Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re craving something sweet but don't want to spend much time in the kitchen, this 5-minute carrot mug cake is the solution! It’s a perfect single-serve treat that takes only a few ingredients and a few minutes to make. The carrot cake flavor is soft and moist, and when paired with the creamy frosting, it becomes an irresistible indulgence. Plus, it’s made in the microwave, so there’s no need to turn on the oven.
Ingredients
Carrot mug cake:
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3 tablespoon milk
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1.5 tablespoon oil
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½ teaspoon vanilla
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4 tablespoon all purpose flour
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2 tablespoon sugar
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⅓ teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon cinnamon
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⅛ teaspoon salt
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¼ cup freshly grated carrots
Cream cheese frosting:
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1 tablespoon cream cheese, room temperature
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1 tablespoon heavy cream
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1 tablespoon powdered sugar
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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In a microwave-safe mug (approximately 10-12 oz), add the milk, oil, and vanilla, then whisk to combine.
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Sift in the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are fully mixed in.
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Add the freshly grated carrots and mix them into the batter until fully combined.
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Microwave the mixture for about 60-90 seconds, checking for doneness as you go (see notes). The cake should be fully cooked through when the batter is no longer wet and springs back when lightly poked.
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Allow the cake to cool for around 15 minutes before frosting.
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To make the frosting, whisk together the cream cheese, heavy cream, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
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Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake, serve, and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Yield: 1 mug cake
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Preparation time: 5 minutes
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Cooking time: 60-90 seconds in the microwave
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Cooling time: 15 minutes
Variations
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Add-ins: Customize the cake by adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or a handful of raisins for extra texture and flavor.
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Spices: You can also adjust the cinnamon or add nutmeg for a more spiced flavor, depending on your taste preferences.
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Vegan version: Substitute the milk with a plant-based milk and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.
Storage/Reheating
This carrot mug cake is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. To reheat, microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm. It’s best to add the cream cheese frosting just before serving, as the frosting may soften if stored.
FAQs
1. Can I use a smaller or larger mug for this recipe?
Using a mug that is 10-12oz is ideal. If your mug is much smaller, the cake may overflow during cooking, and if it’s much larger, the cake might turn out too thin. Adjust cooking time accordingly based on the size of your mug.
2. How do I know when the cake is done?
Check for doneness by poking the cake with a toothpick or your finger. If it springs back and there’s no wet batter, it’s ready. If it’s still wet, microwave for an additional 10-20 seconds.
3. Can I use pre-grated carrots instead of fresh ones?
While fresh grated carrots provide the best texture and flavor, you can use pre-grated carrots. Just be sure they are finely grated, so they blend well into the cake batter.
4. Can I double the recipe to make more servings?
Yes, you can double the recipe and make two separate cakes, or use a larger mug. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
5. Can I use a different frosting?
Yes! If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use a simple buttercream frosting or even whipped cream for a lighter topping.
6. Can I make this mug cake without baking powder?
While baking powder helps the cake rise, you can omit it if you don’t have any. The texture may be a little denser but still delicious.
7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe contains all-purpose flour, which is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute gluten-free flour in the same measurement to make it gluten-free.
8. Can I freeze this mug cake?
This mug cake is best eaten immediately. Freezing is not recommended because the texture may change once reheated.
9. What other spices can I add to the cake batter?
Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or even cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the carrots.
10. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the frosting in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading it on the cooled cake.
Conclusion
This 5-minute carrot mug cake is a fantastic option for a quick, easy, and satisfying treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious single-serve dessert topped with creamy frosting, perfect for any time you need a sweet pick-me-up. Whether you stick to the original recipe or try some of the suggested variations, this mug cake is sure to become a go-to for your dessert cravings!
5 Minute Carrot Mug Cake Recipe
This quick and easy carrot mug cake is perfect for satisfying a sweet craving in just five minutes. Made in the microwave with minimal effort, it combines the flavors of freshly grated carrots, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla, topped off with a creamy cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-90 seconds in the microwave
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 mug cake
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
3 tbsp milk
1.5 tbsp oil
½ tsp vanilla
4 tbsp all purpose flour
2 tbsp sugar
⅓ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp cinnamon
⅛ tsp salt
¼ cup freshly grated carrots
1 tbsp cream cheese, room temperature
1 tbsp heavy cream
1 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe mug (approximately 10-12 oz), add the milk, oil, and vanilla, then whisk to combine.
- Sift in the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are fully mixed in.
- Add the freshly grated carrots and mix them into the batter until fully combined.
- Microwave the mixture for about 60-90 seconds, checking for doneness as you go. The cake should be fully cooked when the batter is no longer wet and springs back when lightly poked.
- Allow the cake to cool for around 15 minutes before frosting.
- To make the frosting, whisk together the cream cheese, heavy cream, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Customize the cake by adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
- Adjust cinnamon or add nutmeg for a more spiced flavor.
- Vegan version: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.
- Best enjoyed fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat for 10-15 seconds in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug cake
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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