Description
This decadent chocolate peanut butter mug cake is a warm, fudgy, single-serve dessert ready in just 90 seconds! Rich chocolate cake studded with melty peanut butter swirls makes for the perfect quick treat when you need something sweet right now.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons milk (any kind)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Select your mug – Choose a microwave-safe mug with at least 12 ounces capacity to allow room for the cake to rise while cooking.
- Combine dry ingredients – Add the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt directly to your mug. Use a fork to whisk everything together thoroughly, breaking up any clumps of cocoa powder. Make sure there are no pockets of flour or cocoa hiding at the bottom.
- Add wet ingredients – Pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously with your fork for about 30 seconds until the batter is completely smooth with no lumps. Scrape the sides and bottom of the mug to ensure everything is incorporated. The batter should be thick but pourable.
- Add peanut butter swirl – Drop the tablespoon of peanut butter right in the center of the batter. Use a toothpick or the tip of your fork to gently swirl it through the chocolate batter in a figure-eight pattern. Don’t over-mix—you want distinct ribbons of peanut butter, not a fully blended batter.
- Microwave – Place the mug in the center of your microwave. Cook on high power for 70-90 seconds. Start checking at 70 seconds—the cake is done when the top looks mostly set with perhaps a few slightly moist spots. It will continue cooking from residual heat after you remove it. The exact time depends on your microwave’s wattage (lower wattage may need closer to 90 seconds; higher wattage may only need 60 seconds).
- Cool slightly – Carefully remove the mug using oven mitts or a towel—it will be hot! Let it cool for 1-2 minutes before eating. The cake will firm up slightly as it cools but should remain fudgy in the center.
- Serve and enjoy – Eat straight from the mug or turn it out onto a plate. Top with ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate chips, or extra peanut butter if desired. Best enjoyed warm!
Notes
- Microwave wattage matters – All microwaves cook differently. Start with less time and add more in 10-second increments if needed. Overcooking makes the cake rubbery.
- Don’t overfill – The batter should fill no more than halfway up your mug to allow for rising.
- Natural peanut butter note – If using natural peanut butter, stir the oil back in well before measuring, as separated oil can affect texture.
- Measuring accuracy – For best results, level off your flour and cocoa powder measurements rather than heaping them.
- Altitude adjustment – If you’re at high altitude, you may need to reduce baking powder slightly or increase liquid by a teaspoon.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 seconds
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug cake
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 195mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 2mg