All you need is a mug and a microwave to make these simple cakes and puddings. Sarah Rainey, author of Six-Minute Showstoppers, says; “For me they bring back the magic of baking: put everything in a mug, give it a stir – and pop it in until it pings!”. These are great little recipes if you want a quick home-baked treat while the ad break is on or if you're seeking a simple, safe way to keep the kids occupied – here are seven of our favourites, from red velvet cake to sticky toffee pud.
Six-Minute Spiced Apple Mug Cake from Six-Minute Showstoppers by Sarah Rainey
This golden, spiced apple sponge topped with an oaty-toffee crumble takes six minutes to make and all in your microwave – ready in the time it takes for the next ad break to finish. Eat it in front of the telly straight out the cup or turn it out and enjoy with a scoop of ice cream.
From the book
Six-Minute Showstoppers
The ultimate guide to fuss-free, high-speed baking.
Packed with ingenious kitchen hacks and 100 delicious recipes.
Including stunning cakes, lavish desserts and tasty tea-time treats.
Six-Minute Red Velvet Mug Cake from Six-Minute Showstoppers by Sarah Rainey
This cheat's recipe for vibrant, cocoa-flavoured red velvet is incredibly easy. Sarah's top tip: swap the cream cheese icing for a scoop of your favourite ice cream, chocolate sauce, sweets and biscuit crumbs for your very own red velvet sundae.
Order your copy of Six-Minute Showstoppers here.
Three-ingredient Peanut Butter Mug Cake from Three-Ingredient Baking by Sarah Rainey
This mug cakes takes about five minutes to make from start to finish, combining just peanut butter, flour and eggs – incredibly simple, fluffy little cakes that the kids will love to get involved with making. You could also try cashew or almond butter instead of peanut, or even a chocolate hazelnut spread.
Order a copy of Three-Ingredient Baking here.
Speedy Steamed Pudding Pots from 5 Ingredients Quick & Easy Food by Jamie Oliver
These fluffy, moist little microwaved puds combine ground almonds and chunky marmalade with cream, olive oil and eggs. Top with a sharp orange syrup and finish with cream. Delicious!
Order a copy of Jamie's 5-Ingredients here.
Coffee and Walnut Cake from Meal in a Mug by Denise Smart
This nutty, coffee-flavoured classic cake is decorated with a creamy mascarpone coffee icing and walnut halves – simply cook the sponge in the microwave while you whip up your icing and you're good to go in minutes.
Order a copy of Meal in a Mug here.
Sticky Toffee Pudding from Meal in a Mug by Denise Smart
A classic British pud made easy – the sponge is packed with rich sticky dates, cooked until fluffy and topped with a simple toffee sauce. Eat with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Order a copy of Meal in a Mug here.
Chocolate Orange Pudding from Meal in a Mug by Denise Smart
Got a slice of white bread that needs using? Turn it into this gooey bread and butter pudding, flavoured and enriched with dark chocolate and orange zest. Experiment with flavoured dark chocolate, such as chilli or ginger, or swap in milk chocolate instead.
