When a sweet craving strikes and the clock reads midnight — and every dessert spot near you is closed — these two ultra-quick treats come to the rescue. A Chocolate Mug Cake you can mix and microwave in about 1 minute for instant warmth and comfort, and a 5-Minute Chocolate Fudge that’s rich, indulgent, and ready to satisfy with just a short set time. Whether you’re looking for a single-serving solution or a few squares of something chocolatey to keep you company during a late-night movie, this duo is fast, easy, and always satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and fuss-free: Both recipes take less than 10 minutes from start to first bite.
- Minimal ingredients: Pantry staples come together to make rich, chocolatey goodness.
- Microwave-only: No oven needed, perfect for late-night or dorm room baking.
- Single-serving friendly: No big batch needed — just enough to hit the spot.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins or toppings for a personalized dessert.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chocolate Mug Cake (1 serving):
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Milk
- Vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- Chocolate chips (optional)
- Microwave-safe mug
5-Minute Chocolate Fudge:
- Semisweet chocolate chips
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Optional mix-ins: chopped nuts, pretzels, or crushed cookies
directions
Chocolate Mug Cake:
- In a microwave-safe mug, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt using a fork.
- Add the milk and oil (or melted butter). Stir until the batter is smooth and well mixed.
- Stir in chocolate chips if desired.
- Microwave on High for 60–70 seconds. The cake should rise and look set on top with a slightly glossy finish.
- Let cool for 1 minute before eating (it will be hot!).
- Enjoy straight from the mug, optionally topped with ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
5-Minute Chocolate Fudge:
- Line a small loaf pan, container, or dish with parchment paper or foil.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth (about 1.5 to 2 minutes total).
- Stir in vanilla extract, salt, and any mix-ins (nuts, pretzels, etc.).
- Pour the fudge into the prepared dish and smooth the top.
- Let it set at room temperature for about 1 hour — or refrigerate for 15–20 minutes if you’re in a rush.
- Cut into squares and enjoy. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Servings and timing
Mug Cake: 1 serving
Fudge: About 12 small pieces
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 1–2 minutes per recipe
- Set time for fudge: 15–60 minutes
Total time: Under 10 minutes active prep
Variations
- Peanut butter mug cake: Swirl in 1 teaspoon of peanut butter before microwaving.
- Salted caramel fudge: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top.
- S’mores fudge: Mix in crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows.
- Mocha twist: Add a pinch of instant espresso powder to the mug cake batter.
- Mint chocolate fudge: Use mint chocolate chips and a few drops of peppermint extract.
storage/reheating
- Mug cake: Best eaten immediately.
- Fudge: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
FAQs
Can I make the mug cake dairy-free?
Yes, use non-dairy milk and oil instead of butter.
Is there a way to make the fudge without sweetened condensed milk?
Not with this method. Sweetened condensed milk is essential for the quick setting and creamy texture.
Can I double the mug cake?
Yes, but microwave in separate mugs to avoid overflow and uneven cooking.
Why did my mug cake turn out rubbery?
It was likely overcooked. Reduce the microwave time by 5–10 seconds next time.
What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
Skip them or substitute with a chopped chocolate bar or cocoa nibs.
How do I know when the fudge is set?
It should be firm to the touch and slice cleanly without sticking to the knife.
Can I use white chocolate for the fudge?
Yes, but reduce the sweetened condensed milk slightly, as white chocolate is sweeter.
Is the fudge shelf-stable?
It will keep at room temperature for a couple of days but is best stored chilled for longer freshness.
Can I reheat the mug cake?
Yes, microwave for 10–15 seconds to warm it up, but it’s best freshly made.
Can I add marshmallows to the fudge?
Absolutely — fold in mini marshmallows after melting the base for a rocky road version.
Conclusion
When the craving hits and every dessert shop is closed, this Midnight Mug Cake & 5-Minute Chocolate Fudge duo delivers quick satisfaction. With barely any prep and no baking required, these two treats offer warmth, richness, and sweetness in under 10 minutes. Whether you’re pulling an all-nighter or just indulging in a cozy night in, these easy recipes prove that the best dessert place near you might just be your own kitchen.
Print
Midnight Mug Cake & 5-Minute Chocolate Fudge
- Total Time: 10 minutes (mug cake) / 20 minutes (fudge with chilling)
- Yield: 1 mug cake & ~12 fudge squares
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
No bakery? No problem. These late night dessert ideas are quick, easy, and hit the spot. Whip up a microwave mug cake recipe in just one minute or make a batch of 5 minute chocolate fudge with only a few ingredients. These quick desserts for one are perfect for solo cravings and sweet midnight indulgence. A must for fans of easy chocolate dessert no bake!
Ingredients
Chocolate Mug Cake (1 serving):
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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2 tbsp sugar
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2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
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1/4 tsp baking powder
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Pinch of salt
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1/4 cup milk
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2 tbsp vegetable oil (or melted butter)
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1 tbsp chocolate chips (optional)
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1 microwave-safe mug
5-Minute Chocolate Fudge:
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1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
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2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk (half a can)
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2 tbsp butter
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1/4 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
-
Optional: chopped nuts or crushed pretzels
Instructions
Chocolate Mug Cake:
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In a mug, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
-
Add milk and oil; mix until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips if using.
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Microwave on High for 60–70 seconds, until puffed and just set.
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Let cool for 1 minute before enjoying. Top with ice cream or chocolate syrup if desired.
5-Minute Chocolate Fudge:
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Line a small dish with parchment paper or foil.
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In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter.
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Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth (1.5–2 minutes).
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Stir in vanilla, salt, and mix-ins if using.
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Pour into lined dish and smooth top.
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Let set at room temp for 1 hour or refrigerate for 15–20 minutes until firm.
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Cut into squares and enjoy.
Notes
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Mug cake texture is best slightly undercooked – like a brownie meets cake.
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Fudge stays fresh for a couple of days without refrigeration.
-
Use silicone or nonstick parchment for easy fudge removal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
