How to make a Nutella mug cake was a question I didn’t expect to ask myself late one night with the rain falling, my house quiet, and a craving growing. But there I was, standing in my cozy Oregon kitchen, Nutella jar in one hand, spoon in the other, and absolutely no interest in turning on the oven.
That’s when I realized: a mug, a microwave, and a little creativity were all I needed.
I whisked together a few simple ingredients Nutella, an egg, a spoonful of flour and within sixty seconds,I had cake. Real cake. Warm, fudgy, chocolate-hazelnut cake just like this classic Nutella mug cake recipe. It was everything I didn’t know I needed, and nothing like the store-bought treats I was used to.
Since that night, I’ve been teaching people how to make a Nutella mug cake that’s not just quick and easy, but also personal. It’s dessert therapy and I’m here to share the full recipe, pro tips, and delicious twists so you can make one too.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
How to Make a Nutella Mug Cake: Quick, Gooey Dessert in Minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 mug cake
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a Nutella mug cake in just one minute using 3 simple ingredients — a quick, gooey dessert perfect for late-night cravings or anytime comfort.
Ingredients
¼ cup (75g) Nutella
1 large egg
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Optional: ½ teaspoon baking powder for extra fluff
Optional: chocolate chips, pinch of salt, vanilla extract, or a scoop of ice cream for topping
Instructions
In a large microwave-safe mug (at least 12 oz), whisk the egg until smooth.
Add Nutella and mix well until fully incorporated.
Add flour (and baking powder if using) and stir gently until the batter is smooth.
Microwave on high for 50 to 60 seconds until the top looks set but soft in the center.
Let cool for 1–2 minutes. Top with desired toppings and enjoy warm.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter — stir just until smooth for the best texture.
Start with 50 seconds in the microwave, and add more time in 5-second bursts as needed.
Use a wide mug to prevent overflow during microwaving.
Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for 10–15 seconds.
Optional toppings: vanilla ice cream, crushed hazelnuts, cocoa powder, whipped cream, espresso powder.
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Category: Mug Cakes
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
The Magic Behind How to Make a Nutella Mug Cake
Just a Few Ingredients — and One Mug
Once you know how to make a Nutella mug cake, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with boxed brownies or store-bought desserts. The simplicity is its superpower no mixers, no preheating, and just one mug to wash when you’re done.
Here’s what you need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Nutella | ¼ cup (75g) |
| Egg | 1 large |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Optional: pinch of baking powder for extra fluff, chocolate chips, sea salt, or a dollop of Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream for topping |
How to make it:
- In a large (12–14 oz) microwave-safe mug, whisk the egg until smooth.
- Add the Nutella and mix until fully combined.
- Stir in the flour and optional baking powder, mixing just until smooth.
- Microwave on high for 50–60 seconds. The top should look set but still soft in the center.
- Let it cool for 1–2 minutes, then top and enjoy.
Why It Works (Even in a Microwave)
This recipe works because Nutella is a magical multitasker it brings fat, sugar, and chocolate flavor all in one spoonful. The egg gives it structure, the flour holds it together, and the microwave cooks it from the outside in, creating that warm, gooey center everyone craves.
Learning how to make a Nutella mug cake gives you the freedom to bake something delicious — fast. And for those who want more easy, single-serve recipes, my mug cake collection is packed with sweet, spoonable ideas just like this one.
“If you love easy shortcuts, try the 2 ingredient Nutella mug cake even simpler, but still satisfying.”
Pro Tips & Customizations for How to Make a Nutella Mug Cake
Elevate It with Simple Add-Ins
Once you know how to make a Nutella mug cake, you’ll quickly see it’s more than just a shortcut dessert — it’s a blank canvas. While the base recipe is rich and satisfying, it only takes a few simple tweaks to turn it into something even more indulgent.
Want to deepen the flavor? Add a pinch of sea salt or espresso powder to the batter. Love texture? Mix in crushed hazelnuts, chocolate chips, or even a dollop of peanut butter in the center before microwaving. A dash of vanilla extract also makes a noticeable difference.
For a classic finish, top it with vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or a swirl of whipped cream. The cold-on-warm contrast? Pure magic.
Best of all, knowing how to make a Nutella mug cake from scratch gives you the freedom to play. It’s your dessert — build it the way you want to eat it.
Avoid These Mug Cake Mistakes
Even the simplest mug cakes can go sideways without a few precautions. So if you’re learning how to make a Nutella mug cake for the first time, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t overmix: Too much stirring can make the cake tough. Mix just until smooth.
- Choose the right mug: A 12–14 oz wide mug ensures the cake rises without overflowing.
- Microwave in intervals: Start at 50 seconds, then add 5-second bursts if needed. Overcooking leads to dry texture.
- Let it rest: Give it 1–2 minutes to cool before eating. This allows the flavors and texture to settle.
These small adjustments make a big difference. And if you’re curious about other quick bakes like this, try my 3-ingredient banana mug cake another crowd favorite with zero fuss.
“For lightning-fast results, check out this Nutella microwave mug cake ready in 60 seconds.”
How to Serve and Store Your Nutella Mug Cake
Serve It Like a Pro (Even If It Took One Minute)
Sure, learning how to make a Nutella mug cake is about speed and ease. But who says a microwave dessert can’t feel a little fancy?
Here are some of my favorite ways to elevate the experience:
- Top with ice cream: Vanilla is classic, but coffee or salted caramel take it over the top. The hot-cold contrast is unbeatable.
- Drizzle with chocolate or hazelnut sauce: A spoonful over the top gives your mug cake bakery vibes in seconds.
- Add a crunch: Toasted hazelnuts, cacao nibs, or crushed pretzels add amazing texture to balance the softness of the cake.
- Dust with powdered sugar or cocoa: Just a sprinkle instantly transforms the presentation — perfect if you’re serving this to someone else (or just want to feel fancy at home).
This cake may take one minute to cook, but it can still look and taste like something you planned.
Storing? Technically Yes, But It’s Best Fresh
Let’s be honest when you know how to make a Nutella mug cake, you’re probably making it to eat right now. That said, if you do have leftovers (rare, but it happens!), here’s what I recommend:
- Cool completely, then cover the mug with plastic wrap or foil
- Refrigerate for up to 24 hours
- Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, just until warm
The texture may change slightly, becoming a bit denser, but the flavor holds. You can also turn leftovers into something new like crumbling the cake into a bowl of yogurt or using it as a topping for ice cream.
Still, trust me: once you know how to make a Nutella mug cake, you won’t be storing it often. You’ll be eating it warm, gooey, and straight from the mug.
Final Thoughts: A Mug, a Minute, and a Memory
When you discover how to make a Nutella mug cake, you’re not just learning a quick dessert trick, you’re creating something meaningful in the smallest, simplest way. That’s what I love most about mug cakes. They don’t ask for much. No fancy tools. No hours of prep. Just a spoon, a mug, and a little heart.
Some of my favorite moments happen when I least expect them like the quiet evenings when my kitchen is still and the only sound is the soft whisk of Nutella against ceramic. Those are the moments I’m baking just for me. A tiny ritual. A reminder that I deserve sweetness, even on ordinary days.
And that’s why I always teach people not just how to make a Nutella mug cake, but why it’s worth making. It’s comfort food stripped down to its essence: simple ingredients, fast method, soul-satisfying results. You’re not just following a recipe. You’re creating a pause in your day. A chance to slow down, even if only for a minute.
So next time you need a little indulgence, or you’re teaching a child their first recipe, or you want to share something small and sweet with someone you love reach for the Nutella. Pull out your favorite mug. Whisk with love.
Because now you know how to make a Nutella mug cake and you also know that dessert doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special.
Find more mug cake inspiration, one-minute ideas, and warm baking stories at RitaMugCakes, where every recipe rises with heart.
Looking for more sweet inspiration?
👉 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram” for even more easy, cozy recipes made with love.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Make a Nutella Mug Cake
How do you make a Nutella mug cake?
To make a Nutella mug cake, combine ¼ cup Nutella, 1 egg, and 2 tablespoons flour in a microwave-safe mug. Stir until smooth and microwave for 50 to 60 seconds until the top is just set. Let it rest for a minute before digging in. Once you learn how to make a Nutella mug cake, you’ll never go back to boxed desserts.
How to make a Nutella cupcake?
Nutella cupcakes are a fun oven-based twist on the mug cake. Mix ½ cup Nutella, 2 eggs, and ½ cup flour, then pour the batter into cupcake liners. Bake at 350°F for 12–14 minutes. If you want a fast, single-serve alternative, learning how to make a Nutella mug cake gives you that same flavor fix — no oven required.
How to make a Nutella mug cake without egg?
Yes, you can! For an egg-free version, use ¼ cup Nutella, 3 tablespoons milk, 3 tablespoons flour, and ½ teaspoon baking powder. Stir well and microwave for 50–60 seconds. The texture is slightly denser, but it’s still rich, fudgy, and indulgent. You can find my full egg-free Nutella mug cake recipe in the egg-free recipe section.
“You can find my full Nutella mug cake no egg recipe in the egg-free section.”
What are the ingredients in the 3 ingredient mug cake?
The classic 3-ingredient Nutella mug cake includes:
Nutella (¼ cup)
1 egg
2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
That’s it! These three work together to create a soft, gooey cake in under a minute. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why so many people want to know how to make a Nutella mug cake — it’s fast, simple, and deeply satisfying.