A mug cake, known in Chile as queque en taza, is a simple, very quick recipe with a delicious result, a small cake you can enjoy on your own or share, ready in minutes at any time of day.
Prep takes about 10 minutes and the microwave does the rest in just 2 to 3 minutes.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of microwave mug cake contains approximately 537 kcal, 9.4 g of protein, 32 g of total fat (8 g saturated), 94 mg of cholesterol, 57 g of carbohydrates, 32 g of sugars, and 298 mg of sodium. (*)
(*) Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
How to Make a Homemade Mug Cake?
Making a mug cake is a very practical preparation you can make in small batches, with oil or butter, ready to eat right away with your favorite mix of flavors, toppings, or fillings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 3 minutes
Servings: 1 person
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons wheat flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 egg
- Baking powder
- Chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the sifted flour, sugar, and ½ teaspoon of baking powder, mix until combined, add the egg, and stir gently until you get a smooth mixture.
- Pour in the milk and add the oil or butter, mix everything together, stir in the cocoa powder, and mix until you get a shiny, smooth batter, pour into a medium microwave-safe mug up to ¾ of its height, and tap gently on the counter to settle.
- Add chocolate chips to taste and microwave the mug for 2 to 3 minutes on full power, remove, and let cool to room temperature.
- Serve the mug cake right away with a spoon, straight from the mug, on its own or topped with chocolate sauce, manjar, or berries.
Expert Baker Tips
Never Use Metal or Metallic Trim
Be careful with the container you use, never put metal or aluminum pieces in the microwave.
Customize the Mix-Ins
You can add almonds, walnuts, orange zest, vanilla glaze, or manjar topping, among other options.
Use a Large, Plain Ceramic Mug
A thick ceramic mug distributes heat better and prevents overflow compared to thin glass or decorated mugs.
| Substitution | Use instead of | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Yogurt, applesauce, or ½ mashed banana | Egg | Egg-free, lower cholesterol version |
| Butter | Oil | Slightly richer flavor, denser crumb |
| Brown sugar | White sugar | Deeper caramel notes |
| Extra cocoa and milk | Standard amount of cocoa | Fudgier, more moist result |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What kind of mug should I use?
It should be a large mug, at least 300 ml, that’s microwave-safe, without metallic parts or shiny decorations. Thick ceramic is ideal, since it distributes heat better and prevents spills.
2. Why does my mug cake turn out rubbery or dry?
This happens if it’s overcooked or if the batter has too little fat or liquid. Cook for only 2 to 3 minutes and adjust to your microwave’s power. You can also add an extra tablespoon of milk for more moisture.
3. Can I make a mug cake without egg?
You can replace the egg with 1 tablespoon of yogurt, applesauce, or half a mashed banana. This also lowers the cholesterol content.
4. Do I need to grease the mug first?
It’s not essential, but it can help prevent the batter from sticking too much and make cleanup easier. A few drops of oil or a thin layer of butter are enough.
What Is a Mug Cake?
A mug cake, known in Chile as queque en taza, is a quick dessert made straight in the microwave using a large ceramic mug, ready in just a few minutes and easy to customize.
History of the Mug Cake
Despite its current popularity, this particular cake is believed to trace back to the 18th century, when what are now cupcakes were often baked in cups due to the lack of specialized molds.
Did You Know?
The mug cake is considered one of the latest trends in home baking, since it takes minimal time to prepare and is highly versatile in the ingredients you can use.
