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Golden carrot cake mug cake in rustic ceramic mug on wooden cutting board with warm natural lighting and cozy kitchen background

Carrot Cake Mug Cake

This carrot cake mug cake delivers all the beloved flavors of traditional carrot cake in just 5 minutes using your microwave. With warm cinnamon, brown sugar, and finely shredded carrots, this single-serving dessert is perfect for satisfying sudden cravings without the commitment of a full cake.
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Cooling Time 2 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 mug cake
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ tablespoons butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar packed
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons finely shredded carrot about 28.3g

Equipment

  • Microwave-safe mug (12-ounce)
  • Small mixing bowl
  • - Measuring spoons
  • Fine grater
  • Whisk or fork

Method
 

  1. Clear your counter and gather all ingredients. Ensure your mug is completely clean and dry before beginning.
  2. Place butter in your microwave-safe mug and heat for 20-30 seconds until melted. Be careful not to overheat, and let it cool slightly before proceeding.
  3. Add brown sugar to the melted butter and stir until combined. Next, incorporate vanilla extract and milk, whisking until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy consistency without any lumps.
  4. Measure flour, baking powder, and cinnamon into the mug. Stir gently until just combined – overmixing can create a tough texture. Make sure no flour pockets remain visible.
  5. Gently fold the finely shredded carrots into the batter. This step requires a light touch to maintain the cake's tender crumb. Distribute the carrots evenly throughout the mixture.
  6. Cook for 1 minute 15 seconds on high power. Start checking at 1 minute since microwave strengths vary. The cake should look set but still slightly moist on top.
  7. Allow the carrot cake mug cake to cool for 2-3 minutes before adding toppings. This prevents cream cheese frosting from melting immediately.

Notes

Expert Tips: Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Pat shredded carrots dry to remove excess moisture. Always err on the side of undercooking as residual heat continues the cooking process. Variations: Add mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or a pinch of nutmeg for different flavor profiles. Storage: Best served fresh but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 hours or refrigerated for 24 hours.