Mug cakes are one of my favorite desserts to make when I have a quick craving I don’t want to ignore, especially when they have just a few simple ingredients I can pull out in no time flat. This Nutella mug cake is hands down my new favorite.
Why? It has that ooey, gooey inside I like (just like my Molten Chocolate Cakes), but it’s so much easier and faster, and it’s egg-free with just five ingredients.
I generally eat it as is, but you can customize it with chocolate chips, a sprinkle of sea salt, or a quick drizzle of caramel. Mix it up in the mug, and you don’t even have any dirty dishes besides the one you used for the cake.
And that’s not the only single-serve dessert I have. Try a Strawberry Mug Cake when you want something fruity and sweet, or switch things up by making little desserts in ramekins like my Microwave Chocolate Chip Cookie.
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What’s the best mug shape and size for Nutella mug cake?
The best mug for this Nutella mug cake is 10 ounces or larger, so the batter has plenty of room to rise without spilling over. Using a larger mug keeps the cake from overflowing and helps it cook evenly.
You can also use a ramekin if that’s what you have on hand, but it works best in a mug that’s deeper than it is wide. A taller mug helps the cake rise properly and keeps that gooey center from baking solid.
How do you get Nutella into the cake?
The easiest way to transfer Nutella without making a mess is to lightly spray your measuring spoon with nonstick spray before you add any Nutella. Use a spatula to add to the spoon, and it will slide right out
If you forget or don’t want to use nonstick spray, use a small silicone spatula to help slide it out. Use the spatula to work it into a bit of a ball rather than scraping it onto the spatula so it just kind of plops ito the mug.
How do I avoid overbaking my mug cake?
To keep your mug cake perfectly gooey, start checking it at the 60-second mark because every microwave cooks differently. It’s better to underbake a little than risk a rubbery cake that frankly just doesn’t taste as good.
Watch the center closely and stop the microwave as soon as it looks set but still soft. The cake will continue to cook a bit after you remove it from the microwave because the mug retains and transfers heat.
You’ll know your Nutella mug cake is ready when it starts pulling away from the edges, and the top looks a little dull instead of shiny. It won’t be as rounded as a traditional cake, so don’t look for that.
Since this recipe has no eggs, it’s safe to eat the cake slightly underbaked, which keeps it soft and gooey. Again, just be careful not to overcook it, because too much time in the microwave will make the Nutella hard and ruin the texture.
How to Make Nutella Mug Cake
Grab a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 10 ounces and add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Use a fork to stir everything together until it’s fully combined and evenly mixed.
Pour the milk and three tablespoons of Nutella into the mug with the dry ingredients. Stir well with your fork until the batter is completely smooth and no lumps of flour remain, but be careful not to overmix.
Drop the remaining 1 tablespoon of Nutella right into the center of the batter. Do not stir it in, as it will sink slightly and develop a warm, gooey center while the cake cooks.
Microwave the mug on high for 60 to 75 seconds, checking it at the 60-second mark. You’ll know it’s done when the edges start pulling away from the mug and look set and dull, while the center remains slightly glossy.
Let the mug cake rest for at least 2 minutes before eating. This gives the molten Nutella in the center time to cool slightly so it’s safe to enjoy while staying soft and gooey.
Nutella Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt pinch
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 4 tablespoons Nutella divided
Instructions
- In a 10-ounce or larger microwave-safe mug, add flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir with a fork until combined.4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, Salt
- Pour the milk and 3 tablespoons of Nutella into the mug with the dry ingredients. Stir well with your fork until the batter is completely smooth and no flour lumps remain, but be careful not to overmix it.3 tablespoons milk, 4 tablespoons Nutella
- Add 1 tablespoon of Nutella to the center of the batter without stirring.
- Microwave on high for 60 to 75 seconds. Stop when edges pull away and the center looks slightly glossy.
- Let it rest for 2 minutes before eating. Serve once slightly cooled but still warm and gooey.
Notes
- Use a 10-ounce or larger microwave-safe mug so the batter has room to rise without spilling over. A deeper mug works better than a wide, shallow one.
- Microwave times vary by wattage, so start checking at 60 seconds. Stop early if needed, since slightly underbaked gives the best soft and gooey texture.
- For more tips and tricks, be sure to read the full article above.
Nutrition
This site uses an online source to provide nutrition estimates as a courtesy. If you need exact values, please calculate yourself.
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