Quick & Decadent: 2-minute Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

Craving a rich, fudgy cake but short on time? Our 2-Minute Microwave Chocolate Hazelnut Mug Cake is here to rescue your sweet tooth. You’ll get a warm, gooey hazelnut-swirled treat faster than it takes to find your takeout menu.

No oven, no mixing bowls, and zero patience required. This single-serving cake bakes in a standard 12-ounce microwave-safe mug at 800-1200W—ideal for those “I need chocolate NOW” emergencies.

We’ll walk you through the perfect ingredient ratios, microwave settings, and even how to nail that molten center every time.

What Does Chocolate Hazelnut Mug Cake Taste Like?

Imagine biting into a warm fudge brownie with rivers of melted Nutella oozing through every forkful. That’s exactly what this mug cake delivers—moist chocolate crumb, pockets of silky hazelnut spread, and a scent that’ll make your kitchen smell like a Parisian patisserie. My dad George once nailed this recipe during a summer camp blackout, proving even a flashlight-lit mug can host greatness.

Texture-wise, it’s a hybrid: edges stay slightly springy while the center stays gloriously gooey. Think “molten lava cake” meets “emergency comfort food.” Perfect for when your sweet tooth stages a midnight coup.

Can You Microwave Chocolate Hazelnut Mug Cake?

Absolutely, yes—microwaving is the MVP here. The waves excite water molecules in the batter, cooking it evenly in 60-90 seconds (depending on your microwave’s 800-1200W power). Just ensure your mug is ceramic and microwave-safe—no metallic trim or plastic handles allowed, especially when microwaving delicate treats like chocolate truffles.

Pro tip: The hazelnut spread isn’t just for flavor. Its high oil content slows down protein coagulation, keeping the cake tender. But don’t walk away! Over-microwaving dries it out. If your cake puffs up like a soufflé, you’ve nailed the timing. Let it deflate gracefully for maximum goo. For those looking for a delicious dessert that’s easy to prepare, a microwave vanilla almond cake is a fantastic option. It combines the richness of almond flavor with the simplicity of microwave baking, making it a must-try recipe.

Ready to raid your pantry? Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need—and clever swaps for dietary twists. Leftovers can often be transformed into something extraordinary. With a few simple microwave tricks, it’s easy to elevate those leftovers into gourmet meals.

Ingredients for Chocolate Hazelnut Mug Cake

Let’s raid that pantry! You likely have everything needed for this emergency dessert. We’ll start with the basics, then explore clever swaps for dietary needs or midnight improvisations. For those looking to impress guests, whipping up quick and delicious microwave desserts is a fantastic option. These 11 microwave desserts will ensure satisfyingly sweet moments without the stress of a time-consuming preparation.

Essential Ingredients

Grab these staples:

• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour (34g)—spooned, not packed, for airy texture
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (25g) or 1 tbsp if using sweetened hazelnut spread
• 1.5 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (7g)—Dutch-processed for richer flavor
• 3 tbsp milk (45ml)—whole milk adds richness, but any works
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (15ml)—vegetable, canola, or melted butter
• 1/4 tsp baking powder—not soda! This gives the lift.

My college roommate once subbed pancake mix for flour—it worked, but tasted faintly of maple syrup. Stick to AP flour for pure chocolate bliss. For a quicker breakfast option, consider using microwave pancake mix. This method allows for a delicious stack in just a few minutes, perfect for busy mornings.

Substitutes & Alternatives

Out of something? We’ve got hacks:

• Gluten-free: Swap AP flour with 1:1 GF blend—add 1/8 tsp xanthan gum if missing.
• Dairy-free: Use oat milk and coconut oil. The hazelnut spread’s fat compensates.
• Egg-free: Replace egg (if using) with 1 tbsp applesauce—adds moisture without flavor.
• Sugar-free: Erythritol blends work, but skip vanilla extract—it amplifies bitter notes.

Pro tip: No cocoa powder? Melt 15g dark chocolate into the batter. Your cake will be denser but still divine. For a quick dessert option, consider making a microwave dark chocolate mug cake. It’s an easy and delicious way to satisfy your chocolate cravings in just a few minutes.

Also See: Microwave Chicken Thighs Recipe – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Mug Cake in 2 Minutes

Channel your inner barista—this comes together faster than a latte. Use a 12-oz mug to prevent overflow. Trust me, cleaning exploded cake off a microwave turntable is nobody’s hobby. For a quick and delicious treat, consider making a 2 minute microwave coffee cake mug. It’s the perfect solution when you want something sweet without the wait.

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, and baking powder directly in the mug. Break up any lumps—a fork works better than a spoon here. Lumpy batter = uneven cooking. No one wants a flour pocket in their chocolate emergency. For a quick and satisfying treat, consider making a microwave chocolate peanut butter mug. It’s an easy way to whip up a delicious dessert in just a few minutes.

Step 2: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Pour in milk, oil, and vanilla (if using). Stir until just combined—20 seconds max. Overmixing develops gluten, turning your cake into a rubbery hockey puck. A few streaks? Perfect. It’ll self-level in the microwave. For an added twist on your microwave baking, try making a microwave vanilla sprinkle cake, which combines the delightful flavors of vanilla and colorful sprinkles for a quick and tasty treat.

Step 3: Microwave Safely

Nuke at 800W for 70 seconds or 1200W for 50 seconds. Watch closely—if it rises like a soufflé, pause at 40 seconds to poke the center with a toothpick. Wet batter? Add 10-second bursts. My 1990s microwave runs hot, so I stick to 60 seconds regardless when cooking things like hash browns or this mug cake.

Step 4: Add Hazelnut Spread

Plop 1 tbsp Nutella (or generic) onto the hot cake. Let it melt for 30 seconds, then swirl with a knife. For molten pockets, push half the spread into the batter pre-microwave. Bonus: Lick the knife. We won’t judge. This simple technique enhances a delicious microwave Nutella mug cake, resulting in a quick and satisfying dessert. The combination of warm cake and gooey Nutella is simply irresistible.

Also See: 2-minute Microwave Blueberry Muffin in a Mug

Tips for Perfect Microwave Mug Cake

Avoid dessert disappointment with these pro hacks:

• Mug size matters: Too small? Batter explodes. Too big? Cake dries out. 12oz is Goldilocks-approved.
• Check doneness by pressing the center—it should spring back slightly but still feel fudgy.
• Let it rest 1 minute post-microwave. Impatience leads to scorched tongues and crumbly textures.
• Room temp ingredients mix smoother. Cold milk? Zap it for 5 seconds first.

Now that you’re a mug cake maestro, let’s talk flavor twists—because sometimes even chocolate needs a sidekick.

Now It’s Your Turn to Indulge!

With just a microwave and a mug, you can whip up this decadent chocolate hazelnut treat in under 2 minutes. The rich, gooey center paired with the nutty swirl makes every bite irresistible.

We’d love to hear how your mug cake turns out—did you add extra hazelnut spread or experiment with toppings? Share your delicious results with us!