Spiced Mug Cake: 4 Simple Steps

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The taste of spiced mug cake is warm and delicious. For those who don’t like the sweetness of Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake, Spiced mug cake is a perfect choice. The blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and sometimes cloves brings a warm, spicy flavor. The moderate sweetness from the sugar and the softness of the cake creates a pleasant, comfortable feeling. Each piece of cake brings an explosion of flavor, with the characteristic aroma of spices spreading, making each enjoyment special and unforgettable. Instead of hastily enjoying a spiced mug cake, we can learn the following simple recipe to make it at home, with easy-to-find and replace ingredients. Not only that, the process of making the cake together will also create a memorable memory for the whole family.

How to make spiced mug cake?

Spiced mug cake can be served any time of day because of its easy-to-eat flavor similar to 3 ingredient mug cake. Therefore, with an easy-to-follow 4-step recipe, easy-to-find ingredients, and quick preparation time, spiced mug cake can be a favorite cake of all family members.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Spiced mug cake is a great cake for anyone, even busy people. I also often make spiced mug cake for my husband for a quick breakfast before work. Because the tools to make the cake are also very simple. Let’s get ready the following equipment to be able to enjoy your spiced mug cake anytime

1. Ceramic mug: ceramic material is considered quite good and safe to use in microwave ovens because it has undergone a high-temperature firing process.

However, ceramic mugs are not resistant to thermal shock so they will break easily, users should note to leave food taken from the refrigerator outside for a while before putting them in the microwave.

2. Microwave Oven: The primary tool for cooking the mug cake. Ensure your microwave is functioning properly and adjust cooking times as needed based on its power.

3. Measuring stuff: spoon, cups.

4. Small Whisk: a small whisk can help ensure a smoother batter.

5. Oven Mitts or Towel: gloves or towels help you remove the cake from the microwave safely and easily.

Note before baking:

Firstly, you should not mix the dough for too long or too much, to avoid the cake being dry, not rising well, and easily becoming tough.

Secondly, you should not arbitrarily change the amount of baking powder as prescribed, because if you add more baking powder, the cake will be bitter, and if you add less baking powder, the cake will not rise well.

Ingredients For spiced mug cake

You can see pumpkin spice mug cake has pumpkin puree as its main ingredient. To bring a more special and impressive flavor, the most important ingredient in spiced mug cake is spices, especially cinnamon. Cinnamon, along with other spices such as nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, creates a warm and rich flavor that is characteristic of spiced mug cake. Spices not only bring an attractive aroma but also highlight the sweetness and create a pleasant feeling when enjoying the cake.

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons milk (any kind)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to make spiced mug cake

I want to dedicate this special recipe to everyone. You can easily make it because the recipe is wrapped in 4 steps. The warm, soft, and special flavor reminds me of pumpkin spice mug cake with the combination of the sweetness of pumpkin and the typical spices of autumn. I believe this recipe will bring the same complete flavors to your spiced mug cake.

Step 1: Mix Ingredients

Using a 14- to 16-ounce microwave-safe cup, combine 2 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons milk, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extracts granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Step 2: Dissolve ingredients in microwave

Microwave on high for 45 seconds. Stir with a spoon until butter melts.

Step 3: Continue mixing more ingredients

Add seasoning ingredients: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, pinch of salt. Stir with a fork until combined.

Step 4: Bake spiced mug cake in microwave

Microwave on high until cake is set, about 2 minutes. Top with a scoop of ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce and enjoy

Recipe variations

You don’t have to make the cream cheese frosting, but it will add a richer flavor to the cake. To make the mug cake frosting: Beat 1 ounce (30 g) of softened cream cheese, 1 ounce (30 g) of softened butter, and 4–6 tablespoons (45 g) of icing sugar until it’s light and fluffy. You can use a stand mixer or a food processor with a whisk attachment to whip the frosting.

Note: Adding more sugar makes the frosting stiffer.

Frosting

• 200g softened butter
• 400g powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Topping

• Crushed cashews, walnuts, or almonds
• Chocolate chips, fresh fruit, or small candies
• Additional ground cinnamon or cocoa powder for dusting

Olivia’s Helpful Tips

I get it, you follow the recipe, and still, your cake does not turn out as intended…please try again! I hope this will help you to identify what are the key things that are missing in your baking. All of my tips are in the details.

Use cooled melted butter, but canola or vegetable oil is better because it keeps the cake moist. Place a paper towel under the mug in case of spillage.

As long as the muffin rises, DO NOT put it in the microwave!! When the cake is a little bit puffy, do not lift it but pour some in and keep the dish under to catch any batter that comes up as mentioned above. Do not open the microwave when it rises because if you do, it is gonna fall. The timing is increased by 35 seconds to allow for a more even bake in the middle, and since you are reducing the enamel power by half. Make sure your cup is bigger than you think necessary. It will rise and could overflow everywhere if the cup is too small.

When you take the cake out of a glass, it may be practical to rest in some liquid. (But you can pop it back into the microwave and cook a little bit more if you want. This happens virtually every time, at least for me.) The cup should only be half full because it is easy to overflow.

If you prefer regular “cake”, dump it out of the mug. Slice the cake in half and fill with jam or buttercream. You can go ahead and frost the cake too if you wish! It can be served with ice cream or whipped cream for dessert. Basically, it teaches you how to make a spiced mug cake (served with ice cream or whipped cream!)

Best tip: Add marshmallows to the chocolate cake for an extra treat!

Nutrition Facts of Spiced Mug Cake

Spiced mug cake is a cake that easily wins the hearts of every family member. Check out the nutritional breakdown below to see just how it is for your family’s health!  

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	350 kcal	18%
Total Fat	15 g	23%
Saturated Fat	8 g	40%
Cholesterol	55 mg	18%
Total Carbohydrates	50 g	17%
Fiber	2 g	8%

What are ingredient substitutes?

Because I don’t want to interrupt your passion for baking, I would like to suggest some alternatives to the original ingredients after many times making spiced mug cake. The following ingredients are all very easy to find, and sometimes if you don’t like certain ingredients, this can be the perfect substitute for you. 

Ingredient	Ingredient substitutes
Buttermilk	Sour cream or plain yogurt
Milk	Plant-based milk
Whipped sugar	Mini Chocolate Chips
Flour	Almond Flour ( texture will be more dense and nutty) Oat FlourGluten-Free Flour Mix
Sugar	Honey or Maple Syrup, Coconut Sugar
Baking Powder	Baking Soda and Cream of Tartar

Tips for Substitutions:

• When using liquid sweeteners hen using (like honey) or fruit purees (like applesauce), you might need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe to maintain the batter’s right consistency.
• Some substitutes can alter the flavor slightly. Adjust the amount of spices or extracts to balance the taste according to your preference.
• Substitutes may slightly change the texture and moisture content, so check the mug cake frequently to avoid overcooking.

What can spiced mug cake be served with?

If pumpkin spice mug cake is usually eaten alone because it is already sweet, then the spiced mug cake can be eaten with sweet fillings (fruit jam, fruit, syrup, honey…) or enjoyed with a cup of tea, a glass of milk, coffee, or cider… will create a particularly attractive flavor for this cake.

Final thought

When you master the spiced mug cake, you will feel: Why didn’t I know this recipe sooner? 4 simple steps with easy-to-prepare ingredients, delicious cakes are baked. We hope that these useful tips and alternative ingredient recipes will help you overcome all barriers to your passion for baking.

Spiced mug cake FAQs

Why does mug cake become hard?

Mug cake becomes hard if you overmix the batter after adding flour. Overmixing activates gluten, making the cake dry and hard.

Can you eat undercooked mug cake?

Eating undercooked mug cake can make you sick. The raw ingredients, such as eggs and flour, may contain harmful bacteria.

Why does my mug cake taste bitter?

Your mug cake tastes bitter because it likely contains too much baking soda or baking powder. Excess amounts of these ingredients can cause a metallic and bitter taste.