How do you make a mug cake without a microwave?

You can absolutely make your white chocolate cranberry mug cake without a microwave! Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the mug cake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Place the mug on a baking sheet for stability and even heating. The oven method takes longer but produces similar results with perhaps even better texture. You can also use a toaster oven set to 325°F for 10-12 minutes if you prefer a smaller appliance. Some people even use air fryers at 320°F for 8-10 minutes, though you'll need to check frequently to prevent overcooking.

Why is my mug cake chewy or hard?

A chewy or hard white chocolate cranberry mug cake usually results from overmixing the batter or cooking too long at too high power. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, creating a tough texture rather than the tender crumb you want. Mix just until ingredients combine – the batter should look slightly lumpy, not smooth. Overcooking also creates a rubbery texture that can't be fixed. Start with shorter cooking times and lower power levels, adding time gradually until you achieve the perfect doneness. Using old or expired baking powder can also create dense results since the cake won't rise properly.

Can I use white chocolate chips in a mug cake?

Yes, white chocolate chips work perfectly in your white chocolate cranberry mug cake! Choose high-quality chips that contain real white chocolate rather than confectionery coating for the best flavor and melting properties. Roughly chop larger chips to distribute more evenly throughout the batter. Mini white chocolate chips often work even better because they disperse more uniformly and create pleasant bursts of creamy sweetness in every bite. If using chips, you might want to reduce any added sugar slightly since chips tend to be sweeter than white chocolate bars.

How do you know when a mug cake is done?

A properly cooked white chocolate cranberry mug cake will spring back lightly when gently touched in the center and pull slightly away from the mug sides. The top should look set but may still appear slightly moist – this is normal and prevents overcooking. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter. The cake will continue cooking slightly from residual heat after removal from the microwave, so it's better to slightly undercook than overcook. Trust the visual and texture cues rather than relying solely on timing, since microwave power varies significantly between models.

White Chocolate Cranberry Mug Cake: Amazing 2-Minute Perfect Recipe

Name: White Chocolate Cranberry Mug Cake: The Perfect Single-Serve Holiday Dessert
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; Pinch of salt; 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate; 1 tablespoon dried cranberries; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 tablespoon melted butter; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Description

A fluffy, festive white chocolate cranberry mug cake that’s ready in just 2 minutes! This single-serving dessert combines creamy white chocolate with tart cranberries for the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. No mixing bowls required – everything mixes right in your mug for easy cleanup and instant gratification.

Ingredients

Scale

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Pinch of salt

2 tablespoons white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate

1 tablespoon dried cranberries

2 tablespoons milk

1 tablespoon melted butter

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. In a microwave-safe mug, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

2. Add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix.

3. Fold in white chocolate pieces and cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

4. Microwave at 70% power for 90 seconds. Check for doneness – the top should look set but slightly moist.

5. If needed, continue cooking in 15-second intervals at 70% power until done.

6. Let cool for 30 seconds before enjoying your perfect single-serving dessert.

Notes

Use real white chocolate rather than confectionery coating for best flavor

Don’t overmix the batter – lumps are okay and ensure tender texture

Cooking times may vary based on microwave wattage – start with less time and add more as needed

For extra richness, top with whipped cream or a drizzle of melted white chocolate

Can be made in oven at 350°F for 12-15 minutes if preferred

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 mug cake
Calories: 285
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg