The Easiest Paleo Chocolate Mug Cake You Can Make in Your Dorm Room

In the thick of midterm season, all the hours clocked at the library and the late night study sessions will likely make you incredibly snacky. If you’re anything like me, this means you want sweets, sweets, and more sweets. Specifically, chocolate. Enter: paleo chocolate mug cake. 

In times of a stressed-out, hungry crisis, it’s important to have snacks on hand that are quick to prepare and won’t make you feel sluggish after eating them. This simple paleo chocolate mug cake checks all the boxes. Made with vegan-friendly ingredients, it comes together in five minutes and is actually filled with nutritious goodness that will help you stay focused for your exams.

Two of the main ingredients, nut butter and bananas, are perfect brain-foods. Filled with healthy fats and protein, the nuts have countless health benefits and contain compounds that help with memory function. Bananas will provide you with energy and give the cake a natural sweetness. It's a win-win. Plus, this paleo chocolate mug cake is cooked in a microwave, so it’s a perfect dorm-friendly treat. 

While many people do not keep paleo pantry staples in their dorm room, this cake is incredibly versatile and will turn out beautifully with a variety of ingredient swaps. Namely, any nut or seed butter will work amazingly, as well as any liquid sweetener and plant-based oil. Or if you are craving vanilla, omit the cocoa powder altogether and add some vanilla extract!

So if you’re craving cake, put down your textbook, grab a mug, and get baking! 

Easy Paleo Chocolate Mug Cake

• Prep Time:2 mins
• Cook Time:3 mins
• Total Time:5 mins
• Servings:1
• Easy

Ingredients

• 1/2 banana mashed
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened nut or seed butter choice
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup agave or honey for non-vegan
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil plus more for greasing
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened milk choice almond works well
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon coconut flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• Dark chocolate chips chopped nuts berries or shredded coconut optional

• Step 1

  Grease the inside of a mug with some coconut oil. Then add the mashed banana.

  

• Step 2

  Add the peanut butter, sweetener, coconut oil, and almond milk. Mix until well combined.

  

• Step 3

  Add the cocoa powder and gently stir it in until just incorporated.

  

• Step 4

  Mix in the remaining dry ingredients. Now is a good time to add more sweetener depending on your preference.

  

• Step 5

  Optional: sprinkle some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, berries, or coconut on top. Feel free to play with flavor combos!

  

• Step 6

  Now it’s time to bake the cake. Cook time will vary based on the dimensions of your mug and strength of your microwave. Start with 1 minute, microwaving the cake uncovered, and then check the doneness. From there, microwave the cake in 30 second intervals, checking it each time. Your cake is done when the top is just firm to the touch and the edges have slightly pulled away from the mug. If you want a gooier, brownie consistency, you can cook it for less time. Be careful removing it from the microwave-- it will be hot!

  

• Step 7

  Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes and then enjoy!

  

Sweet tooth satisfied? Good. Now go crush those exams!