This easy Hot Chocolate Mug Cake recipe is the best hot cocoa mug cake ever! If you've ever wondered how to make mug cake with hot chocolate mix, you're in the right place! Hot chocolate cake in a mug is the solution for your sweet tooth!
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And if you like this mug of hot chocolate cake, you'll love my Chocolate Beignets, my Raspberry White Chocolate Cookies, or my Chocolate Orange Cake!
Hot Cocoa Mug Cake Recipe
If you love cozying up with a mug of hot chocolate on a wintery night, this hot chocolate mug cake is the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth in under five minutes. It's rich, gooey, and tastes like the best parts of a steaming cup of hot cocoa—fluffy marshmallows included. Oh, and did I mention? You only need a mug and a microwave.
This is a richer version of my Protein Mug Cake, and it's got a lot of the same flavors as my Matilda's Chocolate Cake and my Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Mousse!
Mug of Hot Chocolate Cake
This mug cake isn’t just chocolatey—it’s hot chocolatey! The secret? Using hot cocoa mix instead of regular cocoa powder. It gives the cake a sweeter, creamier flavor that's perfect for dessert lovers and amazing for chocolate lovers.
Plus, we fold in chocolate chips and top it with mini marshmallows so you get that gooey, melty texture in every bite. It's one of my favorite new recipes, the perfect treat for the holiday season or any time of year!
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Can you use hot chocolate powder instead of cocoa powder in a mug cake?
Yes, you can absolutely use hot chocolate powder instead of cocoa powder in a mug cake! In fact, it’s a fantastic substitution if you’re aiming for a sweeter, creamier flavor with those nostalgic hot cocoa vibes. It's like a cozy cup of hot chocolate, but better!
Hot chocolate powder typically includes sugar and milk powder, simple ingredients that add richness and sweetness to your single-serving mug cake without the need for extra sweetener.
Ingredients
I love easy recipes, and this delicious hot chocolate mug cake recipe is definitely one of those -- here's all you'll need!
- hot cocoa mix - any variety of hot chocolate mix you like should work -- aim for a packet that has about ¼ cup in it. You might need to open a second packet to get the right amount of hot cocoa! I used the Swiss Miss Rich Chocolate flavor.
- all-purpose flour - adds that fluffy cake texture we love in this hot cocoa mug cake recipe!
- milk - I usually use 2% milk because that's what we have on hand most of the time, but whole milk or any milk you like should work. I recommend letting your milk come to room temperature before starting your mug cake.
- salt - brings out all the chocolatey flavors in this perfect winter treat!
- unsalted butter - if you only have salted butter, that should be fine too. You'll want to melt it separately before starting. If you prefer, you can substitute vegetable oil for the melted butter.
- baking powder - this leavening agent adds lift to our easy hot chocolate mug cake!
- vanilla extract - for the best flavor, I like to use pure vanilla extract. Or you can make your own!
- chocolate chips - you can use dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips, whatever you like! I love the melty chocolate it adds to this hot chocolate cake mug recipe! And for another chocolatey treat, try my Pinecone Brownie Recipe or my Valentine's Day Cake Pops!
- toppings - mini marshmallows, whipped cream, or crushed candy canes, whatever you like! And if you love mini marshmallows, try my Chocolate Chip and Marshmallow Cookies.
Equipment
The most important piece of equipment you need for this hot chocolate mug cake recipe, other than a microwave oven, is of course -- a large coffee mug! I recommend using a 16-ounce ceramic mug that's microwave-safe. Otherwise, you'll only need a fork to mix it up!
How to Make Mug Cake With Hot Chocolate Mix
The recipe card below will give you detailed step-by-step instructions for making this hot cocoa mug cake, as well as full ingredient measurements and a recipe video! But here's a quick look at how you'll make this easy dessert!
Add your dry ingredients: your favorite hot cocoa mix, flour, baking powder, and salt to a microwave-safe mug. Stir with a fork to combine.
Add your wet ingredients: milk, melted butter, and vanilla and mix well. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the mug to make sure it's all mixed into the cake batter.
Sprinkle on a handful of chocolate chips and microwave!
Let sit for a minute, top with toppings of your choice, and enjoy!
Hint: Microwave only until the top of the mug cake is set -- overdoing it will leave you with a gummy texture. Keep in mind the mug cake also set a bit more as it sits.
Frequently Asked Questions
I wouldn't recommend it for a regular cake like my Chocolate Spice Cake or my Mini Chocolate Cake, but for this hot cocoa mix cake it works well! So if you've got a little hot chocolate mix, you can make this single serving dessert for your sweet cravings!
A rubbery mug cake usually happens from overcooking, too much flour, or overmixing the batter, which makes the texture of your mug cake dense and chewy. To fix it, measure ingredients accurately, cook for less time, and avoid over-mixing for a softer, fluffier cake!
Hot chocolate cools down because the heat from the drink moves into the cooler air, mug, and table around it. Eventually, it loses enough heat to match the temperature of the room.
You sure can! Just replace the vanilla extract with ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract.
Top Tip
Don't forget your toppings! You can add whipped cream, marshmallows, or both! You can also add a little more chocolate sauce, or ice cream to make it even more decadent! And if you love chocolate cake, try my Chocolate Blueberry Cake!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this one? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this recipe:
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If you try this recipe, I would love it if you could leave a star review rating and comment below! It’s so wonderful hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to share your creations with me by tagging @chenee_today on Instagram!
📖 Recipe
Equipment you may need
- 16 oz mug
Ingredients
- ¼ cup (30 g) hot chocolate mix
- ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
- pinch salt
- ½ teaspoon (2 g) baking powder
- 2 tablespoon (28 g) butter - melted
- ¼ cup (59 ml) milk - room temperature preferred
- ½ teaspoon (2 ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoon (15 g) semisweet chocolate chips - or dark chocolate chips
- Mini marshmallows, whipped cream, or crushed candy canes - for topping
Instructions
- Add hot chocolate mix, flour, baking powder, and salt to a 16-ounce mug and mix well.
- Add melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract and mix well, scraping the bottom of the mug to make sure everything is incorporated.
- Sprinkle on chocolate chips. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds, checking after 60 seconds. Cake is done when the top is mostly set (a small moist spot is ok). Be sure not to overcook!1-2 tablespoon semisweet chocolate chips
- Add marshmallows , if desired, and let sit for at least two minutes to cool. Top with whipped cream, if desired, and enjoy!Mini marshmallows, whipped cream, or crushed candy canes
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Last Updated on November 6, 2025 by Chenée Lewis
Wanda says
We made these on Christmas Eve and they were a big hit! I got a big canister of hot cocoa so we can make more anytime we want.
Chenée Lewis says
Yay! I'm so glad you liked them Wanda! It's a great Christmas Eve treat!