Microwave cake
Want a quick sweet treat? Try our microwave cake! It's easy to make and combines the warm spice of cinnamon with luxurious chocolate, topped with smooth mascarpone cream. In just minutes, you can enjoy a moist and flavourful cake that cooks perfectly in your microwave. Ideal for instant sweet cravings, this snack is a simple pleasure in a mug. Get ready to enjoy this delightful treat.
Ingredients
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45 g
Rolled oats
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30 g
Sugar
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1 pinch
Flake salt
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¼ tsp
Vanilla extract
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½ tsp
Ground cinnamon
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¼ tsp
Baking powder
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30 ml
Oil
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20 g
Dark chocolate
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Mascarpone cream
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25 g
Mascarpone
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½ tbsp
Honey
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½ tsp
Vanilla extract
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Instructions
Mascarpone cream
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Once your snack is done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This short pause allows the residual heat to finish cooking the centre, giving you a moist, evenly set texture. It also ensures your mascarpone cream topping holds its shape instead of melting. If you’re short on time, even a one to two minute rest will make a difference, but for the best flavour and consistency, give your cake the full time to settle.
Microwaves can vary in power, so it’s important to keep an eye on your cake as it cooks. If it’s overcooked, the cake will look dry, pull away from the edges, or feel rubbery when touched. You might also notice a slightly burnt smell or that the top feels firm instead of springy. If it’s undercooked, the centre will look wet or shiny and may collapse once it cools. To fix this, microwave in 10-second intervals until the surface looks set and the cake springs back when lightly pressed. The perfect microwave cake should be soft, moist, and just set — never dry or gooey in the middle.
For a silky, lump-free mascarpone cream, start with room-temperature ingredients so they blend easily. Use a spoon or small whisk to gently mix the mascarpone, Greek yoghurt, honey, and vanilla sugar until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as mascarpone can curdle if stirred too vigorously. If the cream feels too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream to loosen it slightly. Chill the mixture for a few minutes before topping your cake, this helps it hold its shape and gives your dessert a cool, creamy finish.
Questions about microwave cake
Not sure which mug to use, how many cakes you can microwave at once, or how to tell when it’s ready? These quick tips will help you get perfect results every time: light, fluffy, and never overcooked.
Can I use any mug or bowl for a microwave cake?
No, not every mug or bowl is suitable for a microwave cake. Always use a microwave-safe container to ensure safety and even cooking. Choose a ceramic, glass, or heatproof plastic mug or bowl without any metal parts. The ideal size is around 250 ml, which gives the cake enough space to rise without spilling over. Mugs or bowls with straight sides help the batter cook evenly. If you don’t have a suitable mug, small ramekins or microwave-safe bowls work just as well.
Can I microwave more than one cake at a time?
Yes, you can, but a few small adjustments will help them cook evenly. Place the mugs on opposite sides of the microwave turntable so the heat distributes evenly, and increase the cooking time by 30–50% compared to one mug. Start with one minute on high, then check and continue in 10-second intervals, rotating the mugs if needed. Use similar-sized mugs filled to the same level, and avoid cooking more than two cakes at once, as this can lead to uneven results. Keep a close eye to prevent overcooking, which can make the cakes rubbery.
How do I know when the microwave cake is done?
Your snack is ready when it has risen, pulled slightly away from the sides, and the top looks set and matte, not shiny or wet. Insert a toothpick or skewer into the centre – it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. Remember, the cake will continue cooking slightly from residual heat once it’s out of the microwave, so it’s best to stop heating as soon as it looks done.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
598 Kcal
| Fibre | - | 0.5 gram fibers |
| Protein | 3.1 | 4.5 gram |
| Fat | 63 | 42.6 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 33.9 | 49.9 gram |
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
What’s a good substitute for Greek yoghurt in this recipe?
If you don’t have Greek yoghurt, skyr is the best swap – it’s thick, creamy, and has a mild tang that pairs perfectly with mascarpone. You can also try quark, for a smooth, slightly lighter texture, or cream cheese, for a richer, denser topping (just soften it slightly before mixing). Plain yoghurt also works well if you prefer a lighter, less tangy result (you can also strain it through a cheesecloth first to thicken it).
Each option gives a slightly different texture, but all will create a deliciously creamy topping that complements this snack beautifully.
What’s the best chocolate for this microwave cake?
For the perfect balance of flavour and texture, use semi-sweet or dark chocolate with 50-60% cocoa content. It melts smoothly and adds a rich, deep chocolate taste without being too sweet.
You can use chocolate chips or coarsely chopped chocolate. Chips hold their shape for little bursts of chocolate, while chopped pieces melt into gooey pockets throughout the cake. Avoid milk chocolate, which can make the cake overly sweet, and very dark chocolate, which can taste bitter and affect texture.
Lightly grease the mug to prevent sticking
Greasing the mug before adding the cake batter makes baking smoother by preventing the cake from sticking. This helps if you want to serve it on a plate. It also makes the cake softer and helps it cook evenly by allowing the batter to rise smoothly.
Use a flavour-neutral oil or softened butter to coat the inside of the mug lightly, ensuring an even layer over the bottom and sides. This step can enhance the presentation and texture, although it is not necessary if you plan to eat the cake directly from the mug.
Make your own vanilla sugar for the mascarpone cream
Homemade vanilla sugar adds a richer, more natural flavour to your mascarpone cream. Simply combine 200 g of sugar with the seeds from one vanilla pod (or add the whole split pod) in an airtight jar. Let it sit for a few days, so the aroma infuses fully, then use it just like store-bought vanilla sugar. You can keep topping it up with more sugar as you use it – the vanilla flavour only gets better over time.
Overflowing microwave cake? Here’s what went wrong
Your cake probably overflowed in the microwave because the mug was too small, or you put in too much batter. Fill the mug only halfway to give your cake space to rise. Also, measure the baking powder precisely to avoid too much rising. If your microwave is powerful, you might want to shorten the cooking time or use a lower power setting. Make sure to stir the batter well for an even consistency. Following these tips should help you make a perfect microwave cake without any overflow.
What other snacks can I make in the microwave?
Looking for more quick microwave treats? Try these easy snacks you can make in minutes:
Microwave brownie: rich, fudgy, and ready in no time, this gooey brownie pairs perfectly with a scoop of cool vanilla ice cream.
Protein mug cake: a soft, fluffy cake made with banana, coconut flour, and raspberries, served with a dollop of creamy crème fraiche. p
If you’re hungry for even more simple, delicious ideas, take a look at our collection of easy snacks to make and get inspired.
