When a sudden dessert craving hits, this single-serving chocolate cake is the ultimate quick fix. You'll mix fresh orange zest, dark chocolate chips, and a handful of pantry staples right in your favorite mug. A quick spin in the microwave yields a rich, citrus-infused treat without the hassle of baking a full-sized dessert. The finishing touch of flaky salt amplifies the deep cocoa notes, proving you don't need hours in the kitchen to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Prep
5 min
Cook
5 min
Total
10 min
Servings
1
Course
Dessert
Cuisine
Mediterranean
Ingredients
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 clementines, or 1 mandarin, or 1 navel orange
2 teaspoons honey
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons white whole-wheat flour, whole-wheat flour, or all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon baking powder
2 pinches kosher or sea salt, divided
1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips
Instructions
1Coat the bottom of a coffee cup, 6-ounce ramekin, or small microwave-safe bowl with the olive oil.
2Grate the orange directly into the cup to yield about 1/4 teaspoon of zest. Squeeze 2 tablespoons of juice from the orange into the cup, adding a splash of water if needed to reach the full amount.
3Stir the honey and vanilla extract into the cup until completely combined.
4Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and one pinch of salt together in a separate small bowl. Stir this dry mixture into the wet ingredients in the mug until no dry spots remain. Mixing the dry ingredients separately prevents bitter clumps of baking powder in your cake.
5Scatter the chocolate chips over the top. Microwave on high power for 30 seconds.
6Check the center of the cake. If an area larger than 1/2 inch remains unset, microwave for an additional 5 to 10 seconds.
7Remove the mug from the microwave and sprinkle the top with the remaining pinch of salt. Let the cake cool for 5 minutes before eating so the center finishes setting.
Nutrition
277kcal
Calories
4g
Protein
15g
Fat
4g
Fiber
243mg
Sodium
Notes
Swap: If you don't have a fresh orange, substitute 2 tablespoons of store-bought orange juice.
Tip: Adding a sprinkle of coarse salt to baked goods makes the sweetness taste more intense, which helps reduce the need for extra sugar.
Zero waste: Enjoy the remaining orange half as a snack or toss it into a smoothie.