Microwave Nutella Lava Cake in a Mug — Ready in Minutes

A lava cake is a small chocolate cake with a molten, gooey center. This mug version is quick and easy—ready in minutes—and uses Nutella for an extra-rich, chocolate-hazelnut core that oozes deliciousness when you cut into it.

Lava Cake in a mug

If you love Nutella, this mug lava cake is a tiny, decadent treat you can make in minutes. It gives you a rich chocolate dessert without the fuss of baking a full cake—perfect for a spontaneous sweet craving, a cozy date night, or a simple Valentine’s treat.

This single-serve dessert is impressive and satisfying: it takes only a few minutes to prepare and cook, and the molten Nutella center makes every spoonful feel indulgent. Serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic finishing touch.

Other cakes you will love:

• Instant Pot Oreo cheesecake
• Blood orange Bundt cake
• Carrot cake bars

This mug lava cake grew out of a love for brownies and Nutella. It’s a variation on quick microwaved brownies, adjusted to produce a tender cake exterior with a molten Nutella center. It’s a great single-serve option when you want something fast and satisfying without leftovers.

I like to top mine with a dollop of whipped cream and a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the contrast of warm, gooey chocolate and cold ice cream is irresistible. The result is simple but decadently satisfying.

Where did lava cake originate?

Lava cake originated in France and was reportedly created by accident in a professional kitchen. The cake with a runny chocolate center quickly became a hit with diners and chefs alike.

Why is it called lava cake?

It’s called lava cake because the warm, molten chocolate center flows out like lava when the cake is cut open.

Difference between molten cake and lava cake

People often use these terms interchangeably. Traditionally, lava cake refers specifically to a chocolate cake with a molten center; molten cake can describe a similar dessert made in other flavors as well.

Is soufflé the same as lava cake?

No. A soufflé is a light, airy dish made by folding whipped egg whites into a base, and can be sweet or savory. Lava cake is a dense, sweet cake with a molten chocolate center; its texture and preparation are different from a soufflé.

Is lava cake raw in the middle?

No—the center is intentionally molten but cooked. A correctly made lava cake has a set outer crumb while the center remains soft and flowing. The center firms slightly as it cools, so a slightly underbaked appearance right out of the oven or microwave is normal.

How do you know when lava cake is done?

It’s done when the edges are set and cooked but the center still yields a gooey texture. Avoid overcooking, which will dry out the molten center.

Can you eat lava cake cold?

You can, but it’s best enjoyed warm when the center is molten. If a leftover cake has cooled, briefly reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds to restore that molten center.

Best way to reheat lava cake

Reheat briefly in the microwave—just a few seconds—to bring back the runny center. If reheating several at once, a 350°F oven for a few minutes works too; watch closely so they don’t overcook.

Can you make lava cake ahead of time?

Lava cake is at its best fresh and warm. Making it ahead will change the texture and the molten quality. If you need convenience, boxed mixes can be helpful—just follow their directions to avoid overcooking.

Why is my lava cake not runny?

1. You may have overcooked it—check at the minimum time and adjust.
2. The chocolate used might be too firm when melted; using a softer chocolate or more Nutella helps create a runnier center.
3. If using a mix, follow the package directions closely, since microwave powers vary.

My lava cake is too runny—what can I do?

1. Cook it a little longer in short increments while checking texture.
2. Use a slightly firmer chocolate or reduce the Nutella inserted in the center.
3. Let the cake rest for a few minutes to allow the center to set slightly before serving.

Can Nutella melt?

Yes—Nutella softens and melts when heated. When used inside a lava cake, it becomes a smooth, flowing center. Let the cake cool a couple of minutes before serving so it holds a little structure while still oozing.

Alternatives to Nutella

If you don’t have Nutella, use another chocolate-hazelnut spread, or substitute semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips or chopped high-quality chocolate (60% cacao or higher) for a great molten center.

What to serve with lava cake

Classic accompaniments are vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. You can also add fresh fruit, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a pinch of flaky salt for contrast.

Storing lava cake

Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheating restores the molten center. You can also freeze baked cakes for up to 2 months—wrap tightly, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat before serving.

Nutella Lava Cake

Ingredients:

• self-raising flour (all-purpose flour works too)
• granulated sugar
• cocoa powder
• vegetable oil
• milk
• Nutella
• egg
• vanilla extract (optional)
• Ice cream (optional)
• Whipped cream (optional)

How to make Nutella lava cake

• In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, oil, milk, egg and 1 tablespoon of Nutella until smooth and slightly creamy.
• Prepare a microwave-safe mug or ramekin by coating it with a little oil or butter, then dusting with a light mix of flour and cocoa; tap out the excess.
• Pour the batter into the prepared mug, filling no more than three-quarters full.
• Add 2 tablespoons of Nutella into the center of the batter. Use more if you prefer a richer, runnier center.
• Microwave on high for about 1 minute 40 seconds (microwave wattages vary—mine is 850W). The cake should rise slightly and have a glossy top; avoid overcooking so the center remains molten.
• To serve, invert the mug onto a plate and split the cake open so the filling oozes out. Top with whipped cream and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dust with powdered sugar.

This Nutella lava cake in a mug is a quick, indulgent dessert that’s simple to prepare and deeply satisfying. Give it a try for an easy single-serving treat—perfect when you want something warm, chocolatey, and fast.

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