Craving chocolate but short on time? Our Microwave Nutella Mug Cake delivers a decadent, single-serving dessert in under 5 minutes. No oven required – just a microwave and your favorite mug.
We’ve perfected the ratio of Nutella to flour for that ideal fudgy-yet-fluffy texture you’ll want to recreate weekly (no judgment here).
We’ll walk you through microwave safety, ingredient swaps, and how to avoid rubbery cake catastrophes.
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Microwave Nutella Mug Cake
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: DessertCuisine: Global1
5
minutes1
minute350
kcal7
minutesWhen you're hit with a sudden craving for something sweet, this microwave Nutella mug cake is the perfect solution. There’s no need for fancy baking equipment or long waiting times. With just a few pantry staples and your microwave, you can whip up a delightful chocolate dessert in minutes. The rich and gooey Nutella center is sure to delight every chocolate lover!
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
sugar
cocoa powder
baking powder
salt
milk
oil
Nutella
vanilla extract
toppings (such as ice cream
whipped cream
or nuts).
Directions
- In a microwave-safe mug, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- Add the milk, oil, Nutella, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
- Make sure there are no lumps.
- Microwave the mug on high for 1 minute to 1 minute and 30 seconds, depending on your microwave's wattage.
- The cake should rise and set in the center.
- Let the mug cake rest for 1 minute before enjoying it.
- Top with your favorite toppings like ice cream or whipped cream if desired..
Notes
- You can customize your mug cake by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a dollop of peanut butter for extra flavor. Adjust the cooking time slightly if your microwave is more powerful or less powerful than average. Enjoy your warm cake straight from the mug for the ultimate convenience, and don’t forget to share—or not!
What is Nutella?
Nutella is the Italian-born spread that turned breakfast into dessert. Think of it as a hazelnut-chocolate hug in a jar—blending roasted hazelnuts, skim milk, cocoa, and a touch of palm oil. My grandma once tried to convince me it counted as a “fruit spread” because of the nuts. Nice try, Nonna.
Its creamy texture makes it a superstar for baking. Unlike thicker peanut butter, Nutella melts evenly in microwaves without splitting. We’ve tested 7 brands, and none mimic its unique balance of nutty sweetness.
What Does Nutella Mug Cake Taste Like?
Imagine a brownie and a molten lava cake had a baby. That’s this mug cake. The Nutella creates a fudgy core with toasted hazelnut undertones, while the edges fluff up like a soufflé. My dad George—a lifelong skeptic of microwave desserts—stole mine at a holiday party. His review? “Tastes like I paid $12 for it at a bakery.” You can create similar delightful treats in just two minutes, like a microwave honey nut cereal mug cake. This quick dessert can satisfy sweet cravings effortlessly, making it perfect for any occasion.
Every bite balances bitter cocoa and caramelized sugar notes. Since microwaves cook from the inside out, you get a gooey center (hello, texture contrast!) without raw batter risks. Pro tip: Let it cool 90 seconds. The flavors deepen, and you’ll avoid “molten tongue syndrome.” Certain foods, like cakes and brownies, can actually taste better when microwaved than baked, enhancing that rich, satisfying flavor.
Ready to nuke your cravings? Let’s talk safety before you hit that start button.
Can You Microwave Nutella Mug Cake Safely?
Absolutely—if you follow two rules. First, use a microwave-safe mug (ceramic or tempered glass). My cousin learned this the hard way with her vintage “World’s Best Aunt” mug. Let’s just say it’s now a modern art piece. Using a microwave-safe ceramic mug can enhance your microwave experience. These mugs are designed to withstand high temperatures without compromising their structure or appearance.
Second, stick to 1-2 minute cook times. Nutella contains sugar and fat that can overheat, creating a lava-like core. At 800W, our tests show 90 seconds is ideal. Higher wattage? Start with 60 seconds. Burnt chocolate smells tragic, and we’re here to prevent dessert heartbreak. For a delicious twist, try warming up a microwave Nutella jar for quick recipes or decadent treats.
Also See: Quick Microwave Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts: Ready in 5!
Ingredients for Microwave Nutella Mug Cake
Essential Ingredients
You need just five staples:
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour (spooned, not packed!)
- 3 tbsp milk (whole adds richness; skim works)
- 1 large egg (room temp blends smoother)
- 2 tbsp Nutella (plus extra for topping)
- ¼ tsp baking powder (not soda—trust us)
Substitutes & Alternatives
Out of milk? Swap in almond milk or even strong coffee. Egg-free? Use ¼ mashed banana. For gluten-free, 1:1 baking flour performs best—we’ve tried six brands, and King Arthur’s mix won’t gummy up. For a quick and delicious twist, consider making a microwave cornbread using almond flour. This simple dish hack can easily satisfy your cravings in just a few minutes.
Nutella alternatives? Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut Butter works, but reduce added sugars. Peanut butter creates a denser texture—add ½ tsp cocoa powder to mimic Nutella’s depth. For a fun twist, try heating peanut butter in the microwave for a creamy, pourable consistency that’s perfect for drizzling or dipping.
Also See: Microwave Eggless Cake in a Mug Recipe – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More

How to Make a Nutella Mug Cake in the Microwave
Step-by-step Instructions
- Whisk 4 tbsp flour, ¼ tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt in your mug.
- Stir in 3 tbsp milk and 1 egg until just combined (lumps are fine!).
- Swirl 2 tbsp Nutella into the batter—don’t overmix! Marbling = flavor pockets.
- Microwave 60-90 seconds. Start checking at 60. It should rise like a mini volcano.
Tips for the Perfect Texture
Mix less, enjoy more. Over-stirring develops gluten, turning your cake into a chew toy. We aim for tender, not tennis ball.
Use a 12-oz mug minimum. Our tester used an 8-oz cup, and the batter staged a great escape. Cleanup involved a spatula and mild regret. For a delicious solution that reduces mess, consider trying a 2-minute microwave coffee cake mug. This quick treat can easily be made in a larger mug and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without the fuss.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Skipping the salt. It balances Nutella’s sweetness—¼ tsp kosher salt is our secret weapon.
Mistake 2: Microwaving cold ingredients. Cold eggs = uneven cooking. Let them sit out 10 minutes, or soak the egg in warm water for 5. To achieve perfectly cooked eggs, Microwaving eggs can be a game changer. Microwaving eggs allows for quick and even cooking when done correctly.
Now that you’re a mug cake maestro, let’s tweak this recipe to match your dietary needs or mood—up next, egg-free and gluten-free twists. For a delightful treat that fits these requirements, consider trying a microwave eggless cake mug recipe. This easy recipe makes it simple to enjoy a delicious cake quickly, without any eggs required.
Nutella Mug Cake Variations to Try
We’ve all been there—midway through mixing batter when you realize you’re out of eggs. Or your friend texts, “I’m gluten-free now!” five minutes before dessert. Fear not. Our twist-proof variations save the day (and your sweet tooth).
Egg-free Nutella Mug Cake
Swap the egg with 1 tbsp mashed banana or 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce. My college roommate—a militant egg-hater—demands this version weekly. The banana adds moisture, but cut microwaving by 10 seconds to avoid gumminess.
For a neutral flavor, use 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt. It mimics the egg’s binding power without fruity notes. Pro tip: Add ⅛ tsp baking soda to boost rise. Your cake will still fluff like a champ. For a quick and delicious treat, try a 2 minute microwave Greek yogurt pancake mug that incorporates the same yogurt for added protein and flavor.
Gluten-free or Dairy-free Options
Gluten-free? Use 4 tbsp 1:1 gluten-free flour (Bob’s Red Mill works flawlessly). Avoid blends with xanthan gum—they turn denser than a black hole. My first attempt resembled a hockey puck. Lesson learned. If you’re looking for a quick and delicious treat, consider making 2-minute microwave banana oat cookies that are also gluten-free. These cookies are not only simple to prepare but also perfectly satisfy your sweet cravings in no time.
Dairy-free? Nutella has skim milk, but Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut Butter is plant-based. Pair it with oat milk. For extra richness, stir in ½ tsp coconut oil. It’s like a Mounds bar had a glow-up. For an even more indulgent treat, try making microwave Nutella by melting it down and drizzling it over desserts.
Whether you’re dodging allergens or just out of eggs, these tweaks deliver. Now, let’s ensure your masterpiece stays fresh… if you don’t devour it immediately.
Now It’s Your Turn to Whip Up This Treat!
With just a few pantry staples and 90 seconds in the microwave, you’ve got a warm, gooey Nutella cake ready to devour. We love how this recipe turns a chocolate craving into instant satisfaction without turning on the oven.
Tag us on social media when you make yours—we’re always hunting for new mug cake hacks! Got a killer twist? Throw in some crushed hazelnuts or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for next-level indulgence.