5 Minute Carrot Mug Cake Recipe | Quick and Easy Single-Serve Dessert

Sometimes a sweet craving hits, but you don’t have the time or energy to bake an entire cake. That’s where mug cakes come in handy. Ready in just a few minutes, they deliver all the flavor of a classic cake in a single-serving size. Among the many flavors you can whip up, carrot cake is one of the most comforting. Warm spices, grated carrots, and a tender crumb make it taste like a homemade dessert without the hours of baking. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make a moist and flavorful carrot mug cake in only five minutes using your microwave. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for when you need dessert in a hurry.

Ingredients

To prepare one serving of 5 Minute Carrot Mug Cake, you’ll need:

• 4 tablespoons (30 g) all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons (25 g) brown sugar

• ¼ teaspoon baking powder

• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)

• Pinch of salt

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) milk

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons (15 g) grated carrot

• 1 tablespoon (10 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• 1 tablespoon (10 g) raisins (optional)

Optional Topping:

• Cream cheese frosting or whipped cream

Save

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mug

Choose a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 12 oz (350 ml) to prevent overflow. Lightly grease the inside with oil or butter to keep the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In the mug, add flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir with a fork until well combined and lump-free.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until a smooth batter forms. Scrape down the sides of the mug to ensure even mixing.

Step 4: Fold in Carrots and Add-ins

Stir in grated carrot. If you like extra texture, fold in nuts and raisins. The batter should look slightly thick but pourable.

Step 5: Microwave

Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 90 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on your microwave’s wattage. Start checking at 90 seconds; the cake should rise and set but remain moist in the center. Avoid overcooking, which can make the cake rubbery.

Step 6: Cool and Top

Let the mug cake cool for 1–2 minutes before eating. Top with cream cheese frosting, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Conservation and Storage

Mug cakes are best enjoyed immediately because they dry out quickly. However, if you must store leftovers:

• Room Temperature: Cover the mug with plastic wrap and keep for up to 6 hours.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Reheat for 15–20 seconds in the microwave before serving.

• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture becomes dense and unpleasant once thawed.

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

• Vegan: Use almond or oat milk and substitute oil for butter. Skip cream cheese frosting or use a vegan alternative.

• Chocolate Carrot Mug Cake: Add 1 teaspoon cocoa powder to the dry mix for a chocolate twist.

• Pineapple Carrot Cake: Stir in 1 tablespoon crushed pineapple for extra moisture and flavor.

• Extra Spiced: Add ginger or cardamom for a stronger spice profile.

• Sugar-Free: Replace brown sugar with a natural sweetener like erythritol or stevia (adjust amounts for sweetness).

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Style: Top with cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts.

• Breakfast Treat: Pair with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.

• Dessert for Two: Double the recipe and make in two mugs for a quick shared dessert.

• Party Hack: Serve multiple mug cakes with different toppings like caramel drizzle, chocolate chips, or fresh fruit for a DIY dessert bar.

• Simple Elegance: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with coffee or tea.

Tips for Perfecting the Mug Cake

1. Grate Finely: Use finely grated carrot for even cooking.

2. Mix Thoroughly: Scrape the bottom of the mug to avoid dry flour pockets.

3. Microwave in Bursts: If unsure, cook in 30-second intervals to prevent overcooking.

4. Don’t Overfill: Use a large mug since the batter rises significantly while cooking.

5. Balance Moisture: If your cake looks too dry, add an extra teaspoon of milk next time.

Conclusion

This 5 Minute Carrot Mug Cake proves that homemade desserts don’t need hours of effort. With just a handful of pantry staples, a grated carrot, and a microwave, you can create a warm, moist, and flavorful treat that satisfies your sweet tooth instantly. Its versatility makes it easy to adapt to different diets or flavor preferences, while its speed ensures you’ll never be without a quick dessert option. From late-night cravings to last-minute desserts, this recipe is proof that big flavor can come in small packages.

5 Minute Carrot Mug Cake Recipe

---

• Author: Eleanor
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 serving 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A quick and moist single-serve carrot cake made in the microwave in just 5 minutes. Packed with warm spices, grated carrots, and optional nuts or raisins, it’s the perfect instant dessert when cravings hit.

See also  Cream Cheese Sausage Balls: A Delicious Snack Recipe

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 tablespoons (30 g) all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons (25 g) brown sugar

• ¼ teaspoon baking powder

• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)

• Pinch of salt

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) milk

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons (15 g) grated carrot

• 1 tablespoon (10 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• 1 tablespoon (10 g) raisins (optional)

Optional Topping:

• Cream cheese frosting or whipped cream

---

Instructions

• Prepare Mug: Use a microwave-safe mug (at least 12 oz/350 ml). Lightly grease with oil or butter.

• Mix Dry Ingredients: Add flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well.

• Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in milk, oil, and vanilla. Stir until smooth. Scrape sides of mug.

• Fold in Carrot and Add-ins: Mix in grated carrot, nuts, and raisins if using.

• Microwave: Cook on high for 90 seconds to 2 minutes. Check at 90 seconds; cake should rise and set.

• Cool and Serve: Rest for 1–2 minutes. Top with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or powdered sugar.

Notes

• Use finely grated carrots for even cooking.

• Cooking times vary by microwave wattage; adjust if necessary.

• Mug cakes are best eaten fresh.

• Prep Time: 3 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Microwave
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 mug cake
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg

Keywords: 5 minute carrot mug cake, easy mug cake recipe, microwave carrot cake, single-serve dessert