This Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe is a quick and delicious treat made without any animal products, designed for those who enjoy easy, plant-based desserts.
Creating this Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe came from a desire to offer a simple way to enjoy chocolate cake without the hassle of baking a full cake or using dairy.
While mug cakes have been popular for years, this vegan version brings a healthier twist using wholesome ingredients like almond flour and maple syrup.
Below, you’ll find easy steps to prepare the cake along with ideas for serving, helpful tips, variations, storage advice, and answers to common questions.
Why We Love Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake
The Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake is loved because it comes together quickly using easy, natural ingredients that create a rich and moist texture.
This Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake offers a delicious chocolate experience without dairy or eggs, making it suitable for many dietary needs.
The warmth and comfort of a freshly made mug cake bring joy, especially when craving something sweet but not wanting to spend a lot of time baking.
The Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake delivers a homemade feel in just minutes, making it a great choice for a quick dessert or snack.
How To Prepare Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake?
Recipe Overview
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 2 minutes
- Total time: 7 minutes
- Course: Dessert
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
- Yield: 1 serving
Equipment Needed
- 1 microwave-safe mug (about 8 oz)
- 1 spoon for mixing
- Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- ½ tablespoon tapioca starch (or cornstarch as an alternative)
- 2 tablespoons fine oat flour
- â…› teaspoon fine salt
- 4 tablespoons superfine blanched almond flour (such as Bob’s Red Mill “superfine”)
- 1 ½ tablespoons dairy-free semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
- ÂĽ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ÂĽ teaspoon vanilla extract
How To Make Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a microwave-safe mug, combine cocoa powder, tapioca starch (or cornstarch), oat flour, almond flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir everything together with a small spoon or fork until well mixed and there are no visible lumps.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the water, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until a smooth batter forms. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the mug to incorporate all the dry ingredients.
3. Fold in Chocolate Chips
Add 1 tablespoon of the dairy-free chocolate chips into the batter and gently fold them in. Reserve the remaining ½ tablespoon to sprinkle on top.
4. Top and Microwave
Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on the surface of the batter. Place the mug in the center of the microwave and cook on high for about 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Microwaves vary, so start with 90 seconds and check the texture—cake should look set but slightly gooey in the middle.
5. Cool Slightly
Let the mug cake sit for 1–2 minutes after microwaving. It will continue to cook slightly and firm up. Be careful, the mug will be hot.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy warm, straight from the mug. You can top it with vegan whipped cream, a drizzle of nut butter, or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream if you like.
Note:
This Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake is best enjoyed fresh and warm. It’s perfect when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to bake an entire cake.
You can substitute the oat flour with all-purpose gluten-free flour if needed. Also, feel free to add a pinch of instant coffee or cinnamon to the batter for a fun twist.
Nutritional Amount Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 43g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 16g |
| Protein | 3g |
Why My Recipe Works
This Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake works because it balances simple, plant-based ingredients that create a tender, moist cake with a rich chocolate flavor.
The use of almond flour adds a subtle nuttiness and helps provide structure, while tapioca starch keeps the texture light and soft.
Maple syrup adds natural sweetness without overpowering the cocoa, and the dairy-free chocolate chips melt into pockets of gooey goodness.
The microwave cooking method ensures fast, even baking, so the cake rises just right without drying out. Together, these elements create a reliable and delicious mug cake every time.
Serving Suggestions
Serving this Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake warm brings out its rich, comforting flavors. For an extra touch, add a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream on top.
Fresh berries or sliced bananas can brighten the dish and add natural sweetness. A drizzle of almond butter or a sprinkle of chopped nuts adds texture and richness.
If desired, dust the cake lightly with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a simple garnish. Enjoying it straight from the mug makes it a cozy treat, perfect for a quick indulgence any time.
Helpful Tips
1. Make sure your mug can handle the microwave heat and holds about 10–12 ounces to give the batter enough room to rise without spilling over.
2. Spoon your flours lightly into the measuring spoons and level them off. Too much flour can make the cake dry, and too little can make it too wet or gooey.
3. Stir your batter well so everything is combined, but don’t overmix. Overmixing can make the texture tough rather than tender.
4. Folding in most of the chips into the batter and reserving some for the top helps create melty pockets of chocolate and a pretty finish.
5. Microwave ovens vary, so start with 1 minute 30 seconds and add time in small bursts if needed. The cake should be set on top but still moist inside don’t overcook or it’ll get dry.
6. Allow the mug cake to rest for a minute or two after microwaving. This helps it finish cooking gently and cools it enough so you don’t burn your mouth.
Variations Of Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake
Here are five delicious ways you can switch up your Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake to keep things exciting and suit different cravings:
1. Peanut Butter Swirl Mug Cake
If you love peanut butter, this variation will be your new favorite. Simply add a spoonful of creamy peanut butter into the center of the batter before microwaving. Once cooked, you’ll have a rich, peanut buttery swirl in the middle of your cake. The salty-sweet combo is irresistible!
2. Mint Chocolate Mug Cake
For a refreshing twist, add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter. The cool mint flavor pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate cake. Top with a few mint leaves or even some chopped dark chocolate for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Coconut Chocolate Mug Cake
Incorporate a tropical flair into your mug cake by adding shredded coconut to the batter. About 2 tablespoons should do the trick. You can also top the cake with a little more coconut once it’s done cooking for extra texture. The combination of coconut and chocolate is pure heaven.
4. Banana Chocolate Mug Cake
For a naturally sweetened, moist cake, mash half a ripe banana and mix it into your batter. Not only will this add a fruity flavor, but it also makes the cake extra soft and gooey. The banana pairs beautifully with the chocolate for a satisfying treat.
How To Make With More Delicious
➤ Top with Vegan Ice Cream: After microwaving, add a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream on top for a creamy and indulgent dessert.
➤ Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce: Pour some warm vegan chocolate sauce over your mug cake to intensify the chocolate flavor and add extra richness.
➤ Add a Pinch of Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before serving balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate taste.
➤ Mix in Chopped Nuts: Stir in some chopped walnuts or almonds for added crunch and a nutty contrast to the soft cake.
➤ Sprinkle with Powdered Sugar: Dust your finished mug cake with a little powdered sugar for an elegant touch and a sweet finishing flavor.
Storage And Reheating Tips
For optimal freshness, it’s best to enjoy your Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake right after it’s made. However, if you have leftovers, allow the cake to cool completely and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days.
To reheat, simply microwave it for 20-30 seconds or until warm. You can also add a splash of non-dairy milk before reheating to restore its moist texture. Enjoy it as a quick snack or dessert anytime!
More Chocolate Cake Recipes You’ll Love
Banana Cake Chocolate Recipe – Delicious Treat
Chocolate And Cherry Cake – Decadent Treat
White Cake With Chocolate With Frosting
Chocolate Cake With Boiled Icing || Old Fashioned
Chocolate Cake Small Recipe – Perfect Size
Conclusion
This vegan chocolate mug cake is a total lifesaver when you want a quick, indulgent treat without the time-consuming preparation.
It’s the perfect solution for those late-night cravings or when you just want a single-serving dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. You don’t need to have a lot of baking experience, and you can make it in minutes.
Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it again and again. Happy baking!

Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake
Equipment
- 1 microwave-safe mug (about 8 oz)
- 1 spoon for mixing
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients Â
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- ½ tablespoon tapioca starch or cornstarch as an alternative
- 2 tablespoons fine oat flour
- â…› teaspoon fine salt
- 4 tablespoons superfine blanched almond flour such as Bob’s Red Mill “superfine”
- 1 ½ tablespoons dairy-free semi-sweet chocolate chips divided
- ÂĽ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ÂĽ teaspoon vanilla extract
InstructionsÂ
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a microwave-safe mug, combine cocoa powder, tapioca starch (or cornstarch), oat flour, almond flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir everything together with a small spoon or fork until well mixed and there are no visible lumps.
Add the Wet Ingredients
- Pour in the water, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until a smooth batter forms. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the mug to incorporate all the dry ingredients.
Fold in Chocolate Chips
- Add 1 tablespoon of the dairy-free chocolate chips into the batter and gently fold them in. Reserve the remaining ½ tablespoon to sprinkle on top.
Top and Microwave
- Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on the surface of the batter. Place the mug in the center of the microwave and cook on high for about 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Microwaves vary, so start with 90 seconds and check the texture—cake should look set but slightly gooey in the middle.
Cool Slightly
- Let the mug cake sit for 1–2 minutes after microwaving. It will continue to cook slightly and firm up. Be careful, the mug will be hot.
Serve and Enjoy
- Enjoy warm, straight from the mug. You can top it with vegan whipped cream, a drizzle of nut butter, or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream if you like.