Name: Carrot Cake in a Mug Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 7 min
Ingredients: 4 tbsp Self-Raising Flour; 2 tbsp Brown Sugar; 1/4 tsp Baking Powder; 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon; Pinch Salt; 3 tbsp Milk; 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil; 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract; 3 tbsp Grated Carrot; 1 tbsp Raisins; Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional, for Topping)

Ingredients

4 tbsp Self-Raising Flour
2 tbsp Brown Sugar
1/4 tsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
Pinch Salt
3 tbsp Milk
2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
1/2tsp Vanilla Extract
3 tbsp Grated Carrot
1 tbsp Raisins
Cream Cheese Frosting Optional for Topping

Method

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In your chosen mug, add self-raising flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Use a fork or a small whisk to mix these ingredients thoroughly.

Dry ingredients for carrot cake in a mug on a marble background

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

To the dry mix, add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. This step is crucial for creating a uniform cake batter, which impacts the texture of your finished cake.

Wet and dry ingredients combined in a mug for carrot cake with marble effect background

Step 3: Add Carrot and Raisins

Fold in grated carrot and raisins. Ensure the carrot and raisins are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The grated carrot should be fine enough to cook quickly and add moisture to the cake.

Cake batter for carrot cake in a kug with marble background dotted with raisins

Step 4: Bake

Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high (900w) for about 1 minute 40 seconds to 2 minutes. Start checking the cake at 1 minute 40 seconds. It’s done when it has risen, and the top looks set but still a bit moist.

Step 5: Cool

Once done, carefully remove the mug from the microwave (it might be hot!) and let the cake cool for a minute or two. Optionally, top with cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of creamy sweetness.

Tweaks

Give it Spice Give the carrot cake some warmth by adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger to the batter.
Add Nuts Carrot cake and nuts work well together so add some chopped walnuts or pecans with the carrot.

Substitutes

Make it Vegan Make this vegan by using almond or soy milk and a vegan cream cheese frosting.
Use Different Veg If you’re willing to try something different swap out the carrot for other veg such as courgette or beetroot.

Storage

In the Fridge First let it cool to room temperature. Then, cover the mug with cling film or a tight-fitting lid to prevent the cake from drying out. Keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

In the Freezer Wrap the mug tightly with cling film, ensuring it’s airtight, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Label it with the date, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Tips

Slightly Under Cook: When you remove the cake from the microwave, the residual heat will continue to cook the centre, so don’t fully cook it in the microwave.

Add Frosting: A quick cream-cheese frosting will mask the fact you cooked this in the microwave. It’ll taste just like any other carrot cake!

Leave it in the Mug: Getting it out of the mug will be a faff so leave it in the mug and eat with a spoon. You won’t be slicing this up like a normal cake.

Make Individually: These cakes are individual portions. If you want to make 2 then double the recipe but microwave each cake individually.