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Quick and simple microwave mug cakes and puddings

by Malou Herkes

published on 30 June 2020

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. 

easy cake in a mug recipes six minute spiced apple cake in a mug microwave mug cakes six minute showstoppers sarah rainey

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

easy cake in a mug recipes six minute red velvet cake in a mug microwave mug cakes six minute showstoppers sarah rainey

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 three ingredient baking sarah rainey

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.

mug cake recipes jamie oliver five ingredients speedy steamed pudding pots

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 Microwave Mug Cake

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.

Microwave Chocolate and Orange Pudding Mug Cake

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.

Order a copy of Meal in a Mug here.

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