Quick Chocolate Mug Cake with Hazelnut Spread Recipe

If you’re craving a quick and indulgent treat that feels like a cozy hug in a cup, you’re going to adore this Quick Chocolate Mug Cake with Hazelnut Spread Recipe. I absolutely love this because it hits that perfect balance between chocolatey richness and speedy prep — perfect for nights when you want something sweet without the fuss. Stick around and I’ll walk you through everything to nail this luscious microwave mug cake effortlessly!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of these ingredients are everyday staples, but the hazelnut spread is really the star here—it’s what transforms a simple chocolate mug cake into something extra special. Choosing a good-quality cocoa powder also makes a huge difference in flavor.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure without weighing the cake down; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Use natural unsweetened cocoa for that rich chocolate punch—Dutch-processed will alter the taste and rise.
• Baking powder: Your leavening agent that helps the cake puff up just right in the microwave.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the bitterness of cocoa; feel free to adjust sweetness to your taste.
• Kosher salt: Enhances flavor—don’t skip it even in desserts.
• Milk: Adds moisture; whole milk or 2% work best for tender texture.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without the heaviness of butter.
• Hazelnut chocolate spread or mini chocolate chips: The melty surprise inside—trust me, this is what makes it unforgettable.

Variations

I like to mix things up sometimes depending on what I’m in the mood for or what’s in my pantry. You’ll find that this recipe is super flexible, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.

• Swap Hazelnut Spread: Sometimes I go for peanut butter or even cookie butter instead of hazelnut spread—it changes the flavor but still melts beautifully inside.
• Extra Chocolate Chips: Toss in a handful of mini chocolate chips instead of the spread for a chunkier, melty texture.
• Make it Vegan: Use plant-based milk and a vegan hazelnut spread for a dairy-free treat that’s just as dreamy.
• Boost the Flavor: A tiny splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon can subtly elevate the cake’s profile.

How to Make Quick Chocolate Mug Cake with Hazelnut Spread Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together

Grab a medium bowl and mix your all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, sugar, and kosher salt until fully combined. This helps ensure your cake rises evenly and has a uniform chocolate flavor without clumping. I like to whisk for about 30 seconds—feel free to use a little sieve if your cocoa or flour is lumpy.

Step 2: Stir in Wet Ingredients

Slowly add in the milk and vegetable oil, stirring gently until you have a smooth batter with no clumps. This is where the magic starts—your batter should be pourable but thick enough to hold the hazelnut spread later. Trust me, don’t overmix as it can make the cake tougher.

Step 3: Transfer Batter and Add Hazelnut Spread

Pour your batter into a microwave-safe mug—mine’s about 14 ounces, which works beautifully. You want to leave some space at the top because this cake rises quite a bit. Drop 1 tablespoon of hazelnut spread right in the center—no need to push it down; it will melt and sink as the cake cooks. Sometimes I skip the spread and add mini chocolate chips here instead for a different texture.

Step 4: Microwave Carefully

Place a paper towel over the mug to catch any small overflows—it’s saved my microwave from mess more than once! Cook on high for about 70 seconds. Now, here’s a pro tip: microwaves vary, so yours might need a little less or more time. I learned this the hard way with one of my microwaves that took 90 seconds. Start with 70 seconds, then add 5-10 seconds if needed. Don’t overcook or the cake will turn rubbery.

Step 5: Enjoy Immediately

Once you pull it out, let it sit for a minute or so (if you can wait!) because the hazelnut spread inside will be molten hot. Grab a spoon and dig into this warm, chocolatey goodness—you’ll find surprise pockets of gooey hazelnut with every bite. Pure bliss!

How to Serve Quick Chocolate Mug Cake with Hazelnut Spread Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the warm cake contrasts beautifully with the cold creaminess. Fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries also add a lovely tangy balance to the chocolate. A sprinkle of crushed toasted hazelnuts rounds it out with a bit of crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair this with a cup of strong black coffee or a rich chai latte for an afternoon pick-me-up. If I’m serving this after dinner, I usually bring out a simple fresh fruit salad to lighten things up.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this “deconstructed” by scooping the mug cake into a pretty dessert bowl and drizzling melted hazelnut spread over the top with extra chocolate shavings. It’s simple but feels fancy. You can also layer the mug cake pieces with whipped cream and berries to make an impromptu trifle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Since this mug cake is best fresh, I rarely have leftovers—but if you do, cover the mug tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to one day. The texture changes a bit after refrigeration, but it’s still yummy when reheated.

Freezing

I haven’t tried freezing this cake due to its delicate texture and molten center. If you want to experiment, try freezing just the dry mix or make a batch of batter and freeze in silicone cups, but results may vary.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, but keep a close eye on it to avoid drying out. Adding a tiny splash of milk before reheating can help bring back some moisture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Quick Chocolate Mug Cake with Hazelnut Spread Recipe has become my go-to when I want something decadent but can’t commit to baking a whole cake. It’s genuinely satisfying, super easy, and that melty hazelnut surprise? Game changer. I’m so happy to share it with you—trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your little sweet secret for instant joy. So go ahead, grab your mug, and let’s make magic happen!

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