This Nutella Mug Cake is rich, decadent, yet so easy to make. Made with only 3 simple ingredients in minutes, it's perfect when you need to indulge. Enjoy it two ways with this recipe- make a regular version or use almond flour for a gluten-free mug cake!
I love serving my girls (and myself, too!) a little treat on special occasions or just when the mood strikes, but making or buying a full-sized dessert can be way too much food. Mug cakes are the perfect single serving dessert and this one really couldn't be easier!
To make these easy Nutella mug cakes, all you need is 3 ingredients and a few minutes. That's it! My girls can make themselves a mug cake after school, or hubby and I can whip one up when we're craving something sweet before bed.
One of the key ingredients in this mug cake is Nutella! If you haven't tried it before, Nutella is a spread made from roasted hazelnuts, skim milk and cocoa. It is pronounced “New-tell-uh”, and is commonly available at most supermarkets.
Fun fact: Nutella was first invented after World War II when chocolate was hard to come by. The Italian confectionary company Ferrero created a paste with hazelnuts, sugar, and just a little cocoa. In 1964, the recipe was tweaked and Nutella was born.
Almond Flour Mug Cake
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.
Let's discuss the breakdown. 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of all-purpose flour contains about 22 grams of total carbs with under 1 grams 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.
Ingredients- Notes & Substitutions
These three ingredients couldn't be simpler!
- Nutella: This chocolate-y 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.
Nutella Mug Cake Recipe- Step by Step Instructions
- In a 12oz. microwave safe mug add Nutella, flour and egg. Whisk together until 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.
How to Make 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!
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:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Strawberries or other fresh fruit
- Caramel sauce
- Frosting
Try a Variation
- Eggless Variation: To skip the egg add ¼ cup milk + ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 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.
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.
- 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 its own, but feel free to enjoy it with whipped cream, ice cream or berries.
Common Questions
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.
More Dessert Recipes From My Kitchen
- Almond Flour Brownies (Gluten Free): These Almond Flour Brownies are just as delicious and fudgy as traditional brownies, but gluten-free and lower in carbs!
- Nutella Brownies: Made with only 4 ingredients, these fudgy, chewy and decadent Nutella Brownies will satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Tiramisu Recipe Without Eggs: An Easy Tiramisu recipe without eggs that's soft and creamy with just the right kick of espresso soaked ladyfingers.
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe: This easy and delicious Chocolate Covered Strawberries recipe can be made with just three simple ingredients using the microwave, or the Instant Pot!
- Salted Caramel Molten Lava Cakes: Instant Pot or Oven: Dark chocolate cakes with a gooey salted caramel core, cooked to perfection in an Instant Pot, these Salted Caramel Molten Lava Cakes are the ultimate indulgence.
- Red Velvet Donuts: Moist, sweet and vibrant Red Velvet Donuts generously glazed with cream cheese frosting.
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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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