February 13, 2012

Nutella Lava Mug Cake

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There’s an air of expectation in February, and everyone else is joining in the celebration. For Valentine’s day, that is.

I’ve always considered Valentine’s as a holiday for kids, particularly teenagers, than for adults. Just the same, I was inspired to share in the moment with a special recipe—a treat for your sweetie, or your own sweet self.

Keeping up with romantic spirits, this special occasion deserves nothing less than a luscious dessert. With chocolate, of course—the aphrodisiac and quintessential Valentine’s treat.
And boy, I’m excited to share this swoon-worthy chocolate mug cake recipe with you. It’s sinful. Gooey. Fluffy. Warm. Microwaved in less than 2 minutes. And, tastes like a dream!

If you are looking for a Valentine’s dessert, then look no further. This is the perfect treat to express your love, or even make for those spontaneous guests that show up.

You can’t beat this recipe, really. It’s decadent, something like a molten lava cake—by far one of the best I’ve tasted, 2 minute or 12. Besides tasting so awesome, it’s so easy to make and serve, giving you plenty of time to open your heart and cozy up with your loved one. Yes, plenty of time for charm, romance and seduction, you know what I mean.

I’m sure you have heard of cakes that can be made in the microwave in less than 5 minutes. I’m also sure you have seen, perhaps even tried a few recipes storming the web for quite sometime now.

I’ll be honest: I’ve tried two recipes before this one. But sadly, they turned out to be disasters—they were too dry, eggy and mostly tasted like a mug-shaped rubbery trash, eek. Even a good serving of vanilla ice-cream did nothing to improve the taste. My experience was so disappointing that I thought 5-minute cakes were a hoax.

So naturally, I was skeptical when I saw this recipe. Until I made it, that it. Man, I was sold in less than 5 minutes. The cake turned out so wonderfully—sinfully scrumptious with warm chocolate oozing out when I dug in with a spoon, mmm!

This recipe is incredible. So good, you won’t believe until you give it a try. It takes just a few basic ingredients—add nutella and you have a dreamy delight that yells to be devoured. The only downside is the number of pounds it packs—it’s seriously high on the calories. So if you are calorie conscious, make smaller servings in small mugs so you can share it with others. I’d suggest doing three small mugs instead of 2 medium ones.

I sifted the flour and cocoa, stirred the ingredients in a bowl, and then poured the batter into mugs to ¾ full. I watched it like a hawk while microwaving, stopping every 30 seconds to check if it was done, plus whenever I thought it almost overflowed. Result? Irresistibly incredible!

The best part is, you don’t even need a topping like whipped cream or ice cream to enjoy this dish, it’s absolutely delish on its own. I did the cream topping just for the photographs—scooped it out before enjoying the cake with pieces of fresh strawberries, my style.

So go grab your jar of nutella and chocolate, and get to this crazy yummy recipe. It’s a must try!

Nutella Lava Mug Cake

adapted from here

Ingredients
Serves 2-3 depending on size of mugs used
Prep 2 min, cooking 2 min

4 tablespoons self rising flour, sifted
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
(I used Cadbury’s)
4 tablespoons caster sugar

1 medium egg

3 tablespoons Nutella

3 tablespoons milk

3 tablespoons olive, or vegetable oil (I used olive)
2-3 teaspoon chocolate chips (I used Hershey’s semi-sweet chocolate chips)

Directions

Combine all ingredients except chocolate chips in a bowl. Beat well with a whisk until smooth and blended. Divide the batter between 3 small microwave safe mugs, or two medium mugs. Important thing is to fill mugs up to just ¾ full, if not the cake will overflow when it rises. Then tip in 1 teaspoon chocolate chips into each cup and push it into the batter until completely covered.

Microwave on high power for anywhere between 30 seconds to 3 minutes—I did two cups, together. Please note that cooking time will depend on microwave wattage. Mine took 1.5 minutes (850 watts oven), whereas the original recipe says it was done in 30 seconds—so watch out. The key for the perfect lava cake is not to overcook the batter. The cake should rise a bit, ideally with a moist, fluffy, gooey texture, and glossy, fudgy top. The more you cook, the cake will toughen up and dry—so slightly undercook and keep an eye on it the whole time.

Top with whipped cream, if you like. And of course, serve with strawberries or raspberries—the perfect partner for chocolate. Enjoy!

So do you have plans for celebrating Valentine’s? If so, are you staying in or going out?

Whether you are celebrating this occasion alone, or with your sweetie, I wish you all a very Happy Valentine’s Day! 

♥ ya!

Update
After the success of the nutella mug cake recipe, I’ve been hooked to the benefits of microwave baking, especially the dramatically reduced cooking time. So I experimented by substituting peanut butter instead of nutella, and baked the cake in 4 mini ramekins. Result? Equally delicious! See...
{p.s.} if you are on facebook, check out the 2-minute Gooey Peanut Butter Mug Cake recipe, and stay tuned on all new fb recipe updates by following along @nashplateful, if you like.

137 comments:

  1. perfect dessert for the season - delectable till the last lick I guess !

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    1. Oh yea, it sure is the perfect treat. At least, for chocolate lovers :)

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  2. I was waiting for you to post this after seeing it on facebook!! Yaaaay, a dessert recipe where I have all the ingredients and it'll take me 2 mins to make! This is a Godsend, thank you Nash, you're a genius!

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    1. Oh Arva, you have to try it! The recipe works like a dream, not to mention it's sinfully scrumptious! I was just lucky to find this :)

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  3. This is sooo tempting... pure guilty pleasure :)

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    1. Yep, it sure is a sinful pleasure with tons of guilt attached ;)

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  4. I had made this sometime back... And it had turned out dry and rubbery.. i guess i microwaved it for too long! will try out ur version next time..

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    1. Like I mentioned, my previous two attempts were a totally failure that ended up in the trash. But this one is amazing, you have to try it! Btw, Sarah, my comments on your site don't show up. Wonder what's wrong. Hey how often do you check your junk? Phaps that's where my comments end up :(

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    2. oh my.. is that so? i never realised :( in fact i never check my junk :( i never realised there was such a thing for comments... lemme just check now.. thanks for letting me know...

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    3. i checked... there are no comments in junk folder and none awaiting moderation as well... btw, does it throw up any error when u try to post the comment?

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  5. wow can i have that mug....great one

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  6. I don't really celebrate valentines day but seeing all these mouthwatering chocolate recipes is making me want to bake something!! lol...
    Looks soooo good!

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    1. Neither do I celebrate Valentine's. I just wanted to publish this amazing recipe asap and it happened to spot on for Valentine's :)

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  7. Wonderful recipe with great clicks

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    1. Thank you Jeyashri, it sure is a keeper!

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  8. i had one disaster with mug cake n have never bothered doing it again :)
    urs look great, maybe i shud give it a go again.

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    1. I had the same issues--in fact two failures--until I found this recipe and realized that 2-min mug cake is no myth. It actually works and can taste sinfully amazing!

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  9. oooohhh!!!! I want dig into that mug.... mmmm... so amazingly presented cake. Kannthallipoyi. Simply adipoli.

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    1. Why don't you give it a try, Zari? Highly recommended!

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  10. Wow, superb, bookmarked. Wonderful clicks too.

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    1. Yes, please try this. I'm sure you'll love it!

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  11. OMG drooling here....perfectly made lava mug cake...

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    1. Faseela, it's scrumptious lava cake in a mug :)

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  12. I love a cake that comes together in minutes, especially when it involves Nutella!

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    1. Me too! Though I never knew it could taste over the top until I found this recipe :)

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  13. ohooooooo..........feeling like having it right now........clicks are amazing......love those dear......

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    1. Then you should go whip it up now... after all it takes less than 5 minutes—prep+cooking time :) Have fun!

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  14. Awesome, and so easy too, I love nutella, can't wait to try it..

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  15. wow!!thats templting click!!beautiful presentation! easy and tasty cake~!

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  16. Wow...i want to dig into the cup...so tempting.
    Great photos

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  17. Did you just mention just 2 mins?? Can't take my eyes off from the screen. Perfect for a person like me who is big nutella fan

    Deepa
    Hamaree Rasoi

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  18. Wow this looks so awesome...I love Nutella too...by the way am new to your blog, you have a lovely space :-)

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  19. Beautiful ... Perfect for valentines day celebration

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  20. Oh, what a sinful dessert! I love chocolate and Nutella. Now, I'm craving your lava cakes...

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  21. That' indeed too...gud..!!

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  22. Wish I could dig in,chocolaty!
    looks sooo tempting..perfect way to celebrate..yum

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  23. this is a crime to make some one go mad on these pics..kolaveri pics.. too good..

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  24. Sinfully delicious...Super yummy looking mug cake..

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  25. I love that part the most when the cake rises up to the brim in the microwave (if you're watching it for the whole 2 minutes) ... and then it settles down after it's out.
    I think it looks so beautiful. Almost as if it's breathing.
    Or may be I talk to my food so I see at it this way, LOL =)

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  26. Beautiful clicks...cant stop seeing the pics...Thank you for the virtual treat..

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  27. Awesome clicks and am drooling like anything here. Cake looks so saucy and gorgeous... Do link this to my ongoing event..
    My culinary Trial room
    Ongoing event - Love n Chocolate Fest

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    1. You are too sweet, Vimitha. It'll be a pleasure to link to your event, thanks!

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  28. Very nice clicks n real tempting too..Happy Valentines day!!

    Erivum Puliyum

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  29. chocolate and nutella they are two sinful combos and in two mintues..who wouldnt love that, Happy valentines day

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  30. Gosh this is delectably drool worthy and I just saw this post at lunch, so now I am hungry!!!

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  31. I love cake in a mug, never tried with nutella though :-) Wihs you a happy V day ! So glad that I found your blog,Nashi.Looking forward to more great recipes and lovely pics from you !

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  32. Wait a minute,I knew you :-) Just that I wasn't in touch with you for a long time !

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    1. :) I don't think you know me. In fact, it's the other way round. I've been following your lovely blog for a while now!

      Glad you stopped by Namitha. And thanks for your loveliness!

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  33. Now that's the kind of cake i need on weekdays when at 4 o'clock i suddenly crave for some thing chocolaty!! May be.. just may be this cup of cake will change hubby's view point on Nutella. He doesn't like Nutella .. can you belive it!!!

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  34. wow....looks so delicious n tempting...can't take my eye off from your clicks...awesome dear!!
    bookmarked to try!
    Happy Valentine Day!
    Spicy Treats
    OnGoing Event:Show Me Your HITS~Healthy Delights

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  35. You presented it very nicely! Made the mug cake more delectable. I am sure who ever will receive this as a V-day gift will be really touched. Thanks for sharing!

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  36. Utterly droocilious dessert - and a quick fix at that - keeping it in my reading list for that weak moment when i want to indulge myself!

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  37. so so beautiful! for a change am going red here ;p...happy V day babe! love forever!

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  38. Hi,

    First time in your space'nd very much impressed with your recipes and awesome clicks.. Keep it up !

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    1. Thank you for visiting Priya! Hope to see ya around.

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  39. Very tempting mug cake n nice presentation too...

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  40. I want to reach out and grab that mug cake! Gorgeous!

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  41. wish to grab one mug..loved it...awesome dear...

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  42. Wow....looks absolutely delicious.....loved ur clicks ...happy valentines day !

    Http://Onlyfishrecipes.blogspot.com/

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  43. Wonderful treat for the eyes and your tummy! I'm drooling...

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  44. I was so inspired by this recipe yesterday, that i decided to make it for V-day...altho my experience was not good...somewhere there was some calculation mistake and it became a rock!! :~( but i will try it again...

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    1. Aww, I'm so sorry to hear that. Perhaps you overcooked it? The cake should be ready anytime from 30 seconds to 3 minutes, depending on the wattage of the microwave. Like I mentioned, mine was done and oozing chocolate in 1.5 minutes, whereas the original recipe was done in 30 seconds. I'd recommend that you try again--this time don't walk away from the oven & stop it every 30 seconds to see if it is done (that's exactly what I did). I'm sure this should work. I'd really appreciate if you could let me know how it goes, if you try again. Thanks!

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    2. I did it again...followed your recipe to the T...just didnt add the nutella..and this time it was AWESOME!!!!! Thanks.. :) mine was done in 1.5 mins...problem is this recipe is sooo simple and quick that i will end up making it frequently!!!!

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    3. Ohh I'm really happy to hear this!! :) It's a bummer it didn't turn out well the first time. Thanks for reaching out, I'm glad it works perfect without nutella too--next time I'll do the same!

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  45. I am still stunned looking, drooling at the nutella lava.... mhm ... I can even smell it till here. Well donne Nashira, u made me crave for it!

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  46. I cant take my eyes off the clicks! Awesome as always..
    Looks soo chocolatyyy and totally yummy!

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  47. Divine mug cake, perfect for the occasion! Thanks dear for your encouraging words, coming from you it's a great compliment :)

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  48. Awesome clicks, drool-worthy mugs of molten heavenly chocolaty goodness -- I am just giddy just looking at it :)

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  49. This sounds so delicious.Now I know what to do when I have cravings for chocolate and cake.Thanks for sharing this easy and delicious recipe.

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  50. terribly tempting dessert..love your excellent captures..
    hats off ..;)

    Tasty Appetite

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  51. Sounds pretty easy and I feel its not good to stare at ur pics any more, otherwise i will end up in making this! :) Yummy it looks and beautiful clicks as always!

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  52. Gosh, What tempting clicks!!
    This one is simply lip-smackingly delicious and drool-worthy!
    Thanks for dropping by my space and leaving that lovely comment. I'm glad I discovered your space from that comment and now I'm merrily following you. :)

    Hey, I'll be super-glad if you could link this to my ongoing event: Cakes, Cookies and Desserts
    http://anjali-cooklog.blogspot.com/2012/02/announcing-my-first-event-cakes-cookies.html

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    1. Thanks for popping over, Anjali! I've linked my recipe to your event :)

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    2. I can see the magical cup there. Thanks for linking. :)

      Event : Cakes, Cookies and Desserts

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  53. This does look like a rich chocolately treat-definitely one to squelch the chocolate craving. The other bonus is that it is fairly easy to make. Great photography here and I like the mug too!

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  54. Oh boy.... I have all the ingredients in my kitchen. I'll try making this after kids come home. I think we'll be all sugar high by the time my husband comes home! Lol. Nash, your pictures are too good for me to pass this recipe. It's amazing what pictures/images do to you! I'm so ready to have some. Thanks for sharing this recipe~~~!

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  55. OMG...No words from me. I really admire your photography!!! truly amazing. and..the recipe is perfect this month :-)

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  56. WOW!!!! Excellent. Lovely and tempting. Perfect. Love all the clicks. Love those cute spoons and mug :) First time here. Happy to follow u

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    1. Welcome Anu, and thank you so much for your loveliness!

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  57. Beautiful photos Nash! I really enjoy quick and easy mug cakes. Perfect for those lazy days!

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  58. Looks delectably delicious,lovely clicks as usual.

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  59. Love it!!!!
    this looks perfect indulgence for anytime....
    Beautiful photography....

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  60. The fact that this recipe can be made in 2 minutes is awesome! I am so tempted to make this right now (in the next two minutes), but I don't have any nutella, so I may have to modify the recipe :) One of my friends in high school used to take the boxed cake mixes, add water and microwave them. I just love the idea, and as awesome as the boxed cakes taste in a microwave mug setting, I like your method better.

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    1. You are spot on--the 2 minute is what makes it so amazing. A delicious two minute! I was told it works well without nutell. But I'd love to hear how you like it, if you end up making it. Thanks!

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  61. Apart from the photographs being absolutely gorgeous and sinful...you had me at 'two minutes' and 'microwave'. I'm not much of a cook but I will definitely try this one out!

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    1. Oh yes, I highly recommend it-- too good to be missed! Thanks for popping over, Dee!

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  62. I was sold before i read a word. Those pictures told me how delightful this is. I don't have nutella. Do you think skipping it would be too awful? I will try this in my teacups to get smaller portions. I know i can't stop at half cup when its in my hand.
    I made two chocolate cakes for val day. One for the family and one for a friend who was recovering from a minor surgery. They were received well.

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  63. trekking your yummy blog!!! i love it! easy to prepare and cook! microwave only. i will definitely try this one!

    cheers!
    ..TREK..

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    1. Thank you for visiting! Yes, please give it a try. It's really good!

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  64. Replies
    1. It sure is.. ! Thank you for stopping by!

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  65. Thank you for sharing this recipe. I think this is the best among the many microwave cake recipes I have tried. =)

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    1. I agree, it's the best! Thanks much for trying and blogging about it! Makes my heart happy :)

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  66. yum yummmm! And so easy too!

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  67. Just superb..Tried it today. came out too good. Kids loved it. Thanks for sharing this.

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    1. Thank you so much Rekha for this lovely feedback!! You made my day! :)

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  68. This recipe has been on my must make list for awhile now-I'm so happy to see how fabulously it turned out for you! So droolworthy! I wanted to thank you for your foodbuzz friend request-your blog is so great! The pictures and recipes are all to die for! I hope you'll enjoy my blog half as much as I'm enjoying yours :)

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    1. Aww, you are too kind, thank you!
      Yes, you must try this mug cake, it's simply amazing. Hopping over to check out your blog..! :)

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  69. First time here and absolutely loving it!Love your amazing clicks and this Dessert!Looks delicious and easy to make.Will be trying it very soon :)

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    1. Thank you for checking out my space, Soni! And yea this recipe's highly recommended, plz let me know if you try it. See ya around!

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  70. Drooling and drooling over each of your pics. Bookmarked

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  71. wow super clicks,
    nutella is all kids fav, looks tempting

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  72. Hello this is my first time here :) Love the recipes that you are! I've gotta bookmark this my sister said she wanted something EXTRA moist :) this is PERFECT ~

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  73. I am just blown away by all your pictures. I am going to make it for my daughter. She is lover of nutella who can eat it everyday in breakfast..

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  74. Just made these and first time huge success! So yum, thanks for such a quick easy and delicious recipe :D

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    1. So happy to hear this, thank you for the lovely feedback!

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  75. Thank you very much for this simple and droolworthy recipe. I've already made it three times... next time I will try your PB variation on FB. Keep posting more simple and yummy recipes for us, you roooock!

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    1. Aww, you are too sweet. I'm glad to hear from you, thanks!

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  76. I love a chocolate cake yummm!

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  77. I am First time here and absolutely loving it
    Personalised mugs

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  78. AnonymousJune 05, 2012

    Best best best I've tried, and I've gone through a lot of recipes :-) kudos

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  79. AnonymousJune 09, 2012

    OMG! Thanks so much! College student hunting for quick midnight snack and found this. Sooooo much better than potato chips or some weird-ish chemical stuff. HEHE. Done in around 5 min and a great energy boost for a late night study. THANKS!

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    1. Aww, thanks for writing in! It's really simple and satisfying, so enjoy...and good luck with your studies too!!

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  80. AnonymousJune 10, 2012

    can you please tell me if i'll be able to take out the cake from the mug once it is done & serve it on a plate or will it have to be eaten from the mug....??

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    1. Ideally, it's best enjoyed right out of the mug. But, if necessary, you could try running a knife around the sides of the mug and tipping it on to a plate. In this case, you might want to cook it for a few extra seconds. That said, it's fantastic when when it's a bit gooey, scooped right out of the mug. You be the judge!

      Oh and, sorry about the delay in responding, I had issues with my net connectivity. Hope I'm not too late!

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  81. AnonymousJune 10, 2012

    I love the it! But was wondering if I can changeth ingredient to make it into butter mug cake?

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    1. I haven't done it, but I'd think butter can be substituted for olive oil. Basically, any fat should work. Let me know if you try! For other variations, try substituting peanut butter for nutella, it's amazing. You can see the recipe & photos on my fb page. Good luck!

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  82. Made thissss and me loveth it is wonderrrful....like you!

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  83. Happened to see ur blog when i was browsing for the Mug cake. Wow!! Awesome clicks (and recipes too). Wonderful recipes.

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  84. AnonymousJuly 04, 2012

    quite a mugful, eyeful and delightful piece. u've got some great space here. i followed via pinterest.

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  85. Really mouth watering cake...beautiful..

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  86. My my, where were you all my life?? I am drooling over this irresistible mug and on chancing upon your 'out-of-the-world' blog!! Am sure sticking around for good:)

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  87. Looks great. How can I get the calorie count?

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    1. Not sure how to get the calorie count Susan, but I'll try and let you know!

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  88. just made a vegan version of this with a flax egg and almond milk! absolutely delicious (:

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  89. is there any way i can make this in a normal oven??I dont own a microwave :-(

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  90. This was a delicious weeknight dessert! Thanks for sharing :)

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  91. It seems all a rage lately with the 'cake in mug' soooo I decided to try your recipe this morning (I know,cake in the morning :P) annnnd it was amaaaaazing! Yum and so fast! Took me about over a minute (900w) for mine to poof up! Thanks for sharing hehe xx

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  92. The only problem i had with this cake was the amount of times i burned my mouth trying to eat it as fast as possible the second it came out of the microwave. Absolutely delicious! thanks for the recipe!

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  93. i love this recipe, i've been looking for a perfect mug cake since AGES! thanks for posting this.i just saw your site today.(fancy when this recipe was posted) but it looks delectable!
    thanks..

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  94. These are absolutely delicious! My husband and I topped ours with vanilla ice cream and they made for the perfect movie treat this weekend! I will certainly be keeping this recipe handy!

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A million thank you's for stopping by, taking the time to connect, and coming back to visit again. I genuinely appreciate each of your kind thoughts, lovely words, love and support. Happy, happy to hear from you, and hope to see you again!

♥ Nashi