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    Home ยป Recipes ยป 3-2-1 Microwave Mug Cake

    Black Forest Mug Cake

    By Wendy Sondov ยท Published: May 13, 2014 ยท Modified: Jan 30, 2023 ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Black Forest Mug Cake, with fluffy chocolate cake, sweet cherries, and chocolate sauce, allows you to enjoy the traditional flavors of a black forest cake in just one minute with this quick and delicious microwave cake recipe!

    Chocolate cake in a mug topped with cherries and almonds.

    Why you'll love this recipe

    Black Forest Mug Cake is an individual chocolate cake drenched in chocolate syrup and topped with cherry pie filling, adding a German twist to the list of Monday Box mug cakes.

    This may not be totally authentic Black Forest cake, but they are totally delicious.
    Real Black Forest Cake includes layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherries.

    In Germany, where the cake originated, it is traditional (and legally mandated) to add a tart cherry liquor. 3-2-1 Black Forest Mug Cake doesnโ€™t share all of those characteristics, but it is super chocolaty and full of cherries.

    The ingredients are all shelf stable and care package mailable. However, if you are enjoying 3-2-1 Black Forest Mug Cake at home, add a dollop of whipped cream on top give this microwave wonder more traditional flavor.

    Chocolate mug cake on a plate topped with cherry pie filling, chocolate sauce, and almonds.

    Instructions

    This is an overview of the instructions.ย The full instructions are in the recipe card below.

    1. In a gallon sized ziplock bag, combine one box of angel food cake mix and one chocolate cake mix.
    2. Lightly coat the inside of a microwaveable mug with non-stick spray or use a disposable microwave safe paper cup. Add 3 tablespoons of cake mix and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir. Add a rounded tablespoon of cherry pie filling.
    3. Microwave on high for up to 1 minute until cooked.
    4. Add a generous drizzle of chocolate syrup, another tablespoon of cherry pie filling and a sprinkle of chopped almonds.

    Storage

    Mug cakes are meant to be eaten immediately. Their texture becomes rubbery if stored.

    For care packages, mail all of the ingredients and a copy of the recipe.

    Closeup of spoonful of choclate mug cake, cherry filling, and almond slivers.

    Tips

    • When making mug cakes in ceramic mugs, always spray with nonstick spray before using.
    • Microwave safe paper cups/bowls are recommended for sending mug cake ingredients to college students and service members.
    • For care package shipping, combine the two cake mixes into a labeled gallon-size ziplock bag. Label the bag with instructions.
    3-2-1 Mug Cake version of black forest cake with chocolate cake, cherries, and almonds.

    Related recipes

    Be sure to check out the listing of all of our quick, easy and delicious mug cake recipes!

    This basic Cake in a Mug recipe can be customized with all of your favorite flavors and add ins!

    Pineapple Mug Cake is light, fluffy and tropical! Like a vacation in a cup.

    Coconut Marshmallow Mug Cake looks like a snowball. The vanilla cake is mixed with shredded coconut and topped with melted marshmallow cream.

    Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake is a warm toasty treat that makes a great midnight snack!

    Lava Cake in a Mug is for chocolate lovers. This chocolate mug cake is literally overflowing with melted chocolate!

    Ready to bake? Joinย the free membership groupย to get new recipes and a newsletter delivered to your inbox! You can also stay in touch onย Facebook,ย Pinterest, andย Instagram. Iโ€™d love to stay in touch!

    3-2-1 Black Forest Cake

    3-2-1 Black Forest Mug Cake

    This chocolate microwave mug cake is drenched in chocolate syrup and topped with cherry pie filling.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 minute
    Total Time: 3 minutes
    Servings: 24
    Calories: 125kcal
    Author: Wendy Sondov

    Ingredients

    • 1 box Angel Food Cake mix
    • 1 box chocolate cake mix
    • Non-stick spray if not using disposable cups
    • Water
    • 1 ยฝ cups slivered almonds 1 bag
    • 3 cups cherry pie filling 2 cans
    • 1 ยฝ cups chocolate syrup 1 bottle

    Instructions

    • In a gallon sized ziplock bag, combine the two boxes of cake mix. Shake the bag to mix thoroughly.
    • Lightly coat the inside of a microwaveable mug with non-stick spray or use a disposable microwave safe paper cup. (Without the spray the cake will not transfer out of the mug and the mug is harder to clean.)
    • (Here comes the 3-2-1 part) Into the prepared mug, stir together 3 tablespoons of cake mix and 2 tablespoons of water. Add a rounded tablespoon of cherry pie filling.
    • Microwave on high for up to 1 minute until cooked. (My microwave takes 40 seconds.)
    • Add a generous drizzle of chocolate syrup, another tablespoon of cherry pie filling and a sprinkle of chopped almonds. Then eat it right out of the mug. If you want to transfer the cake onto a plate, run a knife around the edge between the cake and the mug to loosen, dump out onto a plate, then add the syrup, cherries, and almonds.

    Notes

    Packing tips:
    • Combine the two cake mixes into a labeled gallon-size ziplock bag.
    • Include a measuring spoon, a bottle of chocolate syrup, a can of cherry pie filling, and a bag of slivered almonds.
    • If the care package is international, include microwave safe paper cups.
    • If the care package is domestic, add either a can of non-stick spray (for use with a ceramic mug) or microwave safe paper cups.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 125kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 121mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 61IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @TheMondayBox or tag #themondaybox!

    First Published: May 13, 2014. Last Updated: January 30, 2023.ย Updated for better reader experience.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lokness

      May 29, 2014 at 11:45 am

      I love love black forest cake! But I still haven't had the courage to make one yet. Your microwave version would be perfect for me to start with! YUM!

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 29, 2014 at 12:23 pm

        Thanks, Lokness! This version isn't quite the real thing, but it is tasty, quick, the ingredients can be mailed in a care package, and it is just about fool proof! ๐Ÿ™‚ I will be watching your blog for when you share a recipe for the real thing!

        Reply
    2. Mama's Gotta Bake

      May 23, 2014 at 6:35 pm

      Wendy that looks absolutely decadent! I love the Pina Colada cake too! I love the combo of cherry and chocolate, and I also love things that are easy. Thanks for sharing this.

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 27, 2014 at 1:33 pm

        Thanks, Sheryl! These "magic" microwave cakes are just fun! They will never replace the "real thing" but they are perfect for a sudden sweet tooth attack especially for college students who may only have access to a microwave.

        Reply
    3. gottagetbaked

      May 23, 2014 at 11:47 am

      Wendy, shame on me for not visiting your blog in so long! I've missed out on so much deliciousness! I hate getting new appliances too. My brain is so lazy that it hates learning new things, lol. Explosions in the microwave are the worse because my body is too lazy to clean up the mess ๐Ÿ˜‰ I'm glad you figured out how much time was needed because your mug cakes are amazing. Anything to get cake into my mouth in a short time period is a good thing. I love black forest cake and haven't had it in years. Is it really legally mandatory to use cherry liquor in Germany? If so, that's awesome!

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 27, 2014 at 1:46 pm

        Nancy, I appreciate your visits (and kind words) whenever you find time to stop by! ๐Ÿ™‚ I started playing with 3-2-1 cakes for the college crowd but they are popular with anyone wanting a quick gooey cake fix. Everyone needs instant gratification now and then. ๐Ÿ™‚ I read that the liquor is a legally required ingredient in Black Forest cake in Germany if the official German name for Black Forest cake is used to identify it....Schwarzwรคlder Kirschtorte. (Being able to pronounce it isn't a legal requirement.)

        Reply
    4. themondaybox

      May 23, 2014 at 7:37 am

      Thanks, Adriana! I really, really wish we used the more accurate measures of the metric system in the US...but Americans freaked out at the idea. The only way to do it is to jump in with both feet (like you are having to do now in the opposite direction!) Conversion is too time consuming and confusing. Just using a new system for awhile allows you to get a feel for quantities, weights, and temperatures. Good luck!
      p.s. Your blog is beautiful (looking forward to following!) and your Wednesday Sandwich #1 is mouthwatering! How wonderful you and your sister can stay close across the ocean with your blog. Technology can make the world a little smaller. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
    5. chrisscheuer

      May 23, 2014 at 2:19 am

      That was like loosing an old friend, wasn't it? What a fun treat you made with your new one!

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 23, 2014 at 7:40 am

        Thanks for the understanding, Chris! I would like to be more easily adaptable but I was just so comfortable with the old microwave. No thinking involved just press and go! ๐Ÿ™‚ Oh, well. I am giving the new one a work out and should be used to it soon!

        Reply
    6. BruCrew Life

      May 22, 2014 at 10:06 pm

      Love this mug cake! ๐Ÿ™‚ it looks so gooey and moist-just the way I like cake to be!

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 23, 2014 at 7:29 am

        Thanks, Jocelyn! The key to gooey and moist with microwave cakes is gooey add-ins that don't bake (like chocolate and pie filling) and syrup on top.

        Reply
    7. Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking

      May 22, 2014 at 8:45 am

      I am kind of a boring microwave owner: I just nuke the usual suspects but I've never made dessert in it before! This is a great idea for a quick dessert at home or to send in a care package! Bravo!

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 23, 2014 at 7:28 am

        Thanks, Lindsey! I am just like you with the microwave...heat water, defrost whatever. That is why I find 3-2-1 cake magical and fun! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    8. Winnie

      May 21, 2014 at 3:13 pm

      OMG !!!
      My mouth is watering just looking at these photos!!
      I looooooooove this cake
      I really like mug-cake, I think it's so romantic to share one with my love one (=hubby)
      Pinning

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 21, 2014 at 8:38 pm

        Thanks, Winnie! Your enthusiasm is much appreciated! ๐Ÿ™‚ Because these 3-2-1 mug cakes are made with a mix, they can be enjoyed in college dorms or military barracks as well as romantic dinners! ๐Ÿ™‚
        Thanks for the pin!!

        Reply
    9. Monica

      May 21, 2014 at 11:24 am

      I'm starting to think of you as the queen of the 3-2-1 cakes, Wendy. Love the very idea...okay, maybe just a little *too* convenient to be safe. ; ) This black forest cake looks irresistible!

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 21, 2014 at 2:57 pm

        Thanks, Monica! I didn't set out to be a 3-2-1 enthusiast. As a matter of fact I thought of it as a one time novel idea to post while I was on vacation last year.But the response was overwhelming and surprising. 3-2-1 Magic Mug Cake is my number 1 visited post EVERY DAY! Apparently people want microwave convenience with sweet flavor appeal. If I want readers to visit the Monday Box I need to post what they are interested in. ๐Ÿ™‚ Hopefully, I can show that 3-2-1 cakes can be yummy as well as fast and convenient!

        Reply
    10. crazyforcrust

      May 21, 2014 at 8:57 am

      I remember as a kid if the microwave broke we went to the store that day and got a new one, lol. I love a mug cake ,this is fabulous!

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 21, 2014 at 8:42 pm

        Thanks, Dorothy! Nobody wants to be without the appliances we get so used to for convenience! I am glad my kids learned to boil water on the stove as well as zapping a cup of tea! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    11. Tricia @ Saving room for dessert

      May 19, 2014 at 11:36 am

      This is so cool. I've heard about cakes in a mug, etc. but haven't tried one yet. Moist, warm delicious cake - amazing!

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 19, 2014 at 1:54 pm

        Thanks, Tricia! These 3-2-1 cakes have the added bonus (for those without access to full kitchens like college kids and the military) of being made from a mix and with non-refrigerated add-ins that make them care package perfect! Zap as needed. ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    12. Ashley

      May 15, 2014 at 7:02 pm

      Adjusting to new gadgets can be very frustrating! When we moved to NC it took what felt like forever to get the hang of our oven ... so different from the one we had in Virginia! Love this latest version of your 3-2-1 cakes!

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 19, 2014 at 8:18 pm

        Thanks, Ashley! I remember when we lived in apartments years ago and every time we moved I readjusted quickly between gas stoves and electric stoves. I must have been more adaptable back then! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    13. Jess @ On Sugar Mountain

      May 14, 2014 at 2:16 pm

      Oh no! Cake explosions are the worst. This black forest version looks like it came out splendidly though, Wendy! I know so many of my college friends are going to LOVE this recipe once I send it over to them!! ๐Ÿ˜€

      Reply
      • themondaybox

        May 14, 2014 at 2:28 pm

        Thanks, Jess! Adding filling to 3-2-1 cakes (pie filling, pudding, jam) can be a microwave cake explosion waiting to happen. Shorter zap times are required...unless you want to spend the next hour scraping bits of cake off the walls of the microwave!:) Please warn your college friends! These cakes are perfect for late night study munchies and no one has time to clean a microwave! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply

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