A mug cake, as the name indicates, is a single-serving that is whipped up in a mug or cup and in the microwave within minutes rather than baked in the oven. This chocolate-flavoured version is as straightforward as it gets, using just a few store cupboard ingredients to come together incredibly easily. It's a perfect for one, and you can experiment with different flavours and add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit.

Sharing this recipe online, BBC Good Food explained: "Need a quick chocolate fix? Try making this easy microwave mug cake with storecupboard ingredients. It's even more delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream..."

Ingredients

Four tbsp self-raising flour

Four tbsp caster sugar

Two tbsp cocoa powder

One medium egg

Three tbsp milk

Three tbsp vegetable oil or sunflower oil

A few drops of vanilla essence or other essence (orange or peppermint work, too)

Two tbsp chocolate chips, nuts or raisins (optional)

Method

Start by adding four tablespoons of self-raising flour, four tablespoons of caster sugar, and two tablespoons of cocoa powder into the largest mug you have.

Ensure there's enough space to prevent any spillage while microwaving, and then stir the ingredients together thoroughly.

Next, crack in one medium egg and mix it in as best you can, though don't worry if some of the dry ingredients remain unmixed.

Then, pour in three tablespoons of milk, three tablespoons of vegetable or sunflower oil, and a few drops of vanilla essence.

Stir until you have a smooth batter. If you're including any extras, such as two tablespoons of chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins, stir them in at this stage.

Place the mug in the centre of the microwave and cook on high for one and a half to two minutes, or until the cake has stopped rising and feels firm when touched.