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:

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:

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: