Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Black Forest Mug Cake

Enjoy this rich, Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Black Forest Mug Cake in under 2 minutes! Made with almond flour and topped with fresh cherry sauce and whipped cream, it’s a quick, indulgent treat. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any time you’re craving chocolate. Clean ingredients, full of flavor.

Cherry Chocolate Black Forest Mug Cake on a kitchen counter.

This Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Black Forest Mug Cake is the perfect solution when you’re craving a rich, chocolatey dessert but want something quick and easy. In just under 2 minutes, you can enjoy a decadent treat made with almond flour, fresh cherry sauce, and whipped cream, all with the classic flavors of a Black Forest cake.

This recipe is a favorite in my kitchen because it’s made with clean, natural ingredients while still delivering that satisfying chocolate-cherry flavor combination. Whether you’re making it as a romantic dessert for two on Valentine’s Day or simply treating yourself, this mug cake is the easiest way to indulge without any fuss.

YouTube video

Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Chocolate Cherry Mini Cake Recipe

  • Quick and easy: Ready in just under 2 minutes, perfect for when you want a fast dessert fix.
  • Rich chocolate flavor: Made with almond flour and cocoa for a delicious, gluten-free take on a classic.
  • Topped with fresh cherry sauce: Juicy cherries add a burst of flavor and complement the chocolate beautifully.
  • Single-serving indulgence: Ideal for a personal treat or a romantic dessert for two without the need to bake a whole cake.
Cherry Chocolate Black Forest Mug Cake on a kitchen counter.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here is everything you need to make the best-tasting gluten-free cherry chocolate mug cakes:

Egg: This recipe relies on eggs for lift and texture. I do not recommend replacing it with a flax egg.

Almond Flour: Instead of almond flour, you can use gluten-free flour blends like rice flour, coconut flour, or a combination of both.

Maple Syrup: Substitute with honey, agave nectar, or your favorite liquid sweetener.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: You can also use cacao powder or dark chocolate cocoa powder for a deep dark chocolate cake.

Light Olive Oil: You can use other gluten-free oils like coconut oil or vegetable oil.

Baking Powder: Ensure the baking powder is labeled gluten-free. 

Vanilla Extract: You can omit or replace with 1/8 teaspoon of almond extract

Apple Cider Vinegar: The use of apple cider vinegar is optional but can add a subtle tanginess to the cake. If you’re not a fan, feel free to omit it.

Mini Chocolate Chips: Choose gluten-free mini chocolate chips or chop up a gluten-free chocolate bar into small pieces. You can also use chocolate shavings.

Sweet Cherries: You can use fresh cherries or frozen cherries or replace them with any berry, including strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. You can also use maraschino cherries.

Lemon Juice: You can omit or replace it with lime or orange juice.

Cherry Chocolate Black Forest Mug Cake on a kitchen counter.

How to Make My Gluten-Free Black Forest Mug Cake Recipe

Step 1: Make the Mug Cake Batter

In a small bowl, add the wet ingredients, including the egg, maple syrup, light olive oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until combined.

Then, add the dry ingredients, including almond flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Mug cake ingredients in a bowl.

Step 2: Microwave the Mug Cake

Lightly spray the inside of your mug with non-stick spray. Pour in half the mug cake batter and then sprinkle in half of the mini chocolate chips. Pour in the remaining batter and sprinkle the remaining chips on top.

Microwave the mug on high for 1.5 to 2 minutes or until the cake has risen and is set in the middle. Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave, so keep an eye on it.

Carefully remove the mug from the microwave (it will be hot), and allow it to cool on the counter.

Add mini chocolate chips to a mug.

Step 3: Make the Cherry Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine cherries, maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.

Cook the cherry mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries release their juices and the sauce thickens slightly. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Once the cherry sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes

Adding tapioca starch to fruit sauce.
Fruit sauce in a pan.

Step 4: Assemble the Mini Mug Cake

You can leave the cake in the mug or remove it and cut it in half to create two servings. 

Spoon the cherry sauce over the chocolate mug cake. 

Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Garnish with additional cherries, mini chocolate chips or grated chocolate.

Cherry Chocolate Black Forest Mug Cake on a kitchen counter.

Cherry Chocolate Mini Mug Cake with Almond Flour Recipe Notes

Cake Sweetness Level: If you prefer a sweeter cake, add 1 teaspoon of sugar to the batter before microwaving.

Cherry Sauce Thickness: You can omit the tapioca starch if you prefer a thinner sauce. Or, you can simmer the sauce longer if you prefer to have it thicker.

Fresh vs. Frozen Cherries: Both fresh and frozen cherries work well for the sauce. If frozen, the sauce will be slightly thinner from the excess moisture. You can add 1/2 teaspoon more of tapioca starch to thicken if desired.

Cake Serving: Once the mug and cake have cooled, you can layer the cake and enjoy it in the mug as a single serving. Or, you can remove the cake from the mug, cut it in half, and add the sauce, whipped cream, and cherries and enjoy two servings. 

Whip Cream: You can make homemade whipped cream with heavy whipping cream or coconut cream. For a more finished look, you can use a piping bag to add the cream to the top of the cake. 

Delicious Serving Suggestions

  • Top with extra whipped cream: Add a generous dollop of whipped cream for a light, creamy contrast to the rich chocolate.
  • Garnish with chocolate shavings: For an extra touch of decadence, sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings over the top.
  • Add a scoop of ice cream: Pair your mug cake with vanilla or cherry ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert.
  • Serve with fresh cherries: Enhance the cherry flavor by adding a few whole cherries or maraschino cherries on the side.

Refrigeration: If you have any leftovers of the mug cake or cherry sauce, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing: While mug cakes are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cake (without the cherry sauce) for longer storage. Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy the frozen mug cake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the microwave for a short time to warm it up.

Cherry Sauce Freezing: The cherry sauce may lose some texture upon freezing, but it can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator and gently reheat before use. You can also freeze it in an ice cube tray and then one cube at a time when needed.

How do I make a mini-cake with the mug cake?
You cook the cake in the mug, wait for it to cool to room temperature, and then remove it from the mug. Then, you can slice it to create layers of dark chocolate cake. You can slice it thin to get multiple cake layers like a traditional layered cake.

Can I use a different flour in place of almond flour?
Yes, you can substitute almond flour with gluten-free flour blends like rice flour, coconut flour, or a combination of both in my gluten-free black forest cake recipe.

How long should I microwave the mug cake?
Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave’s wattage. Start with 1.5 to 2 minutes and adjust as needed until the cake is set.

Can I make the cherry compote ahead of time?
Yes, the cherry sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it before serving.

Is it necessary to use fresh cherries, or can I use frozen ones?
Both fresh and frozen cherries work well for the sauce. If using frozen, ensure they are thawed before cooking.

What else can I use in place of the cherry compote?
You can use a sugar free cherry jam or jelly, sweet cherry filling, or cherry pie filling from the grocery store.

Do you love cherries? Check out more of my easy and healthier cherry recipes:

Cherry Chocolate Black Forest Mug Cake on a kitchen counter.

Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Black Forest Mug Cake Recipe

Gluten-Free diet-friendly recipe
Enjoy this rich, Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Black Forest Mug Cake in under 2 minutes! Made with almond flour and topped with fresh cherry sauce and whipped cream, it’s a quick, indulgent treat. Perfect for Valentine's Day or any time you're craving chocolate. Clean ingredients, full of flavor.
5 from 2 votes
Servings 2
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Mug Cake:

  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon oil (light olive oil is my fave)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips

Cherry Sauce:

  • 1 cup cherries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • dash salt

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, add the wet ingredients, including the egg, maple syrup, light olive oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until combined.
    Then, add the dry ingredients, including almond flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
  • Lightly spray the inside of your mug with non-stick spray. Pour in half the mug cake batter and then sprinkle in half of the mini chocolate chips. Pour in the remaining batter and sprinkle the remaining chips on top.
    Microwave the mug on high for 1.5 to 2 minutes or until the cake has risen and is set in the middle. Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave, so keep an eye on it.
    Carefully remove the mug from the microwave (it will be hot), and allow it to cool on the counter.
  • In a small saucepan, combine cherries, maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
    Cook the cherry mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries release their juices and the sauce thickens slightly. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
    Once the cherry sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes
  • You can leave the cake in the mug or remove it and cut it in half to create two servings. 
    Spoon the cherry sauce over the chocolate mug cake. 
    Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
    Garnish with additional cherries, mini chocolate chips or grated chocolate.

Video

YouTube video

Notes

Cake Sweetness Level: If you prefer a sweeter cake, add 1 teaspoon of sugar to the batter before microwaving.
Cherry Sauce Thickness: You can omit the tapioca starch if you prefer a thinner sauce. Or, you can simmer the sauce longer if you prefer to have it thicker.
Fresh vs. Frozen Cherries: Both fresh and frozen cherries work well for the sauce. If frozen, the sauce will be slightly thinner from the excess moisture. You can add 1/2 teaspoon more of tapioca starch to thicken if desired.
Cake Serving: Once the mug and cake have cooled, you can layer the cake and enjoy it in the mug as a single serving. Or, you can remove the cake from the mug, cut it in half, and add the sauce, whipped cream, and cherries and enjoy two servings. 
Whip Cream: You can make homemade whipped cream with heavy whipping cream or coconut cream. For a more finished look, you can use a piping bag to add the cream to the top of the cake. 

Nutrition

Calories: 266kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 7gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 34mgPotassium: 217mgFiber: 3gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 141IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 1mg
Keyword almond flour, chocolate chip, chocolate frosting, fruit compote, mug cake, raspberries
Did you make this recipe and love it?Please let me know in the comments below how it turned out 🙂

2 Comments

  1. Hello, thank you for sharing this recipe ! I did not have chocolate chips but I tried anyway. It turned out really good and I don’t feel heavy after this treat 😉
    I love your recipes, I need to try many more!!

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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