Vegan Chocolate Lava Cake in a Mug

A spoon scoops chocolate mug cake topped with a raspberry from a white mug, with more raspberries in a small bowl and a red polka-dot cloth nearby. This is showing the texture of the "lava".

Vegan Chocolate Lava Cake in a Mug

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegan

Keyword: vegan chocolate lava mug cake

Prep Time: 4

Cook Time: 1

Total Time: 5

Servings:

Calories: 338kcal

Author: Cindy Rainey

This quick vegan chocolate lava mug cake is rich, warm, and the perfect dessert for one when you want chocolate fast. The center stays soft and melty for a satisfying single-serve treat.

Print Recipe

Equipment

microwave

Ingredients

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons sugar
⅛ teaspoon baking powder
1 pinch of salt
3 tablespoons plant based milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil neutral flavored
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
.5 ounce vegan chocolate chips or a small square of chocolate see notes

Instructions

In a microwave-safe mug, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons sugar, ⅛ teaspoon baking powder, 1 pinch of salt
Add the plant milk, oil, and vanilla, stirring until smooth.
3 tablespoons plant based milk, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Press the chocolate chips or chocolate square into the center of the batter.
.5 ounce vegan chocolate chips or a small square of chocolate
Microwave for 45–60 seconds, or until the top is set but the middle still looks soft.
Let cool for 1–2 minutes before enjoying. Top with a little powdered sugar or your favorite vegan whipped toping or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Best Mug Size for Perfect Results

Use a 10-12 ounce microwave-safe mug.

A ten-ounce mug is actually the perfect size. I've used a 12-ounce mug and that works too. The batter itself fills the mug about halfway, which leaves enough room for the cake to rise as it cooks without spilling over. Anything smaller risks overflow; anything larger spreads the batter too thin and reduces the lava effect.

One Small Step for Pinterest-Perfect Results

Before microwaving, take a paper towel or clean fingertip and wipe the batter off the inner rim of the mug. This keeps the edges clean as the cake rises and gives you that smooth, bakery-style look when it’s done. Or if no-one is around to look - just make it and enjoy!

The Best Vegan Chocolate to Use

Use about one-half and ounce of chocolate. If you are using chocolate chips that ends up being about 4 teaspoons. If you are using a vegan chocolate bar then you can easily count squares and calculate. It's okay if you go a little over or under.

We have extensively all the various vegan chocolate options easily available. Our #1 top pick is the Lindt oat milk chocolate bar. After that the Hu dark chocolate bar. Finally, Enjoy Life chocolate chips works too. The chocolate bars give a little bit better "lava" inside.

Nutrition