This Nutella Mug Cake is a rich, decadent chocolate dessert made with only 3 simple ingredients in 1 minute. It's a quick and easy recipe that makes the perfect single-serving treat to satisfy a craving.
Enjoy it two ways with this recipe- make a classic version, or use almond flour for a gluten-free chocolatey cake!

There's something very satisfying about microwave mug cakes. They're the perfect single-serving dessert, and this one really couldn't be easier!
It comes together with a handful of ingredients in minutes. All you need is Nutella, a popular chocolate hazelnut spread, an egg, flour of choice, and a few minutes. The result is a gooey chocolate cake that's moist and fudgy, and absolutely irresistible!
Nutella Fun fact: Nutella was first invented after World War II when chocolate was hard to come by. The Italian confectionery company Ferrero created a paste with hazelnuts, sugar, and just a little cocoa. In 1964, the recipe was tweaked and Nutella was born.
Ingredients- Notes & Substitutions
These three ingredients couldn't be simpler. No baking powder needed!
- Nutella: This chocolate hazelnut spread is sweet, creamy, and absolutely addictive. You can use a generic brand if you prefer, but I prefer the real thing.
- Egg: While it may seem strange or unsafe, it's actually perfectly okay to microwave an egg. Make sure it has completely cooked before consuming, however. Keep reading for how to substitute the egg with other ingredients.
- Flour: Use all-purpose flour for a regular cake, or use almond flour for a gluten free mug cake.
Scroll to the recipe card for a detailed list of ingredients and quantities.
Using Almond Flour: Benefits of Almond Flour
Whenever I get a chance, I like to swap out all-purpose flour with almond flour. That makes these rich and fudgy mug cakes gluten-free and cuts down the carb content by about 19 grams.
2 tablespoons (1oz.) of all-purpose flour contains about 22 grams of total carbs with under 1 gram of fiber, so about 21 grams of net carbs. The same quantity of almond flour contains 5.6 grams total carbs with 3 grams of fiber, so about 2.4 grams of net carbs.
While this cake is not low-carb, 19 grams is a huge saving for when I want to indulge, but still keep a check.
How to Make Nutella Mug Cake
In a 12oz. microwave-safe coffee mug add the Nutella, flour, and egg. Whisk together until the cake batter is smooth and lump-free.
Nutella Scooping Tip: Since Nutella is thick and sticky, spray your spoon or spatula with cooking spray or rub a little oil for easy release.
Microwave for 50-55 seconds depending on your microwave strength. The cake is ready if it detaches on the sides. If it looks uncooked, pop it in for another 10 seconds.
Let the cake cool for 2 minutes before serving. Enjoy as it is, or top it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Serving Suggestions
This mug cake is absolutely decadent on its own, but you can fancy it up a bit with toppings. Some of my favorites are:
- Scoop of ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Strawberries or other fresh fruit
- Caramel sauce
- Frosting of choice
Try a Variation
- Eggless Nutella Mug Cake: To make a Nutella mug cake without eggs, follow the instructions as written, but sub out the egg with ¼ cup of 2% milk and ¼ teaspoon of baking powder. You'll still get a rich, gooey mug cake, even without the egg!
- Chocolate Chips: For more gooey-chocolate pockets, stir in 2 teaspoons of bitter-sweet or semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Add Nuts: Add 2 teaspoons of chopped walnuts to the batter for a nutty twist.
- Add Baileys: Add a tablespoon of baileys to the batter for an Irish Coffee inspired flavor.
- Peanut butter: Add 2 teaspoons of peanut butter and swirl it in the batter using a fork.
Recipe Tips & Notes
- Nutella Scooping Tip: Since Nutella is thick and sticky, spray your spoon or spatula with cooking spray or rub a little oil for easy release.
- Cooking time: The cook time may vary between 50 seconds to 1 minute (give or take) depending on your microwave strength.
- Check for doneness: The cake is done when it detaches on the sides. Check at the 50-55 second mark and put it in for another 10-15 seconds if the center looks undercooked.
- Serve right-away: This mug cake is best enjoyed right away. You can assemble it a few hours ahead of time, but microwave it just before serving.
- Make it egg-free: You can easily make this cake eggless by skipping the egg and adding ¼ cup of 2% milk + ¼ teaspoon of baking powder.
- Split it: Since this is a heavy cake, you can split the batter between two 6oz. mugs. and adjust the microwave time to 30 seconds.
- Customize accompaniments: This cake is fudgy so is great on its own, but feel free to enjoy it with whipped cream, ice cream or berries.
Common Questions
Overfilling your mug can cause your mug cake to explode, which is why you should use large cups for baking in a microwave. For this recipe use a cup that is at least 12 ounces or larger.
As long as you make sure any raw ingredients (like eggs) are cooked through, mug cakes are safe to eat.
Yes! While they're not exactly the same as a traditional cake, mug cakes make a tasty single-serving treat.
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📖 Recipe
Nutella Mug Cake (3 Ingredients)
Equipment
Ingredients
Nutella Mug Cake (Regular)
- ¼ cup Nutella (Hazelnut Spread)
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 large egg
Almond Flour Mug Cake (Gluten-free & Flourless)
- ¼ cup Nutella (Hazelnut Spread)
- 2 tablespoons almond flour
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- In a 12oz. microwave safe mug add Nutella, flour and egg. Whisk together until batter is smooth and lump free.
- Microwave for 50-55 seconds depending on your microwave strength. The cake is ready if it detaches on the sides. If is looks uncooked, pop it in for another 10 seconds.
- Let the cake cool for 2 minutes before serving. Enjoy with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or berries.
Video
Notes
- Nutella Scooping Tip: Since Nutella is thick and sticky, spray your spoon or spatula with cooking spray or rub a little oil for easy release.
- Cook time: The cook time may vary between 50 seconds to 1 minute (give or take) depending on your microwave strength.
- Check for doneness: The cake is done when it detaches on the sides. Check at the 50-55 second mark and put it in for another 10-15 seconds if the center looks undercooked.
- Serve right-away: This mug cake is best enjoyed right away. You can assemble it a few hours ahead of time, but microwave it just before serving.
- Make it egg-free: You can easily make this cake eggless by skipping the egg and adding ¼ cup of 2% milk + ¼ teaspoon of baking powder.
- Split it: Since this is a heavy cake, you can split the batter between two 6oz. mugs. and adjust the microwave time to 30 seconds.
- Customize accompaniments: This cake is fudgy so is great on it's own, but feel free to enjoy it with whipped cream, ice cream or strawberries.
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