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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, making it plant-based and gluten-free.
Table of contents
What is a Chocolate Mug Cake?
A chocolate mug cake is a single-serve, microwave-ready dessert that mixes up right inside a mug. It’s meant to be quick, cozy, and portion-controlled. You don’t need an oven, it doesn’t make a mess, and no giant pan of leftovers calling your name.
My vegan version skips dairy, eggs, and refined sugar and uses simple, plant-based ingredients to create a rich, fudgy cake in about 90 seconds. Perfect for late-night cravings or anytime you want a warm chocolate treat without the extra work.
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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.
- 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: 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!
Recipe Tip
For the best fudgy texture, slightly undercook the cake. The vegan chocolate 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!
Recipe Variations
- 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.
- 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 pecans 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: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter for a tasty holiday-inspired flavor.
- Protein powder: 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!
Can I Make a Mug Cake in the Oven?
Yes, you can make this chocolate mug cake in an oven-safe ramekin. Bake at 350°F for about 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a knife in the middle and bake in 3 minute increments until done.
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.
Dietary Adjustments & Substitutions
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Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoon oat milk unsweetened
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil, unrefined melted
- ¼ cup gluten free flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoon cacao powder
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt, unrefined
- 1 tablespoon 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.
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a review for a chance to win signed copies of my cookbooks!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.
Can use almond flour?
Hey Jena— you can do that in place of the GF flour— it won’t be as light and fluffy yet it should still hold together nicely. I’d love to hear how it turns out so I can update the recipe with a note on this if you find it did work well.
We do not use a microwave in our house, do you have directions for baking in an oven?
I love that for you, Rebecca! We went without a microwave for over a decade, and honestly I loved it—definitely planning to go back once the kids are out of the house. I haven’t tested this recipe in the oven yet, but my best guess would be to use an oven-safe ramekin, bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes, and then check doneness by inserting a knife in the middle and bake in 3 minute increments until done.
I was very skeptical of this turning out when there was no egg or flax egg BUT it did rise nicely and the flavor was AMAZING. I love that it’s egg-free (price of eggs is insane lately!) but doesn’t taste like it. I’m def saving this recipe— it’s gonna get me through my chocolate cravings that hit once a month.
You’re so right, the price of eggs is insane! Yet, so great to have some recipes that don’t need them,right?!