A decadently delicious single-serving treat you can make just for you!
As if Nutella, the iconic hazelnut and chocolate spread, wasn’t already delicious enough spread on toast, here comes the perfect indulgence: Nutella mug cake. It’s fudgy. It’s gooey. It’s like a chewy brownie and a moist cake had a baby. And because it’s made in a mug, it’s a single serving just for you. Sure, you could make it for someone else, but treat yourself to this super yummy dessert first!
You know those beautifully golden-wrapped chocolates with hazelnut filling called Ferrero Rocher? Well, the Ferrero company that makes them was founded by Italian chocolatier Pietro Ferrero, who happens to be the brains behind Nutella. During World War II, when cocoa was scarce, Ferrero invented a paste made of hazelnuts, sugar, and just a little cocoa. A few years later, he created a more spreadable version called SuperCrema, and then in 1964, his son relaunched SuperCrema as Nutella. The rest, as they say, is history. Countries all over the world embraced its one-of-a-kind deliciousness, so much so that in 2007, we saw the first ever World Nutella Day, still celebrated annually on February 5th!
Nutella mug cake is so easy to make that it can be World Nutella Day at your house whenever you want. It’s hard to imagine how so few ingredients mixed together in a coffee mug can spend about 90 seconds in the microwave and result in a dessert this luxurious and rich, but it’s true.
Of course, you can make it even more glorious by topping it off with some Whipped Cream or, better yet, some Chocolate Whipped Cream, or add a delightful bit of brightness with Strawberry Whipped Cream.
A perfect Nutella mug cake
Start with a microwave-safe mug that’s big enough to accommodate the cake’s rise (but don’t be alarmed when the cake deflates a bit once it’s done cooking; that’s normal). To avoid lumps, make sure to mix the Nutella and milk into the dry ingredients very thoroughly until everything is silky smooth. Since all microwaves cook differently, check your mug cake at 60-70 seconds: if it’s not set and dry on top, return it to the microwave for 10-second intervals until it has achieved that state. Avoid overcooking, as that could result in a rubbery mug cake.
How do I store leftovers?
Cooled Nutella mug cake can be covered in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Serving suggestions
Just because Nutella mug cake is perfectly delicious as it is, doesn’t mean you can’t make it more so. It’s cake, so of course it’s amazing topped with ice cream. My favorites are Dark Chocolate Ice Cream and, for added texture and amazing flavor, this KitKat Ice Cream. And if this cake and ice cream combo isn’t quite rich enough for you, feel free to drizzle some Chocolate Sauce over the top, too.
If you are a nut lover like I am, you might want to top your Nutella mug cake with a couple spoonfuls of Homemade Peanut Butter, like I often do. Sometimes I even top that peanut butter with a spoonful of Orange Marmalade, which adds a beautiful note of tangy citrus to this dessert. But back to nuts… one of my favorite toppings for Nutella mug cake is this luscious Pistachio Cream. And if I ever have any leftover Peanut Brittle or English Toffee made with toasted almonds, I’ll crumble either of those into my mug of Nutella cake!
Nutella Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 1/2 tablespoons whole milk
- 3 tablespoons Nutella plus more for serving
- Whipped cream for garnish, optional
- Fresh fruit for garnish, optional
Instructions
- In a large microwave-safe mug, mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add the milk and 3 tablespoons of Nutella to the mug. Stir until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. If it's too thick, add another splash of milk and combine.
- Microwave on high for 70-90 seconds. Check if the cake is set and dry on top. If not, microwave in additional 10-second intervals until done. Cooking time will vary on your microwave and mug size.
- Serve warm, with a dollop of Nutella on top. Garnish with whipped cream or fresh fruit if desired.
Leave a Comment