Oatmeal Mug Cake
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Say hello to your new favorite breakfast hack: the oatmeal mug cake! This quick and easy recipe promises a warm, fluffy cake in just minutes, perfect for those morning rushes or when you need a cozy pick-me-up. Packed with the wholesome goodness of oats and customizable with your favorite toppings!
Try serving this mug cake with a strawberry sauce topping, cup of coffee, and fruit on the side for a morning breakfast treat!
Why You’ll Love This Oatmeal Mug Cake
- Speed and Convenience: It takes just a few minutes to mix and microwave, making it ideal for busy mornings or when you’re craving a quick, comforting snack.
- Customizable: The basic oatmeal mug cake is like a blank canvas. You can add nuts, fruits, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to personalize your cake to your taste preferences.
- Minimal Cleanup: With ingredients mixed and cooked in the same mug, there’s hardly any cleanup involved. It’s a one-mug wonder that keeps your kitchen tidy!
Did you know you can make a mug cake with oats? Super quick to whip up right in a mug, and the customization options are endless. Toss in some chocolate chips, a splash of vanilla, or your favorite fruit to make it your own. It’s like magic; a warm, fluffy cake in minutes, perfect when you need a quick treat. Plus, it’s just one mug, so barely any cleanup. Trust me, it’s going to make your mornings so much better!
It’s like a magical combination of flavors- and the perfect excuse to eat dessert for breakfast! This cake tastes remarkable similar to my baked oats recipe, but in single serve form! A convenient option for busy mornings and a go-to when you need a sweet fix.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ready to break down the ingredient list? If you’ve ever baked oatmeal before you’ll notice it’s a fairly similar process- only in a mini version. Here is what you need:
- Butter: Butter adds a rich, creamy taste while also keeping things moist. I like salted butter, but you can use unsalted.
- Brown Sugar: I like the light molasses flavor that you get with brown sugar. It also adds a little additional moisture to the mix as it bakes.
- Egg: Egg provides structure to the cake. As the egg cooks, it solidifies, helping to bind all the ingredients together and giving the cake its shape and firmness.
- Vanilla: It provides a comforting background note that makes the cake taste richer and more indulgent, elevating the simple mug treat into something truly special.
- Oats: Quick oats are ideal for an oatmeal mug cake because of their finer texture and faster cooking time. They absorb liquids more quickly than traditional rolled oats, ensuring that your cake cooks evenly and remains moist within the short microwave cooking period.
- Spices: There’s a delicate balance of flavors with baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. If you use unsalted butter I suggest a sprinkle of salt.
- Milk: For a richer, creamier texture, whole milk is a great choice. However, best milk to use in an oatmeal mug cake depends largely on your taste preferences and dietary needs
How To Make An Oatmeal Mug Cake
- Prepare Your Mug: Grab a 12 oz mug and generously spray the inside with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Melt the Butter: Place butter in the mug and microwave it for about 20-30 seconds or until it’s fully melted.
- Mix the Ingredients: Add the brown sugar and vanilla to the mug with the melted butter. Whisk them together until well combined.
- Add the Rest: Crack an egg into the mug, then add the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until it’s nicely blended.
- Pour in the Milk: Stir in the milk until everything is smoothly incorporated.
- First Microwave Burst: Put the mug in the microwave and heat for 30 seconds. Then pause and stir the mixture to help it cook evenly.
- Second Microwave Burst: Microwave for an additional 1 minute. Check if the cake is done—it should be set and slightly springy to the touch. Let it cool for a minute or two before enjoying your freshly made oatmeal mug cake!
Helpful Tools
Having the right tools can make the process even easier and more enjoyable. Here are some helpful tools to consider:
- Microwave-Safe Mug: (affiliate) Ensure you have a sturdy, microwave-safe mug that’s large enough (at least 12 ounces) to contain the cake as it rises without overflowing.
- Small Whisk: (affiliate) A small whisk is perfect for mixing the ingredients directly in the mug, ensuring everything is well combined without lumps.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: (affiliate) Accurate measuring tools are crucial for getting the ingredient proportions right, which is especially important in baking to achieve the best texture and flavor.
- Silicone Spatula: (affiliate) A spatula helps in scraping down the sides of the mug to ensure all ingredients are incorporated and also assists in the final stir before microwaving.
Recipe Tips:
Here are some expert tips to make your oatmeal mug cake even better:
- Whisk Thoroughly: Whisk the ingredients vigorously after adding each to break up clumps and incorporate air, making the cake lighter and fluffier.
- Adjust Microwave Time: Microwaves vary in power, so start with the shorter cooking time and add more in short bursts if needed. This prevents overcooking, which can make the cake rubbery.
- Add Toppings: Enhance your mug cake with toppings like a dollop of yogurt, a sprinkle of granola, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup right before serving for added flavor and texture.
- Use a Tall Mug: Choose a tall mug to allow the cake room to rise without spilling over as it cooks.
Recipe FAQs
It tastes similar to baked oatmeal, with a comforting, warm texture and rich flavors from the cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. It’s like having your favorite oatmeal in a more cake-like form!
Yes, you can use rolled oats, but keep in mind that they might not soften as much as quick oats due to their thicker size. The texture will be chewier and less cake-like.
Yes, adding fruit like chopped apples, bananas, or berries is a great way to enhance the flavor and add natural sweetness. Mix them in before cooking, or add them as a topping after microwaving.
The mug cake should be set and slightly springy to the touch. It might look a bit moist on top, but if it’s overly liquidy, give it another 10-15 seconds in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook as it can become rubbery.
I like it with a little glaze (recipe included) but you can drizzle with honey, maple syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Yogurt, nut butter, or a scoop of ice cream also make delicious toppings, along with a sprinkle of nuts or extra cinnamon for a flavor boost.
More Yummy Mug Cakes To Try
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Oatmeal Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup quick oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch nutmeg and salt
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Grab a 12 oz mug and generously spray the inside with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place butter in the mug and microwave it for about 20-30 seconds or until it’s fully melted.
- Add the brown sugar and vanilla to the mug with the melted butter. Whisk them together until well combined.
- Crack an egg into the mug, then add the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until it’s nicely blended.
- Stir in the milk until everything is smoothly incorporated.
- Put the mug in the microwave and heat for 30 seconds. Then pause and stir the mixture to help it cook evenly.
- Microwave for an additional 1 minute. Check if the cake is done—it should be set and slightly springy to the touch.
- Let it cool for a minute or two before enjoying your freshly made oatmeal mug cake!
Notes
- Whisk Thoroughly: Whisk the ingredients vigorously after adding each to break up clumps and incorporate air, making the cake lighter and fluffier.
- Adjust Microwave Time: Microwaves vary in power, so start with the shorter cooking time and add more in short bursts if needed. This prevents overcooking, which can make the cake rubbery.
- Add Toppings: Enhance your mug cake with toppings like a dollop of yogurt, a sprinkle of granola, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup right before serving for added flavor and texture.
- Use a Tall Mug: Choose a tall mug to allow the cake room to rise without spilling over as it cooks.
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
Recipe adapted from Mama Gourmand
