Flourless Chocolate Cake in a Mug: Rich, Easy, and Gluten-Free in Minutes

A Late-Night Craving, a Mug, and a Memory

Flourless chocolate cake in a mug wasn’t always part of my go-to list not until one quiet night in my Oregon kitchen, when I opened the pantry hoping for something sweet. All I had? A handful of chocolate chips, one egg, and some butter.

And yet, something in me smiled. My grandmother used to say, “Some of the best desserts are the ones you never planned for.” So I reached for my favorite oversized mug the one with tiny cocoa stains on the rim and started melting, whisking, and folding. One microwave beep later, I had a warm, silky, deeply chocolaty cake… without a single scoop of flour.

That’s how this flourless chocolate cake in a mug was born.

It reminded me why I started RitaMugCakes.com in the first place: to share desserts that feel soulful, spontaneous, and simple. This cake delivers all three rich enough for dinner guests, yet easy enough for a Tuesday night.

If you love minimal-ingredient magic like I do, you’ll also adore my keto chocolate cake mug, another fast fix for chocolate cravings.

So next time the dessert shelf runs dry, skip the stress and treat yourself to this flourless chocolate cake in a mug comfort, confidence, and chocolate in a cup.

Flourless Chocolate Cake in a Mug: Rich, Easy, and Gluten-Free in Minutes

---

• Author: Rita
• Total Time: 8 minutes
• Yield: 1 to 2 servings

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This flourless chocolate cake in a mug is rich, fudgy, and gluten-free — made with just chocolate, butter, and egg in under 10 minutes.

---

Ingredients

1 large egg

2 oz (¼ cup) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips (60% recommended)

2 tbsp unsalted butter

Optional: Confectioners’ sugar

Optional: Flaky sea salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Add chocolate chips and butter to a microwave-safe mug.

2. Microwave in 15-second intervals until melted, stirring each time.

3. In a bowl, whisk the egg until frothy and doubled in volume.

4. Gently fold in half the egg, stir until combined. Repeat with remaining egg.

5. Microwave at medium power for 30 seconds, then high for 45–60 seconds until set.

6. Top with confectioners’ sugar and flaky salt if using. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not overcook — the center should be just set for a fudgy texture.

Use chocolate chips with 60–70% cocoa for the best flavor.

This cake is naturally gluten-free and made without flour.

• Prep Time: 6 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 minutes
• Category: Mug Cakes
• Method: Microwave
• Cuisine: American

The 3-Ingredient Magic

The beauty of this flourless chocolate cake in a mug is in its simplicity. Just three core ingredients chocolate, egg, and butter come together in under 10 minutes. You don’t need fancy tools. Just a whisk, a bowl, a mug, and a craving.

Start by adding semisweet chocolate chips (60% works beautifully) and unsalted butter to your mug. Microwave in short bursts until everything melts into a silky pool.

In a separate bowl yes, one extra dish, but trust me whisk a large egg until it’s light and frothy. This step is key. It gives the cake its signature rise and soufflé-like texture.

Gently fold the egg into the melted chocolate in two batches. The result will be smooth, airy, and glossy. Microwave again: 30 seconds on medium, then 45 to 60 on high. It should be just set but still moist in the center.

If you love bold flavor, this base is the perfect canvas. A pinch of espresso powder adds depth. Or try this espresso chocolate mug cake, one of my favorite twists on the flourless classic. It’s cozy, rich, and ready even faster.

What you get is a deeply satisfying, spoonable cake with no flour, no fuss, and no regrets.

This flourless chocolate cake in a mug doesn’t just save the day it elevates it.

How to Dress It Up

The base recipe for this flourless chocolate cake in a mug is everything you need but it also welcomes a little creativity. You can enjoy it plain, fresh from the microwave, or go all-in with toppings.

Here are my favorite ways to take it up a notch:

• Powdered sugar and flaky salt: These tiny touches balance out the rich chocolate with sweet and savory contrast.
• Fresh berries: A handful of raspberries or strawberries adds brightness and color.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream: Let it melt into the warm cake for instant lava-cake vibes.
• Peanut butter swirl: Add ½ tablespoon before cooking and gently swirl for salty richness.
• Chili flakes or cinnamon: For an unexpected depth that lingers on the tongue.

This mug cake proves that something simple can still feel special especially when it’s tailored to your mood.

It fits perfectly into my bigger philosophy: dessert shouldn’t be complicated. In fact, many of the best ones take less than 10 minutes to make. That’s what inspired my roundup of 5 minute desserts a love letter to quick, joyful baking that doesn’t require perfection.

So whether you’re making this for yourself, sharing it with someone, or just playing with flavor, remember: good desserts don’t need to be big to be bold.

This flourless chocolate cake in a mug is your proof.

A Dessert That Rises with You

What I love most about this flourless chocolate cake in a mug isn’t just how easy it is it’s how it makes you feel. There’s something deeply comforting about creating something so rich and satisfying from so little. No flour. No oven. No planning. Just a craving, a mug, and a moment of joy.

I’ve always believed dessert should be about comfort, not complication. That’s why mug cakes became a staple in my kitchen and on RitaMugCakes.com. They’re fast, forgiving, and endlessly customizable.

This flourless version has earned a permanent place on my late-night rotation. It’s perfect for sharing, yet indulgent enough to keep all to yourself. The next time you’re low on ingredients but high on chocolate dreams, remember: the answer may just be waiting in your mug.

Looking for more sweet inspiration?

👉 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram” for even more easy, cozy recipes made with love.

Frequently Asked Questions about flourless chocolate cake in a mug