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Carrot Mug Cake

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Prep Time: 5 minutes     Cook Time: 2 minutes

5 from 4 votes

If you love carrot cake, you are definitely going to want to make this carrot mug cake. The shredded carrots, nutmeg, and cinnamon add a wonderful flavor to this recipe.

A carrot mug cake flipped onto a plate with a fork.
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One of the best things about this carrot cake recipe is how quick and easy it is to prepare. There is no waiting around for the oven to heat up or long baking time. Instead, this recipe is simply microwaved for 60 to 90 seconds.

Whipped cream pairs beautifully with this easy cake, and then you can decorate it with shredded carrots and pecans. This tasty dessert could be on your table in just 5 minutes!

Other cake-based desserts that I love to bake this time of year include these strawberry cake cookies or my favorite Italian lemon pound cake.

Main Ingredients

The ingredients to make carrot mug cake.

This simple carrot cake recipe makes a great treat, whether you are in the mood for an after-dinner dessert, you want to rustle up something fast for the kids, or you have some shredded carrots to use up. The main ingredients include:

  • Shredded carrot: You can’t make a carrot cake without the carrots!
  • Nutmeg: To complement the sweet carrot taste.
  • Cinnamon: This adds a warm spice flavor.
  • Baking powder: For achieving a light cake texture.
  • Brown sugar: To add the perfect amount of sweetness.
  • Chopped pecans: These crunchy nuts make a tasty garnish.

Instructions Overview

This has to be one of the easiest carrot cake recipes ever. In fact, it has to be one of the simplest cake recipes ever, period! You probably already have most of the ingredients to hand, and the only other things you need are a bowl, a mug, and a microwave oven.

Although some cake recipes can be made in the mug, to save on washing up, this one works best in a bowl. You have more room to maneuver that way and can ensure all the ingredients are well combined, before pouring the batter into a mug. Also, make sure the mug is microwave-safe. Most are but take a peek at the bottom of the mug to check.

Everything looking good? Then you can go ahead and put the ingredients in the bowl and mix them together. It doesn’t matter which order you add them, since everything is going to be stirred anyway. When there are no lumps left, transfer the mixture into your mug and microwave it for a minute.

If it isn’t set, give it another fifteen seconds. Still not quite done? Then another fifteen seconds should do it. Whipped cream, shredded carrots, and pecans make a great topping. Swap the pecans for walnuts if you prefer.

A spoonful of carrot mug cake with almonds.

Common Questions

Do you eat mug cakes hot or cold?

Technically the choice is yours, but I'd recommend you eat this carrot mug cake warm or hot. The flavors seem more intense that way. It also means you can enjoy it sooner and not have to wait for it to cool down!

Why did my mug cake explode in the microwave?

Before you start to worry, rest assured this is very rare. However, if you overfill a small mug with carrot mug cake mix, it could happen. Remember, you can always split the mixture between 2 mugs if you aren't sure about the size, or just make the dessert in a small, microwave-safe bowl instead of a mug if you want to play it safe.

How do you remove a mug cake from a mug?

First of all, ensure you're using the right mug. Glass, ceramic, and some plastics are typically suitable for microwave cooking, but check the mug you're using is labeled as being safe for the microwave. As for removing the finished carrot mug cake, run a knife around the outside of the mug and then turn it out onto a plate or into a bowl. It might come out looking a bit lopsided, but that won't affect the flavor. You can also just eat it straight out of the mug which is what I like to do.

How do you make a mug cake better?

You need to make sure the mug you're using is large enough. If not, the mixture is going to run over the top and make a huge mess in your microwave. Microwave mug cakes for the exact time or for slightly less. An overcooked carrot mug cake can dry out if cooked too long, so check a few seconds early. You can always give them a little more time after if need be.

How do you store carrot mug cake?

If you want to make more than one of these at once, you can store them in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Don’t store them uncovered because they will dry out within a day. Don’t add the whipped cream and toppings until just before serving.

Can I make this ahead?

Mug cakes are usually rustled up within minutes of a cake craving, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it ahead. Once the cake is cooked, let it cool to room temperature and then refrigerate it in a covered container until serving.

Can you freeze this recipe?

Yes, this cake can be frozen for up to 4 months.

I’m out of baking powder! Can I still make this?

Mug cake recipes typically call for baking powder or an egg, to get the texture cake-like and make sure it rises. You can switch the baking powder for an egg, but it is very important you beat the egg before adding it to the batter and then mix the ingredients very well. Not doing this might result in bits of cooked egg white in the finished cake.

What size mug should I use?

Don’t fill the mug more than half full, else the batter might rise up too much and overflow. For that reason, use a large mug to make this. If you don’t have a big enough one, use a ramekin instead.

Carrot cake in a mug with a spoon.

Chopnotch Tips

  • Shred your carrot in a mini food processor or using a cheese grater. You can also buy ready-shredded carrots for convenience. Get the thinly shredded ones; the thicker ones are more for coleslaw.
  • Use any kind of milk to make this mug cake; soy milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk would work. You can also switch the butter for oil if you prefer.
  • Artificial sweetener works just as well as brown sugar in this recipe.
A mug full of carrot cake on a table.

When you’re in the mood for a rich, tasty carrot cake but you don’t want to bake a whole one, this recipe is a real lifesaver! You can make a wonderful carrot mug cake in just a few minutes.

Let us know what you think! Give this recipe a rating in the comments section below.

Recipe

How to Make

Carrot Mug Cake

This easy mug cake takes just minutes to make. Cinnamon and nutmeg add warm spices, and a little whipped cream on top finishes it perfectly.
SCALE THIS RECIPE
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 7 minutes
Servings: 1 serving

Ingredients

For the cake:

  • teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons carrots, shredded
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

For the topping:

  • whipped cream
  • carrots, shredded
  • pecans, chopped
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Instructions

  • Stir together all the cake ingredients in a bowl until there are no lumps.
  • Pour the mixture into a microwaveable safe mug and microwave until baked through, for 60 to 90 seconds.
  • Top with your desired toppings and serve immediately.
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Notes

  • Shred your carrot in a mini food processor or using a cheese grater. You can also buy ready-shredded carrots for convenience. Get the thinly shredded ones; the thicker ones are more for coleslaw.
  • Use any kind of milk to make this mug cake; soy milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk would work. You can also switch the butter for oil if you prefer.
  • Artificial sweetener works just as well as brown sugar in this recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 358kcal (18%), Carbohydrates: 54g (18%), Protein: 6g (12%), Fat: 14g (22%), Saturated Fat: 8g (50%), Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 36mg (12%), Sodium: 155mg (7%), Potassium: 349mg (10%), Fiber: 2g (8%), Sugar: 28g (31%), Vitamin A: 5462IU (109%), Vitamin C: 2mg (2%), Calcium: 156mg (16%), Iron: 2mg (11%)
Print Recipe
course:
Dessert
cuisine:
European

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