Nutella mug cake is more than a quick dessert, it’s a warm, chocolatey hug in a cup, and for Chef Rita, it’s the sweet memory that started it all. Long before she ever shared her recipes with the world, Rita was a little girl in a cozy kitchen, watching her grandmother stir cake batter with a wooden spoon older than time. That kitchen smelled of cocoa, butter, and unconditional love. It was where she first learned that baking didn’t have to be perfect it just had to be honest.
Years later, overwhelmed by the chaos of work, family, and modern life, Rita returned to that sense of simplicity. One quiet night, she craved something sweet but had neither time nor energy for anything elaborate. She opened her pantry, found a jar of chocolate hazelnut spread, and decided to try something small. Just a few ingredients. Just one mug. Just one minute. The result? A soft, gooey, soul-soothing Nutella mug cake that brought her right back to those childhood afternoons where love smelled like vanilla and cocoa, and dessert was always just a spoonful away.
“If you’re looking for an even simpler version, this 2 ingredient Nutella mug cake is the ultimate quick fix.”
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Nutella Mug Cake Recipe: Your Instant Chocolatey Comfort in a Cup
- Total Time: 3 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
Description
This quick and easy Nutella mug cake is a rich, chocolatey single-serve dessert made in the microwave with flour, milk, and creamy hazelnut spread.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 pinch kosher salt
4 tablespoons Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread
3 1/2 tablespoons milk
Ice cream or whipped cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
In a microwave-safe mug, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add Nutella and milk to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Microwave on high for 1 minute. Check the top of the cake—if it’s still wet, continue in 15-second intervals until just set.
Let the mug cake cool for 1 minute before serving.
Top with ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries, if desired.
Notes
Use a 12 oz microwave-safe mug to avoid overflow. For a gooey center, undercook slightly. Plant-based milk works as a substitute. For added texture, stir in chocolate chips or chopped hazelnuts before microwaving.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Category: Mug Cakes
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for the Best Nutella Mug Cake
The beauty of a Nutella mug cake is how effortlessly it comes together. With just a few everyday ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s rich, warm, and deeply satisfying all without turning on the oven. This cake is perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want the mess or time commitment of traditional baking.
Everything you need for this Nutella mug cake is likely already in your kitchen. There’s no egg, no butter, and no complicated techniques just a few spoonfuls of this and that, stirred together in a mug, and microwaved to perfection.
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose in Recipe |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 4 tablespoons | Gives the mug cake its structure |
| Baking powder | 1/4 teaspoon | Adds lift and fluffiness |
| Kosher salt | A small pinch | Balances sweetness and enhances flavor |
| Nutella (or hazelnut spread) | 4 tablespoons | The star ingredient—rich, creamy, chocolatey goodness |
| Milk | 3 1/2 tablespoons | Moistens and brings the batter together |
| Optional topping | Ice cream or whipped cream | Adds indulgence and contrast to the warm cake |
Ingredient Tips
To make your Nutella mug cake as tender and delicious as possible, always measure your flour lightly don’t pack it into the spoon. The baking powder is essential, even in small amounts, because it creates that soft, cake-like rise in the microwave. And while the salt seems minor, it’s actually what makes the Nutella shine.
Use any kind of milk regular, oat, almond, soy it’s completely up to you. As long as it blends smoothly into the batter, it’ll work just fine. The most important part? Use room temperature Nutella. If it’s too cold, it won’t mix well and might cause clumps.
This Nutella mug cake recipe is intentionally simple. It’s made to be flexible, forgiving, and easy to personalize. You can even add a few chocolate chips or a swirl of peanut butter if you’re feeling creative.
There’s something comforting about a recipe that doesn’t ask for too much. That’s what makes the Nutella mug cake so special it delivers warmth, flavor, and nostalgia in just minutes, using what you already have on hand.
“This recipe is naturally egg-free, but for more variations, check out my full Nutella mug cake no egg recipe.”
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making a Nutella Mug Cake
Making a Nutella mug cake is one of the easiest and most satisfying baking experiences you’ll ever have. There’s no prep work, no piles of dirty dishes, and no waiting for the oven to heat up. All you need is a mug, a few basic ingredients, and about five minutes from start to finish.
If you’re new to mug cakes, don’t worry. This guide walks you through every step so you can enjoy a warm, gooey Nutella dessert whenever the craving hits.
Step 1: Choose the right mug
Use a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 12 ounces. This gives the cake room to rise as it cooks and prevents messy overflow. Ceramic mugs without metallic finishes work best.
Avoid small teacups or mugs with narrow tops your Nutella mug cake needs space to breathe.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
Add 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, and a small pinch of kosher salt directly into the mug. Stir them together with a fork or small whisk to ensure they’re evenly combined.
Getting an even blend here helps the mug cake rise properly and prevents any dry, floury pockets in the finished cake.
Step 3: Add the wet ingredients
Next, spoon in 4 tablespoons of Nutella and pour in 3 1/2 tablespoons of milk. Stir slowly but thoroughly until a smooth batter forms. Make sure you scrape down the sides and bottom of the mug—any unmixed flour will create lumps.
The batter for your Nutella mug cake should look thick, creamy, and uniform with no dry bits hiding in the corners.
Step 4: Microwave
Place your mug in the microwave and cook on high for 1 minute. Every microwave is a little different, so keep an eye on it. If the top still looks wet or jiggly, continue to microwave in 15-second bursts until the cake looks just set.
Avoid overcooking your goal is a soft, fluffy cake with a moist center.
“Want a faster result? Try the Nutella microwave mug cake version — ready in 60 seconds.”
Step 5: Let it rest
Once cooked, remove the mug carefully (it’ll be hot) and let your Nutella mug cake rest for 1 minute before eating. This brief pause allows the texture to finish setting and brings the temperature down just enough to enjoy without burning your mouth.
Step 6: Add your finishing touch
While optional, toppings turn this simple treat into a bakery-level dessert. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a swirl of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top.
If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle more Nutella on top or add fresh fruit like raspberries or sliced bananas for extra flavor and color.
This easy, foolproof method guarantees success every time. Whether it’s your first attempt or your hundredth, this Nutella mug cake recipe never fails to bring instant joy with minimal effort.
Serving Suggestions to Make Your Nutella Mug Cake Even Better
The beauty of a Nutella mug cake is that it’s amazing on its own but with just a little creativity, you can elevate it into a full-on dessert experience. Whether you’re indulging solo on a cozy night in or sharing the moment with someone special, a few thoughtful toppings and pairings can turn this microwave treat into something truly memorable.
Go classic: Cold on warm
There’s nothing quite like the contrast of cold and warm. Straight from the microwave, your Nutella mug cake is soft, steamy, and full of melty hazelnut flavor. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and you’ve got the perfect balance. The ice cream slowly melts into the cake, creating a creamy, rich bite with every spoonful.
Prefer something lighter? A dollop of whipped cream does the trick especially if you sprinkle a little cocoa powder or cinnamon over it. Even Greek yogurt can add a tangy twist if you’re craving a less sweet version.
Add texture and crunch
While this mug cake is moist and fluffy, adding a bit of crunch can really round out the experience. A few crushed hazelnuts, toasted almonds, or chocolate chips give it just enough bite. You can stir these into the batter before microwaving or sprinkle them on top right after cooking.
Another favorite? A small drizzle of melted chocolate or Nutella across the surface. It not only looks beautiful but adds an extra hit of decadence.
Freshen it up with fruit
Rich desserts pair wonderfully with fruit. Try topping your Nutella mug cake with fresh raspberries, sliced bananas, or strawberries. The fruit adds a refreshing brightness that cuts through the sweetness and makes the dessert feel even more special.
For an added layer of indulgence, consider layering the mug cake with berries and cream parfait-style—just be sure your mug has enough room.
Keep it simple
Sometimes, the best way to enjoy a Nutella mug cake is just as it is hot, fragrant, and straight from the spoon. No fuss, no extras, just warm comfort in every bite.
It’s the perfect last-minute dessert that still feels thoughtful. Whether it’s served in pajamas on the couch or at the table with a friend, the joy is always the same.
Conclusion: A Nutella Mug Cake That Feels Like Home
At the heart of every great recipe is a story and this Nutella mug cake is a story of comfort, creativity, and slowing down, even just for a minute. In Chef Rita’s world, dessert isn’t about perfection. It’s about pausing between the noise of everyday life, grabbing your favorite mug, and creating something warm, sweet, and soothing in under five minutes.
Whether you’re making this for yourself after a long day, sharing it with someone you love, or just treating yourself on a quiet night in, the beauty of this mug cake is in its simplicity. It’s quick, forgiving, and full of rich, familiar flavors that feel like a warm hug from the past.
You don’t need fancy tools, a stocked pantry, or years of baking experience. Just a spoon, a mug, and that one perfect ingredient heart.
And as Rita would say, “Dessert is love you can taste.”
Want a complete breakdown? Here’s how to make a Nutella mug cake from scratch, step-by-step, and savour my 90 second chocolate mug cake keto
Looking for more sweet inspiration?
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Mug Cake
Can I make a Nutella mug cake without eggs?
Yes! This Nutella mug cake recipe is naturally egg-free. The combination of milk and baking powder creates just the right amount of moisture and lift, so there’s no need for eggs. This makes it a great option for anyone with egg allergies or when you just don’t have eggs on hand.
Why is my mug cake rubbery or dry?
A rubbery or dry Nutella mug cake usually comes from overcooking or overmixing. Be sure to microwave in short bursts—start with one minute, then add 10–15 seconds only if needed. Also, mix the batter gently and just until combined to avoid developing too much gluten from the flour.
How do you know when a Nutella mug cake is done?
You’ll know your Nutella mug cake is ready when the top looks set and slightly springy. It should rise in the mug and no longer appear wet or jiggly in the center. If it still looks undercooked, microwave in 10-second bursts until just right. Avoid overcooking to preserve its moist, soft texture.
Can I use other spreads instead of Nutella?
Absolutely. While Nutella is the classic base, you can swap it for other chocolate hazelnut spreads, almond butter with cocoa, or even peanut butter mixed with a little honey or chocolate. Just make sure the texture is smooth enough to blend well with the other ingredients for a balanced Nutella mug cake alternative.