Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake Recipe
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 4 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tsp sugar; 1/4 tsp baking powder; A pinch of salt; 1 Tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or canola); 2 Tbsp milk; 1 Tbsp peanut butter

I am absolutely thrilled to share my favorite quick treat with you: the Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake Recipe. Whenever I crave something rich, chocolatey, and oh-so-comforting but don't want to wait to bake a whole cake, this mug cake comes to my rescue. It’s a perfect harmony of chocolate and peanut butter that whips up in minutes right in your microwave. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to indulgence for a speedy yet satisfying dessert.

Why You'll Love This Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake Recipe

What I adore most about this Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake Recipe is its perfect balance of flavors. The deep cocoa richness combined with creamy peanut butter creates a luscious, almost molten center that floods your taste buds with cozy sweetness in every bite. It's not overwhelmingly sweet but just right to satisfy that chocolate craving.

Another thing I love is how incredibly easy this recipe is. There’s no need for any complicated mixing bowls or fancy equipment—just a mug, a spoon, and your microwave. It’s one of those rare desserts you can pull together in under five minutes. That convenience means you can enjoy a warm, homemade treat any time of day, even during the busiest moments.

Sometimes I make this for weekend brunch, but honestly, it’s perfect anytime—after dinner, as a late-night snack, or even during a cozy afternoon break. What really sets this mug cake apart is its personal size and the combination of familiar flavors everyone adores. It’s comfort food with a speedy twist that never fails to brighten my day.

Ingredients You'll Need

Seven clear glass bowls are arranged on a white marbled surface. From top left to bottom right: a small bowl with a white powder, a medium bowl with brown powder, a medium bowl with light brown creamy paste, a medium bowl with white flour, a small bowl with clear liquid, a small bowl with white granulated sugar, and a white bowl with a small amount of milk. The bowls are evenly spaced and the shot is taken from above, showing the textures and colors clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the fluffy, moist texture and rich flavor that I cherish in this cake. Nothing fancy, just honest ingredients that blend beautifully to deliver a quick dessert miracle.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

All-purpose flour: The base of the mug cake, providing structure and fluffiness.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and that rich dark color we love.
Sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the cocoa bitterness without overpowering.
Baking powder: Helps the cake rise quickly for that perfect soft texture.
Salt: A pinch brightens all the flavors and prevents the cake from tasting flat.
Cooking oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
Milk: Brings everything together smoothly for the batter.
Peanut butter: The star ingredient that creates a gooey, nutty center.

Directions

Step 1: In your favorite microwave-safe mug, combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until all dry ingredients are evenly mixed and no clumps remain. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and has a smooth texture.

Step 2: Add the cooking oil and milk to the dry mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until the batter is smooth and uniform with no streaks of dry flour.

Step 3: Spoon the peanut butter right into the center of the batter in the mug. I like to gently press it down a bit so it nestles inside the batter, which creates that rich molten surprise when you bite in.

Step 4: Pop the mug in the microwave and cook on high for one minute. Since microwaves vary, keep an eye on your cake the first time you try this—if the top looks wet, give it a few extra seconds, but be careful not to overcook, or it can dry out.

Step 5: Once cooked, carefully remove the mug (it will be hot!), and let it sit for a minute or two to settle before digging in. Then enjoy your personal chocolate peanut butter heaven.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes one generous serving, which is perfect for satisfying a solo sweet tooth or a quick single dessert portion. The prep time is just about 2 minutes since it's all mixing in one mug, and the cook time is exactly 1 minute in the microwave, making the total time around 4 minutes from start to finish. There is a short resting time after cooking, usually 1-2 minutes, to let the cake finish settling and avoid burning your tongue with that warm peanut butter center.

How to Serve This Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake Recipe

The image shows a white ceramic mug filled with a warm chocolate cake that has a soft, moist texture. The top layer is a dark brown, slightly crumbly chocolate cake with a creamy light caramel sauce melting in some spots. A silver spoon is lifting a scoop from the mug, displaying the mix of cake and flowing caramel sauce inside. In the background, there are pieces of dark chocolate and fresh red raspberries placed on a white marbled surface. The scene is softly lit with natural light, creating a cozy and inviting feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I absolutely love serving this mug cake warm right straight out of the microwave—that gooey peanut butter center is truly irresistible when it’s hot. For an extra special touch, I sometimes add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast between warm cake and cold ice cream creates a delightful texture and flavor experience.

You can also sprinkle a few chopped peanuts or a little flaky sea salt on top for crunch and to enhance the peanut flavor even more. If you want to get fancy, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can make it look as good as it tastes.

To drink alongside, I’m a fan of a cold glass of milk for a classic pairing, but coffee or a creamy latte works beautifully too if you’re enjoying this as an afternoon pick-me-up. This recipe shines during cozy nights, casual celebrations, or whenever you want to treat yourself without fuss or waiting.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake Recipe, and there are so many ways to make it your own! For example, swapping all-purpose flour for almond flour makes it gluten-free, which is perfect if you want a slightly nuttier flavor while keeping it moist. If you’re vegan, you can replace milk with your favorite plant-based milk and use a flax egg or just extra oil to keep that perfect texture.

You can play with different nut butters too—almond butter or cashew butter gives a lighter, slightly different nutty taste but still works wonderfully. For an extra burst of flavor, I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon or instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients. It sounds fancy but really just enhances the chocolate's depth beautifully.

Not a microwave fan? You can also bake this batter in a small ramekin in your oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, though I admit I prefer the convenience and speed of the microwave most days.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I don’t usually have leftovers since I tend to enjoy this mug cake immediately, but if you do, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just cover the mug tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the cake to a small sealed container to keep it from drying out.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but not my favorite for this particular recipe because the texture can change and become a bit crumbly. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

When reheating, I recommend warming it in short bursts in the microwave (about 20 seconds at a time) to avoid overcooking and drying out the cake. For best results, adding a tiny splash of milk before reheating helps restore moisture and softness. Avoid using a conventional oven as it can toughen the texture.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?

Absolutely! Natural peanut butter works just as well, but remember it’s usually less sweet and oilier, so the texture might be slightly different. Stir it well before adding to avoid separation, and you’ll still get that delicious peanut flavor.

What if I don’t have unsweetened cocoa powder?

If you don’t have unsweetened cocoa powder, you can substitute it with the same amount of melted chocolate chips, but reduce the oil slightly since chocolate contains fat. This will make the cake richer and sweeter, so you might want to lower the sugar a bit too.

Can I double this recipe to make two servings at once?

You can double all the ingredients and pour the batter into two mugs for convenient double servings. However, I don’t recommend mixing double portions in one single large mug or container, as cooking times and textures may vary and it could affect even cooking.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. I like blends that contain xanthan gum to maintain the cake’s structure and softness.

Can I add mix-ins to this mug cake?

Definitely! I sometimes toss in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of shredded coconut to add texture and extra flavor bursts. Just be careful not to overcrowd the mug to allow for proper rising.

Conclusion

I really hope you give this Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake Recipe a try because it’s truly one of those comforting little delights that satisfy your sweet tooth in a flash. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for whenever you need a quick treat to brighten your day. Once you make it, you’ll see why I keep coming back to this recipe time and time again!