This Simple Addition Makes Your Chocolate Mug Cake Even Richer

Of all the microwave hacks you wish you knew sooner, there are few as easy and decadent as a chocolate mug cake. But why not enhance its flavor with a simple addition that's as easy to add as your treat is to make? Deana Karim, owner and founder at Good Dee's, told Food Republic that just a teeny splash of vanilla extract seriously upgrades the quick dessert into something extraordinary.

Karim pointed out three main effects just a wee bit of vanilla extract has on your mug cake. Firstly, vanilla "brings out the sweeter, deeper notes of chocolate," much like how adding a sprinkle of salt makes store-bought cookie dough taste homemade. Secondly, the expert shared that it "acts like a 'flavor bridge,' smoothing any harshness." Vanilla does a great job modifying textural defects from low-quality cacao — from cheap candy bars to easy, affordable desserts, it's one of the best enhancers you could ask for. Finally, the addition of vanilla provides "[an] aromatic complexity that makes the cake taste more 'finished' and bakery-like," according to Karim.

While the exact amount of extract you add is up to you and the size of your mug, you probably won't want to add any more than a teaspoon. Remember that, as an extract, its flavor is seriously concentrated and even a quarter teaspoon too much can ruin such a small dessert in no time at all. Thankfully though, vanilla plays well with all sorts of baking ingredients, so there are plenty of other ways to elevate your chocolate mug cake.

While chopped nuts, a handful of chocolate chips, or fruit can all upgrade your chocolate mug cake, they often just add new flavor elements without enhancing the taste of the cake itself. One of the biggest mistakes you can make with mug cakes is underestimating its potential for complex and decadent flavors. If you want to upgrade your mug cake's richness or aroma, look to powdered or liquid ingredients that can diffuse through your dessert's batter during the baking process.

If you're already adding vanilla, then consider adding a quarter teaspoon of espresso powder as well. Since this extract does such a great job reducing bitterness, you'll be left with a wonderfully aromatic dessert full of sweet, floral, and heady coffee notes in addition to the taste of chocolate. You can also add other warm spices like cinnamon and clove or even ginger and cardamom for an even more complex flavor profile. Since chocolate and espresso are such strong flavors, you can add another quarter teaspoon of spice mix without worrying about them overpowering the main tastes.

If, however, you want to enhance your mug cake's richness, try adding a squeeze of sweet syrups like caramel or strawberry to the batter. When mixed thoroughly, your whole cake becomes rich with their tastes. However, if you only do a quick stir, maybe three or four circles around the cup, you'll be left with ribbons of pure flavor floating through the cake. Either way, the addition of syrup will keep your cake moist and even more flavorful.