3-Ingredient Nutella Mug Cake: Quick & Easy Dessert in Minutes

So, you’ve got a chocolate emergency that needs solving stat. Your couch is comfy, your willpower is low, and the idea of washing more than one bowl feels like a massive ask. Same, friend. Same. Welcome to the solution: a gloriously gooey, decadent mug cake that requires more effort to resist eating than it does to actually make. Your deepest, darkest chocolate cravings are about to meet their match.

Table of Contents

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s cut to the chase. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary cheat code. It’s the dessert equivalent of finding a $20 bill in your pocket. It’s literally idiot-proof. I’ve made this while half-asleep and it still turned out like a warm, Nutella-y hug. You don’t need a mixer, a fancy apron, or any patience. In the time it takes to scroll through your streaming service looking for something to watch, you could be eating a freshly baked cake. That’s not magic; that’s just good, efficient living.

PIN IT

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your squad. This is going to be a short, intimate meeting.

Nutella (or any chocolate-hazelnut spread): The star of the show, the reason we’re all here. About ¼ cup. Pro tip: Give the jar a quick stir first if the oil has separated.
1 Large Egg: The binding agent that makes this thing cake-like and not just a warm puddle of Nutella (which, honestly, doesn’t sound terrible, but we’re aiming higher).
2 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour: The structural support. The silent hero that holds this beautiful mess together.

That’s it. Seriously. No baking soda, no vanilla extract, no salt. Just three beautiful ingredients staring back at you, promising a better future.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Grab Your Favorite Mug. This is a crucial life choice. Pick a mug you love. Not one with a corporate logo from that 5K you regret running. We’re making art here. Make sure it’s microwave-safe and has enough room for the cake to rise without staging a great escape over the sides.
The Nutella Plop. Scoop that beautiful, delicious chocolate-hazelnut spread into your mug. If you get some on your finger, that’s the chef’s tax. You are legally obligated to eat it.
Crack the Egg. Add the whole egg right on top of the Nutella. Don’t overthink it. It’s going to look a little weird and separated at first. Trust the process.
Add the Flour. Dump your two tablespoons of flour into the mug. Now, the party is all here.
Mix Until Smooth. This is the only part that requires a modicum of effort. Take a small whisk or a fork and go to town. Mix, mix, mix until you can’t see any streaks of egg white or pockets of flour. You want a smooth, uniform, brown batter. A few small lumps are fine; we’re not perfectionists here.
Microwave to Heaven. Pop the mug into the microwave. The sweet spot is usually between 60-90 seconds. I always start with 70 seconds. You’re looking for a cake that looks set on top but might still be a tiny bit jiggly in the center – that’s where the magic (and gooeyness) lives. Over-microwaving is the path to a rubbery puck. Don’t do it.
Let It Rest (If You Can). This is the hardest step. Take the mug out (it will be hot!). Let it sit for a minute. This allows the cake to finish setting up and prevents you from burning all your taste buds off. Top with a scoop of ice cream if you’re feeling fancy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the simplest spells can be botched. Here’s how to not be that wizard.

Skipping the Mixing: If you don’t mix it thoroughly, you’ll get bites of pure egg white. Shudder. Do yourself a favor and mix it properly.
Over-Microwaving: We’re making a cake, not a hockey puck. Start with less time! You can always add 10 more seconds, but you can’t take it back.
Using a Tiny Mug: If your mug is too small, you’ll be cleaning a microwave lava flow of cake batter. Choose a mug that holds at least 10-12 ounces.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Got dietary needs or just want to play mad scientist? Let’s play.

Gluten-Free? Easy. Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The cake might be a tad denser, but it’ll still be delicious.
Nut-Free? Use a sunflower seed butter spread or a chocolate soy spread instead of Nutella. The flavor will be different, but the principle remains the same: chocolatey goodness in a mug.
Out of Eggs? This is a tough one, as the egg is key here. I’ve heard of people using a tablespoon of mayonnaise (weird but it works) or a commercial egg replacer, but IMO, just go buy eggs. This is an emergency cake, after all.
Want to Get Fancy? Stir in a handful of chocolate chips, a sprinkle of sea salt on top before microwaving, or a drop of peppermint extract. You do you.

FAQ

Can I bake this in the oven instead?

Sure, if you want to preheat an oven and wait 20 minutes for a single mug cake. Weird flex, but okay. If you must, try baking it at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes. But the microwave is the whole point of this beautiful convenience.

My cake came out rubbery. What did I do?

You almost certainly over-microwaved it. The power of microwaves can vary wildly. Next time, start with 60 seconds and check it. Remember, it will continue to cook a bit after it comes out.

Can I make this for two people?

Absolutely! Double the ingredients and mix it in a small bowl, then divide the batter between two mugs. Microwave one at a time for the best results.

Is it really okay to eat raw flour?

This is a great (and smart!) question. Since the flour is being cooked in the microwave, it’s safe. The microwave heats it thoroughly, effectively “cooking” the flour and killing any potential nasties.

Can I use a different spread?

Go for it! Peanut butter, cookie butter, speculoos spread… the world is your oyster. Just know that the flavor and texture will change based on what you use.

Related Recipes:

Final Thoughts

And there you have it. You are now armed with the knowledge to defeat any random dessert craving that dares to cross your path. This little mug cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the fact that the best things in life don’t have to be complicated.

Now go forth and microwave. Impress your significant other, your roommate, or just your glorious self. You’ve earned this quick, chocolatey victory.