If you’ve ever had a late-night craving for something chocolatey, gooey, and impossibly easy, then this Nutella Mug Cake is your new best friend. With just three everyday ingredients and less than five minutes from start to finish, you’re getting a rich, decadent treat that practically melts in your mouth—and all it takes is one mug and a microwave. Mug desserts are always a crowd-pleaser, but this Nutella Mug Cake stands above the rest thanks to the silky chocolate hazelnut spread at its heart. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or whipping up a last-minute dessert for friends, you’ll fall head over heels for this speedy indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s a certain magic to how only three simple ingredients can deliver a cake this delicious. Each component is essential: they blend together to create the sticky, fudgy crumb, the unmistakable Nutella richness, and the crave-worthy structure you want in a mug cake.

Chocolate hazelnut spread: This superstar ingredient provides a deep chocolate flavor and luxurious texture—don’t hold back, more is more here!
Eggs: The eggs are key for binding everything together and adding delightful moisture; use large, room temperature eggs for best results.
All-purpose flour: Just a touch of flour helps set the cake and ensures you get that soft, single-serve crumb.

How to Make Nutella Mug Cake

Step 1: Make the Batter

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the chocolate hazelnut spread and eggs until completely smooth and glossy. Stirring thoroughly here guarantees a uniform batter and makes sure the eggs are totally incorporated (no streaks!). Then, gently fold in the flour—stop mixing as soon as no dry spots remain. Over-mixing can make the mug cake tough, so aim for just-combined!

Step 2: Divide and Mug Up

Grease two microwave-safe mugs lightly (cooking spray or a dab of butter both work), and spoon the batter in evenly. Filling the mugs halfway or two-thirds is perfect; this gives the cake space to rise without overflowing. For a prettier presentation, you can swirl a little extra Nutella on top before microwaving.

Step 3: Microwave to Cake Perfection

Place one mug at a time in the microwave and cook for 90 seconds. The Nutella Mug Cake will puff up and look set on top, with a slightly gooey center—don’t worry if it still looks a tad soft, as it will firm up as it cools. Let each mug cool for about five minutes before diving in; this patience pays off by improving the texture (and keeping your tongue burn-free!).

How to Serve Nutella Mug Cake

Garnishes

A warm Nutella Mug Cake is nothing short of dreamy on its own, but a few thoughtful garnishes can make it feel truly special. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. For extra decadence, drizzle with a bit more Nutella or a handful of chocolate chips while the cake is still warm—they’ll melt into sweet little pockets.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Nutella Mug Cake with something fresh can take it to new heights. A bowl of plump raspberries or juicy strawberries brings a juicy tang that plays off the rich cake. A steaming cup of espresso or hot chocolate is another classic pairing, cutting through the sweetness and rounding out this mini dessert adventure.

Creative Ways to Present

Even though it’s made in a mug, you can get creative with presentation! Try serving the Nutella Mug Cake in mismatched vintage teacups for a cozy, personal touch, or pop the cake out onto a small plate and top with layers of fruit and cream for an elevated twist. Mini jars or ramekins also work wonderfully if you’re serving a crowd, and make each person feel like they’re getting a bespoke treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve managed to resist finishing your Nutella Mug Cake in one go, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container or simply cover the mugs tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 2 days—though keep in mind, the cake is best enjoyed fresh for that just-baked texture.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t generally recommended for mug cakes since they’re so quick to make and taste best right away. However, if you find yourself with extra, wrap the cooled cakes well and store in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat your Nutella Mug Cake, pop it in the microwave for 15–20 seconds until it’s just warmed through (be careful not to overheat, as it can become rubbery). Add a fresh spoonful of Nutella on top for extra moisture and flavor after reheating!

FAQs

Can I make this Nutella Mug Cake without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of plain, unsweetened yogurt or applesauce. The texture will be a bit softer, but it still turns out deliciously moist and rich.

Can I use different chocolate hazelnut brands?

Absolutely. While Nutella is the classic, any good quality chocolate hazelnut spread will give you great results in a Nutella Mug Cake. Just aim for a creamy, well-balanced option for that signature flavor.

Why did my mug cake turn out dry or tough?

Usually, a dry mug cake means it was overcooked in the microwave or the flour was over-mixed into the batter. Try cooking for less time, and always fold the flour in gently for the softest crumb.

Can I double the recipe?

Of course! Simply double all ingredients and divide among four mugs, microwaving each separately so the cakes heat evenly. Perfect if you’ve got friends or family ready for a cozy treat.

Is it possible to bake these in the oven?

You can! Use oven-safe ramekins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–18 minutes, or until just set in the center. The result is a slightly more traditional cake texture, still packed with Nutella goodness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the fastest path to chocolate happiness, look no further than the Nutella Mug Cake. It’s rich, satisfying, and so simple even beginners can master it on the first try. Once you taste that warm, fudgy goodness for yourself, you’ll want to keep this mug cake recipe at the top of your dessert rotation. I can’t wait for you to give it a taste!