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May 03, 2022 4 min read

 

Do you like to eat cake? Do you have a thing for mugs? If you responded yes to any question, you already know mug cake is right for you.

Mug cake is just so warm and inviting! What could be more relaxing than cuddling up on the couch on a cold breezy day with a mug of warm chocolate cake in your hands? In a couple of minutes, you can go from craving to contentment with this chocolate mug cake that is easier to make than a basic vanilla cake.

Before we get into the recipe, let's have a look at the history of mug cakes and what they are.

 

What Is a Mug Cake?

 

A chocolate mug cake with a swirl of chocolate icing and sprinkles as decoration

Credit: Bigger Bolder Baking

 

It's a cake that's literally baked in a mug.  Because most mugs aren't oven-safe, it's usually made in the microwave.

 

Why Are They So Well-Liked?

 

A lady standing in her kitchen eating a vanilla mug cake

Credit: Romper

 

They're popular since they're simple to make and it is single-serving.  You don't want to have to get out all your baking supplies, let alone create an entire cake when you're craving cake. A mug cake is a delicious way to satisfy that sweet need!

 

History of Mug Cakes

 

A variety of different mug cakes with different toppings on them

Credit: Buzzfeed

 

Mug cakes have been popular for quite some time. When you're craving a slice of cake, they're a great option. While unleavened cakes can be traced back to ancient Egypt, the majority were savory cakes with honey as a garnish. Bakers did not discover the skill of whipping eggs to make cakes rise for another several millennia, until the 18th century.

The wealthy had adequate labor in the kitchen, even if it took many hours of pounding. These unsung bakers ushered in the contemporary era of baking. Baking soda was invented in the 1840s, followed by baking powder in the 1860s which made it possible for any cook to make a cake rise.

Cakes were followed by cupcakes. Cupcakes were first made in coffee cups, hence the name. They were essentially small "test cakes" used to check the oven's temperature. There were no thermostats to regulate the temperature of the oven, which was powered by a wood or charcoal fire.

Eventually, gas stoves made their debut and they had a revolutionary feature: a thermostat. Due to this more home cooks were able to bake to their hearts' content as ovens with regulated temperatures became available and sugar became more inexpensive to the general public. As a result, recipe development became more creative. In the mid-nineteenth century, the modern cake began to take shape.

The microwave oven was introduced in 1967. However, it took another 50 years or more for a microwaved cake-in-a-mug to become popular. Finally, it swiftly gained popularity in the Information Age through online culinary forums.

 

Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe

 

Two chocolate mug cakes on a black slate plate waiting to be eaten

Credit: California Prunes

 

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup flour (all-purpose)
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder, unsweetened
  • a quarter teaspoon of baking powder
  • 2 tbsp. sugar, granulated (you can add 1 tbsp. more if you like it a bit sweeter)
  • 1/8 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp milk + 1/4 cup
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp small chocolate chips
  • vanilla extract is optional

 

Steps:

1) Whisk together the dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl.

2) Whisk in the milk and vegetable oil until everything is well incorporated and there are no clumps in the batter.

3) Fill a microwave-safe mug halfway with batter. You can use a 14-ounce mug. You'll need enough headroom for the cake to rise without overflowing.

4) Put the mini chocolate chips In the center of the batter. There's no need to push it down or sink it in the batter; just drop it in the middle. When it cooks, it does it on its own!

5) Place the mug on top of a small plate in the microwave (this is to catch any batter if your mug cake overflows).

6) Microwave mug cake on high for 70 seconds.

7) Remove carefully from the microwave and enjoy!

 

Notes:

 

A chocolate mug cake with a swirl of cream on the top as a decoration

Credit: Bigger Bolder Baking

 

To make a healthier dairy-free mug cake, replace the milk with 1 1/2 teaspoons plain unsweetened applesauce and 3 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon water.

You can serve this with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

 

Keep in Mind:

 

A gooey chocolate mug cake with a spoon ready for eating

Credit: I am A Food

 

Because each microwave varies in power, experiment a little the first time you cook this dish. It matters what kind of mug you use! The one with straight sides is the best, and the bigger the better. If you're using a smaller mug, place it on a plate to catch the overflow, which will make cleanup easier.

 

Why Is There No Egg in This Mug Cake?

 

A person cracking open two eggs into a glass bowl

Credit: Eat This, Not That

 

Eggs give mug cakes a rubbery feel, so say goodbye to eggs and hello to delicate, fluffy cakes. This cake is vegetarian and can easily be converted vegan by replacing the milk with water.

 

Summary

 

You may already enjoy mug cakes and routinely create a vanilla mug cake recipe that only calls for vanilla extract and some other basic ingredients. This is a quick remedy for your chocolate craving that takes only 2 minutes to prepare. The cake is produced without eggs or melted butter and just a few ingredients. This recipe comes in handy when you get home from work and have nothing to eat, or when your kids demand something sweet while you are busy.

Check out Pepe Nero's shop for the entire baking kit

 


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