Single serving chocolate lava cake ready to eat in just a few minutes! It’s vegan friendly and free of dairy and refined sugar with a gluten-free option as well! (Recipe and photos updated Feb 20′)
I don’t know about you, but there are some days (and nights ☺️) I just crave something chocolatey. I’m not the type to keep a chocolate bar stashed away, like some do.. hard chocolate just isn’t my idea of an indulgence, but a fudgy “baked” treat on the other hand, I truly have a weak spot for! 😋
My daughter or I will usually make a little cake or pan of brownies for us all to enjoy. However, there are days I just don’t feel like making a fuss. With two driving teens, who often have plans, there are beginning to be less times we’re all at home together. Those days a simple mug cake is the perfect option.
Mug cakes are single serving desserts that can be made in just a few minutes using a microwave. Although I have several mug cakes here on the blog, this chocolate lave mug cake is one of my faves! It’s a chocolate cake with a fudgy gooey center, and it can be ready to eat in under 5 minutes!
This cake is vegan friendly and free of refined sugar, with a gluten free option included as well! I use coconut sugar, but you could also use pure cane sugar or maple syrup. The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of coconut sugar per cake, but as coconut sugar isn’t as sweet as regular sugar, you may need an extra 1/2-1 tablespoon if you prefer sweet cakes.
My mug just isn’t complete without a handful of fresh berries! If I happen to have a can of coconut cream in the fridge, a dollop of coconut whipped cream is also a delicious addition!
You could be digging into chocolate heaven in a matter of minutes! So what are you waiting for?! Go and get your mug cake on! ❤️🍫
- ¼ cup of unbleached all-purpose flour (for gluten-free use 2 tablespoons Gluten Free Flour Blend
+ 2 tablespoons super fine blanched almond flour
)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
or pure cane sugar
- 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips (use dairy-free if needed)
- pinch of salt
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- fresh berries, optional
- coconut whipped cream, optional (recipe below)
+ 2 tablespoons 
)
or 
- 2 tablespoons coconut cream from a refrigerated can of full fat coconut milk
or coconut cream
- ½ teaspoon pure maple syrup
, honey, or other sweetener of choice
or 
, honey, or other sweetener of choice- In a large mug, combine together flour(s), coconut sugar, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and salt. Stir in milk and oil until well incorporated.
- Place the mug in the microwave and heat on 50% power for 1–2 minutes. If you can't change the settings of microwave, heat for 45 seconds to one minute. Check often to avoid overcooking; more or less time may be needed, depending on your microwave.
- The cake should be mostly cooked with a pocket of chocolate sauce in the middle. If the cake is too gooey for you, heat in 15 second intervals until it's cooked to your liking. It doesn't contain eggs so there is no harm eating it gooey. I like to top my lava cake with coconut whipped cream and fresh berries. Makes 1 serving.
- Place cold coconut cream and honey/maple syrup in a small bowl. Use a small whisk or fork to beat until thick and creamy.
You may also enjoy these similar recipes:
Healthier Vanilla Mug Cakes
Blueberry Muffin Mug Cake
Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes
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This. Is. Delicious.
Thank you !
Thank you! Have a wonderful evening!
Can I use a flax egg instead of cornstarch or potato starch? If not what can I use?
The cornstarch is only recommended if you’re making your own gluten-free mix. You can use just 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or your favorite gluten-free flour blend instead 🙂
Can I use a flax egg instead of cornstarch or potato starch? If not what can I use instead?
Could I make this in the oven? Thanks!
I’ve never tried it, but I’m sure you could! Make sure it’s in an oven safe dish or cupcake mold though. I would say to bake at 325 or 350, but I’m not sure for how long since I’ve never made it in the oven before. Just watch it after about 8 or 10 minutes of baking. Please let me know how it turns out for you!!
Thank you for this recipe! I make this recipe for me and my family at least once a week! It’s so yummy and easy to make!
I really appreciate you taking the time to give your feedback, Jackie! This is our go-to dessert when we want something quick and delicious too. I’m so glad you and your family liked it! Thanks again!
This looks great! It appears to be easy enough that I could even make it!
Haha, I’m sure you could, Jason! You actually should try it..you’re wife would be so impressed:)
Mmmm! I am planning a big move myself and will need a mug cake to make me feel happier about it 🙂 At least I won’t have to deal with snow like you did, poor thing. And I totally get it with the self control, so good thing this little treat is perfectly portioned. Can’t wait to try! xo Lisa
http://www.strumsimmersip.com
Yes, microwave desserts are definitely the go-to treats for moving time, Lisa! I’m glad that you will have better weather for your move..no one should ever have to move in the freezing cold! There should be, like, a law against it or something;-) Thanks for stopping by, my friend!
Bookmarking this one for an urgent sweet tooth craving! 🙂
Haha, thanks Minna! It definitely makes a great “MUST HAVE CHOCOLATE NOW!” treat!
Ooooh, this looks so freaking good! Pinned!
Thank you, Claudia! It’s a chocoholic’s dream:)
Yay for single serving portions! I love little desserts like this to end my night – and as I’m often alone, it’s convenient for me to have a recipe that caters for one!
Thanks, Thalia! I love single serving portions too and also any dessert that can be ready in just a few minutes..I can be rather impatient when it comes to chocolate! 😉
And you’r back with a bang!
What a great dessert. chocolate is such a lovely ingredient to work with and the pictures STUNNING!
I am sorry to hear the move was stressful but it’s over now and you can start enjoying your new home 🙂
Hugs KImberly
Thank you, Kimberly! Yes, I’m so glad it’s all over! On the “bright” side, the lighting in our new kitchen is so much better, so it was definitely worth all of the hassle:)