Description: Indulge in a warm, gooey, and utterly satisfying single-serving peanut butter cake, ready in minutes! This Peanut Butter Cake In A Mug is the perfect treat for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to bake an entire cake. It’s quick, easy, and requires minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous dessert cravings. This recipe delivers a moist, tender cake bursting with rich peanut butter flavor, all from the convenience of your microwave.
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons self-rising flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (use your favorite brand!)
- 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter, optional garnish
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 3 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Preparation:
Step 1: Mug Prep: Select a 14-ounce microwave-safe mug. A wider mug is preferable for easier cake removal and even cooking. Ensure the mug is clean and dry. This will prevent any unwanted flavors from interfering with the delicious peanut butter flavor.
Step 2: Dry Ingredients: In the mug, add the self-rising flour and granulated sugar. Use a fork or small whisk to thoroughly combine these dry ingredients. Breaking up any clumps of flour at this stage will ensure a smoother cake batter.
Step 3: Wet Ingredients: To the mug, add the creamy peanut butter, whole milk, melted butter, and pure vanilla extract. The key here is to use creamy peanut butter for the best texture. Chunky peanut butter will work in a pinch, but the texture of the finished cake will be slightly different.
Step 4: Combine the Batter: Stir the mixture with a fork until completely incorporated. This is a crucial step. Ensure there are no streaks of flour or pockets of peanut butter. Overmixing is less of a concern with mug cakes than with traditional baking, so be thorough. You want a smooth, consistent batter. Scrape down the sides of the mug as you mix to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 5: Microwave Cooking: Microwave the mug for 1 minute 30 seconds to 1 minute 45 seconds. Important Note: Microwave cooking times can vary drastically depending on the wattage of your microwave. Start with 1 minute 30 seconds and check for doneness. The cake is ready when the top appears set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). If the cake is still liquidy in the center, continue microwaving in 10-second intervals until done. Be careful not to overcook, as this will result in a dry, rubbery cake.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Garnish (Optional): Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes in the mug. While it’s cooling, you can dollop the optional 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on top. The residual heat from the cake will melt the peanut butter, creating a luscious, gooey topping. You can gently spread the melted peanut butter over the entire surface of the cake for complete coverage. A sprinkle of chopped peanuts or a drizzle of chocolate syrup would also make excellent additions!
Why you will love this recipe:
This Peanut Butter Cake In A Mug is the epitome of instant gratification! Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Speed and Convenience: In under 5 minutes, you can have a warm, delicious dessert ready to devour. Perfect for those late-night cravings or when you need a quick pick-me-up.
- Single-Serving Perfection: No temptation to overindulge or worry about leftovers. It’s portion-controlled and satisfying.
- Minimal Cleanup: One mug and one fork – that’s all the cleanup required! A dream for anyone who dreads washing dishes.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences. Add chocolate chips, a swirl of Nutella, or a sprinkle of sea salt. The possibilities are endless!
- Incredibly Delicious: The combination of warm, gooey peanut butter cake with a melty peanut butter topping is simply irresistible.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy it straight from the mug with a spoon.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra decadent treat.
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup or caramel sauce.
- Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or sea salt.
- Serve with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee.
- For a fancy dessert, turn the mug cake onto a plate and serve alongside fresh berries and whipped cream.
Tips:
- Microwave Power: Remember that microwave wattages vary, so adjust cooking time accordingly. Start with the minimum time and add more in small increments until cooked through.
- Mug Size Matters: Use a 14-ounce mug or larger to prevent the cake from overflowing during cooking.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Fresh Ingredients: While this recipe is simple, using fresh ingredients will always improve the final result.
- Variations: Get creative with your mix-ins! Try adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, a swirl of Nutella, or a pinch of cinnamon.
Prep Time: 2 minutes Cook Time: 1 minute 30 seconds to 1 minute 45 seconds Total Time: Approximately 4 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving, without optional garnish)
- Calories: 550-600
- Protein: 15-20 grams
- Sodium: 400-450 mg
Conclusion:
This Peanut Butter Cake In A Mug is a delightful and effortless way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Its simplicity, combined with its irresistible flavor, makes it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a go-to for those moments when you need a quick and comforting dessert. So, grab your mug, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a warm, gooey slice of peanut butter heaven! It’s the ultimate single-serving indulgence.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While technically you could mix the ingredients in the mug and store it in the refrigerator for a short period (no more than a few hours), the self-rising flour will start to react with the liquid, potentially altering the texture of the cake. For the best results, it’s recommended to mix and cook the cake immediately before serving. The beauty of this recipe is its speed and ease, so there’s really no need to make it ahead of time!
Q2: I don’t have self-rising flour. Can I use all-purpose flour instead?
A: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for self-rising flour. For every 1 cup of all-purpose flour, add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt. Since this recipe calls for 4 tablespoons (which is ¼ cup) of self-rising flour, you would need to add approximately 3/8 teaspoon of baking powder (slightly less than ½ teaspoon) and a pinch (approximately 1/8 teaspoon) of salt to 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Be sure to whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together thoroughly before adding it to the other ingredients.
Q3: Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
A: While you can use natural peanut butter, be aware that it may affect the texture and moisture content of the cake. Natural peanut butter tends to be oilier than processed peanut butter, so the cake may be slightly denser or even a little greasy. You may need to adjust the amount of milk slightly to compensate for the extra oil. If you choose to use natural peanut butter, make sure it’s well stirred before adding it to the recipe.
Q4: My mug cake came out dry and rubbery. What did I do wrong?
A: The most common cause of a dry, rubbery mug cake is overcooking. Microwaves vary in power, so it’s essential to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Start with the minimum recommended time (1 minute 30 seconds) and check for doneness. If the cake is still liquidy in the center, microwave in 10-second intervals until just set. Another factor could be using too much flour or not enough liquid. Double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy.
Q5: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes, with a few substitutions, you can easily make this Peanut Butter Cake In A Mug vegan. Substitute the whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk work well). For the melted butter, use a vegan butter substitute or melted coconut oil. Just make sure it is salted, or add a pinch of salt into the batter to achieve the right flavour balance. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly! Enjoy your delicious vegan peanut butter mug cake!
