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Quick and Decadent: A 5-Minute Molten Chocolate Mug Cake

Why This Recipe Works

To craft the perfect mug cake, choosing a microwave-safe vessel of at least 12 ounces is essential. This ensures that the cake has enough space to rise without overflowing. Cooking at 50% power is also crucial for achieving a moist and tender texture throughout the cake. For an added element of indulgence, incorporating pieces of chocolate into the batter halfway through cooking produces a delightful molten center.

There are moments when the craving for homemade cake strikes, yet the thought of preparing the oven and mixing batter seems less appealing. Whether it’s a solo craving or an urge for instant gratification, sometimes, you simply need cake—preferably within five minutes!

This molten chocolate mug cake serves as a solution for those urgent dessert moments. By combining ingredients such as flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, sugar, butter, and chocolate in a suitable mug, you can create a delectable single serving of cake. With just a few minutes in the microwave, it transforms into a warm, gooey delight that is ready to be enjoyed right away.

While using a microwave may not feel as sophisticated as traditional baking, it offers a practical alternative, especially when time is tight or motivation is low. Microwaves work by emitting electromagnetic waves that excite the water molecules in food, generating heat. This method, however, does have its limitations, as the waves reach only about an inch or two into the food, leading to uneven cooking unless precautions are taken, such as using smaller portions.

The texture of this chocolate cake is designed to be soft and rich, perfect for microwaving. Unlike conventional cakes that benefit from the even heat of an oven, this mug cake is meant to be savored warm, akin to a mini chocolate lava cake. Although it won’t have the same fluffy crumb structure as its oven-baked counterpart, it excels in delivering a moist and molten experience.

As it cooks, the cake puffs and begins to set, taking only about two minutes to prepare. Cooking at half power maintains the cake’s moistness, while burying extra chocolate pieces within the batter ensures a delectable, gooey center once the cooking is complete. This easy recipe can also be doubled to satisfy two hungry dessert lovers, all while requiring minimal equipment for preparation and cleanup. Just one bowl and one mug are needed, allowing you to focus on the enjoyable part—eating the cake!

Recipe: Delicious Molten Chocolate Mug Cake

Here’s how to whip up this quick treat:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (16 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons (25 g) sugar
• 4 teaspoons Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or a pinch of table salt)
• 1 ounce (28 g) milk or dark chocolate, broken into roughly 1-inch pieces, divided
• 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation Steps:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In a 12-ounce mug, combine half of the chocolate pieces with the butter. Microwave this mixture at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds until melted (about 1 to 2 minutes).

2. Add the flour mixture, beaten egg, and vanilla to the mug. Use a fork to mix until smooth, ensuring no dry ingredients remain stuck to the mug’s sides.

3. Microwave the batter at 50% power until it has doubled in size, which should take 50 to 70 seconds.

4. Gently press the remaining chocolate pieces into the center of the cake until they are flush with the top. Microwave the cake for an additional 15 to 30 seconds, until it feels firm yet slightly tacky on top. Allow resting for 2 minutes before serving.

Equipment Needed

Ensure you have a 12-ounce microwave-safe mug and a microwave for this recipe.

Important Notes

This recipe was designed for a 1,000-watt microwave. If your microwave’s wattage differs, you may need to adjust cooking times accordingly to achieve the right consistency.

For the best results, consider using bar chocolate over chocolate chips to achieve the ideal molten center, though both options can work if you’re in a pinch.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This dessert is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, ensuring you get the full experience of its warm, gooey goodness.

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