You’re working at home and your mind starts to wander to snack possibilities. In the old days, you could mosey on down to the local cafe for a break. But now, of course, you’re on your own.

If you’re the parent of young children, it’s possible there are probably some prepackaged, good-until-the-next-millennium baked goods in your cabinet. However, you may want to save those to keep the kids placated during your 19th teleconference of the week.

Instead, try my recipe for Cake in a Mug! All it takes is a microwave, some hot chocolate mix, and a couple of ingredients you’re sure to have in your kitchen. Have no fear, this could easily pass for fresh, decadent, chocolate lava cake from your favorite bistro.

And if your prepper stash doesn’t include gourmet unsweetened cocoa, I’ve got you covered. This version is designed for the instant hot chocolate mix you keep on hand for the kids. Here’s how to make it:

What You’ll Need
4 Tablespoons cake flour
9 Tablespoons hot chocolate mix
1 Egg
3 Tablespoons water
3 Tablespoons oil
1 Microwavable Mug

Like this recipe? Find more dessert and other yummies in my book Edible Inventions — available in softcover, Kindle, and as a PDF!

Combine the Dry Ingredients

Measure out the flour and hot chocolate mix into the mug. Stir.

Add the Wet Ingredients

Crack the egg into the mug. Stir a bit. Add water and oil.

Stir until thoroughly moistened. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the mug with your spoon to avoid any leftover pockets of dry ingredients.

For a gooey lava-like interior, throw in some chocolate chips.

Bake

Put the mug in the microwave on high and set the timer for 3 minutes.
As it bakes, a cylinder of cake will start to rise out of the mug. Way cool!
When done, it will settle back into the mug.

Serve

The handle of the mug may be hot, so use a potholder to remove it from the microwave.

Tip your cake cylinder out of the mug into a dish. It may look a little wrinkled. This is normal.

Use a fork to break it up into quarters. This will allow steam in the center to escape. Arrange so that the more attractive interior of the cake is showing.

Make sure the cake has cooled enough to eat before digging in. Add whipped cream or ice cream if desired.

Enjoy!