Rich, fudgy, this easy vegan chocolate mug cake for two is ready in 5 minutes and made for sharing (or not!).
Love sweet treats? You’ll also enjoy my vegan pumpkin mug cake, vegan red velvet cupcakes, vegan monster cookies, or my best vegan chocolate chip cookies!
This is one of those recipes I come back to again and again. When I want something chocolatey and comforting, but don’t feel like baking or making a mess.
This chocolate mug cake has been a staple in our house for years. It’s rich, gooey, and hits the spot every single time, plus it’s ready in just a few minutes.
It feels like a treat, but still fits into the everyday. And it’s made for two, so you can share, or, you know, just treat yourself twice.
Try my homemade nut butter recipe in this chocolate mug cake! It's equally good in my peanut butter smoothie recipe or this chocolate smoothie with peanut butter.
Why this recipe works
- No-fuss quick dessert: Just 10 ingredients and one oversized mug. Stir, microwave, enjoy.
- Fudgy texture: Unsweetened applesauce keeps it moist while nut butter adds richness.
- Made for two — Whether you’re sharing it or saving one for later, this recipe gives you just the right amount of indulgence without going overboard.
- Healthier sweet tooth fix — Sweetened with coconut sugar and made with plant-based milk and oil. No dairy, no eggs, and nothing you can’t pronounce.
- Customizable — Works with different sweeteners, nut butters, or dairy-free milk.
- No oil needed — Still rich and satisfying, just a bit lighter.
Jump to:
In the kitchen tips
- Use a big mug: Choose a large (12–16 oz) microwave-safe mug so the batter doesn’t overflow. It should be just a little over halfway full before cooking.
- Mix it right in the mug — or not: You can mix everything directly in the mug for less cleanup, but if you want to mix in a small bowl first, then pour it in.
- Microwave: Microwave strengths vary a lot. 2 minutes and 10 seconds works well in most microwaves, but if yours is stronger, start with 1:50 and check. You want the top to look just set with a soft center; it continues to cook as it sits.
- Make sure all the flour gets mixed in: Check the bottom and corners of the mug to be sure there are no dry flour pockets hiding. A small spatula or spoon works great for scraping down the sides.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Stir until everything’s combined, but avoid overmixing — it can make the cake dense.
- More melty chocolate? Reserve a few chocolate chips and press them into the top right before microwaving for a gooey finish.
Ingredients & substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make this vegan chocolate mug cake recipe:
- All-purpose flour – Whole wheat pastry flour works too.
- Coconut sugar – Brown sugar or granulated sugar work too.
- Plant-based milk – Use oat milk, soy milk, or whatever non-dairy milk you prefer (I typically make my quick cashew milk recipe and use that).
- Applesauce – Use unsweetened plain or cinnamon applesauce!
- Nut butter – Adds richness. creamy or chunky almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter work too.
- Vegan chocolate chips – Optional… but highly recommended. Chopped dark chocolate also works.
See the recipe card for all ingredients and quantities.
How to make this Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake
Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.
Combine dry ingredients in a mug
In a large mug, add all dry ingredients and stir to combine.
Add in wet ingredients & add-ins
Add all wet Ingredients (except vegan chocolate chips) and stir until you have a nice smooth batter. Make sure there are no dry flour clumps hiding at the bottom. Gently fold in vegan chocolate chips along with any optional add-ins (see recipe card Notes for ideas).
Microwave & serve
- Place your mug in your microwave on high for 2 minutes and 10 seconds. The middle may be gooey, but it'll continue to cook as it cools. Carefully remove the mug (it may be hot!), and let cool for 1–2 minutes.
Serving ideas
This mug cake is great on its own, but if you’re in the mood to dress it up:
- Top with a spoonful of vegan cream cheese frosting
- Add coconut whipped cream or a drizzle of almond butter or peanut butter.
- Dust with cinnamon, powdered sugar, or chopped walnuts
- Serve warm with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream
- Enjoy it alongside an iced green tea lemonade or iced matcha latte — such a delicious combo!
Try my edible cookie dough, vegan carrot cupcakes, and chocolate chip vegan banana bread for more sweet treats.
As a holistic health coach, here’s why I love this recipe
- I love recipes that strike a balance between flavor and well-being. Because sometimes, a little indulgence is exactly what we need.
- In the Blue Zones, where people live the longest, food isn’t about constant restriction— it’s built on joy, rhythm, connection, and food that feels like home.
- That’s why I believe a truly holistic approach includes space for comfort food, sweet moments, and zero guilt.
- And if you’re working toward a healthier lifestyle, check out 5 Mistakes to Avoid When You Diet. It’s a great place to start if you want your choices to feel better — not harder.
Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake For Two FAQs
Yes, you can use whole wheat pastry flour if you prefer.
It's a little of both! This cake is sweet and fudgy like a decadent chocolate cake, but it's made with simple ingredients and no oil.
Yes, you can bake it in an oven at 350°F for about 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean. I like mine a little gooey.
Yes, you can mix the dry ingredients in advance and store them in a jar. When ready, just add the wet ingredients and microwave.
Did you try this recipe? Let me know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest! 💛
📖 Recipe
Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake For Two
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Ingredients
Dry ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons sugar, brown, coconut, or granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Liquid Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsweetened plant-based milk, like almond or soy
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened plain or cinnamon applesauce
- 2 tablespoons nut butter, almond or peanut butter, chunky or creamy
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons vegan chocolate chips, I like to use Enjoy Life brand
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients In a Mug: In one large mug or ramekin (12-16 ounces) add all of the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
- Add In Wet Ingredients: Add all wet Ingredients (except vegan chocolate chips) and stir until you have a smooth batter, making sure there are no dry flour clumps at the bottom.
- Add Add-Ins: Gently fold in vegan chocolate chips along with any optional add-ins (see Notes for ideas).
- Microwave: Place your mug in your microwave and cook on high for 2 minutes and 10 seconds. The middle may be gooey but don't worry, it'll continue to cook as it sits. Carefully remove (the mug may be hot!), and let sit for 1–2 minutes.
- Top & Serve: Enjoy warm with your favorite topping like cinnamon, powdered sugar, walnuts, or a drizzle of vegan cream cheese frosting.
Video
Notes
- Vegan chocolate chips – for melty pockets of goodness
- Chopped walnuts or pecans – adds crunch and richness
- Chopped dark chocolate – more decadent than chocolate chips
- Espresso powder – just a pinch boosts the chocolate flavor
- Orange zest – for a citrusy twist
- Crushed freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries – tart + sweet contrast
- Coconut whipped cream
- Fresh berries or sliced banana
- Drizzle of peanut butter – warm it slightly for easy pouring
- Chopped dark chocolate or mini chips – they’ll melt right on top
- Sprinkle of flaky sea salt – makes the chocolate flavor pop
- Chopped nuts or toasted coconut flakes – for crunch
- Crushed pretzels or graham crackers – sweet and salty vibes
- Dusting of cocoa powder, cinnamon, espresso powder, or powdered sugar – for a café feel
Nutrition
Julie Gaeta is a plant-based recipe creator, certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, and mom of nine who's been plant-based for over 20 years. She's cooked approximately 4,382 pots of beans and can't vacation without her juicer and pasta pot. Her work has been featured in HuffPost, Yahoo, YourTango, and other major outlets. She helps others simplify wellness and feel good again through her blog, coaching, and weekly newsletter.
Julie Gaeta says
This recipe is my absolute go-to when I want something rich, warm, and chocolatey in just a few minutes. It's especially good with an iced matcha latte on the side. Yum! 🙂
Sunnysun says
Love this! Thanks for the recipe! 🥰
Julie Gaeta says
Thanks so much; I hope you love it!