Microwave Cooking

Love Mug Cakes? Try These 7 Quick and Easy Microwave Cakes

Microwave Mug Cakes - Chocolate Chip Cookie with Ice Cream
Microwave Cooking

Love Mug Cakes? Try These 7 Quick and Easy Microwave Cakes

News Microwave Cooking Love Mug Cakes? Try These 7 Quick and Easy Microwave Cakes

When the sugar cravings hit and you need something sweet in seconds, turn to the microwave for a super fast and decadent dessert. While pastry purists may suggest that you need an oven to make a cake, the microwave can cook a perfectly decadent sponge cake in less time than it takes to preheat the oven — yes, really!


Recipes for “mug cakes” are all over the internet, but what makes a great mug cake? Yes, making a mug cake in the microwave makes for a quick, easy, and delicious dessert. As for cooking it in a ceramic mug? We’ll turn to microwavable glass Anyday Small Dishes instead!

 

We love cooking mug cakes in our Small Dishes because:

- Anyday Small Dishes are wider than they are deep, offering more surface area for toppings and a more cake-like experience.

- A silicone-lined rim offers a tight-fitting seal, trapping moisture inside the vessel for a tender texture.

- In case of any leftovers (which is very doubtful), Small Dishes stack seamlessly in the fridge for easy storage.

     

    Get the goods:

    New Colors! Small Dishes now come in Blueberry and Black Sesame
      Now in new colors: Black Sesame and Blueberry!

       

      What is a mug cake?

      A ‘mug cake’ is any cake that, you guessed it, is made in a mug in the microwave. The ingredients for single-serve cakes are mixed in a mug and then microwaved, coming together in seconds. Mug cakes are great for when the craving hits and you can’t be bothered to bring out the stand mixer. Plus, you won’t have to worry about leftovers, although your coworkers might be disappointed when you don’t bring a tray of treats to share!

       

      How long does it take to make a microwave cake?

      Mug cakes cook very quickly in the microwave, often in 2 minutes or less. Individual cakes take about 90 seconds on average. Mug cakes also save on clean up time — most batters are mixed right in the vessel they are cooked in, eliminating a sink full of dirty dishes.

       

      How to make a mug cake:

      To make a mug cake, first you’ll need a microwave-safe mug or an Anyday Small Dish. If you are using a mug, you’ll need need one that can hold at least 8 ounces to avoid any spillage. Mugs with smooth, straight sides are better for mug cakes, as they allow the cake to rise more evenly throughout the cooking process.

      To make a mug cake, follow these steps:

      Grease a Small Dish with cooking spray.
      Whisk the wet ingredients together in the Small Dish.
      Stir in the dry ingredients, careful not to over-mix the batter (the cake will get dense and tough).
      Microwave the cake for the time indicated on the recipe.
      Allow to cool and enjoy!

        You may want to microwave your cake for a bit longer depending on how gooey you like your cake. Microwave in 10-second increments after the first minute until it’s done to your liking. The cake is done when the top is set, but soft to the touch when lightly pressed. Allow to cool uncovered for at least 1 minute before serving.


        Microwaves vary in power, which is why it’s helpful to know your machine’s wattage! A low-wattage microwave (700 watts) is going to cook a mug cake much slower than a high-wattage microwave (1200 watts). To find your microwave's wattage, take a look at the front panel, the side of the door, on the back of the microwave, or in the user manual. You can also search for your microwave’s model number online to find the information. Still curious about your microwave’s settings? Find more information on our blog!

         

        What equipment do you need to make a microwave cake?

        - Microwave-safe mug or Anyday Small Dish

        - Small whisk or fork

        - Non-stick cooking spray

        - Microwave

         

          Why don’t microwave cakes use eggs?

          “We removed eggs from most of our microwave cake recipes because eggs tend to make a rubbery and gluey texture. By eliminating eggs, the cakes came out fluffy and tender. Plus, you can easily make these recipes vegan!” -Aldana Iturri, Anyday Recipe Developer

           

          Microwave cake recipes that cook in 5 minutes or less:

          Here are 7 mug cake recipes that cook quickly and are insanely delicious. Most of these microwave dessert recipes cook in less than 5 minutes — and they’ll certainly be devoured in seconds:


          Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Microwave Cake

          Cook Time: 1-2 mins
          One of our all-time favorite recipes, this egg-free lava cake is almost too easy to make. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream!

          Chocolate Chip Cookie Mug Cake in the Microwave

          Cook Time: 1-2 mins
          Want a homemade cookie, but can’t wait for the butter to soften? This ‘cake’ is the perfect solution to satisfy a sweet craving. Customize your cookie with candies, sprinkles or your favorite mix-ins!

          Apple Crumble in the Microwave
          Cook Time: 5 mins
          With a mug’s tall, cylindrical shape, fruit crumbles don’t get the right amount of surface area. Finish this easy apple crumble in the oven for a crispy browned top — the best part! You can’t do that with a mug.

          Sticky Toffee Pudding Microwave Mug Cake
          Cook Time: 3-4 mins
          No stovetop required, this pudding is gorgeously silky when steamed in the microwave and makes significantly fewer dirty dishes.

          Microwave Chocolate Soufflé
          Cook Time: 1-2 mins
          Haven’t mastered the art of the souffle? Don’t worry — the microwave puffs up this decadent dessert in seconds.

          French Toast Pudding Microwave Cake Anyday
          Cook Time: 3-4 mins
          Soft white bread soaks up all of the sweet vanilla custard, offering a great solution when you can’t decide if you want dessert for breakfast or breakfast for dessert!


          Microwave Lemon Tart
          Cook Time: 2-4 mins
          Who said a mug “cake” has to be just that? For all the cake haters out there, this lemon tart is filled with a bright and sweet lemon curd, all magically made in the microwave.

          MEET THE AUTHOR

          Rachel Johnson

          Rachel Johnson (she/her) is the Recipe Manager for Anyday. Her first cookbook, Unicorn Food, was published in 2018 and you can find more of her work in Cooking Light Magazine, Bon Appetit, and other outlets. She enjoys pizza, feminism, and creating joy through food.