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Microwave Carrot Cake in A Mug

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This 5-Minute Microwave Carrot Cake in a Mug will be on your easy dessert rotation forever now! If you’ve ever craved a sweet treat but didn’t want to spend hours baking, this recipe is your answer. Perfect for those late-night dessert cravings or a fun afternoon pick-me-up, this individual mug cake is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to whip up.
Course Dessert
Keyword carrot cake, cheesecake, mug cake
Prep Time 4 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1

Equipment

  • 12 oz Microwave Safe Mug (or glass bowl)

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp. Butter
  • 1 tsp. Canola Oil
  • 1 tbsp. White Granulated Sugar
  • 1 tbsp. Brown Sugar
  • 1/4 tsp. Vanilla Extract
  • 3 tbsp. Milk
  • 3 tbsp. Flour
  • 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
  • pinch Salt
  • 1/4 tsp. Cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup Finely Shredded Carrots

For The Frosting

  • 1 tbsp. Softened Cream Cheese
  • 1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tsp. Butter
  • 1 tbsp. Powdered Sugar

Instructions

  • Grab a microwave-safe mug (12 oz or larger) to prevent overflow.
  • In the mug, combine the melted butter, oil, white sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir until well blended.
    1 tbsp. Butter, 1 tsp. Canola Oil, 1 tbsp. White Granulated Sugar, 1 tbsp. Brown Sugar, 1/4 tsp. Vanilla Extract, 3 tbsp. Milk
  • Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
    3 tbsp. Flour, 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder, pinch Salt, 1/4 tsp. Cinnamon
  • Fold in the grated carrots, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
    1/4 cup Finely Shredded Carrots
  • Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 1 to 1.5 minutes. Start with 1 minute and check for doneness; the cake should be set and spring back when touched. Be careful not to overcook!

For The Frosting

  • In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust sweetness to taste.
    1 tbsp. Softened Cream Cheese, 1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract, 1 tsp. Butter, 1 tbsp. Powdered Sugar
  • Allow the cake to cool for a minute before topping with the cream cheese frosting, if desired. Enjoy your delicious, warm carrot cake right from the mug!

Notes

Storage Tips For This Recipe

  • Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before storing it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the cake soggy.
  • Refrigeration:
  • If you have leftover cake, cover the mug with plastic wrap or transfer the cake to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • If you’ve added cream cheese frosting, it’s especially important to refrigerate the cake since the frosting contains dairy.
  • Freezing:
  • For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag to prevent freezer burn.
  • The cake can be frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or microwave it for about 15-30 seconds until warmed through.
  • Reheating:
  • To enjoy leftover cake, you can microwave it for about 10-15 seconds if refrigerated or 30-45 seconds if frozen, checking for warmth to avoid overcooking.
  • Frosting Storage:
  • If you’ve prepared cream cheese frosting, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can add it fresh when you're ready to eat the cake.

Common FAQ's Related To This Recipe

  • Can I use other types of flour?
  • Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, almond flour, or gluten-free flour blends. Just note that the texture and taste may vary slightly.
  • Can I use pre-packaged shredded carrots?
    Absolutely! Pre-packaged shredded or grated carrots work perfectly and save you time in preparation.
  • What if I don’t have a microwave-safe mug?
    You can use any microwave-safe container, such as a small bowl or ramekin. Just ensure it's large enough to hold the batter to prevent overflow during cooking.
  • Can I make this recipe without sugar?
    You can use sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, but be sure to check the conversion ratios, as they can vary between brands.
  • How do I know when the cake is done?
    The cake is done when it has risen and springs back when lightly touched. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
  • Can I double the recipe?
    Yes! You can double the ingredients and cook it in a larger mug or bowl. Just increase the cooking time slightly, checking for doneness regularly.

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