Jamie Oliver Mug Cake Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

Let me tell you about one of the coziest nights I’ve had. It was one of those evenings where I just wanted something sweet but didn’t want to deal with a pile of dirty dishes. I opened the pantry, spotted some cocoa powder and flour, and remembered a recipe I’d seen from Jamie Oliver. Mug cake. Done in minutes. That night, this simple treat became a staple in my kitchen.

If you’re ever hit with a dessert craving and don’t want to bake a whole cake-Jamie’s mug cake is your answer. It’s fast, foolproof, and absolutely delicious. Plus, you can make it in your favorite mug. (You know, that one you always reach for.)

Let’s break it all down together so you can get in on this microwave magic.

Jamie Oliver’s Mug Cake Recipe

The first time I tried Jamie’s version of a mug cake, I was honestly skeptical. How could something made in the microwave be that good?

Well… I was wrong.

Jamie’s take is:

• Super quick (under 5 minutes total)
• Rich and chocolatey
• Fluffy, not rubbery (this is key!)
• Totally customizable

The beauty of Jamie Oliver’s cooking is that he simplifies things without sacrificing flavor. This mug cake is no exception. It’s simple comfort in a cup. No fancy equipment. No baking degree needed.

Ingredients Needed

I remember scrambling through my cabinets the first time and being amazed that I had everything on hand. You probably do too.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 Tbsp Self-raising Flour

  (Don’t have self-raising flour? No worries-I’ll cover a hack for that below.)

• 4 Tbsp Sugar

  (Granulated works fine. Brown sugar adds a caramel twist.)

• 2 Tbsp Cocoa Powder

  (Use a good-quality cocoa for that deep, rich taste.)

• 1 Egg

  (Room temp is best-it mixes better.)

• 3 Tbsp Milk

  (Any kind works-dairy or plant-based.)

• 3 Tbsp Vegetable Oil

  (Or melted butter if you want more richness.)

• A Splash Of Vanilla Extract

  (Optional but worth it.)

• A Pinch Of Salt

  (It brings out the sweetness.)

• Optional: chocolate chips, peanut butter, Nutella, berries… you name it!

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Mug Cake

Okay, here’s how it goes down in real-time. Picture this: you’re in your kitchen in pajamas, craving something sweet…

Step-by-step Magic

1. Grab Your Favorite Microwave-safe Mug

   (Go for one that’s at least 300ml / 10 oz. You don’t want overflow drama.)

2. Add Dry Ingredients

   • 4 tbsp flour
   • 4 tbsp sugar
   • 2 tbsp cocoa powder

   • A pinch of salt

     Stir it all together with a fork.

3. Crack In 1 Egg

   Mix it in well until you have a thick batter.

4. Pour In Milk And Oil

   • 3 tbsp milk

   • 3 tbsp vegetable oil

     Add a splash of vanilla extract if using. Mix again until smooth.

5. Toss In Extras (if You Want)

   A spoonful of Nutella? Yes. Chocolate chips? Always.

6. Microwave On High For 1 Minute 30 Seconds To 2 Minutes

   Check at 1:30. If it’s still gooey on top, give it another 20-30 seconds.

7. Let It Sit For A Minute

   It’s hot. Like, lava hot. Let it cool just a bit.

8. Top It Off

   Ice cream, whipped cream, fresh berries-go wild.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

The magic of mug cakes is all about how the ingredients react quickly in the microwave. Let’s nerd out for a second:

• Self-raising flour: Contains baking powder already. This gives lift in a microwave where you don’t have time for a long rise.
• Egg: Acts as a binder. It traps air when it heats up fast, making the cake fluffy.
• Oil vs. butter: Oil keeps it super moist. Butter adds flavor but can dry out if overcooked.
• Sugar: Not just for sweetness-it helps create a tender crumb.
• Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the chocolate.

And microwaves? They cook from the inside out. That’s why mug cakes are done so fast-no waiting for the oven to preheat!

Expert Tips

After making dozens of mug cakes (don’t judge me), I’ve picked up a few tricks that level this up every time:

• Mix Dry Ingredients Thoroughly First

  If you add wet stuff too early, you’ll get pockets of flour.

• Don’t Overmix

  Stir until combined. Too much mixing = rubbery cake.

• Microwave Power Matters

  My microwave is 1000 watts. If yours is weaker or stronger, adjust cook time slightly.

• Use A Tall Mug

  Overflow isn’t fun to clean. Trust me.

• Let It Cool Just A Little

  The texture improves after it sits for a minute.

• Add Moisture Bombs

  A spoon of Nutella in the middle stays melty. Game changer.

Recipe Variations

Once you’ve nailed the basic recipe, it’s time to experiment. Here are my favorite remixes:

• Chocolate Lava Mug Cake

  Add a piece of chocolate or spoonful of Nutella in the center before microwaving.

• Peanut Butter Swirl

  Swirl in 1 tbsp of peanut butter for salty-sweet bliss.

• Mocha Mug Cake

  Add 1 tsp instant coffee to the dry mix for a coffee kick.

• Berry Blast

  Toss in a few raspberries or blueberries before cooking.

• Cinnamon Roll Style

  Add ½ tsp cinnamon and a swirl of cream cheese frosting after cooking.

• Gluten-Free

  Use a gluten-free flour blend with ¼ tsp baking powder.

Final Words

There’s something really special about making dessert in a mug. It’s personal. It’s warm. And it’s incredibly satisfying to whip up a treat just for you.

Jamie Oliver’s recipe takes all the guesswork out. No mixers. No preheating. No hours of waiting. Just a few pantry staples, a fork, and your microwave. It feels like a cheat code for happiness.

And once you get the hang of it? You’ll be making mug cakes in your sleep.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Mug Cake?

You’ll need self-raising flour, sugar, cocoa powder, milk, oil, and vanilla extract.

Can I Use Regular Flour Instead Of Self-raising Flour?

You can, but you’ll need to add baking powder to help it rise.

How Long Does Jamie Oliver’s Mug Cake Take To Cook?

It typically takes around 1 minute to cook in the microwave.

Can I Make A Bigger Mug Cake In A Larger Mug?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, maybe a bit longer.

Can I Add Chocolate Chips To The Mug Cake Mix?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips will melt beautifully inside the cake.

How Do I Make The Mug Cake Fluffier?

Ensure you don’t overmix the batter and use fresh self-raising flour.

What If I Don’t Have Vanilla Extract?

You can skip it or try adding a little almond extract or cinnamon for flavor.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Mug Cake Without Milk?

Yes, you can use a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk.

Do I Need To Grease The Mug Before Adding The Batter?

It’s a good idea to lightly grease the mug to prevent sticking.

Can I Make The Mug Cake In The Oven Instead Of The Microwave?

You can! Bake it at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes, but check it halfway.