When it comes to quick cooking and baking, we have options. But when even our go-to hacks take too long we’re all about two pretty low-tech tools: a mug and the microwave. This collection of 21 mug cakes employs both to yield tempting treats in practically no time at all. Whether you’re an inexperienced baker, cooking in a dorm room or often find yourself needing something sweet to nibble on NOW, you’ll definitely want to keep this guide handy.
1. Blackberry-Lemon Custard Cream Mug Cakes: The extra step of creaming the butter and sugar together with sour cream yields an almost ethereal lemon cake. Start to finish, they still take fewer than 10 minutes to whip together. (via The Kitchen McCabe)
2. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Mug Cake (Low-Carb): Almond flour amps up the nuttiness of these irresistible PB+C cakes while lowering the carb count at the same time. (via All Day I Dream About Food)
3. Pumpkin Mug Cake: You only need four ingredients to throw together these healthy pumpkin spice cakes. Add a swirl of frosting or whipped cream for a little extra indulgence. (via The Gunny Sack)
4. Oreo Dirt Cake With Nutella: You’ll love the extra chocolatey flavor and textural contrast of this Nutella cake sprinkled with crushed Oreos. (via Always Hungry)
5. Chocolate Mochi Mug Cake (Gluten-Free): Sweet rice flour (mochi) makes these cakes ooey gooey, a little chewy and naturally gluten-free. (via Snixy Kitchen)
6. Chocolate Nutella Mug Cake With Strawberries + Coconut Cream: This oversized mug cake is the perfect amount to share with your sweetie. (via The Kitchen McCabe)
7. Salted Caramel Mocha Mug Cake: Featuring cocoa, coffee and salted caramel flavors, this crave-worthy creation is like your morning mocha in edible form. (via Kirbie’s Cravings)
8. Single Lady Five-Minute Molten Chocolate Mug Cake: No microwave? No problem. You can still get in on the mug cake madness using an old school oven with this molten chocolate charmer. (via Half Baked Harvest)
9. Quick and Easy Cake in a Mug: Even those following a clean eating regimen deserve a little indulgence, and this anything-but-bad boy delivers. (via Rock My Style)
10. Reese’s Spread Mug Cake: Give the jar of Nutella a rest and try Reese’s spread the next time you crave something nutty and chocolatey. We’re thinking a few chopped mini peanut butter cups would make for an excellent stir-in… or at least something to help tide you over until it’s ready to eat. (via Kirbie’s Cravings)
11. Banana Mug Cake: This beaut is close to the banana bread end of the spectrum. Cake for for breakfast, anyone? (via Becomingness)
12. One-Minute Coffee Cake in a Mug: Buttery and sweet, this crumb cake is just as delicious enjoyed with your morning cup of coffee as it is with an ice-cold glass of milk for an afternoon snack. (via Runway Chef)
13. Strawberry Mug Cake: Take your pick of cream cheese or Greek yogurt frosting to finish off this high-protein, whole wheat berry delight. (via Food Faith Fitness)
14. Double Chocolate Mug Cake (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free): Have fun changing up the texture of this rich chocolate cake by simply swapping out the flours used. (via The Pretty Bee)
15. Summer Berry Mug Cake: With berries stirred into the batter and piled on top, every bite of this summery stunner bursts with fruit flavor. (via So Good)
16. Chocolate Mint Mug Cake: You’ll get a chilly sensation when you dig into this minty mug cake. Enjoying it while it’s still a bit warm is definitely the way to go. (via I Am Baker)
17. Cookies and Cream Mug Cake: Made with equal parts white chocolate and flour, each spoonful is chock-full of sweet and creamy flavor. (via Kirbie’s Cravings)
18. Instant Paleo Chocolate Fudge Cake: Fudgy and nut-free, this paleo-friendly pastry is a healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. (via Peachy Palate)
19. Cinnamon Cookie Butter Mug Cake: A sprinkle of cinnamon brings out all the gingerbread-y goodness of cookie butter, making each mouthful especially decadent. (via Pumpkin ‘n’ Spice)
20. Flourless Peanut Butter Mug Cake: Flourless and fluffy? Give this recipe a try and you’ll be a believer. (via Kirbie’s Cravings)
21. Funfetti Mug Cake With Raspberry Ice Cream Topping (Dairy-Free): You won’t find any boxed confetti cake mix here; every part of this dessert, including the ice cream on top, is homemade. (via The Sweet Tooth Life)
Have you ever tried making one of these magical, made-in-a-mug creations? Share your results and favorite recipes with us below!