Craving cake but short on time? This 3-2-1 cake in a mug recipe is your answer! It's unbelievably quick, ridiculously easy, and surprisingly delicious. Perfect for a late-night sweet treat, a quick dessert after dinner, or even a fun activity for the kids, this single-serving cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Forget complicated baking; this recipe delivers a moist, fluffy cake in minutes, proving that homemade cooking can be both simple and satisfying. Let's dive into this fantastically easy recipe for a healthy-ish indulgence!
Ingredients:
This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it perfect for those spontaneous sweet cravings. You'll need:
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (any kind will work!)
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts (optional, for added deliciousness!)
Instructions:
This recipe is so easy, you can probably make it without even looking at the instructions! But for clarity, here's the step-by-step process:
- Grease a large mug: Choose a mug that's at least 12 ounces; this will give your cake room to rise. Lightly grease the inside with butter or cooking spray.
- Combine dry ingredients: In the mug, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the milk, oil, and vanilla extract (if using) to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix!
- Add mix-ins (optional): Now's the time to stir in chocolate chips, sprinkles, or any other desired toppings.
- Microwave: Microwave on high for 60-90 seconds, or until the cake is cooked through and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Microwave times may vary depending on your appliance, so keep an eye on it!
- Cool slightly: Let the cake cool in the mug for a few minutes before carefully removing it.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Mug Cake:
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Just mix until the ingredients are combined.
- Adjust cooking time: Microwaves vary in power, so you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Start with 60 seconds and add 15-second intervals until cooked through.
- Experiment with flavors: Get creative! Try adding different extracts (like almond or lemon), spices (like cinnamon or nutmeg), or different mix-ins (like chopped nuts or dried fruit).
Variations:
This 3-2-1 cake recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Chocolate cake: Add 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Funfetti cake: Add colorful sprinkles to the batter.
- Peanut butter cake: Add 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the wet ingredients.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):
The nutritional information will vary slightly depending on the ingredients used. This is an estimate for a basic 3-2-1 cake:
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Protein: 4-5g
This information is intended as a guideline only and should not be considered medical advice. For accurate nutritional information, please use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredient quantities.
This quick and easy 3-2-1 cake in a mug is a perfect example of delicious and easy recipes for busy weeknights or spontaneous cravings. It's a great option for healthy meals, quick dinner ideas, and satisfying those sweet cravings without the fuss of traditional baking. Enjoy!