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If you’re craving a little something sweet, this chocolate chip mug cake is the perfect personal-sized dessert. Yellow cake is dotted with melty milk chocolate chips, and there’s no oil needed!
Alright, so majority of you know that I’m “the mug cake queen” and if you’ve been making my mug cakes (my first ever was this chocolate mug cake), you’ll know that my traditional mug cake recipes are made from scratch. I’ve done some testing and now I’ve made mug cakes even easier for you — yes, it’s possible!
Did you ever think a mug cake recipe with cake mix was possible? I’m here to show you that it is. Grab your microwave-safe mug and some basic pantry ingredients and we’ll have a chocolate chip mug cake in no time!
Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Mug Cake
You’re only 4 ingredients away from a mug cake with chocolate chips! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Yellow cake mix – Any cake mix you like will work. I used Duncan Hines.
- Water
- Applesauce – Use plain unsweetened applesauce. You can substitute ½ tablespoon of oil and 2 tablespoons of water if you don’t have applesauce on hand.
- Milk chocolate chips – Or use semisweet chocolate chips if that’s what you have. A chopped chocolate bar will work, too.
Topping Ideas
- Whipped cream
- Frosting
- Sprinkles
- Chocolate syrup
- Salted caramel sauce
- Strawberry Cake Filling
- Ice cream
- Chopped candy bars (Over-the-top? Yes. But SO GOOD.)
- Chopped nuts
- Nutella
Mug Cake Variations
If this chocolate chip mug cake isn’t exactly what you are looking for, you’re in luck! I have so many different flavor variations of mug cakes that you are sure to find what you are looking for.
How to Make a Chocolate Chip Mug Cake
Making this recipe couldn’t be any easier. Start with an 8-ounce microwave-safe mug, then follow the instructions below.
- Prepare. Spray the inside of the mug with non-stick spray.
- Make the batter. Stir together the cake mix, water, applesauce and chocolate chips in the mug until smooth.
- Microwave the cake. Place the mug in the microwave and heat at full power for 1 minute. Cool, then garnish and enjoy.
Pro Tip
I’ve made lots of mug cakes so I thought I’d throw in this helpful tip: Mug size makes a huge difference! If you’re using a larger mug that is taller then it will take longer to cook. If you’re using a larger but wider mug, it may take less time to cook. There isn’t a one size fits all for this, sadly. The cooking time is a general cook time that works best for most. Unfortunately, there are so many factors that can contribute to your particular mug cake.
Common Mug Cake Questions
The top of the cake should feel dry and spring back when you press it with your finger. Although I suggest a 1-minute cooking time, microwaves vary a lot, so if yours tends to cook faster, check the cake after 45 seconds; if yours usually takes longer, you might need to add more cooking time in 15-second intervals.
Please note that ALL microwaves are different therefore can yield different results and can overcook or undercook this mug cake if you aren’t careful. My microwave is 950 watts and I cooked mine on 100% power. Knowing this information, it may help you better judge how long to cook yours for and at what power.
This recipe was developed for the microwave and I haven’t tested it in the oven. Plus, an oven will never give you the “cake in minutes” results you’re probably looking for!
Why would you put an entire egg into a mug cake when a regular full-sized cake often asks for one or two eggs? This isn’t a full-sized cake. And of course I’m not going to ask you to divide an egg in half. Just omit it! Best texture, ever!
Storing Instructions
Mug cake is best eaten warm out of the microwave and since it is a single-serving dessert, I don’t think you’ll have leftovers ;)
Chocolate Chip Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons yellow cake mix
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 2 Tablespoons applesauce
- 2 Tablespoons milk chocolate chips
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, frosting, sprinkles, chocolate syrup
Instructions
- Spray the inside of a microwave safe mug with non-stick spray (you want to use a mug that holds at least 8 ounces).
- Add the cake mix, water, applesauce and chocolate chips to your mug. Stir the ingredients together until smooth.6 Tablespoons yellow cake mix, 1 Tablespoon water, 2 Tablespoons applesauce, 2 Tablespoons milk chocolate chips
- "Bake" in the microwave at full power for 1 minute.
- Allow to cool slightly before eating.
- Top with whipped cream, chocolate frosting or even ice cream!
Would these directions work with any flavor of cake mix? Like chocolate or strawberry?
i actually have both recipes on the site! here is the chocolate mug cake (not from a cake mix though but super easy): https://www.tablefortwoblog.com/the-moistest-chocolate-mug-cake/ and here is the strawberry mug cake: https://www.tablefortwoblog.com/strawberry-mug-cake/