Mug cakes are a quick and straightforward way to make a pudding for one or two people.
They are perfect when you are short on time, don’t want to waste electricity, and don’t have specific baking bowls.
Here is a simple mug cake you can make, easy to adapt with store cupboard ingredients and your dietary requirements.
What you will need:
Microwave
1 standard mug that will go in a microwave
1 small bowl to whisk egg
1 fork
1 tablespoon (15ml) NOTE: an average shot glass is approx. 30ml!
2 tbsp (30ml) oil or melted butter
3 tbsp self-raising flour (or plain flour with a pinch of baking powder)
2 tbsp sugar (brown or white)
2 tbsp whisked egg (about half an egg)
1 tbsp milk or 1 tsp coffee granules in 1 tbsp water
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Optional extra: 1 or 2 chopped walnuts, 1 tbsp any dried fruit, mincemeat or grated carrot
Optional extra: Vanilla essence, cinnamon, lemon/orange/lime zest
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EGG-FREE VEGAN OPTION: Use 3 tbsp of plant-based milk instead of milk and egg. The texture will be a little denser; add a pinch of baking powder if you have it for extra lift.
The timing for how long it will take in the microwave depends on the wattage. Check your microwave settings!
1000W 1 minute
800W 1 minute 30 seconds
650W 2 minutes
Choose a straight-sided mug if possible, or use a 1/4 pint pudding bowl.
Spread a little oil inside the mug so the batter mix doesn’t stick.
Add the butter to the mug first if using; it will take 20 – 30 seconds to melt in the microwave.
Add the butter/oil, sugar, milk/coffee mix and egg and whisk with a fork until light and frothy.
Add the flour and mix through until smooth.
Add any extras such as flavouring or nuts and mix through.
Place the mug in the microwave and cook for 1 minute based on a 1000W setting. I have a combination microwave, and the highest setting is 650W, and it takes 2 minutes to cook through.
Take the mug out of the microwave with a tea towel, as the handle could be very hot.
Check whether it’s cooked through by inserting a cocktail stick, skewer, or knife into the middle of the cake. It should come out clean.
Leave to stand for 1 minute before eating. Slide a knife around the edge of the cake if you want to serve it on a plate or in a dish.
Serve as is, or add cream, crème fraîche, or custard, or drizzle with golden or maple syrup.
Coffee & walnut mug cake for one
3 tbsp self raising flour
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp oil
2 tbsp egg
1 tbsp water with 1 tsp coffee granules
2 walnuts chopped small
Mix everything in a mug except the walnuts until smooth batter, add the nuts and mix through.
Cook for 1 minute at 1000W. Leave to stand for 1 minute and eat from the mug.
Lemon Mug Cake for one
3 tbsp self raising flour
2 tbsp white sugar
2 tbsp oil
2 tbsp egg
1 tbsp milk
Zest of lemon (or lime, orange etc)
Mix everything in a mug except the walnuts until smooth batter, add the nuts and mix through.
Cook for 1 minute at 1000W. Leave to stand for 1 minute and eat from the mug or tip onto a plate.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, as long as it is self-raising or you add a raising agent to gluten-free plain flour.
Which oil should I use?
A neutral oil like sunflower or vegetable.
How do I make it into a chocolate cake?
Replace a teaspoon of flour with cocoa powder and a pinch of salt
Can I reduce the sugar content?
Too sweet? Take up to 1 tablespoon out.
Can I make syrup pudding?
Yes, make the batter in 1 mug and add golden syrup, jam or fruit to another mug. Place the batter on top of the syrup and cook as before. Tip the sponge out onto a small plate.
What shall I do if my microwave has a different wattage setting?
All microwaves are different. You may need to experiment with the timings. The higher the wattage, the quicker it will cook. 1000W will take 1 minute, and 650W will take 2 minutes.
If the settings are higher or lower, adjust accordingly, or see if you can change the settings. Some microwaves have a settings option. Experiment with the different settings to see which produces the best sponge.
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