Name: Chocolate Mug Cake (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 small overripe banana, mashed; 1 tbsp peanut butter or almond butter; 1 tbsp plant-based milk; 1 tbsp coconut sugar; 1/4 tsp vanilla extract; 1/3 cup oat flour; 1 tbsp cocoa powder or cacao; 1/2 tsp baking powder; Pinch of salt; 1-2 tbsp chocolate chips, plus more for topping

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This chocolate mug cake is a quick and easy single-serving dessert! It’s ultra fudgy, super moist, perfectly sweet, and contains pockets of melted chocolate in every bite. There’s no need to make an entire batch of brownies when you can create this healthy treat in just 5 minutes with a microwave. It’s made with vegan and gluten-free ingredients, including overripe banana, oat flour, and cacao.

vegan chocolate mug cake inside a white mug surrounded by chocolate chips and sliced banana

What is a mug cake?

A mug cake is just as it sounds: a single-serving cake that’s prepared and microwaved inside a mug. Other popular names include mug muffin, mug brownie, cake in a mug, and microwave cake. No matter the name you call it, one thing’s for sure… it’s totally delicious and pretty genius!

This chocolate mug cake is the best way to satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard. Once it’s gone, there are no more temptations. You won’t have an entire chocolate cake or tray of brownies enticing you all week long afterwards. For that reason, this is my go-to dessert when I’m craving chocolate but trying to take it easy on the sweets.

You may have already tried my Chocolate Chip Banana Mug Cake (Vegan, Gluten-Free), and this recipe is slightly adapted from that. It’s basically the same recipe, but with cacao (or cocoa powder) added for that rich chocolate flavor. Because who doesn’t love chocolate?!

a spoon digging into a vegan chocolate mugcake inside a white mug

This chocolate mug cake is:

Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and oil-free
Incredibly fudgy, moist, and fluffy
Rich and chocolaty
A super easy, 5-minute dessert
Naturally sweetened with overripe bananas + coconut sugar
Reminiscent of double chocolate banana bread!

a spoon holding a scoop of a vegan chocolate banana mug cake

How to make a vegan mug brownie

For the full ingredients list and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to view the recipe card below.

We’ll begin by adding an overripe banana to a bowl. Mash it until nearly smooth, then toss in the wet ingredients. This includes nut butter, plant-based milk, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix together.

Next, add the oat flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix together, then toss in the chocolate chips. Transfer the batter to a lightly-greased mug, and microwave for 2 minutes. Enjoy!

Tips for making this vegan chocolate mug cake

Use a wide mug. Wider mugs provide better results than small and narrow mugs.

Add mix-ins. Feel free to add any of your favorite mix-ins. A few delicious options include extra chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, chopped almonds, and crushed walnuts.

Be sure to grease the mug before adding the batter. To prevent the mug cake from sticking to the sides of your mug, very lightly grease it with coconut oil or nonstick spray.

Don’t undercook or overcook the mug cake. The cooking time may vary depending on your microwave, so keep a close eye on it. The edges should be cooked while the center is still slightly gooey. Approximately 2 minutes always works well for me!

Add toppings. Feel free to add your favorite ingredients on top. This can include additional chocolate chips, peanut butter, cinnamon, caramel, coconut flakes, shredded coconut, granola, and so much more. To take things to the next level, add a scoop of vegan vanilla bean ice cream. Sooooo good!

vegan chocolate brownie mug cake in a white mug, surrounded by mini chocolate chips

More vegan mug cake recipes

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If you try this Double Chocolate Mug Cake (Vegan, Gluten-Free), please let me know your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! Ready for more? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Instagram and YouTube!