Craving a warm, gooey dessert but don't have hours to spend baking? Then you're in the right place! This 3-2-1 mug cake recipe is the answer to your sweet tooth's prayers. It's incredibly easy, requires minimal ingredients, and takes just minutes to prepare. Perfect for a late-night treat, a quick after-school snack, or even a surprisingly impressive dessert for unexpected guests, this recipe is a staple in our kitchen, and soon it will be in yours too! Let's dive into this simple, delicious, and healthy-ish (you can make it healthy!) recipe.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (granulated or brown sugar for a richer flavor)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (or milk chocolate powder)
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons milk (any kind works, even almond or oat milk)
- 3 tablespoons oil (vegetable, canola, or melted coconut oil for a unique twist)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Chocolate chips, sprinkles, nuts, or whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
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Grease a large mug: Choose a mug that's at least 12-16 ounces. Lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. This simple step ensures easy removal of your delicious mug cake!
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Combine dry ingredients: In the mug, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined. This creates an even distribution of ingredients and prevents any lumps in your final cake.
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Add wet ingredients: Add the milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the mug. Stir vigorously until you have a smooth batter with no lumps. Don't overmix, but make sure everything is well incorporated.
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Microwave: Microwave on high for 60-90 seconds, or until the cake is cooked through. Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave's power, so keep a close eye on it. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and enjoy: Let the mug cake cool slightly before enjoying. Top with your favorite additions, such as chocolate chips, sprinkles, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream, for an extra decadent treat.
Cooking Tips for the Best 3-2-1 Mug Cake:
- Don't overcook: Overcooked mug cakes can be dry and tough. Start with 60 seconds and add 15-second intervals as needed.
- Use a microwave-safe mug: This is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure even cooking.
- Experiment with flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or espresso powder for different flavor profiles. You can also incorporate different extracts like almond or peppermint!
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Mug Cake: Add 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate chips to the batter before microwaving.
- Peanut Butter Mug Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of peanut butter to the batter.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Mug Cake: Replace the cocoa powder with 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and add 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):
This will vary depending on the ingredients used. For a basic recipe using all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil, a single serving will contain approximately:
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 4-5g
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Sugar: 15-20g
Please note that this is an estimate, and the actual nutritional content may vary.
This 3-2-1 mug cake recipe is a perfect example of a quick, easy, and delicious dessert that requires minimal effort and maximum flavor. It's a fantastic option for busy weeknights or a satisfying treat anytime you're craving something sweet. Enjoy!