Craving cake fast? This simple 5-ingredient chocolate Nutella Mug Cake makes a single rich, fudgy serving in under five minutes — and it’s flourless. Perfect when you need dessert ASAP.
This recipe was originally published April 2019 and updated July 2021.
Nutella is my go-to treat. When I have more time I make Nutella Crumble Bars or Nutella Thumbprint Cookies, but on busy days a mug cake is the quickest path to chocolate happiness.
This Nutella Mug Cake is quick, fudgy and intensely chocolate-hazelnut — a single serving ready in minutes with pantry-friendly ingredients.
Why this Nutella Mug Cake is the best
- Ready in about 5 minutes. Mix, microwave and enjoy — really that fast.
- No flour required. This flourless mug cake is a convenient option when you’re out of flour or prefer gluten-free treats.
- Single serving. No fuss, no leftover slices. Make exactly one mug whenever you want dessert.
- Just a few ingredients. You likely already have everything needed to whip this up quickly.
- Serves beautifully with ice cream. A scoop of vanilla or a drizzle of extra Nutella finishes it perfectly.
Ingredients
- Nutella: Or any chocolate-hazelnut spread you prefer.
- 1 large egg: Room temperature is ideal.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Use dark cocoa for a deeper chocolate flavor if you like.
- Sugar or sweetener: 1–2 teaspoons, adjust to taste. Honey or maple syrup can be used instead.
- Vanilla extract: ½ teaspoon to round the flavors. A small pinch of sea salt enhances the chocolate.
How to make this flourless Nutella mug cake
- Whisk Nutella, egg, cocoa powder, sugar and vanilla together until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a microwave-safe mug (choose one with straight sides so it rises evenly).
- Microwave for about 60–75 seconds. Start with 60 seconds and add 10–15 seconds if needed; avoid overcooking.
- Let the cake cool for a few minutes, then serve straight from the mug with a scoop of ice cream or an extra drizzle of Nutella.
This really is one of the easiest cakes you can make.
Expert tips and notes
- Microwaves vary. Cook times differ by model and power — watch the cake and stop when it has risen and no longer looks wet on top.
- Choose the right mug. A straight-sided, microwave-safe mug helps the cake rise evenly.
- Begin with 60 seconds. If a toothpick comes out wet, microwave in short 10–15 second bursts until set.
- Adjust sweetness. Nutella is already sweet, so just a little extra sugar is often enough to balance the cocoa’s bitterness.
Optional add-ins
Customize the mug cake with any of these quick additions:
- Chocolate chips
- Espresso powder for a mocha kick
- Chopped toasted hazelnuts for crunch
- An extra dollop of Nutella in the center for a molten core
FAQs
If it’s rubbery, it was likely overcooked. Start with 60 seconds and add short increments until done to avoid drying it out.
Yes. Preheat the oven to 350°F, transfer batter to a small greased ramekin, and bake about 12–15 minutes until set. Baking will take longer but still yields a tasty single-serving cake.
Other recipes to try
- Blueberry Lemon Mug Cake
- Champagne Lemon Bundt Cake
- One Dish Apple Dump Cake
- Nutella Crumble Bars
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Flourless Nutella Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 2½ T Nutella or favorite chocolate-hazelnut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1–2 tsp sugar or sweetener
- 1 T unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Dash of sea salt
Instructions
- Whisk ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth.
- Pour batter into a microwave-safe mug.
- Microwave for about 60–75 seconds, watching closely so it doesn’t overcook.
- Let cool a few minutes, then enjoy straight from the mug with optional ice cream or extra Nutella.
Notes
- Microwave times vary: Adjust in short increments to avoid drying out the cake.
- Use a straight-sided mug: This helps the cake rise and cook evenly.
- Start with 60 seconds: Add short 10–15 second bursts if needed until set.
- Sweetness is flexible: Nutella is sweet on its own, so add only what you prefer to balance the cocoa.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 36g,
Protein: 9g,
Fat: 19g
Nutrition information is an approximation.