How to Make Cake in a Microwave Oven

When your sweet tooth is clamoring for your attention but you don't have the time, money or inclination to make a bakery run, try whipping up a fast snack in your microwave instead. Follow the directions below and in less than five minutes you'll be eating a piece of warm, homemade cake. Simple enough for kids and easy to adapt to suit your tastes, this recipe is quick to prepare and creates almost no mess.

Things You'll Need

• 2 microwave-safe coffee mugs, 16 ounces or larger
• Non-stick cooking spray
• 1/3 cup of cake mix, any flavor
• 1 medium egg
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Coat the coffee mug with cooking spray, applying a light and even layer to the inside of the mug.

2. Combine the cake mix, egg, oil and water in a small bowl and mix well with a fork. Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. The ingredients can also be mixed inside the mug, reducing clean up time.

3. Pour the batter into the mug and place the mug in the microwave.

4. Pour one cup of water into a second mug and place it inside the microwave next to the cake batter.

5. Microwave on high for three minutes. The cake might rise above the rim of the mug, but don't worry. If you followed the recipe it won't spill over. The effectiveness of microwaves varies by wattage and by altitude. If the cake does not appear done, microwave it in 15 second intervals until cake springs back when touched in the center.

6. Remove the mug using a pot holder. Be careful; the mug will be very hot.

7. Run a knife around the edge of the mug to loosen the cake. Then invert the mug onto a plate to remove the finished product from the mug. If the cake shows signs of sticking, pry it loose with the edge of the knife. Alternatively, the cake can be eaten directly from the mug.

Tips & Warnings

• For variation, stir one tablespoon of any flavored baking chips, miniature marshmallow or chopped nuts into the batter prior to cooking. Add a scoop of ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, a spoonful of fresh fruit or any combination of the three. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate syrup. Split the warm cake in half lengthwise and spread peanut butter, jam or hazelnut spread across the slices.

Resources

• Microwave Cake Recipes at Allrecipes.com