo it!
To make a no-sugar vegan chocolate cake, you can swap out traditional sweeteners like maple syrup or sugar for natural alternatives. Try using stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol, which are all excellent sugar substitutes with little to no calories. For added sweetness, mashed banana or applesauce can be used to provide moisture and a natural touch of sweetness.
Other Vegan Desserts
If you’re loving this vegan chocolate mug cake, you might also want to try:
- Gluten-Free Banana Muffins: Moist and fluffy, packed with banana flavor and gluten-free goodness.
- Vegan Blueberry Muffins: Light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh blueberry goodness.
- No-Bake Energy Balls: A quick, protein-packed snack for when you’re on the go.
- Fudgy Gluten-Free Brownies: Rich, fudgy, and perfectly indulgent with no gluten.
- Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies: Soft, chewy, and packed with melty chocolate chips.
If you make this Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.
Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp oat milk unsweetened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp coconut oil melted
- ¼ cup gluten free flour
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp cacao powder
- ⅛ tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp dark chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Whisk together milk, vanilla, oil and maple syrup in a 2-cup mug.
- In a small bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cacao and salt.
- Add the flour mixture to the mug and whisk until clumps are gone and everything is mixed well. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Microwave for 1 minute and 10 seconds (800 watt microwave).
- Let cool slightly and enjoy.
