A super indulgent Low Fat Chocolate Mug Cake recipe, to cheat on your diet WITHOUT cheating!
A Mug Cake with only 138 calories without chocolate chips OR 219 calories including them! Because when you want cake…you want cake! Over the years, I’ve fallen victim to dry, dense, chewy and rubbery mug cakes, Mug cakes that taste like an egg omelette made out of rubber. Cakes so dense it’s hard to put a spoon in. Disasters.
Mug Cake Recipe
Mug Cake RecipeUntil this mug cake came along; stole my beating heart and took my breath away. Chocolate seems to have that effect on me, and I’m sure on you too, since you’re here with me — by my side — committing a non-crime on our diets, together. In fact,, it’s been included in my diet — maybe every third day or so for about a year now — for breakfast. Why? Because it’s less in points and calories than a bowl of medium-sized, mediocre flavoured, cardboard textured cereal.
Dipping your spoon into this cake is met with a soft, buttery, rich and fluffy moment.
Serving suggestion
The ONLY dilemma you may have, is deciding what to eat it with. Plain is just as amazing as drowning in ice cream to frozen yogurt.
How To Make A Mug Cake
Unsweetened cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, milk, melted butter, chocolate chips (of COURSE)…and a microwave safe mug. Typical cake ingredients, but not your typical cake baking. Sometimes we don’t have an hour to stand by the oven and cross our fingers something will rise to the occasion and full-fill our every need and desire when it’s ready. No. I don’t have time for those simple pleasures. I do, however, have time to wait around my microwave for a minute.
All 12 times making this, it took me about a minute to get it all together…
Including whisking a cake batter and taste testing more than three times JUST TO MAKE SURE I liked it. You understand, right?
And out comes a thing of beauty with a perfect soft top. So perfect, I cradled it every single time I made it, proud and smug, before sinking my spoon in and feeling that soft, moist cake softness. For breakfast. As a snack. For dessert. Whatever. When it’s low cal, it doesn’t really matter, right?
I mean… look into THAT centre. Excuse me while I go make another one.
Looking for more chocolate cake recipes? Try these!
Best Fudgy Chocolate Cake
Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake
Dark Chocolate Cake Waffles
Watch the video of our Mug Cake right here!
Low Fat Chocolate Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (1 oz | 30 g) self raising flour
- 1 tablespoon natural granulated sweetener to keep calorie count low (if white, raw or coconut sugar, and counting your calories, remember to add this in)
- 2 level teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder for a mild chocolate cake OR 1 tablespoon for a darker , richer chocolate cake
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon reduced fat butter , melted (or coconut oil)
- 2 tablespoons (40ml) unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk for an extra point) *2 1/2 tablespoons of milk if using 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 tablespoon mini chocolate chips of choice (milk or dark), divided *optional (See Notes)
Instructions
- Grab a 1/2-cup capacity mug and spray with cooking oil spray. Into the mug, add in the flour, sweetener (or sugar), cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Whisk to combine. To that, add your melted butter, milk and vanilla.
- (Optional): Fold in 1/2 tablespoon of chocolate chips. Mix them through. Top with the remaining chocolate chips.
Minute Microwave Method:
- Bake in your microwave on 'Quick' or High' setting for 40 seconds. Open the door and gently touch the top with your finger tip. If it's still a little underdone in the middle, bake for another 10 seconds until cooked through (not too long, as the cake will continue cooking in the mug once it's removed).
Oven Baked Version:
- Preheat oven to 180°C | 350°F. Spray a 1/2-cup capacity ramekin with cooking oil spray. Prepare as above and bake in the oven for around 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. (For a fudgier cake, check it after 11 minutes with a toothpick and it should come out slightly dirty, but not with a lot of cake batter attached.)
- Serve with fruit, icing sugar, ice cream, or whipped cream! Personally, I like this cake on its own.
Dianne says
Sooo good! Made per the directions with the 2 tsp of cocoa powder, Swerve. coconut oil, and Lily’s mini chocolate chips. Sugar free, delish, and perfect for my WW plan. Thanks!
Shana says
This is by far the best mug cake I’ve tried. I had to sub a few things:
No milk at all! I was out of almond and regular so I used coffee instead and added a tsp of honey.
Unsweetened Applesauce instead of oil.
It was fantastic and I like that it didn’t make too much. Perfect for that chocolate craving.
Mary says
Just made this cake and it was amazing! Perfect for when I need a little chocolate fix. The only change I made was to add a little bit of espresso powder with adds to the beautiful chocolate flavor. Thank you!
Maudie A. says
Hi Karina, I was looking for a low-calorie chocolate cake in a mug recipe and found yours. I used a tablespoon of real sugar and used coconut oil but otherwise stayed true to your recipe. The calorie count came in where I liked it using real ingredients. It was bloody fantastic! I put on a few fresh strawberries and a small dollop of whip cream. What a treat! This much lower calorie chocolate cake truly hit the spot. It was just wonderful! God bless!
Nisha says
This was perfect to satisfy my evening sweet tooth!! Will definitely be making it again, thanks!
Brittanie Showers says
WOW!!! I made these tonight for me and my son as a quick dessert and OMG. The recipe was super easy and quick to make. I used Truvia and vanilla almond milk in addition to the other ingredients and it hit the spot!!! The cake was super moist and melt in your mouth. I was bad and added some ice cream over the top and it was just mmm! This will be a repeat recipe in my home. Thank you!!!!
Cerys says
I’m on a diet and was craving somthing sweet and didn’t have milk on hand so used water and still worked out perfectly x
Joy says
This was yummy, but it’s not 1 point it’s 6.
Lisa says
I subbed cashew milk and a full serving of Lily’s chips and got it to 4.
Valerie says
Its 3 points without the chocolate chips and 6 points with the chocolate chips
Joy says
Love this recipe! Used butter, sugar and swapped out half the milk for Kahlua. May have added extra calories, but for the small amount of indulgence, it was totally worth it!
Kathy E. says
You have supplied me with another winner for my sweet tooth! I adjusted the baking powder to 1/8 tsp, but everything else was the same as listed. Delish and will be enjoyed here often! Thank you!
*1 point on WW purple plan!
Eve says
Mmm delicious !!! Im so glad i found this recipie. Easy to make, very chocolaty ( I made it without the choc chips) and very soft and fluffy 🙂
Shivani says
I rarely leave comments on recipes. But sitting on the couch and devouring this goodness, I still can’t believe that i whipped this under a min and the next minute it was in my mouth. Haha. Substituted flour with whole wheat flour and used coconut oil.
P. S- saved the recipe as ‘best mugcake recipe ever’
Thanks <3
Lyn says
Me too! I’ve never left a comment for a recipe. But this, THIS, recipe made me do it to show my appreciation. I can honestly say this is the best mug cake i’ve ever tried. Lovelots!
Jaylah says
Just tried it this morning. And it’s my first time leaving comments off someone’s recipe. I just wanna say: Thank you so much for this! It’s so quick and easy, and not to mention the calorie count… 😉 I made it with self-raising cake flour, and it turned out super fluffy and moist. But I do taste the baking powder, so maybe next time I will reduce or skip it. I then topped it off with some zero calorie chocolate syrup. It was so satisfying!
Amelia Little says
This is so good!!!
Linda says
Made this & it was fantastic!
Would it be as good if you left it to cool & then ate it?
Dalia says
I’ve literally never left a comment on a recipe before. And I try new recipes like once a week at least! I just had to come and say how good this was :O added a tiny spoon of ice cream on top and it only came out to 290 calories. Trying to stick to these New Years resolutions do thank you for a great recipe that was much needed !!
Jacklyn says
I made the regular version. It was good but next time I will mix the dry ingredients first because it had a slight baking powder taste. Thanks for the easy recipe !
Mary says
I was in an experimental mood so I decided to whip this up. At first I was put off by all the ingredients. And there is a lot of sodium in this with the baking powder, self-rising flour and extra salt. So I went with the self-rising flour and skipped the rest. I used real sugar which ups the points but I don’t like some of the other options. I didn’t have milk so I subbed a vanilla protein shake for the milk. (I use it as creamer in my coffee, too). I skipped the chocolate chips and used real butter and unsweetened cocoa powder. I’m not sure of the points with all my switches but it was perfect! I didn’t believe the other reviewers who said the texture was good but it really is. I’m not a huge chocolate fan like some but I like it once in a while and this is just enough. Thanks for sharing.
lindsay says
this recipe is so good! it’s very rich and flavorful and the texture is perfect! i substituted half of the milk for coffee and it was amazing.
Karina says
That is great to hear! Thank you so much for sharing and letting me know! Thank you for following along with me!
Miriam says
Hi karina! I am in love with all your recipes. THANK YOU ?SO MUCH for always sharing them with all of us! This recipe looks delicious and super easy to do. I am doing the Keto diet. Can I use Almond flour instead? Or do you have another recipe for Keto?
I wait eagerly for you respond. ?❤️
Karina says
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! I am so glad that you love these recipes and are following along with me! You are welcome to try the almond flour. It may alter the taste and texture a bit but it will still taste delicious! Enjoy!
Sameera Adeel says
Tried the choc mug cake… so good ! So simple n quick to make ! Really enjoy trying ur recipes !
Lily says
This is so good. I reduced the sweetener and add more chocolate chips. So moist and tasty
Karina says
Sounds great! So glad that you made it your own! Thank you so much for sharing and following along with me!
Abi says
Love this recipe! I use maple syrup for the sugar. As weight watchers points have all changed I halve the recipe and cook it in a ramekin. With maple syrup, coconut oil and 10g of chocolate chips (and all the other ingredients) it’s 5SP (again that’s for half ).
Leslie says
And the rating is 5 stars not 4…. I hit the wrong key
Leslie says
This was awesome!! I’ve been baking for about 35 years so I was a little skeptical about all the microwave mug cakes I’ve been seeing lately. This one has definitely changed my mind! SO good! Fantastic job ?I was wondering what sweetener you use ? Thanks!
Picky eater says
This is the best mug cake ever! I used the Chocolate Chips and they made a gooey deliciousness that is heaven! I used olive oil and sugar free almond milk. Can’t wait to try this with protein powder.
Lisa says
I’m so glad I tried this! I doubled it and cooked it in a ramekin for my husband and I to share. I left it a little gooey in the middle, so it was like a lava cake, and I put a spoonful of light cool whip on top. It was absolutely delicious. This is a keeper. And I think I can lower the point value to 5 by using stevia sweetened chocolate chips.
Annissa Slusher says
Amazing mouth-watering and heart-warming recipe, it looks so beautiful! Keep sharing!
Zihna says
Can I use normal flour instead of self raising flour
Karina says
You can but you will need to add baking powder Zihna. About 1/4 teaspoon.
Marisabel says
Omg, Im so happy with this. I’ve tried so many recipes and the results were always terrible. Your mug cake is the only one that actually turns out delicious. So glad I found this recipe.
Karina says
Thanks Marisabel! I’m so happy to hear that!
valery says
These are pretty good. Much better than the last one I tried.
Alaina says
WOW!! This mug cake is amazing! Other mug cakes I’ve tried have come out chewy but this is just like a baked cake. Light and fluffy! It’s also not overly sweet which makes me feel better eating it. I will make this mug cake again for sure! (probably with a few more chocolate chips). Thanks for sharing this!
Karina says
You’re welcome Alaina! I’m so happy to hear that!
Sevval says
I’ve been making mug cakes for the past three years since I was amazed by a video I saw on YouTube. At first, every recipe seemed OKAY but I never ended up finishing the cake because it was as hard as leather and tasted vaguely like medicine. However, I was bored at school om day and began browing recipes for brownies and I came across this website. Now, whenever I’m done with my work in class, I find myself screenshotting recipies from your site. So I came across this particular one this morning and really wanted to try it but was also hesitant. Finally, I whipped it up (without milk bc/ there was none at home. I just added water and some more butter and it works wonderfully) ITS AMAZING! I have made it three times today (I thought it would come out bigger but it’s the perfect size for a snack) and each time it tastes soft and fresh and choclatey. Definitely sharing this with my friends 🙂
Sabrina says
This was my first try at a mug cake and I loved it! Thanks for a delicious treat at the end of the day when I was craving chocolate!
Casi says
Ahhh! I loved it. Thanks.
Karina says
Casi! You’re welcome ❤️
Karen says
I made this and it was yummy, but when i tried counting it on smart points it came to 6SP without the chocolate chips. Am i doing something wrong?
Rebekah says
Is this cake still only 138 calories without the ww smart points? I’m not 100% sure if it’s 138 calories on top of the ww smart points or if you mean it’s one or the other. Sorry if this doesn’t make sense but I’m unsure due to not having a clue about ww. Thank you!
Angela says
Hi Katrina!
What if you don’t have self rising flour. Can’t you use reg flour and just add a little more baking powder? Or do I even have to bother with adjusting it because it’s such a very small amount anyway?
I haven’t tried making the mug cake yet.
It looks absolutely delicious!
I can’t wait to try it!
Hopefully, I’ll hear from you soon!
Thank you!
Karina says
Hi Angela! Yes! You can use regular flour and just a pinch more of baking powder 🙂
Sarah says
Hi Karina,
I’d just like to say that this mug cake was the first out of many, that has actually WORKED! Not to mention, it was delicious, too! Thank you so much for the great recipe. 🙂
Karina says
I’m so happy to hear that Sarah! And you’re very welcome!
Rashi says
Karina,
This is absolutely fantastic! Made it exactly as per the recipe (without the chocolate chips) and it was perfect. Soft and fluffy!
The first time I tried it – I overdid it in the microwave because it was my first time and I thought it looked a little too gooey. By the time I ate it – it was dry.
But this time – exactly 40 seconds and it was amazing!!
Thanks!
Christy says
I had exactly 6 Smart Points left. Thank you for this wonderfully sinful tasting dessert that filled my craving!
Madhu Anvekar says
Hi Karina , I tried this recipe of yours it was really yummy , my family and me really enjoyed it . Thank you for sharing this this recipe . 🙂
Ann R says
Hi!! I’ve tried some of your recipes and they are amazing! Quick question for you, any idea of how to incorporate protein powder into this and still keep its great texture?
Karina says
Hi Ann! I really can’t say as I haven’t tried it myself, but I suggest substituting 1 tablespoon of flour for 1 tablespoon protein powder. I hope that helps!
Juan carlos says
For the first time i eat a mugcake that doesn’t taste like sand or chalky texture… this is from another planet and the best GUILT-FREE… thank you so much for this easy and amazing mugcake karina… saying hi from ecuador
Di says
Just made this for dessert tonight and omg! Can’t believe how light and fluffy it is.
I follow WW and put the recipe into the recipe builder and get 4sp without choc chips?
2sp for flour
1sp for marg
1sp for milk
Have I done something wrong?
Karina says
Hi Di! I’m so glad you liked it! I use unsweetened almond milk which is 0sp! 🙂 I hope that helps!
Spencer says
My gosh. This is amazing!!
I didn’t have flour for some weird reason so I made oat flour and it added a great texture to it. Also, using coconut oil gave it a slight tropical hint to it.
Heather izzard says
Hi Karina,
I’m new to your blog and I found this in my email box.
Naughty hubby fancied a Mars bar… Well he’s got no chance!
I snook off and made two of these, one for him exactly to your recipe, and one for me, half the sugar, substituted cocoa with half cacao and a pinch of desiccated coconut.
They were spectacular!
I got mine down to 135 kcal and it tasted sweet enough. I had a tiny blob of low fat iced cream and I’m still under my 1200 cals for the day..
Thank you ?
Karina says
Hahaha that is AWESOME! Sounds like something I do all the time! I’m so happy you both enjoyed the recipe! Thank you so much for letting me know. You made my whole entire week! 🙂
Bethany @ Athletic Avocado says
This mug cake is glorious! The chocolatey-ness and gooeyness looks UNREAL! Come to mama!
Karina says
YES! To everything you just said 😉
Tasbih @Cleobuttera says
Katrina! OMG I just made this and I cannot believe myself! It’s SO good! I have a chocolate mug cake recipe on my blog that is to die for, but it’s 21 freakin’ smart points! I love it but have been trying to erase it from my memory because my daily point budget can’t handle it. As soon as I saw your low-fat version, I knew I had to try it. Girl this is so going to be my daily treat from now on. Best 6 points EVER! I’m definitely going to be sharing this revelation with my WW Connect friends and send some love over to your blog. Thanks for an amazing, figure friendly recipe 🙂
Karina says
Tasbih! Wow girl I’m so happy YOU tried this!!! How good is it? Especially for our special kind of sweet teeth 😉 I won’t like, it’s been making an appearance over here daily too! Haha!
Irawo says
Karina!!!!! Again another delightful recipe that never fails to exceed.
I tried mug cakes before (in an oven cos I didn’t have a microwave then) and was disappointed at the taste.
Just this morning I made one batch and immediately had to make a double batch straight after. It was relish!!!!! Was worried on how it would taste cos I had no mile or cocoa powder but it was awesome. Again subbed flour for unflavoured protein powder and used flavour god chocolate donut seasoning in place of coca powder #Heaven.
You are seriously the best xoxo
Karina says
Sounds amazing Irawo!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
I know EXACTLY how I am spending my weekend…and that is eating 194039204 of these glorious mug cakes! I seriously can’t believe that these are low fat! You are amazing!
Karina says
Haha thanks Taylor! I hope you enjoyed them!