Chocolate and Peanut Butter Mug Cake Recipe
Craving a gooey, rich dessert that takes just minutes to make? This chocolate and peanut butter mug cake is your answer.
Using basic pantry ingredients like 4 tablespoons of flour, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, a tablespoon of peanut butter, and a dash of milk, you can mix everything right in a mug.
After stirring well with a fork or spoon, it cooks in the microwave in just 60–90 seconds. The result?
A warm, chocolatey cake with a swirl of creamy peanut butter that melts in your mouth.
Preparation Snapshot
htmlCopyEdit| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mins | 1 min | 6 mins | Dessert | American | 1 |
Ingredients (with Alternatives)
htmlCopyEdit| Ingredient | 1 Serving | 2 Servings | Alternatives / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 4 tbsp | 8 tbsp | Oat flour, almond flour (for GF version) |
| Cocoa powder | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp | Dutch-processed or natural cocoa |
| Baking powder | ¼ tsp | ½ tsp | Not optional |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp | Brown sugar, coconut sugar |
| Milk of choice | 4 tbsp | 8 tbsp | Any plant-based or dairy milk |
| Vegetable oil | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | Melted butter or coconut oil |
| Peanut butter | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | Almond butter, cashew butter |
| Vanilla extract | ¼ tsp | ½ tsp | Optional but enhances flavor |
| Chocolate chips | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | Chunks or chopped chocolate |
| Salt | A pinch | A pinch | Balances the sweetness |
How to Make Chocolate and Peanut Butter Mug Cake
Before you begin, gather all your ingredients and ensure you’re using a microwave-safe mug (10 oz or larger) to prevent spillage during cooking.
This single-serve dessert combines rich chocolate flavor with the creamy goodness of peanut butter in under 5 minutes!
Step 1: Prepare the Mug
Choose a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 10 oz of liquid to avoid overflow while microwaving.
You don’t need to grease the mug, but if you prefer easier cleanup, a light coating of butter or oil on the inside can help.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Add the following directly into the mug:
- 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour – This forms the base of the cake. You can also use oat flour or almond flour as alternatives.
- 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder – This gives the cake its chocolatey depth.
- 2 tablespoons of sugar – Adjust based on your sweetness preference.
- ¼ teaspoon of baking powder – Helps the mug cake rise and become fluffy.
- A pinch of salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Use a fork or small whisk to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Now pour in the wet components:
- 4 tablespoons of milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond, oat, or soy) – Adds moisture.
- 1 tablespoon of neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or melted coconut oil) – Keeps the cake soft.
- ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract – Boosts the overall flavor.
Mix thoroughly until all dry patches are gone, forming a smooth and slightly thick batter.
Step 4: Add the Peanut Butter Center
Spoon 1 tablespoon of creamy peanut butter directly into the center of the batter.
You can either leave it as a gooey surprise center or gently swirl it into the batter with the tip of your spoon for a marbled effect.
If you’re using natural peanut butter, make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily.
Step 5: Optional Add-Ins
For extra richness, add:
- 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips sprinkled over the top or mixed into the batter. This gives the cake pockets of melted chocolate once microwaved.
You can also add chopped nuts or a dash of cinnamon if desired.
Step 6: Microwave the Mug Cake
Place your mug in the center of the microwave and cook on high power for 60 to 90 seconds. Cooking time varies based on your microwave wattage:
- Start with 60 seconds.
- If the top still looks slightly wet or undercooked, continue in 10-second intervals.
Avoid overcooking—the cake should be set on top but still soft and moist inside.
Step 7: Let It Cool Slightly
Once cooked, let the mug cake sit for 1–2 minutes. This allows it to finish cooking through with residual heat and avoids burning your mouth on the first bite.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy the mug cake straight from the mug or transfer it to a small bowl. Top it with an extra drizzle of peanut butter, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a few banana slices for a decadent dessert experience.
Variations to Try
Before diving into variations, remember the base recipe offers a rich chocolate flavor with creamy peanut butter. Here are some exciting ways to change it up:
Peanut Butter Swirl Chocolate Cake
Instead of mixing peanut butter in, swirl it in after mixing the chocolate batter.
Drop 1 tbsp of peanut butter on top of the mixed batter and swirl gently with a knife or skewer for a marbled effect before microwaving.
Banana-Peanut Butter Mug Cake
Add 2 tablespoons of mashed ripe banana into the batter with the milk. This adds natural sweetness and extra moisture.
You may reduce the sugar slightly in this variation.
Protein Boost
Replace 1 tablespoon of flour with 1 tablespoon of chocolate protein powder. Add an extra splash of milk to balance consistency.
Serving and Decoration Tips
- Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast.
- Drizzle warm chocolate syrup or extra peanut butter for a dramatic finish.
- Sprinkle with crushed peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or cocoa nibs.
- Serve warm straight from the mug, ideally with a long-handled spoon!
Storing Tips
Mug cakes are best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers:
- Cover the mug with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- To reheat, microwave in 10–15 second intervals until warm.
- Do not freeze, as texture may suffer after thawing.
Common Mistakes, Problems & Quick Fixes
htmlCopyEdit| Mistake | Problem Caused | Quick Fix / Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Using a small mug | Batter spills while microwaving | Use a mug with at least 10–12 oz capacity |
| Overcooking | Dry, rubbery cake | Start with 60 sec, then add more if needed |
| Using only natural peanut butter | Oily separation or clumping | Use smooth, stabilized peanut butter for best texture |
| Skipping baking powder | Flat texture | Always include to ensure rise |
Final Note
This chocolate and peanut butter mug cake delivers warm, rich flavor with melty chocolate and nutty goodness in every bite.
Perfect for when you’re short on time but want something truly satisfying. The recipe is versatile, beginner-friendly, and easy to customize for any taste preference.
Try it once, and it’ll be your go-to comfort dessert!
