Name: 5 Minute Carrot Mug Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-490885H57M58S
Total time: PT-490885H57M58S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tbsp milk; 1.5 tbsp oil; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 4 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp sugar; 1/3 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/8 tsp salt; 1/4 cup freshly grated carrots; 1 tbsp cream cheese, room temperature; 1 tbsp heavy cream; 1 tbsp powdered sugar

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Introduction

This 5 Minute Carrot Mug Cake is a quick and delightful treat perfect for when you crave something sweet but don’t want to spend time baking. It combines tender carrot cake flavors with a creamy frosting, all cooked conveniently in your microwave mug.

A clear glass cup filled with a layered dessert shows three visible layers: the bottom layer is creamy white and smooth, the middle layer is a mix of light brown crumbs with small orange carrot shreds, and the top layer is thick, white cream crowned with more brown crumbs and carrot shreds, with a silver spoon inserted into it. There are crumbs scattered around the base on a white marbled surface, with a blurred white and blue cloth in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 tbsp milk
1.5 tbsp oil
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp sugar
1/3 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 cup freshly grated carrots
1 tbsp cream cheese, room temperature
1 tbsp heavy cream
1 tbsp powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: In a microwave-safe mug (about 10-12 oz), combine the milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk well to blend the liquids.
Step 2: Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt into the mug. Stir until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated into the wet mixture.
Step 3: Add the freshly grated carrots to the mug and mix thoroughly so they are evenly distributed in the batter.
Step 4: Microwave the mug for 60 to 90 seconds. Check for doneness by making sure the batter is no longer wet and springs back lightly when poked.
Step 5: Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes before adding the frosting.
Step 6: Prepare the frosting by whisking together the cream cheese, heavy cream, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Serve immediately and enjoy your quick carrot mug cake!

Tips & Variations

Use finely grated carrots to ensure they cook quickly and blend well into the batter.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to enhance the warm spice flavor.
For a nutty crunch, stir in chopped walnuts or pecans before microwaving.
If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond milk and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Storage

This mug cake is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, cover the mug and refrigerate for up to one day. Reheat gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving. Store any leftover frosting separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

The image shows a white glass mug filled with a creamy dessert made in layers. The bottom layer is thick white cream, topped by a layer of crumbled light brown cake mixed with small orange carrot shreds. Above that is another generous layer of white cream, finished with more crumbly cake and carrot shreds sprinkled on top. A silver spoon is partly inside the mug on the right side. The mug sits on a white marbled surface with a soft blue and white cloth blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-grated carrots for this recipe?

Yes, pre-grated carrots can be used, but make sure they are fresh and not too moist to avoid making the batter soggy.

What if my cake seems undercooked after microwaving?

If the cake is still wet after the initial cooking time, microwave in additional 10-15 second bursts until fully cooked, being careful not to overcook and dry it out.