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- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder - 4 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1/8 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 cup milk - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips - 2 tablespoons cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries, pitted and chopped) - A pinch of salt Each ingredient plays a big role in this recipe. The all-purpose flour gives the cake its structure. The unsweetened cocoa powder adds rich chocolate flavor. Granulated sugar sweetens the cake, while the baking powder helps it rise. Milk and vegetable oil keep the cake moist and tender. Pure vanilla extract adds warmth and depth. Dark chocolate chips give oozy pockets of melted chocolate. Cherries bring a burst of tartness, balancing the sweetness. For flour, I like using King Arthur or Bob's Red Mill. Both brands provide great quality. Ghirardelli is my go-to for cocoa powder and chocolate chips. They have a deep, rich taste that enhances the cake. If you want to switch it up, try using fresh raspberries or strawberries instead of cherries. You can also use almond milk for a dairy-free option, or coconut oil in place of vegetable oil for a hint of tropical flavor. For the full recipe, check out the Cherry Chocolate Lava Mug Cake section. First, grab a large microwave-safe mug. In it, combine your dry ingredients. You need 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1/8 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Use a whisk to mix these well. This step is key to a smooth batter. Make sure there are no lumps. Now, add the wet ingredients. Pour in 1/4 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Stir it all together with vigor. Your goal is a smooth and consistent batter. Then, gently fold in 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling or chopped fresh cherries. Mix them evenly into the batter. This adds a burst of flavor in every bite. Place the mug in the microwave. Cook it on high for about 40 to 60 seconds. Keep an eye on it to avoid overflow. The edges should look set, while the center stays soft and gooey. After cooking, let it cool for one minute. This helps prevent burns. You can top it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra delight. For the full recipe, check the previous section. Enjoy your creation! To get that gooey center, cook the mug cake for just the right time. I recommend starting with 40 seconds. Check it closely. If the edges look set but the middle is soft, it's perfect. Using dark chocolate chips adds to that rich lava feel. They melt nicely and create that delightful ooze when you dig in. One mistake I see often is overcooking. Microwaves vary, so keep an eye on your mug cake. If you cook it too long, it won’t have that lava effect. Another mistake is not mixing well. Make sure your batter is smooth with no lumps. Lastly, don’t forget the salt! It balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors. Toppings can take your mug cake to the next level. I love adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The cold ice cream melts slightly and mixes with the warm cake. You can also use whipped cream or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Fresh cherries on top add a nice touch, too. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle some crushed nuts or chocolate shavings. Enjoy your Cherry Chocolate Lava Mug Cake with your favorite toppings! {{image_4}} You can switch up the cherry filling for other fruits. Try using raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries. Each fruit adds its own taste and flair. For example, blueberries give a sweet burst, while raspberries add a tangy kick. Use the same amount of fruit as in the full recipe. Just fold them into the batter like you would with cherries. This will keep that yummy lava center while changing the flavor. To make a vegan version, swap the milk for a plant-based option. Almond milk or oat milk works great. Replace the egg with one tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons of water. Allow it to sit for about five minutes to thicken. It acts as a great binder. Use vegan chocolate chips to keep it dairy-free. With these changes, you still get a rich and gooey treat. If you need a gluten-free cake, switch the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Many brands work well for baking. Check labels to ensure they are safe for your needs. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. Always keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free versions may cook faster. Enjoy this treat without worry! If you have leftover Cherry Chocolate Lava Mug Cake, store it in an airtight container. This keeps the cake moist. You can leave it at room temperature for a day. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it. Just remember to cover it well to avoid drying out. To reheat, use the microwave. Place the mug in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Check it to ensure it warms evenly. You want it warm but not hot. If it feels too cool, add a few more seconds. Enjoy that gooey chocolate center again! The ingredients in this mug cake have different shelf lives. Here’s a quick guide: - All-purpose flour: lasts about a year when stored in a cool, dry place. - Cocoa powder: can last up to two years if sealed tightly. - Sugar: lasts indefinitely if kept dry. - Baking powder: good for about six months after opening. - Milk: typically lasts about a week after opening in the fridge. - Vegetable oil: can last up to a year. - Vanilla extract: remains good for several years if stored well. - Chocolate chips: stay fresh for about a year. - Cherry pie filling: check the can for the best-by date, but opened, it lasts about a week. For the best results, check these items often and replace as needed. This ensures every mug cake is as delicious as the first! To make a Cherry Chocolate Lava Mug Cake, start with a microwave-safe mug. Mix the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then, add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Fold in dark chocolate chips and cherry filling. Microwave for 40-60 seconds until set around the edges but gooey in the middle. Yes, you can use any chocolate you like. Milk chocolate adds creaminess, while dark chocolate gives a rich taste. You can even try white chocolate for a sweet twist. Each will change the flavor slightly but still work well in this recipe. Watch the edges of the mug cake as it cooks. The edges should look firm, while the center stays soft. If it looks too watery, give it a few more seconds. Just be careful not to overcook it, or it won't have that lava effect. This guide covers all you need for a perfect Lava Mug Cake. We explored ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for success. You learned how to get the right texture and avoid common mistakes. Plus, we discussed fun variations and storage tips. With this knowledge, you can enjoy a tasty treat at home. Give it a try and share your results with friends!

Cherry Chocolate Lava Mug Cake

Indulge in a quick and delicious dessert with this easy Cherry Chocolate Lava Mug Cake! In just minutes, you can create a rich and gooey treat filled with dark chocolate and cherry goodness. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth anytime. Follow the simple step-by-step instructions to whip up this delightful mug cake. Click through to explore the recipe and enjoy your own warm, chocolatey slice of heaven!
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Ingredients
  

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

4 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/8 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 cup milk

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

2 tablespoons cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries, pitted and chopped)

A pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Begin by taking a large microwave-safe mug and combining the dry ingredients: whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until well blended.

    To the dry mix, pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and pure vanilla extract. Stir vigorously until you achieve a smooth and consistent batter, ensuring no lumps remain.

      Carefully fold in the dark chocolate chips and either the cherry pie filling or the chopped fresh cherries. Make sure to distribute them evenly throughout the batter for delightful bursts of flavor in every bite.

        Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for approximately 40-60 seconds. Monitor closely to prevent overflow. The cake should appear set around the edges while remaining soft and molten in the center.

          After microwaving, let the mug cake cool for about one minute before relishing in its warm, gooey goodness. For an indulgent touch, consider topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 5 minutes | 1 minute | 1 serving

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the mug cake directly in the mug, garnished with a few extra cherries on top or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an inviting and gourmet appearance. Enjoy!