How to make a mug cake
Looking for detailed instructions beyond the ingredients list and step-by-step recipe above? Read on for the basics on how to make the best-ever mug cake.
Pull out a 12-ounce mug, which is on the bigger side. It's something you're more likely to drink hot chocolate out of than coffee.
The mug cake starts with similar ingredients as a full-sized chocolate cake: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.
Add your wet ingredients: milk, melted butter and vanilla. Make sure your milk isn't too cold, or your butter isn't too hot, or else the butter will immediately start to clump when it hits the cold milk. If necessary, allow your melted butter to cool slightly before using it.
Stir in caramel and pecans. Or, try your favorite flavor combination like chocolate chips and peanut butter (to make the perfect chocolate peanut butter mug cake).
Microwave on High until just cooked through, about 90 seconds.
Tips for making cake in a mug
To avoid a rubbery or chewy mug cake, be sure not to overcook the batter. Always start with the minimum cook time and, if your cake still isn't done, continue to microwave it in 10-second increments.
Accidentally over-baked? Top with whipped cream, melted chocolate or store-bought frosting (if you have it) to introduce some moisture back into your cake. And, of course, these additions are delicious whether you overcooked the cake or not.
