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Home » Type » Desserts » Cakes and Cupcakes » Healthy Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe (Paleo)

Healthy Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe (Paleo)

May 25, 2020 by Faith 25 Comments

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This paleo Healthy Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe has rich chocolaty flavor and great texture! It’s saved me when I just want a little something sweet that’s fast without eating junk food.

Healthy Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe in White Mug on Wooden Table

Like I mentioned when I told you about my Chocolate Cupcakes for Two, I’m kind-of particular about my cake. (As Mike likes to tell me, I’m kind-of particular about a lot of food-related stuff, but that remains to be proven and is an entirely different discussion for another day.)

Anyway. I don’t think there is anything more disappointing than seeing an absolutely stunning cake and then sinking your teeth into what you think will be pure bliss, and realizing that it tastes like rubbery-textured cardboard.

Such a bummer.

There are legitimate days when you just need a single serving of cake, right, ladies? And I won’t discriminate, guys too. And I’m a firm believer that you shouldn’t have to make an entire cake just to get a decent slice of it.

But what if you could have a single serving cake that tastes like it’s worth the calories (no rubbery, flavorless cakes here!), is made in five minutes, and is full of wholesome, nourishing ingredients? That day has come, friends.

Whole Healthy Chocolate Mug Cake with Vintage Spoons on Side

I don’t blame you if you’re a little skeptical about this cake at first…because who would have thought? But give it a try, especially if you keep a pretty well-stocked healthy pantry and have all the ingredients on hand. You won’t believe how amazing this cake is.

When I was developing this recipe, it became a nightly ritual for about a week straight (purely for testing purposes, of course), until I realized that I was sort-of defeating the purpose of a single-serving cake. But it is so good I really didn’t care.

So go ahead and make this, but be warned, it might become a new nightly routine.

Paleo Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe with Description

In This Article

  • Paleo Chocolate Mug Cake – Healthy Chocolate Mug Cake!
  • How to Make Mug Cake
  • What Makes a Cake Moist?
  • More Delicious Mug Cake Recipes to Try
  • Healthy Chocolate Mug Cake

Paleo Chocolate Mug Cake – Healthy Chocolate Mug Cake!

Mug cake is perfect for those times when you want a little something sweet without having to make a whole cake. It alleviates the problem of having to wait for an entire cake to cook. And additionally, it solves the issue of what you’ll do with a whole cake once it’s made! (Unless it’s a birthday, nobody needs an entire cake laying around the house, right?!)

This Healthy Chocolate Mug Cake just happens to be paleo, meaning it’s grain free, gluten free, dairy free, and free of refined sugars.

I use honey as the sweetener, almond milk as the liquid, and a blend of almond flour, cocoa powder, and flaxseed meal as the flour.

How to Make Mug Cake

The point of a mug cake is that there are no dishes (or at least minimal dishes) to clean other than the mug you cook the cake in!

I stir together the ingredients for this cake in a small bowl and then pour it into a greased mug. However, you can stir everything together in a mug if you prefer. And then just microwave it.

If you want, you can top this mug cake with healthy goodies, such as fresh berries, coconut flakes, or chopped nuts. And I think it goes particularly well with a dollop of coconut whipped cream!

What Makes a Cake Moist?

Some recipes use fat, usually in the form of oil or butter, to make a moist cake.

My Healthy Chocolate Mug Cake uses egg yolk for fat to help make this cake moist.

Additionally, honey yields moist baked goods. (Even though this isn’t technically a baked good since it’s made in the microwave, it’s the same idea.)

Lastly, be sure not to over-cook this cake because that’s the one thing that is sure to dry it out!

Close Up of Healthy Chocolate Mug Cake Showing Texture

More Delicious Mug Cake Recipes to Try

  • 5-Minute Chocolate S’mores Fudge Cake from How Sweet It Is
  • A Cup of Coffee Cake (In Under 5 Minutes) from Pretty Prudent
  • Chocolate and Salted Caramel Mug Cake from NomNomBlingBling
  • Donut Mug Cake from Kirbie’s Cravings
  • Low-Carb Meyer Lemon Mug Cake from It’s Yummi
  • Peanut Butter Mug Cake from My Happy Place
  • The Moistest Very Vanilla Mug Cake from Table for Two
  • The Best Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake from Healthy Sweet Eats

Front View Horizontal Orientation of Healthy Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe
Did you make this recipe? Please rate it and leave a comment below because I love hearing from you! You can also tag @anediblemosaic on social media. To stay up-to-date FOLLOW ME on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Xoxo, Faith

Healthy Chocolate Mug Cake

By: Faith Gorsky
This paleo Healthy Chocolate Mug Cake is rich and chocolaty; it's the perfect dessert for a weeknight when you don't want to make a whole cake!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 3 mins
Cook Time 2 mins
Total Time 5 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1 serving
Calories 390 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 3/4 teaspoon coconut oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons pure honey
  • 2 tablespoons plain unsweetened almond milk
  • 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons almond flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder not Dutch-processed
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons golden flaxseed meal
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch baking soda
  • 1 pinch instant espresso powder

Instructions
 

  • Add the coconut oil to a 12 oz (355 ml) microwave-safe mug; microwave 10 seconds, or until the oil is melted. Rotate the mug around to coat the entire inside with the oil.
  • Whisk the egg in a small bowl, then whisk in the honey, almond milk, and vanilla.
  • Stir in the almond meal, cocoa powder, flaxseed meal, salt, baking soda, and espresso powder until smooth.
  • Pour off any extra coconut oil from the mug into the batter and stir it in.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared mug and microwave on high until cooked, about 2 minutes in an 800W microwave. (If your microwave has a higher wattage than that, start with 1 minute and add 10 second intervals until it’s done.)
  • Cool slightly and then serve immediately (it’s best eaten when still hot).

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Healthy Chocolate Mug Cake
Amount Per Serving
Calories 390 Calories from Fat 180
% Daily Value*
Fat 20g31%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Cholesterol 163mg54%
Sodium 421mg18%
Potassium 333mg10%
Carbohydrates 47g16%
Fiber 7g29%
Sugar 35g39%
Protein 12g24%
Vitamin A 240IU5%
Calcium 130mg13%
Iron 3.3mg18%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword Healthy Chocolate Mug Cake
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

Healthy Chocolate Mug Cake Pin

This post was first published on An Edible Mosaic on March 17, 2014. I updated it with more information on May 25, 2020.

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links to products I believe in, which means that even though it doesn’t cost you anything extra, I will receive a small amount of money from the sale of these items. Thank you for helping to support An Edible Mosaic!

Filed Under: Cakes and Cupcakes, Chocolate, Gluten Free, Paleo Tagged: 5-Minute Desserts, Cake, Chocolate, Desserts, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Healthy, Healthy Chocolate Mug Cake, Microwave Desserts, Naturally Sweetened, Paleo, Paleo Chocolate Mug Cake, Quick Desserts, Recipes, Treats

Comments

  1. Janet says

    July 27, 2014 at 4:26 pm

    I have made this recipe a few times and changed it slightly for my taste. I Used orange extract instead of vanilla and added some dried orange zest.

    Today, I thought I would try to make a donut with the recipe. I doubled the recipe and divided evenly into a six donut pan. Baked @ 350° for 15 minutes. Frosted with melted dark chocolate, coconut oil & orange extract. YUM YUM!

    Reply
    • Faith says

      July 28, 2014 at 7:28 am

      Janet, The donuts you made sound delicious, thanks for the tip!! I will definitely try that!

      Reply
  2. Caroline says

    May 25, 2014 at 11:17 am

    I am in heaven right now I would definitely recommend this recipe as a healthy desert, or snack with friend !

    Reply
  3. Calena says

    May 4, 2014 at 9:41 pm

    Mm, just tried this (with whole wheat flour and carob powder instead of almond flour and cocoa powder) and it was great! I only put it in for a minute and that was almost too long, so I would definitely reccomend not putting it in for the full 2 minutes. Also, it is not very sweet, so for those of you looking for something sweeter, I would up the honey. Great recipe!

    Reply
  4. Johanna says

    April 15, 2014 at 11:54 am

    Can’t wait to try this! A 5 minute mug cake for one has long been one of my “go to” desserts, but as I’ve been trying to move away from wheat-based flours and grains I’ve been struggling to get the consistency right. Coconut flour, almond flour, they all behave so differently! You just saved the day!

    Reply
  5. [email protected] says

    April 1, 2014 at 2:48 pm

    top that baby with some coconut milk whipped cream and I am SO IN.

    Reply
  6. Betsy says

    March 24, 2014 at 9:06 am

    Wow, Faith! What an awesome way to snack! Thank you for keeping those easy and delicious snacking ideas coming! Betsy

    Reply
  7. Lynn says

    March 18, 2014 at 8:37 am

    Wow..gluten fee too…can’t wait to try it…sounds yummy.

    Reply
  8. Joanne says

    March 18, 2014 at 5:46 am

    I have the same discerning palate when it comes to cake, so I totally understand. I love that your mug cake is quality stuff…I feel like I’ve made a few that were definitely of the weirdly textured variety.

    Reply
  9. [email protected] says

    March 18, 2014 at 2:02 am

    i am usually skeptical about mug cakes, but skimming through your recipe, it is tempting me to try on this one! it looks really yum :-)

    Reply
  10. Alyssa (Everyday Maven) says

    March 17, 2014 at 5:21 pm

    Yum! I make one that is very similar and it is absolutely my go-to when I really feel like dessert but there isn’t anything in the house. I bet that was a fun “testing” week :)

    Reply
  11. Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files says

    March 17, 2014 at 4:45 pm

    Ohhhhh you read my mind! I am right there with you on being particular about cake…if I am going to eat cake…it better bed de-lic-ious!

    Reply
  12. Erica says

    March 17, 2014 at 11:52 am

    Yum! I think my husband would really appreciate this recipe (I’m more of a vanilla vs. chocolate girl ;)). I will have to make this for him

    Reply
  13. Jess @ Keeping It Real Food says

    March 17, 2014 at 11:21 am

    The past week I’ve been making mug cakes and playing around with the ingredients—this one sounds awesome! Can’t wait to try it : )

    Reply
  14. Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says

    March 17, 2014 at 9:52 am

    i have yet to experiment with mug cake..I love how wholesome your version is.

    Reply
  15. Cara's Healthy Cravings says

    March 17, 2014 at 6:16 am

    Yes!!!
    Love that you have “healthified” the mug cake. I have pinned this so I remember to make it!

    Reply
  16. Rosa says

    March 17, 2014 at 3:08 am

    A great idea! Delicious.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    Reply
  17. Becca from It's Yummi! says

    March 17, 2014 at 3:06 am

    I SO know what you mean about rubbery mug cakes! There’s nothing more depressing than perfectly destroyed chocolate. *sniffle*
    I love the addition of espresso powder in your recipe. I bet it really makes the cake burst with flavor.
    Thanks so much for sharing my recipe with your readers, too!

    Reply

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Hello and welcome to An Edible Mosaic! This is my recipe collection of international favorites and updated American classics with an emphasis on seasonal dishes. Here you’ll find a focus on real foods that sustain body and mind, bring people together, and make a house a home.

 

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I’m Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to email me with questions or comments.

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affiliate disclosure

An Edible Mosaic is monetized in part though affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and/or purchase an item after clicking on an affiliate link, I may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use. To learn more, please read my Privacy Policy.

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