This cake is the perfect dessert for one on those days when you’re just craving something chocolatey and decadent.
As a loud and proud millennial, I can confidently say that mug cakes are a thing of my decade… or possibly my generation. Developed by college students who stayed up until the wee hours of the morning to study and often craved something sweet to fuel those late-night study sessions, mug cakes are what follow when you only have cafeteria supplies, shelf-stable ingredients, and a microwave at your disposal. They’re also perfect when you have virtually no cooking abilities and have been fed by your parents for the entirety of your prior life.
Mug cakes came into my life as a freshman in college, jonesing for something sweet and easy to put together. I went through my fair share of bad mug cakes, too. Too floury, too dense, too… bland. If only I had had this recipe back then, I would’ve known that the simple solution to all my problems (and the solution to most problems in life, truly) was a heaping spoonful of Nutella. Not only does this instantly provide moisture and lusciousness to the cake, but it hits notes that cocoa simply doesn’t reach.
While this is a great cake to dive into on those nights that you’re working late and having a hankering for something sweet, it’s also a great first recipe to teach your children, with all the steps involved being kid-friendly and safe and the only appliance they need to know how to operate being a microwave. Of course, it won’t be hard to convince them to help you out a bit when they’re told that their reward is a personal Nutella cake in a mug, all for them!
What’s the difference between a brownie, chocolate cake, and Nutella mug cake?
At first glance, not much! But look closer, and you’ll find that the Nutella mug cake is the perfect in-between of a brownie and a warm, gooey chocolate cake. Fudgy beyond belief, it gives you the richness of a brownie while filling your mouth with that molten chocolate lusciousness that a good, warmed chocolate cake will give you. And just like the desserts before it, a great Nutella mug cake is only made better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
How do I store leftovers?
Ideally, with a dish such as this one, you don’t have any leftovers! The beauty of a mug cake is that the measurements are designed to make a single serving, reinforced only by presenting it in a mug (for one). That being said, this particular mug cake is quite decadent, so we wouldn’t fault you for savoring it over 2 days. which is ideally the longest you should keep it for.
If you can’t finish it on day 1, you can simply cover the mug cake tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to a day—no longer, as the cake will most likely not be that fresh anymore. To enjoy the next day, simply reheat the cake in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until warmed through. Just be prepared for a slightly less impressive cake experience.
Our personal advice? If it’s a bit too rich for you, split it with someone else on night 1, and, if you’re still craving it the next day, make another! After all, you do have a whole jar of Nutella to get through!
Serving suggestions
As I mentioned earlier, there’s no better way to enjoy this Nutella mug cake than right out of the microwave, piping hot, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I also love adding a scoop of Cottage Cheese Ice Cream with peanut butter that complements the chocolatey goodness while also packing in a protein punch.
For a simpler, fruity accompaniment, look no further than this Strawberry Whipped Cream—after all, what’s a better pairing than chocolate with strawberries? If you’re dairy-free, opt for this Strawberry Simple Syrup instead. A light drizzle goes a long way!
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 4 tablespoons chocolate hazelnut spread
- 3 1/2 tablespoons milk
- Ice cream or whipped cream for serving, optional
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe mug, add all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir these dry ingredients together.
- Add chocolate hazelnut spread and milk into the mug. Whisk or stir until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Microwave on high for about 1 minute. If the cake is not fully set, continue to microwave in 15-second bursts until done.
- Allow the cake to cool for a minute before enjoying it straight from the mug. Top with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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