Rich, moist, fluffy Paleo Chocolate Mug Cake made in just 5 minutes! This easy cake recipe is scaled down for one, and is grain-free, refined sugar-free, and dairy-free.
…Because sometimes you need chocolate cake NOW and you need it to be portioned appropriately so that you don’t end up eating an entire chocolate cake.
That, m’dears, is the purpose of the chocolate mug cake.
If you saw my Paleo Chocolate Cake recipe last week and watered at the mouth at the thought of it but knew you’d be far too tempted to overdo it on the dessert lest the chocolate cake fairy didn’t take it away before you could do any actual damage, here is your solution. It is…
- Paleo (grain-free, refined sugar-free, dairy-free)..
- Super rich and chocolatey..
- Fluffy, moist, and tempting..
- Scaled down for one.
Simply stir all of the ingredients together aggressively in a mug, nuke it, let it cool for a hot second, and enjoy.
I like adding some fresh fruit for a little juicy pop of flavor (blueberries are my current topping jam), but you can keep this pure and chocolatey as well. Up for a little double chocolate action? Just add chocolate chips to the batter. Super into nut butters? Drizzle it on!
If you’re a lover of all-things banana bread, you can try out my Paleo Banana Bread Mug Cake recipe, and step it up a notch to add cacao powder and/or chocolate chips. This banana-sweetened version is a great option as well for those of you who try to keep your treats naturally sweet.
Point is, there are plenty of adaptations you can employ to make this the star of your world.
For me, this mug cake is actual perfection because I’m obsessed with all-things chocolate, but I’m the only person in my house that consumes them (the boyf has zero sweet tooth). If you’re going stag on Valentine’s Day (no shame!), or you’re the sole dessert eater of the household, this one’s for you.
Stir, nuke, devour!
More Desserts in Mug Recipes:
My cookbook, Paleo Power Bowls, is now available! CLICK HERE to check it out. Thank you for your support!
If you make this recipe, please feel free to share a photo and tag @TheRoastedRoot on Instagram!

Paleo Chocolate Mug Cake
Easy single-serve grain-free chocolate cake in a mug. Delicious, rich, and decadent!
Ingredients
- 1 egg yolk, see note*
- 1 to 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, to taste
- 4 tablespoons finely ground almond flour
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, softened or melted
- 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder, see note**
Optional Add-Ins:
Instructions
- Stir all ingredients together very well in a large mug until well-combined. Microwave on high for 1.5 to 2 minutes, or until mug cake is cooked through. Enjoy with any of your favorite toppings
Notes
*Save the egg white for a different use, such as an egg white omelet or scramble
**Or unsweetened cocoa powder
Nutrition Information
Yield 1 Serving Size 1 mug cakeAmount Per Serving Calories 515Total Fat 32gUnsaturated Fat 0gCarbohydrates 46gSugar 29gProtein 15g
Diana
Saturday 2nd of October 2021
Love this chocolate mug cake recipe. Is there one for gingerbread, please, please, please?
Julia
Monday 4th of October 2021
Hi Diana!
I'm so happy you like it! I love the idea of a gingerbread mug cake, so I just put that on my list of recipes to make. :D Coming soon! xoxo
Gabrielle
Saturday 19th of December 2020
I make a lot of microwave mug cakes so just wanted to give some feedback. Made this in two different types of mugs and 2 mins was too long in the microwave. Made it again since its so easy to make and microwaved for 1.5 mins and it was perfect (it continues to cook a bit once you remove it). Also, the second tablespoon of maple syrup is really not necessary, and I find it tastes better with just one heaping tablespoon. I added a few mini chocolate chips on top before microwaving.
Julia
Tuesday 22nd of December 2020
Thanks so much for sharing that, Gabrielle! It's super helpful! xoxo
Keana
Friday 19th of June 2020
Does the egg white need to be omitted then?
Julia
Monday 22nd of June 2020
Hi Keana! Sorry about the confusion. Yes, use the yolk only :D xoxo
Karen
Tuesday 14th of April 2020
This. Is. So. Amazing!!!!!! Yum!!!!
Julia
Tuesday 14th of April 2020
I'm so thrilled you like it, Karen! Thanks for the sweet note! xo
lesley
Wednesday 21st of February 2018
looks/sounds amazing but I don't have a microwave. can it be done in an oven in any way?
Julia
Wednesday 21st of February 2018
Hi Lesley! Absolutely - you can bake it at 350 for 20 - 30 minutes