This paleo chocolate cake in a mug is a quick and easy dessert recipe for one. It’s also gluten free, dairy free, and refined sugar free. This paleo mug cake is best eaten warm (but better let it cool for a couple of minutes before digging in after the microwave beeps).
What to serve with this paleo chocolate cake in a mug
For an extra special treat, top this cake with this yummy sweet potato chocolate frosting. It’s nutrient dense yet decadent.
Ingredients and substitutions
This mug cake recipe calls for coconut flour. I love the subtle hint of coconut flavor it imparts. Coconut flour is a staple of paleo baking and I always keep my pantry stocked with it. So far I haven’t had any trouble finding it at my local grocery store, but it can also be ordered online. I don’t recommend substituting other kinds of flour in this recipe.
I chose coconut oil as the fat in this mug cake. It’s another popular choice used in many paleo dessert recipes because it’s dairy free. You can substitute olive oil or avocado oil if you prefer.
The sweetener in this recipe is maple syrup. I love the complex sweetness of maple and think it complements the chocolaty flavor of the cocoa powder as well as the vanilla extract. Be sure to use pure vanilla extract (as opposed to artificial vanilla extract).
How to make it
This mug cake is quick and easy to make. Technically you don’t even have to use a mug – I actually used a microwave safe teacup. A smallish microwave safe bowl would work too.
Start by melting some coconut oil in the microwave in your mug. In my microwave this takes about twenty seconds, but microwave strengths vary considerably so you can start with ten seconds and add additional time if necessary. Once it’s melted, swirl it around the sides of the mug a bit to grease it.
Allow the coconut oil to cool for a couple of minutes, then add all the ingredients except the coconut flour and whisk well with a fork (or a miniature whisk if you happen to have one of those). I like to mix up the ingredients directly in the mug – one less dish to wash.
Next you’ll add the coconut flour and whisk once more until the batter is thick and smooth.
Pop it in the microwave for 90 seconds or until the cake is cooked through and the top doesn’t appear at all liquid. Microwaves vary in strength so if after 90 seconds the top looks a bit liquid, keep microwaving and checking every 15 seconds to see if the top looks solid. As soon as it appears solid, it’s done. Don’t overcook once it’s solid or the cake will be a bit dry.
Be sure to let this mug cake cool off for a few minutes before digging in.
Optional toppings
Some optional toppings for this paleo chocolate cake in a mug include whipped coconut cream, fresh berries, a handful of paleo chocolate chips, or a drizzle of this tahini frosting (which basically tastes like hot fudge sauce).
More grain-free recipes
- This gluten-free, vegan black bean chocolate cake is nutritious but tastes totally decadent.
- This simple chocolate coconut flour cake is sweet and delicious.
- These coconut flour baked donuts are gluten free, dairy free, and grain free.
- These coconut flour crepes are delicious stuffed with either sweet or savory fillings.
Paleo Chocolate Cake in a Mug
Equipment
- Microwave
- Microwave safe mug
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (Fairtrade certified)
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Melt the coconut oil in the microwave (approximately 40-50 seconds).
- Swirl the melted coconut oil around the sides of the mug to grease the sides.
- Allow the coconut oil to cool for a couple of minutes before adding the maple syrup, egg, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt, then whisk well with a fork or miniature whisk. You can mix the ingredients directly in the mug or use a separate bowl if you prefer.
- Microwave for 90 seconds, then check to see if the top of the cake appears solid. If it’s solid then it’s ready, but if it appears at all liquidy then continue to microwave and check every 15 seconds until the top is solid (microwaves vary in strength so it’s important to use this method to ensure the cake is properly cooked).
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Optional garnishes for this paleo chocolate cake in a mug include fresh berries, dark chocolate chips, and whipped coconut cream.
Nutrition
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