5 reasons to mug a cake in 5 minutes

If you’re having a lil déjà vu and think you’ve seen the above photograph on a site or two, it means you’re following me on Twitter, and are privy to the fact that I’ve included this recipe when I guest-blogged over at Chai & Biskut a couple of days ago, and mentioned it on my other blog. Now if you find the photograph absolutely new to you, it means you must surely have a good excuse for not following me on Twitter you’re missing out on the easiest chocolate cake recipe.

And even though I find the name ‘Five-Minute Chocolate Mug Cake’ enticing enough, I understand the doubts the naysayers out there may have, and hence, here are five reasons I believe you should give this a try.

#1   It literally takes five minutes
And I’m not saying it takes 5 minutes to bake / microwave, but rather 5 minutes from pantry to table! No preheating of the oven required, because you don’t even need an oven; it’s all achieved by the power of microwave. Of course this is assuming that you already have all the ingredients on hand; I’m not about to be blamed if you’re going to take into account the time you travel to the grocer’s to get that perfect dark chocolate bar.

#2   It is versatile
Listen to your cravings and go crazy with the add-ins;– chocolate chips, marshmallow or even a piece of chocolate;– and you’ll practically be serving different cakes each time. If you feel a need to be healthier, just substitute the all-purpose flour for wholewheat. And if it’s your birthday four months late, just add a scoop of ice-cream after it’s baked. Don’t worry, I won’t tell.

#3   The ingredients matter
It’s not the first time I’ve heard of the chocolate mug cake, but I must say I was skeptical of the taste, since most of the recipes call for vegetable oil and cocoa powder, and being a chocoholic, I prefer a little depth to my chocolate cakes. So when I read Ellie’s tweet (and post), I knew I had to try it immediately, since the recipe calls for real chocolate and butter. And of course I had to throw in a little cinnamon for good measure, and that extra ‘kick’.

#4   No fuss over serving
While I definitely appreciate great food styling and presentation when dining, I have a soft spot for homely comfort food, and when it comes to comfort food, sometimes the messier the better. While it feels more communal digging for your share of fruit cobbler straight from the large casserole with your spoon, there is something comfortingly child-like about eating a cake from within your favourite mug, as you pull your knees together and lounge lazily on your couch.

#5   You are what you eat [from]
A mug cake doesn’t sound too fancy for your tête-à-tête session with the ladies? Then have yours in pretty dainty little teacups (just be sure they’re microwavable), and you’re good to go!

Five-Minute Chocolate Mug Cake
(adapted from here)

50g dark chocolate
3 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons plain flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons sugar
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk

1. Melt the butter and chocolate in a double boiler. Set aside to cool.
2. Add flour, ground cinnamon and sugar to a small mixing bowl, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and mix well. Add the melted chocolate and mix again.
3. Pour the mixture into a large microwavable coffee mug. Microwave for 2 minutes on medium, 1 minute on high. It should be cooked (skewer test comes out with moist crumbs), but still a lil moist. Remember, it will continue to cook while standing.
4. Allow to cool a little, give yourself a pat on the back, and indulge!

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