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Vegan Mug Cakes - What Microwaves Were Made For!

 Vegan mug cakes have to be the most exciting thing you can make in a microwave. They are super quick and super delicious.

Gingerbread mug cake topped with vegan vanilla ice cream

VEGAN MUG CAKES - WHAT MICROWAVES WERE MADE FOR!


I can't think of anything more exciting to make in a microwave than a mug cake.

Who doesn't like cake?

Make it quick with no fuss and you're onto a winner.

Scroll down for recipes!


WHAT IS A MUG CAKE?


A mug cake is basically a cake that is baked in the microwave instead of the oven.

In place of a cake tin, you are using a large microwave-friendly mug.

It's the perfect  portion for one and super easy to make.


Cinnamon Apple Pudding Mug Cake topped with Ice cream

MUG PUDDINGS


Mug cakes are really versatile, they can be cakes, brownies or puddings.

Puddings are a staple in British life. 

It's probably because we have such awful wet, dreich weather for much of the year so we crave hot comfort food for dessert as well as our main course.

They are usually served hot with ice cream, custard of cream and they are loved by all.


HOW TO SERVE MUG CAKES AND MUG PUDDINGS


Mug cakes and puddings can be served in the mug they are baked in, but you also might want to plate it up in a bowl with custard or cream.

If you plate them up in a bowl instead of leaving them in the mug, you can have a more generous portions of the cream or custard.

Just make sure you grease the mug before you add your batter, this will help when you come to remove the cake or pudding.

Loosen around the edge with a knife and turn upside down onto a plate or into a bowl.


Clear panda mug filled with cake batter

WHAT TYPE OF MUG SHOULD YOU USE FOR MUG CAKES?


The most important thing when choosing a mug for making mug cakes, is to make sure it is suitable to be used in the microwave.

You may have heard size doesn't matter, but it really does when it comes to mug cakes.

You want a big generous mug. One you might use for hot chocolate or soup.

If you use a smaller teacup, you might find your cake batter spills over.

Isn't my panda mug cute?

I bought it and some clear mugs from Asda for my mug cakes. It makes me smile every time I look at it.


Ingredients for chocolate brownie mug cake

EASY BAKING FOR KIDS


Mug cakes are a great way for children to experiment with baking by themselves, without you worrying about them using the oven.

They are great for adults who are not confident in the kitchen. Shall we call them kitchen shy?


TIPS FOR KIDS MAKING MUG CAKES


  1. Write out the instructions for a mug cake and pin it to the fridge.
  2. Show the children which mug to use and keep a double-sided tablespoon and teaspoon measure handy for them to use.
  3. Show them how to use the microwave, ie how to set the time.
  4. IMPORTANT - Remind them to take the mug out of the microwave by the handle as the mug itself can be hot.
  5. Make sure they leave the cake for a minute or two to cool before they tuck in.
  6. Let them have fun and encourage them to make their own dessert. It's a good confidence-builder in the kitchen.

MICROWAVE OVEN

MICROWAVE OVENS


Microwave ovens vary in power, so do check yours out to see what power rating it has.

Microwaves vary between 600 and 1200 watts, which is quite a large range of power.

My microwave is 800 watts.

If your microwave is the same you can use the same timings as I use for my mug cakes.

If your microwave is less powerful it may need between 10 and 30 seconds more to bake.

If your microwave is more powerful it may need between 10 and 30 seconds less to bake.

After you've made your first mug cake you'll have it sussed.

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A MUG CAKE IS READY?


When a mug cake is ready it should be springy to the touch.

If batter sticks to your finger when you touch it, then it needs a little longer.

Don't let children do the touch test. It's safe enough but if there is a sauce in there it might be super hot and they might not realise to avoid it like we would naturally do.


HOW TO SERVE MUG CAKES AND PUDDINGS


The finishing touches really make a mug cake or pudding special.

  • Serve them just as they are. Give them a minute to cool, then dig in with a spoon.
  • Serve them with a dollop of vegan vanilla ice cream.
  • Serve them with a dollop of flavoured vegan ice cream, depending on the cake flavour.
  • Serve them with single vegan cream.
  • Serve with vegan squirty cream.
  • Serve them with vegan creme. fraiche and a grating of dark chocolate or a dusting of cinnamon.
  • Serve them with a dollop of vegan plain or Greek yoghurt.
  • Serve them with warm vegan custard.


Banana Custard Pudding Mug Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream

TOP 10 TIPS FOR PERFECT MUG CAKES



Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect mug cakes.

  1. Pay attention to the wattage of your microwave and adjust according to the recipe you are using.
  2. Make sure your mug is microwave-proof.
  3. Use a large mug, not a teacup.
  4. A wide mug is better than a tall mug. The cake batter will bake more evenly.
  5. Make sure your baking powder or other raising agent is fresh and not an old one from the back of the cupboard.
  6. Add a filling. Why not add a dollop or jam, peanut butter, chocolate spread or apple sauce to your batter and push just under the surface.
  7. If you are making it for yourself, just mix the batter in the mug. If you are serving it up for guests, mix it up in a jug or bowl then spoon it into the mug for a neater finish.
  8. When making chocolate mug cakes pour a teaspoon of water on top of your batter before baking it in the microwave, it prevents the top from drying out.
  9. If you are turning it out onto a plate or into a bowl, grease the mug first. It will help when you come to remove it. You can also loosen around the edge with a knife.
  10. Mug cakes and puddings are always improved with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.

Chocolate mug cake


VEGAN MUG CAKE AND MUG PUDDING RECIPES


Here are my favourite mug cake and pudding recipes for you to try.

I'll keep adding new recipes, so bookmark this page to come back to for inspiration.

Get those mugs ready!


pin it for later

Easy Vegan Mug Cakes Made in Minutes

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Microwave Jam Pudding

Easy Microwave Jam Sponge Pudding


An easy jam pudding made in a mug and cooked in the microwave in just 2 minutes.



Gingerbread Mug Cake

Gingerbread Mug Cake

An easy recipe for gingerbread made in a mug. This microwave recipe is the prefect treat-size cake made in a few minutes. Quick, fuss-free and delicious with the flavours of warming spices.



This easy mug cake is a traditional British apple sponge pudding that's made in minutes. It's gorgeous served with ice cream, cream or custard.


Golden Syrup Sponge Pudding Mug Cake

Microwave Golden Syrup Sponge Pudding

Sticky golden syrup sponge pudding, baked in the microwave in 2 minutes. Light and fluffy with a toffee sauce. Fabulous with vanilla ice cream.


Microwave Banana Custard Pudding

Microwave Banana Custard Pudding

 A quick and sumptuous banana pudding with a layer of custard. This mug cake is super simple to make. It's the taste of childhood.


Microwave Blackberry Crumble

Microwave Blackberry Crumble

A quick and easy blackberry crumble for one, baked in the microwave. You can't beat this for a fruity dessert.



 Need a quick chocolate fix? This is it! One minute chocolate brownie mug cake. It will hit the spot.


I hope you've been inspired to do more with your microwave than heating soup or beans.

Check back on this page for new recipes.

And before you go, scroll down for my favourite savoury mug recipe.


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Vegan Microwave Mac & Cheese

WANT TO MAKE SOMETHING SAVOURY IN A MUG?

Try this creamy vegan macaroni cheese. The ultimate comfort food made in minutes in the microwave.

It's so good, you'll be reaching for that mug at lunchtime regularly!



6 comments

  1. So many delicious mug cakes and puddings to try! These tips and tricks were very helpful. I think I'm going to make the Gingerbread Cake first!

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  2. Oh I spotted one I have missed. I know what dessert tonight will be now. Jill

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  3. Yes please! Mug cakes are the best. I wish I could make one every night! Preferably the chocolate one!

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  4. Love the collection of mug cakes! That blueberry crumble looks amazing, will be trying it soon.

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  5. Love how easy this recipe is. It’s perfect for our family!

    ReplyDelete
  6. so fun - i love the panda mug too - the banana one was great!

    ReplyDelete

I love reading comments, so thank you for taking the time to leave one. Unfortunately, I'm bombarded with spam, so I've turned on comment moderation. I'll publish your comments as soon as I can and respond to them. Don't panic, they will disappear when you hit publish. Jac x