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After all the Thanksgiving festivities last week, I have to admit, it was time for a little break from extensive cooking. That’s even more true for breakfast, when I’m in a rush and need to work. It’s times like this that I turn to this low carb paleo keto chocolate mug cake recipe.
It’s quick and easy to make, with no fuss. I’ve actually been making this paleo chocolate cake in a mug for years, and now I’m excited for you to make it, too.
Easy Keto Paleo Chocolate Cake in a Mug
If you haven’t tried a low carb chocolate mug cake yet, you’re in for a treat. It’s moist and chocolate-y, and tastes like a real dessert.
And the best part? It’s ready in just a few minutes!
It’s delicious on its own, but my favorite way to enjoy it is to add toppings. For the ultimate keto mug cake, top it with more (sugar-free) melted chocolate, homemade whipped cream, or even sugar-free ice cream. A peanut butter drizzle would be good, too!
The great thing is, this keto chocolate mug cake actually healthy enough to enjoy for breakfast. The entire recipe has only 4 grams net carbs, 1 gram of sugar, a good helping of protein, and even a quarter of your daily iron needs. It’s gluten-free and grain-free, too. With this kind of nutrition info, you can feel good making a meal out of it.
Of course, if paleo chocolate mug cake isn’t your thing, I hope you’ll at least try my other low carb mug cake recipes. The cinnamon swirl flax seed muffin in a mug and vanilla mug cake are both popular alternatives.
If you’re a chocolate lover like me, though, you have to try this version. It will really hit the spot for that chocolate craving – and fast.
Plus, making low carb chocolate mug cake is incredibly easy. Here, I’ll tell you all about it…
Ingredients for Moist Chocolate Mug Cake
You only need six ingredients to make a super moist keto chocolate mug cake, plus one optional ingredient. And like I said, it only takes a few minutes. Even busy people can find time for that!
Besides, the ingredients are pretty common for anyone that likes gluten-free, paleo, or low carb cooking. All you need is salted butter, unsweetened baking chocolate, almond flour (make sure it’s blanched and finely ground!), erythritol, baking powder, egg, and vanilla extract (optional).
There are also some substitution alternatives, depending on your needs.
Unlike many other chocolate mug cake recipes, this one has no milk. Don’t worry – it’s not dry at all! The butter and chocolate in there keep it ultra moist.
In fact, it’s probably the moistest chocolate mug cake I’ve ever had. (And I’ve made plenty of them.)
If you need the keto chocolate mug cake to be completely dairy-free, you can also replace the butter with ghee or coconut oil. When you substitute one of these, just add a pinch of salt to compensate for the salted butter.
Personally, I prefer grass-fed butter for the best flavor, if that works for you. Many people include it in a paleo diet, as well.
Regarding the sweetener, any granulated one will work for this easy chocolate mug cake recipe. I like erythritol, but some paleo followers may prefer coconut sugar instead. Up to you!
How To Make Chocolate Mug Cake – Microwave or Oven
The original recipe for how to make chocolate mug cake uses the microwave, making it ultra fast to prepare. If you prefer the oven, no problem! We’ll cover both ways, so you can decide what is best for you.
To start, melt together the salted butter and unsweetened baking chocolate. If you’re going the microwave route, you can make your paleo chocolate cake in a mug or in a large ramekin. Melt right in there in this case.
Otherwise, a double boiler on the stove is just fine for melting. Be careful not to burn the chocolate, and remove from heat once melted.
Add the remaining ingredients – almond flour, erythritol, baking powder, egg, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir everything well until completely mixed together. Viola – there is your paleo chocolate mug cake batter.
If you were using a double boiler, you need to transfer the batter to your ramekin(s) to bake. You’ll need either a large 12-oz ramekin or two small 6-oz ramekins. Make sure your ramekins are a lot bigger than the volume of the batter (about double the size), because the cake will rise as it’s baking.
The final step is baking. For the microwave option, pop your mug in the microwave for just around a minute, maybe a little more. For the oven, bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes.
This last step is really the only “trick” to the recipe. As long as you don’t overcook your low carb chocolate mug cake, you’re good! You want it to be spring-y, but not dry.
Now, add your favorite toppings, and dig in!
Low Carb Paleo Keto Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe - 6 Ingredients:
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RECIPE CARD
Low Carb Paleo Keto Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe - 6 Ingredients
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- 1 tbsp Butter (salted; *see notes for dairy-free options)
- 3/4 oz Unsweetened baking chocolate
- 3 tbsp Blanched almond flour
- 2 tbsp Erythritol (or any granulated sweetener; *see notes for options)
- 1/2 tsp Gluten-free baking powder
- 1 large Egg
- 1/4 tsp Vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
RECIPE TIPS in the post above! VIDEO + nutrition info + recipe notes below!
Microwave Instructions
Melt the butter and chocolate together in a mug or large 12 oz (355 mL) ramekin in the microwave (about 45-60 seconds, stirring halfway through). Be careful not to burn it. Make sure the ramekin is at least double the volume of the ingredients, because the mug cake will rise.
- Add the almond flour, erythritol, baking powder, egg, and vanilla (if using). Stir everything well until completely mixed together.
- Microwave for about 60-75 seconds, until just firm. (Don't overcook, or it will be dry.)
- Serve with whipped cream (or coconut whipped cream for paleo), and/or drizzle with more melted chocolate stirred with sweetener.
Oven Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C).
- Melt the butter and chocolate together in a double boiler on the stove. Be careful not to burn it. Remove from heat.
- Add the almond flour, erythritol, baking powder, egg, and vanilla (if using). Stir everything well until completely mixed together.
Transfer the batter to a large 12 oz (355 mL) oven-safe ramekin (or two smaller 6 oz (178 mL) ones). Make sure the ramekins are at least double the volume of the ingredients, because the cake will rise. Bake for about 15 minutes, until just firm.
- Serve with whipped cream (or coconut whipped cream for paleo), and/or drizzle with more melted chocolate stirred with sweetener.
You'll Also Like These Keto Low Carb Recipes
Recipe Notes
- For a dairy-free or paleo version, use ghee or coconut oil, and add a pinch of salt.
- Paleo followers may prefer to use coconut sugar for the sweetener.
Serving size: 1 mug cake (entire recipe)
Video Showing How To Make a Chocolate Mug Cake:
Click or tap on the image below to play the video. It's the easiest way to learn how to make a Chocolate Mug Cake!
NUTRITION INFORMATION PER SERVING
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database. You can find individual ingredient carb counts we use in the Low Carb & Keto Food List. Carb count excludes sugar alcohols. Net carb count excludes both fiber and sugar alcohols, because these do not affect blood sugar in most people. We try to be accurate, but feel free to make your own calculations.
More Low Carb & Keto Support!
If you want to know more about how to start a low carb diet, want to substitute sweeteners, need a food list, or need support, check these guides:
Low Carb & Keto Diet Plan
Starter Guide 
Sweetener Conversion Calculator 
Keto Low Carb Macro Calculator 
Low Carb Keto Food List + Printable PDF
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107 Comments
Christy
So Amazing!!! I can be on Keto and half chocolate cake! I could only eat half. So good!
Heather
Omg! Best chocolate mug cake recipe ever. I have tried so many searching for the perfect one and this is it! Hands down. I used bakers chocolate and it turned out so perfect. The texture is perfect. Omg so good! Thank you!
Allyson
SOOOOO GOOD OMG!!! I used 2 squares of a Lindt 95% cuz I had no sugar free choc and ate it with raspberries and blackberries 🙂 THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! I was craving cake and this totally hit the spot. Will b making this quite often lol.
Molly
Another home run! This is a great, quick choc cake fix for me! I had been using another recipe, but it called for an egg yolk and mayo, which is good, but then I have to save the egg white or dump it.. this one is much easier and the taste is fantastic! I did use 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa instead of the choc squares.
Kay
Can the cocoa powder be used instead of a bar?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Kay, Some readers in the comments mentioned this, but in general, not if you want the same result. You’d need to compensate with more wet ingredients if you’re adding dry ingredients such as cocoa powder.
Beth
I’ve never tried a mug cake but your video inspired me – delish!
Cristina Ponce
Delicious!!!! Made it with swerve and stevia glycerate and decorated with cream cheese frosting
Laurel Rynes
Can this be made a couple hours ahead of dinner?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Laurel, Sure, you could do that!
Leslie
I made a double batch so I could share it with the BF. 3 minutes in the microwave. Topped it with my homemade almost zero carb salted caramel sauce and cool whip. AMAZING. Thank you
Monique
Thank you so much for another delicious recipe! I love your recipes and has made my keto way of eating so much better!
Gayle
This recipe is the best! A true lifesaver when my sweet tooth is screaming! Could I give it more than five stars please? I love a fast recipe like this.
Michelle
This looks SO good!!! Thinking about making this and topping it with your low carb cream cheese frosting!! My mouth is watering just thinking about it! lol!
Faridat
EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOUR RECIPES I’ve tried is a hit!! I love mug cake, tasty and quick!
Marlene Racine
This is fantastic!!!! So easy and delicious! I will be making this many times, and I will add walnuts or pecans next time … like a brownie in a mug. Thank you Maya! I needed this :)))
Barb
This was great!!
Maricela
OMG this is just super delicious. No hastle, no baking just perfect for that chocolate craving. This would pair great with Keto ice cream. I used ghirardelli intense dark 86% cacao and monk sugar…the intense flavors just exploded in my mouth, wow. Great dessert thanks for sharing
Sheila von Hofsten
Tried this recipe twice and was very glad with results. Very delicious receipe and my whole family loved it!
Cassandra
Would this recipe work using cocoa powder?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Cassandra, No, sorry, that would make it dry so you’d have to change the recipe in other ways.
Elisa
I made it with dark chocolate cocoa powder, microwaved it for one minute, it was perfect
Tammy
Can you double or triple the ingredients to make it more of a loaf pan size?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Tammy, I haven’t tried that. It would probably work by multiplying the recipe several times (definitely more than double), but you’d need to bake it. Microwaving such a large size would make it too dry most likely.
Rachel
Actually I used raw cacao powder and it was fine, the whipped coconut cream I used on top made it moist and tasty.
Beth
Can I use coconut flour as opposed to almond flour for this recipe?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Beth, No, sorry, they are not interchangeable. If you are allergic to almonds, then sunflower seed flour might work as a substitute.
Emma
Microwaved 50 sec on a 900 watt. Perfect – from both hubby and myself. Love the idea of sliced strawberry or nuts or a few of Lily’s chocolate chips. Thank you so much for time and effort you put into this site!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I am so happy to hear that, Emma! Thank you!
Agata
I’ve just made this substituting almond flour for 2 tbsp coconut flour + 1 tbsp coconut milk and it turned out great! Also, I just added 2 tsp Lakanto monkfruit classic seeetener and it was just right. Thanks for another tasty recipe!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I am so happy you liked the cake, Agata! Please come back soon!
Stephanie Rodriguez
What can we use in place of Erythritol?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Stephanie, You can use a different granulated sweetener – check the low carb sweetener conversion chart here.
Brenda
Made it twice. Once in microwave, once in oven. Couldn’t eat it, too dry!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Brenda, Sorry to hear that you found it dry. Most likely it’s because it was cooked too long – try reducing the cook time next time.
Jill
I have made this twice, both in the microwave. I have a tall coffee mug and it seems to work fine. I used Golden Monk Fruit Sweetener once and Swerve confectioners once and both were good. First time I microwaved for a full minute – a little dry but still delicious. Second time for 55 seconds and still a tad dry, but again, still delicious. Next time, I’ll shoot for 50 seconds!
Teanna
I have made this almost every night to fit in my macros, it’s perfect. a trick you can do is add a tablespoon of water after everything is mixed and it will be moist.
Jessica
This looks delicious!! Do you think I could use unsweetened cocoa powder in place of the chocolate? If so, how much do you think I should use? Thanks for all your wonderful recipes…they are helping me embrace the low carb lifestyle.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you, Jessica! Replacing the chocolate with cocoa powder would be too dry by itself so you’d need to add more wet ingredients.
Jeanette
How much more liquid would you need? I have powdered baking cocoa.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Sorry, I haven’t tested that variation so can’t say specifically.
Ruth Gale
Love this recipe – really helps with chocolate cravings. I tried it with 2 tablespoons of almond flour and 1/2 tablespoons of coconut flour. In addition I added one ripe sliced strawberry – so rich, a bit lighter and fruity!
Thanks Maya, so many great ideas.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I am so happy to hear that, Ruth! Thanks for sharing your tips with us!
Kate Cordova
My 7-year old daughter had a great time making this! Easy and yummy!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I love to hear that, Kate! Thanks for stopping by! Have a nice day!
Hardin
Just made this and will make it again. Very good flavor. Very easy prep. I will reduce cook time to 45-50 secs next time and check the donessness before going to 60 secs. Otherwise, a winner!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thanks for stopping by, Hardin! Please come back again soon!
Lori Balestrier
I’m doing keto but counting regular carbs, not net carbs. Can you tell me how many regular carbs and protein please?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you for stopping by, Lori. Please find the nutritional information per serving here: Calories: 433 | Fat: 38g | Total Carbs: 11g | Net Carbs: 4g | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 1g | Protein: 14g
Isabelle
Hi Maya,
This sounds delicious!! Is there anything I can substitute the egg out for?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you, Isabelle! You can try a flax egg, but I haven’t done it to say for sure how it will turn out.
Pam O'Donel
How much of the ingredients do you use for chocolate cake?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Pam, The ingredient amounts are on the recipe card above.
Sharri
Made with unsweetened cocoa, added walnuts, yummy!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I love that you added walnuts, Sharri!
Jill
So good with nuts! I added pecans!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you, Jill! Love the idea of adding pecans.
Marianne
Wow, this tasted amazing and really filling. Shared it with my husband and neither of us could finish the one mug cake between us! Thanks for the tasty recipe.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I am so happy to hear that, Marianne! Glad you liked it!
Angie
I had a sweet craving last night and made this…..it was soooo good. Topped with sugar free whipped cream and a few sugar free choc chips. This has to be my new favorite, thanks for the recipe.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I am so happy to hear that, Angie! Thanks for stopping by!
Terri
Can these be baked in coffee mugs?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Terri, Yes, you can, as long as the mugs are oven safe.
Martha
How much coconut flour to use instead of almond flour?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Martha, Sorry, I don’t recommend coconut flour for this recipe. You can maybe try 3/4 tbsp coconut flour (which isn’t even that easy to measure) to replace the 3 tbsp almond flour, but you’d end up with a much smaller cake and the texture would be totally different – very dense.
Jennifer Adair
I made this cake, but instead of vanilla, I used almond extract. Yummmy!! Who says you can’t have cake for breakfast! It came out quite moist, and was delicious! Thanks for sharing this wonderful treat!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I say you should have the cake for breakfast, Jennifer! 🙂
Roni
Hi
I didnt understand how much chocolate you mean by 3/4 oz Unsweetened chocolate ?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Roni, By 3/4 oz I meant 0.75 oz.
Jill
Roni,
There are 21.262 grams on 3/4 of an ounce. You will have to do some calculating based on the chocolate you use. I used a chocolate that was 40 grams per serving which was 4 squares. I just used 2 squares of the chocolate which was a little less than 3/4 ounce.
Hope that helps.
candace
I personally don’t like chocolate cake (diet or not), but this was great! It put my sweet tooth to bed. I sprinkled some confections Swerve on top and it was perfect! On the plus side both me and my boyfriend can eat it (I’m low carb and he’s low carb + cheese/milk free). Thanks for this recipe 🙂 (Going to try your vanilla next!)
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I am so happy you liked it, Candace! I hope you like the vanilla cake too!
Bonnie Lee
Firstly, I love that it’s a keto food. My other half is getting ready to go on the KETO diet, so I’m trying to figure out some new fresh ideas to ensure he gets tasty foods. I also really like how quick this recipe is! Can’t wait to give it a try!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you, Bonnie! I hope you and your other half both love it!
Meg
This is so delicious!! I just discovered your site today and I’m so excited to stay making your recipes! They all look awesome, and this first try was a huge success! Thank you for all your hard work!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Meg! Thanks for stopping by and please come back again soon!
Jacqueline
This was delicious! I only had Hershey’s sugar free chocolate chips on hand so I used that instead of unsweetened chocolate. And I added 1 Tbs unsweetened coconut as well. Yummy!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I am so happy you liked it, Jacqueline!
Eric
Hello, Can I just eliminate the sugar substitute (erythritol) and use same amount of Lily’s chocolate bar instead?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Eric, It would not be sweet enough from the Lily’s chocolate alone. But, if you use stevia sweetened chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate, you would need to reduce the amount of erythritol.
Peggy Seare
I made 2 mugs of this recipe tonight. I made my husbands with 2 squares of Ghirardelli 100% cacao. I made mine with 1 heaping Tbl. of unsweetened baking cocoa and 3 TBL of sweetener (instead of 2Tbl) the remaining ingredients were added as the recipe called for. Hands down, the cake made with the baking coca had a better texture and flavor. We will definitely make it again whenever we need a chocolate fix. Thanks for sharing.
4 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Out of 5
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thanks for stopping by and letting me know, Peggy! Have a great day!
Kelly
My new favorite dessert. I made as written the first time and have tweaked it some to my liking. I added another Tbsp of butter and a pinch of salt with about a Tbsp of heavy cream for added moisture. So delicious.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you, Kelly! I’m so glad you liked it.
Tina
I swap out the Erythritol and 100% cacao for 2 squares of 90% cacao (I’ve been using a Lindt candy bar; they were on sale). I use just a bit over 1/8 tsp. of baking powder. I add a touch of pink Himalayan sea salt. I microwave it for 42 seconds (1100 watts), Set a Tbsp. of peanut butter on top, make my coffee (gives the peanut butter time to soften/melt), dump the measuring spoon out and spread it around a bit. Absolutely perfect. (note: this is a VERY DARK CHOCOLATE TASTING CAKE, if you don’t usually eat dark chocolate, you will want to stick with the original recipe!)
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Sounds yummy, I’ll have to try that sometime!
Maria
Tried it for the first time last night. It was a hit! Chocolaty goodness! I’ve Been looking for a chocolate dessert that was gluten-free and low in carbs and this is it! Thank you!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you, Maria!
Natalie
I love this kinda chocolate mug cake. I have made it a couple of times and it’s a perfect dessert for a bad mood day. 🙂
But mine is without erythritol and almond flour, next time I will add them to see how different it is!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you, Natalie!
Donna
This was so quick and easy and tasty! My husband loves it! Score! Thanks!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you, Donna!
Chandni
I have a question. Firstly, thank you for the recipe. I really enjoyed the mug cake. But, I am a bit confused about carb content. The nutritional information for the cake says 1 mug cake has 4 net carbs. But 2 tablespoon of erythritol has 24 carbs, plus the carbs from almond flour, egg etc. Then how is it 4 net carbs? Sorry for bothering you but I am on a 20 carb Keto diet and I really need to know if I overdid it on the carbs. Thank you!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Chandni, I’m glad you enjoyed the cake! Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that does not get absorbed, so is not included in net carbs. Hope that helps!
Andy
Can I substitute a fake sweetened chocolate (like Lily’s) for the unsweetened chocolate and erythritol?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Andy, Lily’s chocolate is actually sweetened with erythritol and stevia extract, but you can do it the other way too.
Nu
3rd day on a low carb diet. Was craving something chocolatey and came upon your recipe. This turned out so tasty and so easy to make! This recipe is a keeper! Thank you!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you! I’m glad you liked it!
Andrea
Hello, I can’t have any actual sugars in my diet. So when your label at the end says 1 sugar etc is that for the “fake” sweeteners in each recipe? Or real sugars? I can have ones like Splenda, truvia, etc. It’s only so specific for me because it’s to keep all sugar away and control my seizures. These desserts sound amazing and seem to fit my diet till the sugar part on the label.
Thanks
Andrea
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Andrea, There is no added sugar in the recipe. The sweetener is natural, not fake, but it is not sugar and does not contribute any sugar. The 1g on the label comes from almond flour, which has no added sugar but almonds themselves have a tiny amount of sugars. For this recipe, make sure the chocolate you get is 100% cacao without any sugar added. Hope this helps.
Gwenivere
I am going to try this with 3 T unsweetened cocoa powder +1 T butter to replace each ounce of baking chocolate. I am tripling the recipe as well and will update with results. Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you, Gwenivere! I hope you like it!
Debbie
Can I use unsweetened cocoa powder instead of unsweetened chocolate? What would the measurement be?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Debbie, You can’t make an even substitution, because the result would be too dry. Unsweetened chocolate contains fat and cocoa powder does not. You may be able to do it by adding more butter in addition to cocoa powder, but I don’t have an exact measurement for you.
Marilyn Brennan
I have made it using one Tablespoon of cocoa powder.
Carmie Alvaro
The paleo diet does not agree with microwaving.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Carmie, The recipe includes oven instructions if you prefer that.