This No-Bake Chocolate Cake Is My Weeknight Secret Weapon

All you need is a microwave.

By
Stephen Durfee
Stephan Durfee
Stephen Durfee
Chef Stephen Durfee is a pastry chef with over 25 years of experience and an extensive curriculmn vitae. Currently, Chef Stephen is the Director of Curriculum for Dandelion Chocolate, where he works with the Education team to craft exquisite chocolate experiences. Additionally, he's featured in Simply Recipes.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
and
Laurel Randolph
Laurel Randolph
Laurel Randolph
Laurel has over 10 years of experience developing recipes and writing about food. She is the author of 4 cookbooks, including the bestselling "The Instant Pot Electric Cookbook."
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Published June 01, 2024
Chocolate mug cake close-up

Dandelion Chocolate

I love chocolate, and I love cake. Naturally, chocolate cake is favorite dessert of mine. That being said, I rarely whip up a homemade chocolate cake at home. I often can't be bothered, and don't want to have a giant cake sitting on my counter taunting me day and night—I just don't have the willpower for that.

When the craving comes strong and fast, that's when I make this chocolate mug cake. The recipe comes from Stephen Durfee at Dandelion Chocolate, my hands-down favorite chocolate company. Headquartered in San Francisco, the company specializes in single-origin craft chocolate. They also have a café that sells incredibly delicious chocolate treats.

From Stephen, who developed this excellent recipe: "Each time I whip up this mug cake, there's an anticipation that builds, knowing the treat that awaits. The aroma of rich chocolate fills the air as it bakes, and the first spoonful is a revelation. It's not just about the taste—it's about the experience. With a little love and the right ingredients, it becomes a source of comfort on dreary days, and a reminder that sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most profound."

This mug cake will work using any dark chocolate you like, but I highly recommend you seek out Dandelion's incredible chocolate and level up your mug cake. Make it any time your chocolate craving strikes.

A Note on Microwaves

As with all microwave recipes, this mug cake comes with a small warning: the cook time will depend on your specific microwave. I find that it takes about 55 seconds in my standard wattage microwave, but if you have a smaller/lower wattage microwave or one with more gusto, it could take more or less time.

Once you've figured out the exact timing, write it on a sticky note so you can make it perfectly every time.

chocolate mug cake on a tray

Dandelion Chocolate

Microwave Sweets

Chocolate Mug Cake

Prep Time 9 mins
Cook Time 1 mins
Total Time 10 mins
Serving 1 serving
Yield 1 mug cake

1 ounce of chocolate is 8 of Dandelion's large chocolate chips or 2 tablespoons of standard chocolate chips.

Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce (28g) dark chocolate (chips or chopped chocolate)

  • 2 tablespoons (28g) butter

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons (22g) granulated sugar

  • 1 large egg yolk

  • 2 tablespoons (28g) milk

  • 1/8 teaspoon (1 pinch) salt

  • 2 tablespoons (16g) flour

  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

  • Confectioners’ sugar, for garnish

Method

  1. Melt the chocolate and butter:

    Combine the chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe coffee mug that has been lightly coated with nonstick pan spray. The mug should be at least 12 ounces (extra large) and ideally straight-sided.

    Heat for 30 seconds. Stir together and heat in additional 5-second increments until the mixture is fully melted.

  2. Stir in the sugar and wet ingredients:

    Stir in the sugar followed by the egg yolk and milk. Stir until smooth and fully blended.

  3. Add the dry ingredients:

    Add the flour, salt, and baking soda directly into the mug and stir with a spoon just until incorporated.

  4. Microwave:

    Place the mug onto the microwave turntable and cook on high for 40 seconds.

    Check to see how your cake looks. It should look very puffed and dry without wet batter. If your cake isn't done, microwave for 10 more seconds, repeating until it's done. Depending on your microwave, the cook time will range between 40 seconds and 75 seconds. Be careful not to overcook the mixture, or it will be tough.

  5. Cool and serve:

    Let cake cool for a minute or two.

    Dust the top with confectioners' before serving. Add a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream on top if desired.

    Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a review below!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
584 Calories
40g Fat
49g Carbs
8g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 584
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 40g 51%
Saturated Fat 23g 115%
Cholesterol 259mg 86%
Sodium 720mg 31%
Total Carbohydrate 49g 18%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Total Sugars 30g
Protein 8g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 87mg 7%
Iron 5mg 26%
Potassium 283mg 6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.