Why is my mug cake chewy?

If your strawberry mug cake turns out chewy, you’ve likely overmixed the batter or microwaved it too long. Over-stirring activates the gluten in the flour, which leads to a rubbery texture. The trick is to mix just enough to combine the ingredients and stop. Microwaves also vary in power—start with 1 minute and 15 seconds, and then use 10-second intervals to avoid drying it out. Always let it rest for 30 seconds after cooking, which helps the heat distribute and finish the job.

What are the ingredients for a mug cake?

A standard mug cake typically includes flour, sugar, baking powder, a fat (like oil or butter), a liquid (milk), and flavoring (like vanilla or cocoa). This strawberry mug cake adds in fresh strawberries and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. It’s an ideal balance of pantry-friendly and naturally sweet. For more variations, explore carrot mug cake or check out our top dessert mug treats for seasonal twists.

How to make a mug cake with 3 ingredients?

If you want to simplify even more, you can try mixing self-rising flour, a splash of milk, and a mashed strawberry or two. While this won’t be as rich or structured as the full strawberry mug cake, it’s a quick solution when you’re short on time and ingredients.

Strawberry Mug Cake – Quick 5-Minute Recipe With Fresh Flavor

Description

A soft, fluffy strawberry mug cake made in minutes using fresh strawberries and simple pantry ingredients. No oven needed—just a microwave and your favorite mug.

Ingredients

Scale

0.25 cup All-Purpose Flour

1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil

1.5 Tablespoons Cane Sugar

0.5 Teaspoon Baking Powder

3 Tablespoons Non-Dairy Milk

0.25 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1 Pinch of Salt (about ⅛ teaspoon)

2–3 Medium Fresh Strawberries, Diced

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Instructions

1. Add the Wet Ingredients: First add coconut oil, non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, and sugar to a microwave-safe mug. Whisk together.

2. Add the Dry Ingredients: Add flour and baking powder to the mug. Gently mix everything into a batter, scraping down the sides.

3. Add the Strawberries: Dice strawberries and fold some into the batter. Save a few to sprinkle on top.

4. Microwave: Heat on high for 1 minute 15 seconds. If the batter is still wet, cook in 10-second intervals.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Top with vegan whipped cream or chocolate chips.

Notes

Use an 8–12 oz mug to prevent overflow.

Avoid overmixing to keep texture fluffy.

Microwave power varies—adjust cook time as needed.

Try almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 mug
Calories: 220
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg