Nutella Lava Mug Cake Recipe
If you have a secret craving for chocolate that needs satisfying in under five minutes, the Nutella Lava Mug Cake is your new best friend. This single-serving dessert blends the rich, creamy decadence of Nutella with the comforting warmth of a freshly baked cake, all without the fuss of an oven or hours of prep. Imagine breaking into a moist chocolate cake with a molten river of Nutella flowing right out—that’s exactly the kind of instant joy this mug cake brings. It’s fast, it’s fabulous, and it’s the perfect cozy treat to enjoy any time the sweet tooth calls.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple is the secret here. Every ingredient in this recipe is a small but essential part of the magic, working together to create that perfect balance of fluffy cake and rich, flowing hazelnut chocolate center.
- 4 tbsp flour: Acts as the structure of your cake, making it light yet firm enough to hold the lava center.
- 2 tbsp sugar: Sweetens the cake just right without overpowering the Nutella’s creamy allure.
- 1 egg: Binds everything and adds moisture for a soft, tender crumb.
- 3 tbsp milk: Keeps the batter smooth and helps with that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 tbsp Nutella: The star ingredient that becomes your gooey, irresistible lava core.
How to Make Nutella Lava Mug Cake
Step 1: Mix Your Batter
Start by grabbing a microwave-safe mug and whisk together the flour, sugar, egg, and milk. This is your simple cake batter base, and mixing these ingredients well ensures the final texture is soft and even. No lumps, just smooth, because that’s the foundation for a great mug cake.
Step 2: Add the Nutella Surprise
Here’s where the magic happens. Drop your 2 tablespoons of Nutella right into the center of your batter. It’s like hiding a treasure that will melt into a luscious lava pool as it cooks. Resist the urge to stir it in; the whole point is to keep that delicious blob intact!
Step 3: Microwave to Perfection
Pop your mug into the microwave and cook it on high for about 90 seconds. Watch as the batter sets around the edges, but keep an eye on that gooey Nutella center. It should remain delightfully molten, the perfect “lava” that makes this cake so dreamy. Overcooking can dry it out, so timing is everything here.
How to Serve Nutella Lava Mug Cake
Garnishes
Elevate your Nutella Lava Mug Cake with some simple garnishes that add texture and extra layers of flavor. A dusting of powdered sugar, a few fresh raspberries, or a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts make stunning toppings. For an extra touch of indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully alongside the warm cake.
Side Dishes
This dessert is fabulous on its own, but pairing it with a cup of espresso or a rich hot chocolate can turn it into a full sensory experience. Fresh fruit on the side, like sliced strawberries or a banana, adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, chocolaty sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Nutella Lava Mug Cake directly in the mug for a charming rustic feel, or gently loosen it with a knife and invert onto a serving plate for a more polished look. You can even use small ramekins for an elegant dinner party treat. Don’t forget to drizzle some extra Nutella or chocolate sauce around the plate for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This mug cake is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers (we won’t judge), cover the mug tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The cake will firm up, and the lava center won’t be quite as molten, but it still makes a tasty mini treat.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for Nutella Lava Mug Cake due to its soft texture and molten center, which don’t hold up well after thawing. For best results, enjoy this dessert freshly made.
Reheating
To revive your refrigerated mug cake, microwave it for about 20 seconds. This will warm it through and help soften the cake again, though the lava core might not become quite as runny as when freshly cooked. Just a little reminder that nothing beats the freshly made experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different chocolate spread instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! While Nutella adds that signature hazelnut flavor, other chocolate-hazelnut spreads or even plain chocolate spread can work wonderfully. Just be sure to use a thick spread that will hold its place in the center.
What if I don’t have a microwave?
This dessert is designed for the microwave, but you could bake it in a small ramekin at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it to keep that molten center intact.
Can I make this cake vegan?
Yes, try substituting the egg with a flax egg or a commercial egg replacer and use a plant-based milk. You’ll still get a lovely mug cake, but keep in mind the texture might be a bit different.
How do I know when the Nutella Lava Mug Cake is done?
The edges should be set and cake-like, while the center remains soft and gooey. If the middle looks too wet or raw, microwave in additional 10-second bursts until just right.
Is the Nutella Lava Mug Cake suitable for kids?
Definitely! It’s a fun and simple dessert for all ages, but be cautious of the hot mug straight from the microwave to avoid burns.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Nutella Lava Mug Cake that makes it feel like a personal celebration every time you make it. Its fast preparation coupled with that rich, molten center offers pure dessert happiness in a cup. Don’t wait for a special occasion—treat yourself to this cozy, chocolaty delight as often as you like. Once you try it, it will quickly become one of your favorite sweet solutions for instant gratification.
