- Why you’ll love this?
- How to make?
- How to serve?
- Helpful tips
- More mug cake recipes
- Common Questions
- Ready, Set, Cake!
Black Forest Mug Cake is my go-to when that late-night chocolate monster creeps up, and I don’t have the time (or patience) to whip out the stand mixer. Maybe you’re like me, desperate for something sweet… right now. No sharing, no leftovers to awkwardly stuff into the fridge. Just one cup, all for you. The cherry-chocolate combo? Iconic, honestly. Oh, and it’s done in two minutes. That part’s a bit life-changing, not gonna lie.
Why you’ll love this?
Okay real talk. Sometimes I want five-star restaurant vibes, but without burning my evening (or bacon). This Black Forest Mug Cake nails it. Rich chocolate, tart cherries, and serious nostalgia from those German bakery cakes… but fast. Like, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it fast. What gets me is the gooey pockets of chocolate (seriously, grab that spoon and dig deep), plus the tiny burst of cherry in every bite. You need almost zero effort and definitely zero skill. If you’ve got a microwave and a mug, you’re basically a cake wizard.
Right, and it doesn’t leave a mountain of dirty dishes. Winning.
How to make?
Grab your favorite mug. I like something oversized so I don’t risk a volcanic cake explosion in the microwave. Toss in flour, sugar, cocoa powder, a pinch of baking powder, and a little salt—just use your regular spoon as a measuring tool if that’s all you’ve got. Stir in a glug of milk, some vegetable oil, and a couple drops of vanilla extract (don’t sweat it if you’re out). Mix until you’ve got a thick, slightly lumpy batter. Awkward looking? That’s fine.
Here’s the moment: plop in some chopped chocolate or chocolate chips and a hearty spoonful of cherry pie filling. Swirl it just a touch. Nuke that mug for about 90 seconds. Cake should look set but still soft on top, not bone dry.
Fair warning: it’ll be hotter than a sidewalk in July. Let it sit for a few, unless you’re into burned tongues (I’m impatient, so I get it).
How to serve?
You’ve got choices! Depends how extra you’re feeling:
- Plop whipped cream on top—the classic way.
- Shave a little chocolate bar over for “fancy” points.
- Add more cherry pie filling if you’re a fruit-forward person.
- Eat straight from the mug while standing by the microwave (no judgement).
I’ve done all versions… and honestly, some days call for more topping, some don’t. Your kitchen, your rules. And if you share it, you’re a better person than me.
Helpful tips
Alright, I’ve made this mug cake when half-asleep or after a long day, so trust me, it’s forgiving. That being said, don’t over-mix the batter. Funky-looking lumpy bits are good—smooth batter gives you dense cake, not the fluffy sort you want. If you want extra moist cake, swap out a bit of milk with Greek yogurt or sour cream (tried it, obsessed).
If the cake rises a lot, but then drops, that’s normal for mug cakes. Just eat it fast (as if you weren’t going to anyway). And seriously, every microwave’s got their own personality—maybe test with a few seconds less the first go just in case.
“I tried this recipe after a long day and it saved me from raiding the snack cabinet. Better than the ones at cafes, and so easy that my teenager makes it now. Five stars!” — Kim from Seattle
More mug cake recipes
Not to sound dramatic, but mug cakes are basically magic. Once you start, you’ll never stop hunting for new combos. A couple of my faves: peanut butter swirl for salty-sweet night cravings, or classic vanilla with rainbow sprinkles for birthday vibes in a mug. You can sub in strawberries or raspberries too if you don’t have cherries around. And if you want to get wild—try adding espresso powder for a mocha-cherry kick. This Black Forest Mug Cake is just a starting point. Try out some other mug cake ideas and let your taste buds lead the way.
Common Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yep! If you pit and slice fresh cherries, toss with a bit of sugar first. They’ll work great, though pie filling gives extra gooeyness.
Do I have to use oil?
I’d say yes for ultimate moistness, but melted butter is fine too.
What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
You could use hot chocolate mix in a pinch, but it’ll be sweeter and less chocolatey.
Can I double the recipe for two mugs?
Absolutely, but nuke ’em separately or you’ll end up with undercooked centers.
Is it supposed to be a bit gooey?
Yes! Think lava cake texture. If you want more cake-y, just zap it another 10-15 seconds.
Ready, Set, Cake!
That’s basically all you need to know for mug cake greatness. Skip the stress, embrace the chocolate, and treat yourself tonight with this Black Forest Mug Cake. It’s crazy simple, ridiculously tasty, and way better than those expensive café cakes. If you found this handy, check out more easy dessert recipes at Sally’s Baking Addiction for inspiration. Now, go raid your pantry and make dessert happen. You deserve it.
Black Forest Mug Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Grab your favorite mug, preferably oversized to prevent overflow.
- Combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in the mug.
- Stir in milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until you have a thick batter.
- Fold in chopped chocolate or chocolate chips and cherry pie filling.
- Microwave the mug for about 90 seconds until set but still soft on top.
- Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before eating.