13 Mug Cake Recipes for When You Want Dessert for One Right Now

It is late, the house is quiet, and you want something sweet. Not a whole pan of brownies, just one warm treat. A mug cake is the answer. With a few spoons of pantry staples and about 90 seconds in the microwave, you get a soft, fresh cake made just for you. Below are our favorite single serving desserts, from molten chocolate to lemon and carrot cake. Craving even fewer ingredients? Try our 5 ingredient desserts. Grab a mug and a spoon..

The Classic Chocolate Mug Cake, Ready in 90 Seconds

This is the mug cake that started the whole trend. Rich cocoa, a little sugar and flour, a splash of milk and oil, all stirred right in the mug. Ninety seconds later you have a fluffy chocolate cake with a soft, almost gooey middle. Top it with toasted marshmallow and chopped dark chocolate and it feels like a bakery dessert. Microwaves differ, so start with less time and add 10 seconds if needed. Would you eat it plain or loaded with toppings?

You will need: 4 tablespoons flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, pinch of salt, 3 tablespoons milk, 2 tablespoons oil, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, 1 tablespoon chocolate chips, marshmallows for topping.

How to make it: 1. Mix dry ingredients in a large mug. 2. Stir in milk, oil and vanilla until smooth. 3. Drop chocolate chips on top. 4. Microwave 70 to 90 seconds until risen but still soft. 5. Top with marshmallows and toast with a kitchen torch or under the broiler in an oven safe mug.

Molten Lava Mug Cake With a Hidden Center

Restaurant lava cake at home, with no oven and no ramekins. The secret is a spoon of chocolate spread or a square of chocolate pushed into the middle of the batter. As the mug cake cooks, the outside sets and the center stays melted. When you dig in, warm chocolate pours out. Add a few berries on the side to cut the richness. Poll: A) with ice cream, B) with berries, C) with whipped cream, D) just a spoon?

You will need: 4 tablespoons flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons milk, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 tablespoon chocolate hazelnut spread.

How to make it: 1. Whisk egg, milk and butter in a mug. 2. Stir in flour, sugar, cocoa and baking powder. 3. Drop the chocolate spread into the center and push it down. 4. Microwave 60 to 70 seconds. 5. Rest 1 minute, then dig in.

Quick Chocolate Mousse for One

Not every single serving dessert needs to be baked. This quick mousse uses melted chocolate folded into whipped cream, and it is ready in about 10 minutes. It is light, silky and feels fancy, especially in a little glass with a strawberry on top. Make it before dinner and let it chill while you eat. Is mousse more of a date night dessert or an any night dessert for you?

You will need: 2 oz dark chocolate, 1/3 cup heavy cream (divided), 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, 1 strawberry for topping.

How to make it: 1. Microwave chocolate with 1 tablespoon cream in 15 second bursts until smooth. 2. Let it cool slightly. 3. Whip the rest of the cream with sugar and vanilla to soft peaks. 4. Fold chocolate into the cream in two parts. 5. Spoon into a glass and chill 20 minutes.

Berry Yogurt Parfait, the Lighter Choice

On nights when you want something sweet but lighter than a mug cake, a parfait hits the spot. Layer thick yogurt, crunchy granola and fresh berries in a glass and drizzle with a little honey. Greek yogurt adds protein, berries add fiber, and the crunch keeps it interesting. It also works as a quick breakfast. Which berry do you reach for first: strawberries, blueberries or raspberries?

You will need: 3/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, 1/3 cup granola, 1/2 cup mixed berries.

How to make it: 1. Stir honey and vanilla into the yogurt. 2. Spoon a layer of yogurt into a glass. 3. Add a layer of berries and granola. 4. Repeat the layers. 5. Finish with berries and a drizzle of honey.

Tiramisu for One in a Glass

Love tiramisu but do not need a whole tray? Make one perfect portion in a glass. Ladyfingers dipped in coffee are layered with a sweet mascarpone cream and dusted with cocoa. There is no baking at all, and it tastes even better after an hour in the fridge, so make it after lunch for a treat later. Coffee lovers, this one is for you. Would you add a splash of coffee liqueur or keep it simple?

You will need: 3 ladyfingers, 1/4 cup strong coffee cooled, 1/4 cup mascarpone, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, cocoa powder.

How to make it: 1. Whip mascarpone, cream, sugar and vanilla until smooth. 2. Break ladyfingers in half and dip quickly in coffee. 3. Layer ladyfingers and cream in a glass. 4. Repeat once more. 5. Dust with cocoa and chill at least 30 minutes.

Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake With Cream Cheese Glaze

All the flavor of a gooey cinnamon roll in about two minutes. A simple vanilla mug cake gets a swirl of butter, brown sugar and cinnamon, then a drizzle of tangy cream cheese glaze. The kitchen will smell like a bakery on a Sunday morning. It is perfect with a cup of coffee on a cold day. Would you make this one for breakfast or dessert?

You will need: 4 tablespoons flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 3 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla; swirl: 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; glaze: 1 tablespoon cream cheese, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon milk.

How to make it: 1. Mix the batter in a mug. 2. Stir the swirl ingredients together. 3. Drop the swirl on top and pull a knife through. 4. Microwave 60 to 75 seconds. 5. Whisk the glaze and drizzle over the warm cake.

Blueberry Muffin in a Mug

When a muffin craving hits, you do not need to bake a dozen. This mug muffin is tender and buttery, studded with juicy blueberries and topped with a little sugar for crunch. Fresh or frozen berries both work. It makes a sweet breakfast on a busy morning or a cozy afternoon snack. Do you like your muffins with a crumb topping or a sugar crust?

You will need: 4 tablespoons flour, 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, pinch of salt, 3 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, 2 tablespoons blueberries, 1 teaspoon coarse sugar.

How to make it: 1. Stir the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a mug. 2. Add milk, butter and vanilla. 3. Fold in blueberries. 4. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top. 5. Microwave 60 to 80 seconds until the top springs back.

Banana Bread Mug Cake for That One Brown Banana

Have one sad, spotty banana on the counter? Turn half of it into a banana bread mug cake. It is moist and sweet, with warm cinnamon and a few chopped walnuts if you like a crunch. It tastes like a fresh slice of banana bread, without heating the oven or waiting an hour. Poll time: A) walnuts, B) chocolate chips, C) both, D) nothing extra?

You will need: 1/2 ripe banana mashed, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 tablespoon milk, 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar, 4 tablespoons flour, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, pinch of cinnamon and salt, 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts.

How to make it: 1. Mash the banana in a mug. 2. Stir in butter, milk and brown sugar. 3. Add flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. 4. Fold in walnuts. 5. Microwave 70 to 90 seconds and cool for a minute.

Bright and Zesty Lemon Mug Cake

Lemon desserts feel like sunshine, even in November. This lemon mug cake uses fresh zest and juice for real citrus flavor, then gets a quick glaze of powdered sugar and lemon juice. It is soft, light and just sweet enough. Make it when you want something fresh after a heavy dinner. Are you a lemon dessert fan, or is chocolate always the winner at your house?

You will need: 4 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon oil, zest of 1/2 lemon; glaze: 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon lemon juice.

How to make it: 1. Rub sugar and lemon zest together in a mug. 2. Add flour and baking powder. 3. Stir in milk, lemon juice and oil. 4. Microwave 60 to 75 seconds. 5. Mix the glaze and pour it over the warm cake.

Carrot Cake Mug Cake With a Little Frosting

Carrot cake in a mug sounds strange until you taste it. Finely grated carrot keeps the cake moist, and cinnamon and nutmeg make it taste like the real thing. A small spoon of cream cheese frosting on top melts into the warm cake. Pair it with a cup of tea for a cozy afternoon. Would you add raisins, or are you firmly against raisins in cake?

You will need: 4 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, pinch of nutmeg, 3 tablespoons finely grated carrot, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon oil, 1 tablespoon cream cheese frosting.

How to make it: 1. Mix flour, brown sugar, baking powder and spices in a mug. 2. Stir in carrot, milk and oil. 3. Add raisins or nuts if you like. 4. Microwave 70 to 90 seconds. 5. Cool 2 minutes and top with frosting.

Peanut Butter Mug Cake for Protein Lovers

Peanut butter fans, this one is dense, nutty and very satisfying. Peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats, so it keeps you full longer than a plain sweet. Swirl in a spoon of jam for a peanut butter and jelly twist, or add chocolate chips. It is great after a workout when you want something comforting. Which way would you go: A) with jam, B) with chocolate, C) plain and simple?

You will need: 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons milk, 2 tablespoons sugar or honey, 3 tablespoons flour, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1 tablespoon jam or chocolate chips.

How to make it: 1. Stir peanut butter and egg together in a mug until smooth. 2. Add milk and sugar. 3. Mix in flour and baking powder. 4. Swirl in jam or chips. 5. Microwave 60 to 80 seconds.

Smores in a Mug, No Campfire Needed

Miss campfire nights? This mug version gives you graham cracker crumbs, melted chocolate and gooey marshmallows in every spoonful. Layer them in a mug with a little chocolate cake batter in the middle and finish with marshmallows that puff up in the microwave. It is messy, sweet and pure fun for kids and adults. Who in your family is the best marshmallow toaster?

You will need: 2 graham crackers crushed, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 3 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon cocoa, 3 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon oil, 1 tablespoon chocolate chips, 6 mini marshmallows.

How to make it: 1. Mix graham crumbs and butter and press half into a mug. 2. Stir flour, sugar, cocoa, milk and oil into a batter. 3. Pour over the crust and add chips. 4. Microwave 60 seconds. 5. Top with marshmallows and remaining crumbs and microwave 15 seconds more.

Birthday Funfetti Mug Cake for Any Day

Who says you need a birthday to enjoy funfetti? This vanilla mug cake is packed with colorful sprinkles and topped with a little frosting. It is cheerful, quick and a fun way to celebrate a small win like finishing a hard week. Kids love making their own. Which mug cake from this list are you making first? Tell us in the comments!

You will need: 4 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 3 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon oil, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, 1 tablespoon rainbow sprinkles, 1 tablespoon vanilla frosting.

How to make it: 1. Mix flour, sugar and baking powder in a mug. 2. Stir in milk, oil and vanilla. 3. Fold in most of the sprinkles. 4. Microwave 60 to 75 seconds. 5. Cool, frost and add the rest of the sprinkles.