Chocolate Mug Cake

Chocolate Mug Cake

If you Google “mug cake,” you’ll get more than 100 million results for the one-serving cake that’s baked in a mug in the microwave. Yet finding the right recipe — not too dense, not too sweet — is harder than one might hope. This version, adapted from “Baking Class: 50 Fun Recipes Kids Will Love to Bake!” by Deanna F. Cook, is great, and requires just a few pantry staples. For a molten chocolate mug cake, sprinkle the top with some mini chocolate chips before popping it into the microwave, then remove it a few seconds early. This cute little cake may have been developed for children, but everyone loves it.

INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 egg
A few drops vanilla extract
3 to 4 tablespoons granulated sugar, to taste
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
A pinch of kosher salt
1 teaspoon mini chocolate chips (optional)
Confectioners’ sugar or vanilla ice cream (optional)

Microwave the butter in a microwave-safe mug in 10-second increments until melted, 20 to 30 seconds. Crack the egg into a small bowl; add the vanilla and whisk to combine using a small whisk or fork. Pour the egg mixture into the mug over the butter and whisk to combine.

Add the sugar, cocoa powder and salt and whisk until mostly smooth (a few lumps are O.K.). Scrape down the sides the best you can with a spoon or a small silicone spatula. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips, if desired.

Cook in the microwave on high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Sift a little confectioners’ sugar on top or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired. Dig in with a spoon.