In the last twelve months I’ve noticed a steady rise in mug cake photos and written accolades over all of my social media networks. I really didn’t understand what all the fuss was about, especially considering that most seemed like a desperate attempt at making a quick dessert out of the few ingredients people had in their fridges.
Oh, how wrong I was.
After trying one or seven of these fabled entities myself, I was a convert. I also discovered that they can be of a far higher quality than I ever imagined, which we’re going to see through the collection of 20 mug cake recipes I’ve compiled for you. As an added bonus, they’re one thing that won’t disappoint you when they’re finished in three minutes.
1. Nutella Mug Cake
Recipe Source: Be What We Love
This is so beautiful that I almost shed a tear. It also puts my after school Nutella sandwiches to shame.
2. Double Lemon Mug Cake
Recipe Source: The Boomer Brief
I have to admit that prior to writing this article, I always considered mug cakes as something one used primarily for chocolatey treats. This double lemon number has certainly proven me wrong. It’s zesty, fresh and the perfect accompaniment for afternoon tea. It even has the teacup to match!
3. Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake
It’s winter here in Australia, which makes it the perfect time for warm, sugary snacks. Perhaps it’s just me, but I’ve always equated cinnamon with cold weather, so this mug cake is particularly mouth watering to me right now.
4. Chocolate Espresso Mug Cake
You guys should know by now how my heart is set aflutter by the combination of chocolate and coffee. Also, it’s in a mug, so the caffeine hit absolutely makes sense.
5. Peanut Butter Mug Cake
Recipe Source: Kirbie’s Cravings
In addition to being delicious, a peanut butter mug cake is great because most of us are guaranteed to always have the main ingredient lying around in our cupboards.
6. Chocolate and Salted Caramel Mug Cake
If anyone thinks that salted caramel has been overused in mainstream foodie society, I say try this. You’ll be back on the band wagon soon enough.
7. Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Mug
I realize that this isn’t strictly a mug cake, but … how could I resist such a classic dessert that’s still in a cup? My argument is that it comes out soft and has a texture that’s closer to a cake than a cookie, so it counts. Also, just look at it!
8. Choc-Orange Mug Cake
Chocolate and orange is my favorite flavor combination after coffee and chocolate. As such, how was I to resist this? It’s like a soft jaffa in my mug!
9. Strawberries and Cream Mug Cake
Perfect for a Sunday afternoon in the sun!
10. S’more Mug Cake
Recipe Source: Kirbie’s Cravings
Seeing as it’s summer in the Northern Hemisphere, that makes it the perfect time for s’mores! If you don’t plan on camping anytime soon though, cheat by making a mug cake!
11. Banana Mug Cake with Coffee Ice Cream
Look, I know this whole “coffee in everything!” mentality is becoming a problem for me, but at least it’s a delicious one! Also, banana and coffee are an amazing combination, so I couldn’t leave it off the list!
12. Vegan Sweet Potato Mug Cake
Because cake can be delicious and healthy.
13. Moist Very Vanilla Mug Cake
Vanilla doesn’t have to be boring, especially when it’s this delectable and moist. Yes, I’ve said “moist” three times now.
14. Moist Chocolate Mug Cake
Make that four times.
Also, just look at that bad boy. Damn.
15. Coconut and Lime Mug Cake
Recipe Source: Kirbie’s Cravings
This tasty treat laughs at the idea that cakes are heavy, cold weather food. Seriously, it was made to be refreshing in those warm summer months.
16. Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake
Recipe Source: The Novice Chef
We’ve had a peanut butter entry and more than one chocolate one. I simply had to bring these two lovers together, where they belong.
17. Pancake Mug Cake
Recipe Source: Kirbie’s Cravings
Cake. It’s what’s for breakfast.
I think I may be in love with this woman.
18. Brownie in a Cup
Brownies may be my favorite chocolate treat. I love them even more when they’re ready in mere minutes!
19. Chocolate Peppermint Mug Cake
It’s beginning to taste a lot like Christmas.
20. Pizza Mug Cake
Recipe Source: Kirbie’s Cravings
Yeah, you read that correctly. Who said that cake couldn’t be savory?
Featured photo credit: The Little Owl Shop via 2.bp.blogspot.com