Made with cocoa (or cacao), chocolate pieces, almond flour and milk, Paleo Chocolate Mug Cake is a delicious , indulgent quick treat that’s perfect for parties, special occasions, and just because moments! {Paleo-friendly}
Rich, creamy, chocolatey goodness. These are just a few of the many words our family uses to describe Paleo Chocolate Mug Cake, a recipe where scrumptious brownies meet fluffy cake, and the only baking utensils you need are a mug and a microwave. Spiriteds, our family is in love. We make this for family birthdays, special occasions, and just because moments. The girls are bonkers for Paleo Chocolate Mug Cake, and they have no problem telling me when they don’t like my recipes. They are your quality control crew.
I wasn’t always a chocolate person, but Paleo Chocolate Mug Cake has converted me. Growing up, I’d much rather have had a strawberry cake with strawberry frosting and pink sprinkles straight from the oven. Some things, like excessively pink cakes, aren’t meant to be outgrown. And yet, I absolutely, completely, and totally love microwavable Paleo Chocolate Mug Cake. My only regret is not finding it sooner. We sank our teeth into countless batches, attempting to get the recipe “just right.”
And to get it just right, the cake couldn’t taste dry or tough or excessively chewy. It did take us several tries. The first round was a little dry while the second round was a little moist-i-er. Is that even a word? Do we even know what I mean? Okay, so the second try was moit-i-er but too bland. Eventually, though, K-Hubs, the girls, and I got a balance of flavors and texture we liked. And that’s what we’re sharing with you here!
Paleo Chocolate Mug Cake is
- Gluten-free
- Grain-free
- Dairy-free
- Soy-free
- A single-serving recipe that is ready in minutes
- Kid-friendly and perfect for birthday parties
If I make several batches at a time, then I like to assembly-line my process. First I’ll lay out all the ingredients. Then I’ll set up a bowl or two. Next I’ll set out my ramekins, mugs, or other container. Finally, I’ll mix the ingredients, pour them into the containers, and then microwave them.
I don’t highly suggest making multiple batches in one container at a time and then dishing them out to their respective dishes because you’ll run the risk of an imbalance of ingredients.

Paleo Chocolate Mug Cake ingredients
- Cocoa or cacao powder
- Almond flour
- Almond milk
- Maple syrup
- Vanilla (pure for a paleo-friendly recipe)
- Egg
- Sea salt
- Chocolate pieces (dark chocolate pieces or carob nibs for a paleo-friendly recipe)
If you don’t need a paleo-specific recipe but still need to avoid common allergens, then allergen-friendly chocolate chips are available at many grocery stores. If you use chocolate pieces and find the flavor is still too bitter for your liking, then you can add a little more maple syrup or sprinkle monkfruit sweetener into the mix. Be careful, however, not to add too much or you’ll alter the consistency.
Toppings options
- Fresh fruit
- Frozen fruit (tastes amazing as it melts atop the warm cake)
- Powdered sugar (not paleo)
- A sprinkle of monkfruit sweetener or granulated stevia
- Melted dark chocolate
The sky is the limit when it comes to toppings for this cute little cake, so play around and have fun! If you’re serving this at a party or small gathering, then consider a toppings bar where guests can mix and match their own toppings!
Helpful equipment
- Coffee mugs. Just about any size will do, as long as the mugs aren’t too small. Larger mugs are great for layering lots of toppings, while smaller mugs are great for cake that rises right to the rim.
- Ramekins. If you don’t have microwave safe mugs or they aren’t big enough to store the cake, ramekins will work, too!
Although this is a mug-style recipe, there’s no need to stress about having the perfect mug. Just make sure it’s large enough to hold the batter so you don’t wind up with a mess in your microwave!
Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate!
If you are in the mood for more chocolate recipes, then you’re in the right place!
- Almond Butter Crunch Cups
- No-Bake Chocolate Almond Butter Truffles
- Fudgy Paleo Brownies
- Dairy-Free Soy-Free Chocolate Bars
Spiriteds, I hope this recipe finds you well. And thanks for stopping by! I’m glad you’re here. ❤️
PrintPaleo Chocolate Mug Cake
Made with cocoa (or cacao), chocolate pieces, almond flour and milk, Paleo Chocolate Mug Cake is a delicious , indulgent quick treat that’s perfect for parties, special occasions, and just because moments! {Paleo-friendly}
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 2 mins
- Total Time: 7 mins
- Yield: 1 mug cake 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Microwave
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons almond milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (or substitute of choice)
- Pinch of sea salt
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips (see Notes)
- Fresh or frozen fruit, granulated sweeteners, or melted chocolate as toppings (see Notes)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a deep bowl and stir until evenly mixed.
- Next pour the batter into a microwave-safe mug or dish and then microwave on high for approximately two minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Carefully remove the mug or ramekin from the microwave as contents will be hot.
- Top with your favorite toppings and serve!
Notes
- If you need an allergen-friendly recipe that isn’t specifically paleo, then you can use vanilla extract and allergen-friendly chocolate chips found in most grocery stores either in the baking either or the gluten-free/health sections. Additionally, you can garnish with powdered sugar.
- If you do need paleo options then consider carob nibs or dark chocolate pieces and use pure vanilla. Additionally you can sprinkle your cakes with monkfruit sweetener, if desired, or melted dark chocolate. You may be able to make your own “powdered sugar” by gently blending the monkfruit granules into a soft powder.
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