Molten Chocolate Hazelnut Lava Mug Cake in 90 Seconds Step-by-step instructions

Before you start

Gather all ingredients and measure them out. Use a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 12 ounces (1 1/2 cups) to allow room for the cake to rise. Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop and let it cool slightly.

Make sure the chocolate hazelnut spread is at room temperature so it’s easy to spoon. Have a small whisk or fork ready for mixing. No need to preheat an oven—this recipe is entirely microwave-based.

Instructions

Mix the Batter

1. 1Mix the Batter
   In a microwave-safe mug, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking powder with a small whisk or fork. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, then stir until the batter is smooth and glossy, with no dry streaks. Make sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the mug so everything is incorporated.
   Look for The batter should be thick but pourable, like a standard cake batter, and completely lump-free.
   Tip Use a fork if you don't have a mini whisk. The goal is a uniform, smooth mixture.
2. 2Add the Nutella Core
   Drop the chocolate hazelnut spread by spoonfuls directly into the center of the batter. Do not stir. The spread should sink slightly into the batter, creating a molten core as the cake bakes around it.
   Look for The Nutella sits as a distinct dollop, partially submerged but visible on top.
   Tip Resist the urge to swirl. Keeping it intact ensures a gooey, lava-like center.

The batter should be smooth, glossy, and free of lumps. The Nutella should sit as a distinct dollop in the center, not swirled in. The mug should be no more than two-thirds full to allow for rising.

Microwave the Cake

3. 3Microwave the Cake
   Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 70 seconds. The cake will rise and puff up over the rim of the mug, and the center will remain molten. The top should look set and spring back lightly when touched, but the inside will still be soft and saucy.
   Look for The cake rises above the rim and looks puffy. The top is dry to the touch, not wet.
   Tip Microwave wattages vary. If your microwave is very powerful, start checking at 60 seconds. If it's weaker, you may need up to 80 seconds.

The cake will rise above the rim, looking puffy and dry on top. The center will still look soft and moist. You'll smell a rich chocolate aroma, and the top should spring back when lightly pressed.

Garnish and Serve

4. 4Garnish and Serve
   Carefully remove the mug from the microwave (it will be hot). Dust the top with powdered sugar and add a dollop of whipped cream. Use a spoon to dig into the center, pulling out a spoonful of warm, molten chocolate hazelnut lava. Serve immediately.
   Look for The spoon reveals a thick, flowing chocolate-hazelnut sauce from the center.
   Tip Let the mug cool for 30 seconds before eating to avoid burning your mouth, but serve while still warm.

After dusting with powdered sugar and adding whipped cream, the spoon should reveal a thick, flowing chocolate-hazelnut lava.

The cake should be warm and aromatic, with a tender crumb. Take a moment to check the color, texture and aroma before you move on to the next step.

Common mistakes

One common mistake is overmixing the batter, which can make the cake tough. Stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Another mistake is stirring the Nutella into the batter—this prevents the molten core from forming.

Also, avoid using a mug that is too small, as the cake can overflow. If your microwave runs hot, check at 60 seconds to avoid a dry cake. Finally, don’t skip the resting time after microwaving, as the lava needs a moment to settle.

How to tell it’s done

The cake is done when it has puffed up over the rim of the mug and the top feels set to the touch, but the center still looks slightly moist and soft. A toothpick inserted into the edge should come out with a few moist crumbs, but the center should remain liquid.

The total cooking time is 70 seconds on high, but if your microwave is lower wattage, you may need 80 seconds. Let the cake cool for 30 seconds before eating, as the center will be very hot.