This single serving chocolate mug cake uses cake mix and cooks in the microwave in just one minute. No need for eggs, oil, or having to make an entire cake.
Because some days you only have enough time and energy to make a cake mix cake.
I’ve spent the last few years sharing many mug cake recipes that are pretty quick and easy, but they are all from-scratch cakes that require several ingredients. The most common issue that people seem to have when they want to make one of my mug cakes is that they are missing an ingredient, especially baking powder. However, most people do have cake mix on hand.
I had some leftover cake mix and I was wondering what to do with it when it occurred to me to try making a mug cake with the cake mix. I’ve used it to make chewy chocolate cookies before so why not a mug cake?
To my surprise, when I did a little research online to see if such recipes existed, most of the mug cakes that used cake mix also required oil, water and a fraction of an egg. Or they would require using other not as common ingredients like angel cake mix.
I was convinced there must be a way to make the mug cake without the egg because no one likes dealing with a fraction of an egg.
After several trials (I actually finished all the leftover cake mix and had to open a new one), I finally made a few versions that I’m happy with. This chocolate mug cake is soft, fluffy and moist. It does have a little bit looser crumb since there is no egg acting as a binding agent, but if you are eating it in a mug, this shouldn’t be an issue.
I don’t usually like to make cake mix cakes, but this is a quick way to satisfy your cake cravings without a lot of work or clean-up. Do you have an air fryer? You should check out my Air Fryer Cake Mix Mug Cake, too. I’ve also made a Cake Mix Lava Cake inspired by this recipe! You can check also find the rest of my mug cake recipes here.
Find all my recipe videos on my youtube page.
3 Ingredient Chocolate Cake Mix Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp chocolate cake mix (see note)
- 1 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tbsp semisweet chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe mug, add cake mix, water and applesauce. Mix with a mini whisk until batter is smooth. If using chocolate chips, add and stir in 1 tbsp into the batter. Sprinkle remaining over top of the batter.
- Cook in the microwave at full power for 1 minute. Allow cake to cool a few minutes before eating.
Video
Notes
- I tested this with Pillsbury and Betty Crocker cake mixes.
- I know some people might not keep applesauce on hand,but I found that it really helped keep the cake super moist and also helped bind it together better. If you don't have applesauce on hand, you can use 2 tbsp water and 1/2 tbsp oil (instead of the water and applesauce amounts listed). The cake stays moist but the crumb is quite loose which is why I prefer the applesauce version.
The nutrition information provided are only estimates based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a certified nutritionist. Please consult a professional nutritionist or doctor for accurate information and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.
Can’t wait to try the mug cake recipe but have a question. Do you use regular dry cake mix or can the Super Moist mixes work too?
Thanks
I’ve done it with the supermoist mixes too.
I used Duncan Hines triple chocolate cake mix and a 1 1/2 tsp oil I mixed it in a sprayed soup individual casserole about 3/4 c cake mix. And just enough water to make a cake batter. I put 1 TBSP of caramel on the top of the batter. Microwaved for 1:50 I got a wonderful moist cake with a lava center. MAKE SURE TO LET IT. THE CARAMEL WILL BURN.
I’m glad you got it to work for you
Heavenly! I’ve tried a number of recipes for mug cake. While good and satisfying the “hummer,” they didn’t really taste “cake-y.” I wanted to give mugs with a gingerbread cake mix (Betty Crocker) for Christmas gifts. I tried this in my search for recipes to include. Perfect! Light, fluffy, warm Gingerbread Cake! Dollop of whip cream! Heavenly!
I’m so happy you liked it so much!
Hi, can I use yogurt instead of the applesauce?
I have not tested it with yogurt
Just made this tonight as I was craving chocolate cake. So very moist and utterly delicious. I omitted the chocolate chips and topped it with some cream cheese icing. Will never buy the store bought ones again. When I tried them, I found them dry. I am dieting too so avoiding processed foods.
Was wondering how you store the leftover cake mix? Also, would you have nutritional value?
Thank you for sharing this recipe.
unused cake mix can be stored sealed in your pantry. The nutrition value will vary depending on the cake mix you choose
Claire. January 8, 2020
I made this cake tonight. I only had chunky applesauce. So I spent a little time mashing it before adding it to the cup. I microwaved it for 80 seconds. Maybe it took longer because of that applesauce or different type cup or microwave or whatever. It turned out great. Then I made myself clean up the kitchen just so it could cool a bit. I topped the cake with whipped cream and actually went to food heaven. I love this recipe. I am glad I can store the remainder of the mix in the cabinet. Thank you so much for the recipe and the advice.
I’m glad the recipe worked out for you!
Made this recipe a couple of time and it’s great! I did just try it with iced coffee replacing the water, and it was sooo good!
what a great idea!
I have used this recipe twice now with my students at school, they absolutely love it and its so easy to do and less mess, they have requested that we do this every year!! Thanks for giving me this idea, I only have access to a microwave so it was a nice treat that we could make at school!
I love that you were able to make this with your students!
This is the first mug cake I have tried. I used Duncan Hines butter cake mix and only 1 tablespoon of mini chocolate chips. My family liked it a lot. I like that it has no oil or egg, and I will definitely be making this again. Thanks!
I’m so glad you enjoyed!
I really wanted cake tonight. So I found this recipe and gave it a whirl. Both my hubby and I loved it. A great quarantine treat! Thank you
So glad you both enjoyed it!
Yummy
Have made these a few times using the oil method & they are great! So easy to make! Tonight I used the applesauce method and switched out chocolate to peanut butter chips & added some crushed almonds to it! So good!!
So happy you liked the recipe!
Yay! Love this recipe! Was looking for something to make with the leftover Funfetti cake mix I had opened a few weeks ago, and this worked great! I added applesauce like was mentioned (healthier than oil or butter) and put in white chocolate chips. So moist and tasty! Thank you for the great recipe!
I’m so glad you enjoyed!
Just want to thank you for this single cup receipe idea. As a senior I don’t buy whole cakes because it is just my husband and I. This is the best idea I have seen and tried. Worked great because sometimes I get a craving for cake and my husband does not. For 2 seniors, I can make a cup as we feel like it. Best part is “No waste!”
I’m glad you like it!
Haven’t tried it yet, but wanted to thank you. I have a son with milk and egg allergy. I am going to purchase a box he can have and have cake ready so quickly on special occasions, like tomorrow for Father’s Day! Where have you been all his life (25 years). Thank you so much!
I hope he enjoys!
OMG, just made this with Pillsbury Sugar Free Devil’s Food Cake Mix. Totally decadent, even without chocolate chips cuz I didn’t have any. I am going to assemble ingredients as a “kit” and gift to a friend tomorrow for her birthday!
I hope your friend enjoys your kit!
I love this! You said it took youseveral trials before you made a version you were happy with. What made the difference? The amount of water? Thanks!
I tried it a lot of different ways including just water, just oil, yogurt, etc.
Just what I wanted. Not bad for a quick snack.
I’m so happy to hear that!
What size mug do you use? I am trying the recipe today with yogurt instead of applesauce. I do not have applesauce. Thank you.
Liza
8oz mug
Hi, I wanted to make this, but I don’t have applesauce and was wondering if I can do it without applesauce?
yes, look at the notes in the recipe box