I have a confession. Sometimes at 10:00 PM, I need chocolate. I don’t mean I want it. I mean I need it. But I’m usually way too tired to bake a real cake. I don’t want to preheat an oven. I definitely don’t want to wash a pile of bowls.
That is why I am obsessed with this Oreo Mug Cake.
I first saw this as a “hack” on TikTok. People realized that an Oreo is basically just a tiny, pre-made cake kit. It already has the flour, sugar, and cocoa. You just have to break it down.
I tried the viral version and it was… okay. It was a bit dense. So, I added one tiny secret: baking powder. This one change makes it light and fluffy instead of a chocolate brick. It’s like a coffee-shop treat made in your favorite mug.
The Game Plan
This is a “lightning fast” recipe. It’s all about high reward for almost zero effort.
- Prep time: 1 minute.
- Cook time: 60 seconds.
- Skill level: If you can use a fork and a microwave, you’re a pro.
One quick tip from my own kitchen: don’t double the recipe in one big bowl. Microwaves are weird. If you try to make two at once in the same container, the middle stays raw. Make them one by one for the best results.
What You’ll Need
The ingredients are likely in your kitchen right now. I usually use Original or Double Stuf Oreos. The cream filling is important because it acts as the fat that keeps the cake moist.
| Ingredient | Amount | Why you need it |
| Oreo Cookies | 5 Cookies | This is your flour, sugar, and cocoa. |
| Milk | 3 Tablespoons | This turns the crumbs into a batter. |
| Baking Powder | 1/4 Teaspoon | The “secret” for a fluffy rise. |
| Optional Toppings | To taste | Ice cream or sea salt. |
Step-by-Step: Let’s Make It
1. The Mash
Drop four Oreos into a microwave-safe mug. Pour the milk over them. Now, wait. Give them 30 seconds to get soft. It makes mashing way easier. Use a fork to crush them against the side of the mug. You want it to look like thick pancake batter. Don’t leave big chunks or it won’t cook evenly!
2. The Secret Ingredient
Stir in your baking powder. Mix it well. You’ll notice the color gets a little lighter as air gets in there.
3. The Nuke
Put your mug in the microwave. Don’t put it in the dead center. Put it near the edge of the spinning plate. This helps the heat hit it from all sides so you don’t get a “molten” outside and a raw middle.
4. The Wait
Microwave on high for 60 seconds. It will rise up like magic. It might even peek over the top! When it’s done, it might look a little wet. That’s just steam. It will firm up as it cools.
5. The Crunch
Take that fifth Oreo. Break it into jagged pieces and press them into the top while the cake is still steaming.
Make It Your Own
The best part? You can totally play with this.
- Want a lava cake? Push a square of dark chocolate or a glob of peanut butter into the center before cooking.
- Feeling seasonal? Use Mint Oreos or Pumpkin Spice ones.
- Dietary needs? Use Gluten-Free Oreos and oat milk. Since Oreos are usually vegan, this is a great vegan dessert!
A Quick Note on Eating
Eat this immediately. Mug cakes are like a “live in the moment” thing. If you wait two hours, the starch gets tough and chewy. It’s best within 10 minutes of cooking.
I always top mine with a big scoop of cold vanilla ice cream. The way it melts into the warm cake is incredible.
Making it for Friends?
Use this table to keep your math straight if you’re making more than one!
| Number of Cakes | Oreos | Milk | Baking Powder |
| 1 Cake | 5 | 3 tbsp | 1/4 tsp |
| 2 Cakes | 10 | 6 tbsp | 1/2 tsp |
| 4 Cakes | 20 | 3/4 cup | 1 tsp |
I really hope this becomes your new favorite “emergency” snack. It’s fast, cheap, and it satisfies that chocolate craving every single time.
Print3-Ingredient Oreo Mug Cake
When you need a chocolate fix but don’t want the kitchen mess, this mug cake is the answer. It’s a viral “cookie hack” made better with a simple pantry secret. By adding a pinch of baking powder, you turn crushed cookies into a light, airy sponge that tastes like a professional bakery treat.
- Prep Time: 1 Minute
- Cook Time: 1 Minute
- Total Time: 2 Minute
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 5 Oreo Cookies (Original or Double Stuf work best)
- 3 Tablespoons Milk (Any dairy or plant-based milk)
- 1/4 Teaspoon Baking Powder (The secret for a fluffy rise)
Instructions
- Prep the Cookies: Place 4 Oreos into a microwave-safe mug. Pour the milk over them and let them sit for 30 seconds to soften.
- The Mash: Use a sturdy fork to crush the cookies against the side of the mug. Keep going until you have a smooth, dark batter without big lumps.
- The Rise: Sprinkle in the baking powder. Give it a gentle but thorough stir until the color lightens slightly.
- The Nuke: Place your mug on the edge of the microwave turntable (not the center). Microwave on high for exactly 60 seconds.
- The Finish: The cake should look set but slightly glistening on top. Break the 5th Oreo into chunks and press them into the warm cake for a nice crunch.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
- Top with a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream—it melts into the warm sponge to create a delicious sauce.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt to cut through the sweetness.
Tips & Tricks:
- Mug Size: Use a 10–12 ounce mug so the cake has room to rise without spilling over.
- Don’t Double Up: If making two, cook them one at a time. Microwaves cook unevenly when you crowd them with multiple mugs.
Storage & Reheating:
- Storage: This is a “live in the moment” dessert. It’s best within 10 minutes. If you must save it, cover it at room temperature for up to 4 hours.
- Reheating: Microwave for 10 seconds with a teaspoon of water sprinkled on top to bring back the moisture.
