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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Join my Facebook group Living on the Veg? It's a very friendly community with lots of recipes and chat. I'm in there every day chatting to group members.

Remember and say hi. I'm always happy to chat and answer questions

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

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.

Microwave  Apple Sponge Pudding

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.

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

 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

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

1 Minute Chocolate Brownie Mug Cake

 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.

WANT NEW RECIPES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ?

Sign up for my Tinned Tomatoes newsletter and my new and latest recipes will be delivered to your inbox (just links, no photos). Check your spam folder if it doesn't arrive.

Or you can subscribe and the latest recipe will be sent to your inbox with a photo.

Sign up for my Vegan Lunch Box newsletter for lunch ideas and recipes straight to your inbox when they are published.

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!