Brownies & Bars, Mug Cakes & Meals

Nutella Mug Cake (3 Ingredients)

4.55 from 1092 votes
Indulge in a warm, brownie-like Nutella mug cake—fudgy, rich, and bursting with a delicious chocolate-hazelnut twist. Ready in just 1 minute!
Nutella Mug Brownie - It takes just 3 ingredients and just 1 Minute to make thee BEST EVER Brownie in a Mug!

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Hi Bold Bakers!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: My easy Nutella Mug Cake offers the ultimate indulgence in just one minute. With a rich, fudgy texture and a delightful chocolate-hazelnut twist, it’s the perfect treat for any chocolate cravings.

  • Quick & Effortless: No oven required, ready in just 1 minute with minimal ingredients..
  • Rich & Fudgy: The perfect balance of brownie-like texture and hazelnut-chocolate flavor.
  • Solo Satisfaction: Perfectly portioned for a single, satisfying treat.
  • No Fuss: Minimal prep and no mess—just mix in one bowl and microwave!

I first shared this Nutella Mug Cake Recipe in 2018, and it’s been a fan favorite ever since. I’ve even served it in fancy mugs at dinner parties, and guests still talk about it! I’ve updated the original recipe with fresh tips and advice to help you make the perfect microwave mug cake at home. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try it with my Homemade Nutella Recipe. Enjoy!

Bold Bakers Loved This!

“My son who rarely eats any sweet was craving some sweet tonight and it was one of those times when I didn’t have anything in hand. Made this Nutella brownie in a minute and it was delicious. It was gobbled I think in less than a Minute” — Smita P

“It was the best! All chocolaty and warm. Great with whipped cream. It was so yummy for your tummy, it works really well chocolate chips and smarties my best friend and I love it. I was sure to go on a Sugar high:)” — Anonymous

“I made this last night and it was so easy to prepare and so delicious ! Thank you Gemma!” — Vanessa V.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 3/18/2025, to include explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, make-ahead and stroage instructions, and Pro Chef Tips.

Table of Contents

Finished 3-Ingredient Nutella Mug Cake Brownie, topped with vanilla ice cream).

What is Nutella Mug Cake?

A Nutella mug cake is a single-serving, microwaveable dessert that combines the rich, fudgy texture of a brownie with the delicious flavor of Nutella (Hazelnut Spread).

  • Quick & Simple: Made with just 3 ingredients and ready in 1 minute. No baking powder needed.
  • Rich & Fudgy: A warm, brownie-like texture with a chocolate-hazelnut twist.
  • Single-Serve: Perfectly portioned for one indulgent treat.
  • Microwave-Friendly: No oven required, just mix and microwave!

Tools You Need for Nutella Mug Brownie Recipe

Key Ingredients and Substitutes

Nutella

  • Provides the rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor and moisture for the cake.
  • Substitute: You can use any chocolate hazelnut spread, or try to make my recipe Homemade Nutella, for the best result.

Egg

  • Acts as a binding agent, providing structure and moisture to the cake.
  • Substitute: Use egg substitute from my chart, such as a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water), or a 1/4 cup (2oz/60ml) of unsweetened applesauce as a vegan alternative.

All-Purpose Flour

How to Make a Nutella Mug Brownie

  1. Mix wet ingredients: In a large microwavable mug or a small bowl,  add the Nutella and egg and stir together.
  2. Add dry ingredients: Add flour and mix until you have a smooth batter.
  3. Cook: Microwave for roughly 45 seconds – 1 minute. (Cooking time is based on my 1200W so your timing might vary). Always keep a close eye on your mug while in the microwave so it doesn’t overflow or overcook.
  4. Let cool: When the brownie is set and firm on top it is done. Let the brownie cool and minutes before serving.
  5. Serve.  Enjoy with some vanilla ice cream while it’s still warm.
A close up of my 3-Ingredient Nutella Brownie made in a mug.

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips

  • Use a large mug: Ensure your mug is big enough to prevent the cake from overflowing while it cooks. A 12 oz mug works best!
  • Check your microwave power: Microwave ovens’ wattage varies, so start by microwaving for 45 seconds, then check and add more time if needed. This prevents overcooking.
  • Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender and avoid a tough texture.
  • Let it cool slightly: After microwaving, let the cake cool for a minute before digging in for the best texture.
  • Serve with a topping: Sprinkle with cocoa powder, drizzle some peanut butter, or top with a dollop of ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make-Ahead:

  • This mug brownie can be mixed up and held in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Storage:

  • Allow the cake to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • To reheat, microwave for 15-20 seconds.
  • Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after refrigeration.

The texture and consistency of my Nutella Mug Brownie!

Why Use a Microwave?

Microwaving your Nutella mug cake is the quickest way to get a chewy, brownie-like texture. The microwave steams the liquid in your batter from the inside out, creating a soft, fudgy cake that’s just as satisfying as a traditionally baked brownie—without the wait.

  • Faster Results: The microwave cooks the cake in just a minute, making it perfect for a quick sweet treat.
  • Even Texture: The steam helps maintain that moist, chewy consistency by evenly cooking the batter.

Important Notes:

  • Adjust for your microwave: Cooking times are based on a 1200W microwave, so your timing may vary. Start with 1 minute, then check the cake batter and adjust as needed.
  • Avoid overcooking: If you cook it too long, the cake will dry out and become tough. Your cake is done once the top has just firmed up.

Not in the mood for chocolate? Try my Best-Ever Vanilla Mug Cake recipe for a lighter, equally delicious treat!

More Mug Cake Recipes

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 3/18/2025, to include explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, make-ahead and stroage instructions, and Pro Chef Tips.

Watch The Recipe Video!

Nutella Mug Cake Brownie

4.55 from 1092 votes
Nutella Mug Brownie - It takes just 3 ingredients and just 1 Minute to make thee BEST EVER Brownie in a Mug!
Nutella mug cake—brownie-like, fudgy, and warm with a luscious chocolate-hazelnut twist. Ready in a minute with just 3 ingredients!
Author: Recipe adapted from Kirbiecraving.com
Servings: 1 serving
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 6 minutes
Nutella Mug Brownie - It takes just 3 ingredients and just 1 Minute to make thee BEST EVER Brownie in a Mug!
Nutella mug cake—brownie-like, fudgy, and warm with a luscious chocolate-hazelnut twist. Ready in a minute with just 3 ingredients!
Author: Recipe adapted from Kirbiecraving.com
Servings: 1 serving

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large microwavable mug add the Nutella and egg and whisk together.
  • Add flour and mix until you have a smooth batter.
  • Microwave for roughly 45 seconds - 1 minute. (Cooking time is based on my 1200W so your timing might vary). Always keep a close eye on your mug while in the microwave so it doesn’t overflow or overcook.
  • When the brownie is set and firm on top it is done. Let the brownie cool and minutes before serving
  • Serve with some vanilla ice cream while it’s still warm.

Recipe Notes

  • Use a large mug: Ensure your mug is big enough to prevent the cake from overflowing while it cooks. A 12 oz mug works best!
  • Check your microwave power: Microwave ovens' wattage varies, so start by microwaving for 45 seconds, then check and add more time if needed. This prevents overcooking.
  • Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender and avoid a tough texture.
  • Let it cool slightly: After microwaving, let the cake cool for a minute before digging in for the best texture.
  • Serve with a topping: Sprinkle with cocoa powder, drizzle some peanut butter, or top with a dollop of ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!

 

4.55 from 1092 votes (1,006 ratings without comment)
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Laila Cowley
Laila Cowley
5 years ago

Mine had a rubber texture and looked like sponge Bob square pants. I wasn’t sure whether or not I did it right, so I just binned it because it looked quite dodgey

Lewis
Lewis
5 years ago

Very very nice , I tried twice and it didn’t really go well it just didn’t taste nice and wasn’t the best texture until I added 2 tea spoons of sugar to the mix , it tasted delicious one thing i was concerned about was that on the top and bottom it was like the batter didn’t cook but I later realised that I didn’t leave it to set so that is why , very nice quick and easy dessert especially if your not a great baker like me lol ,

Ramya
Ramya
5 years ago

Absolutely delicious Nutella brownie ????

Hollie
Hollie
5 years ago

Worked well but the flavour is lacking. Definitely add something else like choc chips.

Adam
Adam
5 years ago

Pretty nice! Only real issue I had was that the bottom seemed to be a tad undercooked, but if I had cooked it more, the rest of the brownie would become rubbery. It could be a side effect of the size of my mug, but regardless, I’d make it again.

Amelia Crane
Amelia Crane
4 years ago

Worked really well, only gave 3 stars because it’s definitely lacking in flavour, so might need some additional chocolate/cocoa powder + sugar, and also, after about 3 minutes of being out the microwave, it became quite heavy, but it’s still edible and enjoyable.

Tanush
Tanush
4 years ago

I tried making this Nutella Brownie. It turned out delicious and what I did was I added a little bit of milk chocolate which made it amazing. Thank you sooooooooo much for this recipe !

Angela
Angela
5 years ago

Add chocolate chips and use 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon a flour instead of 2 tablespoons of flour. I also added just a little bit of caramel in the mix. Delicious!

Paulina
Paulina
5 years ago

Was way too sweet, I couldn’t finish it. Spongey texture and still wet batter in places. Not too bad for only 3 ingredients though.

abby manila
abby manila
5 years ago

Hi! I’ve been hooked on your mug cake videos since the enhanced quarantine in the Philippines. I tried this one. My microwave has 750 W and I tried twice. 1st one was on 1 minute 20 seconds and it got rubbery. I lessened it to 1 minute. It came out better but still could be better if it’s softer. It’s kind of misleading since I have lower microwave wattage I expected that I needed to microwave it longer. I’m gonna try again but maybe lesser time?

About Us

Meet Gemma

About Us

Meet Gemma

Hi Bold Bakers! I’m Gemma Stafford, a professional chef originally from Ireland, best-selling cookbook author, and the creator of Bigger Bolder Baking and the Bold Baking Network. I want to help you bake with confidence anytime, anywhere with my trusted and tested recipes and baking tips. You may have seen one of my 1000+ videos on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok or as a guest judge on Nailed It! on Netflix or the Best Baker in America on Food Network. No matter your skills, my Bold Baking Team & I want to be your #1 authority for everything baking.

 

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