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Okay, picture this: it’s chilly outside, you’re curled up on the couch, and that gingerbread craving hits *hard*. But who wants to bake an entire cake? That’s where my super easy Gingerbread Mug Cake comes in! Seriously, this thing is ready in minutes, and it’s been blowing up on Pinterest lately (for good reason!). I’m Lisa Raymond, by the way, a home cook from Seattle – and I’m all about those simple, unfussy meals. I mean, gingerbread anything just screams cozy holidays to me, doesn’t it? I always loved how the warm spices filled the house. This Gingerbread Mug Cake recipe brings all those memories back, but like, *way* faster. Trust me, this is the best way to get your gingerbread fix!
Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Mug Cake
Seriously, this mug cake is kinda magical. Here’s why you’re gonna be obsessed:
- **Ready in Minutes:** I’m talking from-craving-to-cake in under 2 minutes flat!
- **Easiest Recipe Ever:** Just a few ingredients, a mug, and a microwave. Done!
- **Single-Serving Perfection:** No leftover cake tempting you all week (unless you *want* another one, of course!). Make the perfect Gingerbread Mug Cake
- **That Gingerbread Flavor:** All those warm, cozy spices you crave, packed into one delicious little cake.
Ingredients for Your Gingerbread Mug Cake
Alright, gather ’round! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this little mug masterpiece. Don’t worry, it’s all stuff you probably already have lurking in your pantry:
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar (I like dark brown for extra molasses-y flavor!)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (just a pinch!)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon molasses (the *real* star of the show!)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
How to Make a Gingerbread Mug Cake: Step-by-Step
Okay, ready to get your mug cake on? This is seriously so easy, you’ll be amazed. Follow these steps and you’ll have a warm, gooey gingerbread treat in no time!
- Combine the Dry Stuff: First, grab your favorite mug (mine’s got a cute little snowman on it!). Toss in the 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of packed brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves (don’t overdo it on the cloves!), and 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder. Give it all a good stir with a fork until it’s nicely combined. This helps the baking powder distribute evenly, which means a fluffier cake!
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Now for the good stuff! Pour in 2 tablespoons of milk, 1 tablespoon of molasses (this is what gives it that authentic gingerbread flavor, so don’t skip it!), and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Mix It Up!: Grab that fork again and stir, stir, stir! Make sure you scrape the bottom and sides of the mug to get everything incorporated. You want the batter to be smooth, with no lumps of flour hanging out. It should look kinda like thick, glossy mud. Yum!
- Microwave Magic: Pop that mug into the microwave and cook it on high for 60-90 seconds. Now, this is where you gotta pay attention, because microwave times vary *wildly*. Start with 60 seconds, and then check the cake. It’s ready when it’s puffed up and the top looks set, but still slightly moist. If it’s still liquidy, nuke it for another 15-30 seconds. Careful not to overcook it, or it’ll get tough!
- Cool (Slightly) and Enjoy!: Let the mug cake cool for just a minute or two before digging in. It’s gonna be super hot right out of the microwave! I like to let it sit for a sec so it’s easier to handle. Plus, it lets the flavors meld together a bit.
Tips for the Best Gingerbread Mug Cake
Want to take your Gingerbread Mug Cake from good to *amazing*? Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned along the way:
- **Microwave Mastery:** Seriously, every microwave is different! Start with 60 seconds, and then add time in 15-second bursts until it’s just cooked through. Overcooked mug cakes are sad mug cakes.
- Don’t Overmix:** A few little lumps are okay! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour and will make your cake tough. Gentle is the name of the game.
- Spice it Up Right:** Freshly ground spices make a HUGE difference in flavor. If your ginger and cinnamon have been hanging out in the back of your pantry for ages, it might be time to replace them!
- Patience, Grasshopper:** Letting the mug cake cool for a minute or two before digging in not only prevents you from burning your tongue but also lets the flavors meld together and intensifies that gingerbread goodness!
Gingerbread Mug Cake Variations
Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Gingerbread Mug Cake? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and try some fun variations. My favorite part about mug cakes is how easy it is to customize them! Here are a couple ideas to get you started:
- Chocolate Chip Gingerbread: Throw in a tablespoon or two of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or even white chocolate would be amazing!) before microwaving. That melty chocolate with the gingerbread spice? *Chef’s kiss!*
- Spice It Up (Even More!): A pinch of nutmeg or allspice will add another layer of cozy warmth to your mug cake. You could also try a tiny dash of cardamom for a more exotic twist.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: For a real treat, swirl in a spoonful of cream cheese frosting before microwaving. I’ve got this killer cream cheese swirl recipe for brownies, and honestly, it would be AMAZING in this!
Serving Suggestions for Your Gingerbread Mug Cake
Okay, your Gingerbread Mug Cake is ready – but what should you serve with it? Honestly, it’s pretty darn delicious on its own, but a little something extra never hurt anybody, right? Here are a few of my favorite ways to jazz it up:
- A big scoop of vanilla ice cream (the coldness is SO good with the warm cake!)
- A dollop of whipped cream (because, duh!)
- A drizzle of caramel sauce (or even better, salted caramel!)
- A dusting of powdered sugar (makes it look all fancy and Christmassy!)
- You know what else? A spoonful of this peanut butter mousse couldn’t hurt!
Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Mug Cake
Got questions about making the perfect Gingerbread Mug Cake? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few common questions I get asked all the time:
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you *could* try using a gluten-free blend. I haven’t tested it myself, so I can’t guarantee the results, but it’s worth a shot! Just keep an eye on the texture – it might be a little drier.
Can I make this in the oven?
While this recipe is designed for the microwave, you could try baking it in a ramekin in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. But honestly, the microwave is SO much faster!
Can I double the recipe?
I wouldn’t recommend doubling it in the same mug – it’ll probably overflow! If you want to make two, just repeat the single recipe in two separate mugs. Easy peasy!
How do I know when it’s done?
The best way to tell if your Gingerbread Mug Cake is done is to check the top. It should be puffed up and look set, but still slightly moist. If it’s still liquidy, microwave it for another 15-30 seconds. Remember, every microwave is different, so keep a close eye on it!
Gingerbread Mug Cake: Nutritional Information
Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nutritional info on this little guy, right? Well, here’s the deal: these are just estimates! It really depends on the brands you use and how generous you are with that molasses (I always go a little extra!). So, take this with a grain of salt, okay?
Enjoy Your Homemade Gingerbread Mug Cake!
There you have it! The easiest, coziest Gingerbread Mug Cake recipe ever. I really hope you love this as much as I do! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make it, snap a pic and share it on social media – I’d love to see your creations!
Print
Gingerbread Mug Cake
- Total Time: 6 min
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make a single-serving gingerbread cake in a mug for a quick and easy dessert.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Combine flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and baking powder in a mug.
- Add milk, molasses, and vegetable oil to the mug.
- Stir until well combined.
- Microwave on high for 60-90 seconds, or until the cake is cooked through.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Adjust microwave time depending on your microwave’s power.
- Top with whipped cream or icing, if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 1 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug cake
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg