Microwave Chocolate Pudding Cake Mug Recipe (2-Minute Self-Saucing Dessert)

At night, when you want to eat something deep, rich, soft, made with warm chocolate, then you should make this easy microwave chocolate pudding mug cake recipe

It is a quick 2-minute self-saucing chocolate dessert you can whip up in a cup.

So, you will get the cake on top and chocolate lava underneath.

In this post, I’ll show you how to make this microwave chocolate pudding cake mug, plus tell you how to customize it, what you can serve with it, how you can make it healthy, and many other things.

 

What Makes This Microwave Self-Saucing Pudding Mug Cake Different?

There are many mug cake recipes that you can try, but this Microwave Chocolate Pudding Cake mug recipe is different.

It’s turned into a soft chocolate sponge on top. But at the bottom, there is a pudding-like sauce, which will form when you microwave it. 

Besides this, you will need only a few ingredients to make this one-mug and one-microwave pudding recipe.

However, too many people do not know the secret to layer the ingredients, especially how to add boiling water over the top before microwaving. 

I will explain everything in this post, so you will know why the recipe is different from many others.

 

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chocolate Pudding Mug Cake

Here are the ingredients that you need to make this microwave chocolate pudding cake mug recipe.

They are all simple, nothing fancy. And also, you can adjust them based on your taste or your dietary preference. I’ll give you an option:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This will give the structure to cake. You can use whole wheat or GF flour blends, too.
• 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder: It will give a deep chocolate flavor. You should use good cocoa — it really matters here.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: You can adjust if your cocoa is sweetened or if you like it less sweet. Besides this, brown sugar works too.
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Just enough to puff the cake up a bit.
• Pinch of salt: It is important as it will boost flavor. So don’t skip it.
• 3 tablespoons milk: You can use any kind. For example, you can try it with almond, oat, and even coconut milk.
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like canola or avocado): For moisture. You can also use melted butter or coconut oil.
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: It will add warm depth.
• 1 tablespoon chocolate chips: It is Optional, but I highly recommend it for melty bites like in these delicious crumbl semi sweet chocolate chip cookies.

For the pudding layer (yes, this is what makes it gooey):

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or regular sugar)
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons hot boiling water

This top sprinkle of cocoa + sugar + boiling water will form the molten chocolate base as it sinks through the cake while cooking.

 

Step-by-Step: How to Make a 3-Minute Microwave Chocolate Pudding Cake in a Mug

Here is how you make this Microwave Chocolate Pudding Cap Mug Recipe.

You will just need a large microwave-safe mug, like 10-12 oz, so that nothing overflows. Also, you should use a microwave-safe plate under it. 

However, now let’s follow my recipe-making process.

Step 1: Mix the Cake Base

In your mug, you want to add the following ingredients:

• Add flour
• Cocoa powder
• Sugar
• Baking powder, 
• Salt. 

Then stir it to combine with a spoon or small whisk. 

Then add:

• Milk
• Oil
• Vanilla. 

Stir until smooth, and make sure there are no dry bits left. 

Fold in chocolate chips if you’re using them.

Step 2: Add the Pudding Topping

Now you want to sprinkle 1 tbsp of brown sugar and 1 tsp cocoa powder over the top of the batter.

Note: Do NOT mix.

Then, pour 2 tbsp of boiling hot water over the top (just over the back of a spoon or drizzle it slowly). 

Again, do not stir — it’ll look weird. 

This is the step that will make the pudding happen underneath.

Step 3: Microwave Time

Microwave the mug on high for 60–80 seconds, depending on your microwave wattage (start with 60 and check). 

After that, the top should look set and a little puffed, but jiggle a little, because the pudding underneath would still be bubbling.

If you overcook it, the pudding layer will dry up; therefore, you wanna keep an eye out. 

You want moist cake on top, saucy chocolate at the bottom.

Let it sit for 1 minute (it’ll finish cooking and settle down).

 

Texture Breakdown: What to Expect

The top part of this microwave chocolate sponge pudding cake is soft, cakey, and almost like a brownie.

But underneath, you get the chocolate, sugar, and water melt, which will create a rich molten pudding layer.

So after making it, when you take it with a spoon, you will get a warm, saucy, steamy chocolate.

It won’t be only spongy or dry like some mug cakes, because it has a pudding base.

 

Topping Ideas (If You Want to Go Fancy)

Even though this is a lazy dessert pudding, you can still dress it up in less than a minute. Here’s what I recommend you try:

• Whipped Cream: Classic, and it will melt slowly and making it feel cozy.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: It’ll melt into the pudding and become part of the sauce. For a creamy twist, try pairing it with a white chocolate peppermint protein shake.
• Caramel or Chocolate Syrup: Just a little drizzle on top. Also try using torani white chocolate sauce for an indulgent touch.
• Sea Salt Flakes: Use if you want a salty-sweet contrast.
• Fresh Berries: Raspberries or sliced strawberries work really well with chocolate.
• Crushed Nuts: Use almonds, pistachios, pecans, or hazelnuts if you want crunch.

 

Flavor Variations You Can Try

If you want to switch up the flavors, here are some fun twists you can do:

• Mocha Version: You can add 1/2 tsp instant espresso powder to the batter.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Add a spoon of peanut butter on top before microwaving. It will sink a little and swirl in.
• Mint Chocolate: You can add a drop of peppermint extract + chocolate chips = mint lava mug cake.
• Chili Chocolate: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder if you want a spicy surprise.
• Cookies & Cream: You can crush up one Oreo and stir it into the batter if you want cookie bits inside the cake.

 

How to Make It Healthier (Without Killing the Taste)

You know I’m health conscious but also into indulgence, so if you want to tweak this for a healthier day, here is what to do:

• Use whole wheat flour or almond flour (1:1 swap).
• Go with unsweetened almond or oat milk.
• You can swap sugar for maple syrup or mashed banana (just reduce the liquid a little).
• You can add a spoon of Greek yogurt if you want protein and creaminess. It will turn into a healthy chocolate protein pudding mug cake and still tastes indulgent.
• Skip the chocolate chips if you want to cut calories — or consider using dark chips with high cocoa content.

Your microwave chocolate pudding cake mug won’t taste like a protein bar — it will taste like dessert, but a little lighter.

 

What to Serve or Pair With This Microwave Chocolate Pudding Mug Cake

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or try a creamy white chocolate peppermint protein shake for a delicious drink pairing.
• You can pair with crunchy treats like crumbl semi sweet chocolate chip cookies or pepperidge farm milano milk chocolate cookies if you want textural contrast.
• A light dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of torani white chocolate sauce can also  elevate the flavors
• If you want a healthy balance, enjoy alongside high protein chia pudding without protein powder or yogurt.

 

How to Serve or Store This Mug Cake

Honestly, I personally love this Microwave Chocolate Pudding Cake Mug, fresh, hot, straight from the mug.

However, you can also make it in advance if you can’t make it just before serving it. Here is what you need to do:

• You can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time in your mug (make a few and line them up).
• Then, when you’re ready to eat, just add wet ingredients + the pudding topping + microwave.

If you do have leftovers (rare), just cover the mug and store it in the fridge for a day. 

And then next time, microwave it for 15–20 seconds before eating, though the pudding part might thicken a bit when cold.

For storing or light snacking, this mug cake pairs well with a side of high protein chia pudding without protein powder or yogurt.

 

Conclusion

So that’s the mug magic — a microwave self-saucing chocolate pudding mug cake recipe will give you both soft cake and gooey pudding in one go, no oven needed.

It’s too easy, highly customizable, and it will hit every single chocolate craving without the mess or wait. 

You can eat it as a midnight treat, quick comfort food after dinner; this one’s a keeper. 

Just remember the water trick, use good cocoa, and never forget the toppings.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are a few questions and their answers regarding the microwave chocolate pudding recipe.

Can I make this a self-saucing chocolate pudding in a mug?

Of course, actually, this recipe is a microwave self-saucing chocolate pudding cake. In this, boiling water and cocoa sugar topping will sink, which will create a gooey chocolate sauce at the bottom.

How long does it take to make microwave chocolate pudding cake?

Not too long, it just takes around 2-3 minutes in the microwave. 

That’s why it is one of the fastest single-serve chocolate pudding mug cakes you can make.

Can I make this microwave chocolate pudding mug cake without eggs?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for vegetarians and those who are avoiding eggs, as it’s egg-free by default.

Is this microwave pudding mug cake the same as a lava cake?

Not 100% but they are very similar. Lava Cake has a melted chocolate center.

On the other hand, a self saucing pudding mug cake with the sauce formed at the bottom.

Can I make this chocolate pudding cake dairy-free?

Yes, you can keep your pudding cake dairy-free, it will be more healthy. 

You will need to use almond milk or any other non-dairy milk instead of dairy milk.

And instead of butter, you can use oil. 

If you do, you will get dairy-free chocolate pudding in a month.

Can I make this mug pudding cake without cocoa powder?

If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can melt a piece of dark chocolate (about 1–2 tbsp) into the batter.

Your chocolate pudding cake mug will still be chocolatey and rich, but the texture might be fudgier. 

Besides this, you will also have to reduce the oil a bit if your chocolate has cocoa butter.

Why does my mug cake overflow in the microwave?

It happens when you use a too small. You should use at least a 10-12 oz mug.

Plus, you should place a microwave-safe plate underneath. And also, you shouldn’t overfill your mug.

Can I double the recipe for two servings?

Yes, you can do that, but you shouldn’t cook both in one mug.

Either you can split the double batch into two mugs and cook and microwave them separately, or you can cook one and then the other.

Microwave cakes don’t cook well in bulk. So, single serve is a good way to go for the perfect texture.