Microwaved Double Chocolate Mug Cake

What if you have only a microwave to bake with, a few baking materials and utensils to use and a few 5 minutes or less to satisfy a craving for something decadent yet relatively healthier than other alternatives you have?   Solution:  make a mug cake.  Single serving mug cakes offer another advantage.  It helps in exercising portion control. 

This recipe is for my students at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) who mentioned that they are interested in microwaved Mug Cakes which they can prepare in their dorm room. 

To My Students:

Most of the items are already in your dorm room.  Other utensils like measuring spoons and cups, bowl and spatula can be purchased at the Dollar Tree or your mom might have extras to spare to lend you.  She will be ecstatic to find out you are actually baking!

You will need for this recipe (and for other single serving recipes):

• a microwave
• a microwave safe mug or any coffee cup
• a cereal bowl to mix your materials in
• a fork
• measuring spoons
• measuring cups
• a spatula
• cooking spray (or oil can also be used instead) 
• milk
• oil
• vanilla extract
• cocoa powder
• chocolate chips
• Homemade Cake Mix (recipe below or if you prefer store bought Yellow Cake Mix)
• flour
• baking powder
• salt
• sugar
• Splenda (if you prefer to cut down some of the sugar)
• large bowl
• a container with cover to store homemade cake mix or ziploc bag

I included the recipe for Homemade Cake Mix or you can use store bought yellow or white cake mix.  The Homemade Cake Mix is so easy to prepare and it is healthier to use since you can control the sugar content and also salt if you are watching both.  The other alternative is to use the original recipe found in Chocolate Covered Katie the way it is (without the banana) and measure the other ingredients needed which are covered by using the mix.  I just prefer to invest the time in preparing Homemade Cake Mix ahead of time to shorten the list of materials to measure in the original recipe and for future recipes.

If you are interested in more healthy desserts and even savory dishes, check out the awesome blog Chocolate Covered Katie that inspired this recipe. 

Microwaved Double Chocolate Mug Cake

(Adapted from Chocolate Covered Katie)

• 3 tbsp Homemade Cake Mix (recipe below or use 3 tbsp from a box of yellow cake mix)
• 1 tbsp + 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp mini chocolate chips (optional)
• 3 tbsps milk
• 2 1/2 tsp oil
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• topping or frosting (chocolate syrup or Cool Whip or Versatile Vegan Chocolate Frosting in this blog)

Grease a coffee mug or cup and set aside.

In a cereal bowl, mix all the dry ingredients including the chocolate chips if using.  Then add the rest of the ingredients and mix thoroughly using a fork.

Transfer the mixture into the coffee mug and microwave for 50-70 seconds (depending on your microwave could be more or less.  The time given will be applicable for 600-700 watt microwave oven at full power which most dorm rooms have.  I have a 1100 watt oven which took 60 seconds but I set it at only 70 % power setting). 

Enjoy straight from the coffee mug.  If you want to impress a BFF or BF you can transfer to a small plate and top with Cool Whip or chocolate syrup or  Versatile Vegan Chocolate Frosting  Believe me you will not need any.  The cake is decadent, moist and chocolatey the way it is. 

Homemade Cake Mix (equivalent to one box of Yellow Cake mix)

(Adapted from I Am Baker)

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (or 3/4 cup sugar and 3/4 cup Splenda)

3 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

Mix all the ingredients in a jar or ziplop bag.  You can use this for several number of single serving recipes.  Check out the Microwaved Pumpkin Mug Cake recipe in this blog.