Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating a decadent, easy-to-make Nutella Mug Cake! This recipe delivers the perfect harmony of rich chocolate and creamy hazelnut in a single-serving delight, ready in mere minutes. Forget elaborate baking; this microwave wonder is your ticket to instant gratification, ideal for satisfying those sudden sweet cravings without any fuss or a mountain of dishes. Dive into the world of quick desserts with a recipe so simple, yet so incredibly delicious, it will become your new go-to treat.
Indulge in Minutes: The Ultimate Easy Nutella Mug Cake Recipe
There’s something uniquely satisfying about a dessert that comes together almost instantly, especially when it involves the irresistible combination of chocolate and hazelnut. This Nutella Mug Cake recipe is designed for those moments when you crave something sweet and comforting but don’t have the time or energy for traditional baking. It’s a game-changer for solo indulgence or a sweet treat shared between two, though we won’t judge if you decide to keep this entire warm, gooey masterpiece all to yourself!
What makes this Nutella Mug Cake truly special is its incredible simplicity and speed. From gathering your few ingredients to taking that first blissful bite, the entire process takes less than five minutes. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like magic, transforming basic pantry staples and a dollop of beloved Nutella into a moist, tender cake right in your microwave. This individual portion ensures you have just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth without overdoing it, making it the ideal anytime dessert.
Why This Nutella Mug Cake Will Be Your New Favorite
This isn’t just another mug cake recipe; it’s a celebration of convenience and flavor. Here’s why you’ll adore this simple yet sensational dessert:
- Unbeatable Speed: In a fast-paced world, waiting for dessert can be a test of patience. With a prep time of minutes and a cook time of seconds, this mug cake delivers deliciousness when you need it most.
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Reward: You only need a few common pantry ingredients and a microwave-safe mug. No stand mixer, no multiple bowls, and minimal cleanup.
- Perfect Portion Control: Craving something sweet but don’t want an entire cake? This recipe is perfectly scaled for one generous serving, or two if you’re feeling exceptionally generous.
- Irresistible Flavor: The rich, creamy, chocolate-hazelnut flavor of Nutella is the star here, blended perfectly with cocoa for an intense chocolate experience that’s both comforting and luxurious.
- Customizable Delight: While fantastic on its own, this mug cake is a blank canvas for your creativity. Add toppings, mix-ins, or serve it with your favorite ice cream for an elevated experience.
The Rise of the Mug Cake Phenomenon
Mug cakes have surged in popularity for good reason, becoming a beloved staple for anyone seeking quick, single-serving desserts. Their origin is somewhat nebulous, likely emerging from home cooks experimenting with microwave baking in the early 2000s, but they truly took off with the rise of online recipe sharing. The concept is genius: combine ingredients directly in a mug, microwave for a minute or two, and voilà—a warm, freshly baked cake is ready. This method drastically cuts down on baking time and cleanup, making desserts accessible on busy weeknights or for spontaneous cravings. Nutella, with its widespread appeal and ease of use, was a natural fit for this trend, lending its signature flavor to countless rapid-fire recipes, including this delightful mug cake.
Ingredients for Your Dream Nutella Mug Cake
Crafting this epic Nutella Mug Cake requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the fundamental structure for our cake, ensuring it holds together beautifully.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds a deep, rich chocolate flavor that complements and enhances the hazelnut notes from the Nutella. Using unsweetened cocoa allows us to control the sweetness of the cake precisely.
- Baking Powder: The leavening agent responsible for giving our mug cake its light, airy, and fluffy texture, ensuring it rises nicely in the microwave.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and intensifying the chocolate and hazelnut flavors, making them pop.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, adding moisture, richness, and helping the cake achieve a tender crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a moist cake texture, ensuring a delightful indulgence.
- Nutella: The star of the show! This chocolate-hazelnut spread brings unparalleled flavor and an incredibly moist, gooey consistency to the cake.
Essential Equipment Needed
- Microwave-safe Mug: Choose a mug that is at least 10-12 ounces to prevent overflow during cooking. Ensure it’s genuinely microwave-safe to avoid any issues.
- Fork: Perfect for mixing the ingredients directly in the mug and, of course, for digging into your finished cake!
How to Make Your Nutella Mug Cake: A Quick & Easy Guide
Get ready for a super-fast and incredibly satisfying baking experience! This Nutella Mug Cake recipe is so simple, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create a warm, decadent dessert. Be warned: it’s so good, you’ll want to scrape every last bit from the mug!
1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In your chosen microwave-safe mug, thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Use a fork to whisk these dry ingredients until they are uniformly mixed, ensuring even distribution of the leavening agent.
2. Add Wet Ingredients & Mix: Crack the egg directly into the mug, then add the granulated sugar and the glorious Nutella. With your fork, beat all the ingredients together vigorously until they are very well blended and no streaks of flour or egg remain. The batter should be smooth and cohesive.
3. Microwave: Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 75 to 90 seconds. Microwave wattages vary, so start with 75 seconds and add more time in 10-second increments if the center isn’t fully set. The cake should be risen and slightly firm to the touch in the middle.
4. Cool & Enjoy: Carefully remove the hot mug from the microwave. Let the cake cool slightly for a minute or two before you grab your fork and dig in. This short cooling period allows the cake to set further and prevents burning your tongue on the molten chocolate hazelnut goodness.
This Nutella Mug Cake recipe is a testament to how simple yet incredibly satisfying homemade desserts can be. The warm, soft texture combined with the intense chocolate-hazelnut flavor makes it an instant classic. It’s perfect for satisfying those sudden cravings, and the best part is that it requires minimal effort and cleanup. For an extra touch of decadence, consider adding a dollop of chocolate frosting or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm cake and cool ice cream is pure bliss. Fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries, also make a fantastic pairing, adding a touch of freshness and tartness that cuts through the richness—oh, yum!
Preparation and Storage Tips
Make Ahead & Storage: This microwave mug cake is truly a made-to-order masterpiece, best enjoyed fresh from the microwave. Because it’s perfectly portioned for one or two people, storing leftovers is rarely an issue. The charm of a mug cake lies in its instant gratification, so whip it up when the craving strikes for the best experience. If, by some miracle, you have a tiny bit left, cover it tightly and refrigerate, but know that the texture might change slightly upon reheating.
Freezing/How to Freeze: While this single-serving Nutella Mug Cake is meant to be devoured in one sitting, freezing it is generally not recommended as the texture can become rubbery when thawed and reheated. However, if you want to add a delightful cool element, try stirring in some frozen berries or cherries to the batter before microwaving. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or even dark cherries would be fantastic additions, adding a burst of fruitiness and a pleasant temperature contrast.
Recipe Variations to Explore
The beauty of this Nutella Mug Cake lies not only in its simplicity but also in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with these variations to customize your perfect dessert:
Substitutions: While we adore the authentic flavor of Nutella, there are many chocolate hazelnut spreads available if you’re feeling adventurous. Explore different brands or homemade versions for unique flavor profiles. You might find a new favorite! For those looking for alternatives, consider almond butter chocolate spreads or even a simple chocolate ganache if you’re not strictly tied to the hazelnut flavor.
Vegetarian Option: This delightful dessert recipe is inherently vegetarian-friendly, requiring no modifications. Enjoy as is!
Vegan Option: To make this mug cake suitable for a vegan diet, a few adjustments are necessary. Nutella contains skimmed milk powder, so you’ll need to source a vegan chocolate-hazelnut spread (many excellent options are available at health food stores or online). Additionally, replace the egg with a plant-based egg substitute, such as a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or a commercial vegan egg replacer.
Gluten-Free: Nutella itself is a gluten-free product. For gluten-free bakers, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. Look for blends that contain xanthan gum for the best texture, or add a pinch if your blend doesn’t include it. This ensures your mug cake retains its tender crumb.
Make it Spicy: For a surprisingly delicious kick, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients. Start with a small amount (⅛ teaspoon) and adjust to taste for a subtle warmth that enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.
Sugar-Free: The original recipe contains sugar from both granulated sugar and Nutella. To create a sugar-free version, use a sugar-free granulated sweetener equivalent and a sugar-free chocolate-hazelnut spread. Be mindful that the texture might vary slightly with different sugar substitutes.
Tips for the Best Nutella Mug Cake Ever
- Don’t Overmix: While you want all ingredients well combined, overmixing the batter can lead to a tougher cake. Mix just until smooth.
- Microwave Wattage Varies: Microwaves differ significantly in power. Start with the lower end of the cooking time (75 seconds) and add 10-15 second bursts until the cake is set but still moist. Overcooking will result in a dry, rubbery cake.
- Let it Rest: A minute or two of cooling time after microwaving allows the cake to firm up slightly and cool down to an enjoyable temperature.
- Enhance Your Creation: While delicious on its own, feel free to get creative! Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of chocolate chips, or chopped hazelnuts for an extra homemade flair. A drizzle of extra Nutella or a spoonful of vanilla ice cream elevates this simple treat into a gourmet experience.
- Mug Size Matters: Use a mug that’s large enough (at least 10-12 oz capacity) to allow the cake to rise without overflowing.
When & What to Serve with Your Nutella Mug Cake
This no-fail Nutella Mug Cake is your go-to whenever you desire a sweet treat to magically appear in front of you. It’s perfect for a late-night indulgence, a quick dessert after dinner, or even a cozy movie night snack. Here are some complementary ideas for when and what to serve with your instant delight:
Perfect Occasions:
- Evening Treat: The ultimate comfort food after a long day.
- Movie Night: Pair with your favorite film for a cozy experience.
- Unexpected Guests: Impress with a quick, custom dessert.
- Kids’ Parties: A fun, individual dessert for little hands.
- Study Snack: A sweet energy boost for focused minds.
Decadent Pairings:
While this mug cake is a standalone star, consider these equally indulgent and low-effort additions:
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla bean, coffee, or even hazelnut ice cream takes this dessert to another level.
- Whipped Cream: Freshly whipped cream or a dollop of canned whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries offer a refreshing tartness that cuts through the richness of the chocolate and hazelnut.
- Chocolate Sauce/Caramel Drizzle: For the ultimate chocolate lover, an extra drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce is always welcome.
- Chopped Nuts: A sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts adds a delightful crunch.
For those looking for a complete meal experience, here are some other fantastic recipes from our collection:
Sides: Pair your mug cake with savory delights like Sausage Cream Cheese Rolls, crispy Air Fryer Spanakopita, classic Pigs in a Blanket, flavorful Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip, spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower, fresh Black Bean Salsa, festive Cranberry Salsa, quick Air Fryer Frozen Potato Skins, crowd-pleasing Pizza Monkey Bread, savory Crock Pot Reuben Dip, or tasty Buffalo Chicken Wontons.
Main Dishes: Follow up with hearty options like CrockPot Swedish Meatballs, robust Slow Cooker Beer Chili, comforting Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese, delightful Corn & Black Bean Taquitos, unique Chicken & Waffles with Spicy Dipping Sauce, satisfying Quick & Easy Ramen Bowl, fun Pulled Pork Parfait, wholesome CrockPot Cabbage Rolls, or flavorful Easy Vegetable Lo Mein.
Other Desserts: If one sweet treat isn’t enough, explore more of our easy dessert recipes such as Marshmallow Fluff Fruit Dip, tangy Cherry Cheesecake Dip, playful Booty Dip, gooey Air Fryer S’mores, delightful Hot Chocolate Muddy Buddies, simple No Bake Peanut Butter Balls, or wholesome Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies.
Great Nutella Recipes to Try Next
For over a decade, we’ve been sharing our favorite recipes, and Nutella has always held a special place in our hearts (and kitchens!). Here are some more fantastic Nutella creations from our archives that you absolutely must try:
3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies
Nutella Pumpkin Bars
Nutella Banana Bread
Nutella Popsicles
Nutella Fudge
Do you love discovering new recipes? Be sure to explore our extensive collection of copycat recipes, irresistible dessert recipes, and comforting CrockPot Recipes.
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Super Easy Nutella Mug Cake Recipe
How to make an easy delicious Nutella Mug Cake Recipe in minutes.
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Prep Time: 4 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 6 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 582 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons All Purpose Flour
- 1 ½ Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon Baking Powder
- pinch Salt
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 Tablespoon White Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Nutella
Instructions
- In a mug, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Beat in egg, sugar, and Nutella with a fork until very well blended.
- Microwave on high for 75-90 seconds, or until risen and center is set.
- Let cool slightly before digging in.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Super Easy Nutella Mug Cake Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 582 Calories from Fat 243
% Daily Value*
Fat 27g 42%
Saturated Fat 23g 144%
Cholesterol 164mg 55%
Sodium 96mg 4%
Potassium 577mg 16%
Carbohydrates 75g 25%
Fiber 7g 29%
Sugar 52g 58%
Protein 13g 26%
Vitamin A 238IU 5%
Calcium 148mg 15%
Iron 6mg 33%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Recipe originally shared April 6, 2014, updated March 13, 2020, September 2023.