Chocolate-Cherry Vegan Mug Cake with Almond Butter Swirl
A quick and moist vegan chocolate mug cake bursting with cherries and a creamy almond butter swirl, perfect for an individual dessert in minutes. This american-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 7 minutes layers all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 1, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 3 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp, pitted and halved fresh or frozen cherries
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- a pinch salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a microwave-safe mug, whisk together 4 tbsp all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt until combined.
- Step 2: Add 3 tbsp maple syrup, 3 tbsp unsweetened almond milk, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
- Step 3: Gently fold in 3 tbsp pitted and halved fresh or frozen cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Step 4: Drop 1 tbsp almond butter on top of the batter and use a toothpick or knife to swirl it into the top layer.
- Step 5: Microwave on high for 90 seconds until the cake has risen and is set but still moist; allow to cool slightly before enjoying directly from the mug.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chocolate-Cherry Vegan Mug Cake with Almond Butter Swirl take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (5 min prep + 2 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Chocolate-Cherry Vegan Mug Cake with Almond Butter Swirl?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chocolate-Cherry Vegan Mug Cake with Almond Butter Swirl?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chocolate-Cherry Vegan Mug Cake with Almond Butter Swirl for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Chocolate-Cherry Vegan Mug Cake with Almond Butter Swirl vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
