Some times I just want a quick bite of dessert without having to bake and frost a whole cake. When the sweet craving strikes, this delicious peanut butter cake comes to the rescue. This easy-to-make chocolate peanut butter mug cake is a tasty treat that can be made in just five minutes.
It's an easy recipe without eggs that tastes like a decadent treat. The peanut butter chocolate combo makes this one of my favorite desserts. Next time you don't have the time or energy to bake, whip up this easy microwave mug cake to cure your sweet tooth.
If you're interested in more easy, quick treats you must try my Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake or The BEST Biscoff Mug Cake!
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What is a Mug Cake?
A mug cake is exactly what it sounds like! It is a cake that is made in a large, microwave-safe mug and cooked in the microwave for a few minutes.
Mug cakes are single-serving desserts or can be shared between two people. The great part about making a cake in a mug is that you don’t need a lot of equipment to make them - just a mug, spoon, and microwave.
Ingredient Notes
This peanut butter mug cake is made with just a few simple ingredients:
- All Purpose Flour - This recipe uses just a small amount of all-purpose flour. If you're following a gluten free diet, you can easily swap this for a gluten free 1-to-1 flour. Because of the small amount of flour, no additional adjustments are needed.
- Baking Powder - To help the mug cake rise and keep the texture light and fluffy.
- Oil - Any light flavored cooking oil will work fine in this recipe. I like using coconut oil or vegetable oil.
- Milk - I like to use almond milk, but you can use any other plant-based milk alternative that you prefer. If you're not vegan or dairy free, use regular whole milk in the same measure.
- Vanilla Extract - This adds a dash of yummy sweet vanilla flavor to the cake.
- Sugar - Just a little sugar is added to sweeten the cake and provide that delicious salty sweet flavor. You can also replace the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup for a naturally sweetened option.
- Salt - Just a tiny bit of salt helps to enhance the nutty peanut flavor.
- Peanut Butter - Creamy peanut butter will work best for this recipe. It doesn't matter whether its natural peanut butter or the no-stir type. You can also use other nut butters or sunflower seed butter if you prefer. I like making it with almond butter for a flavor change.
- Dark Chocolate Chips - Mini chocolate chips are the perfect match for this peanut butter cake.
See the recipe card for full ingredient list with quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Make it with Egg - Reduce the milk to 2 Tablespoons and add 1 egg yolk.
- Make it Without Peanuts - Replace peanut butter with your favorite nut butter.
- Chip Change Up - Add extra chocolate chips or replace with white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips for a flavor change up!
- Not Dairy Free - If you're not dairy free or vegan, use regular whole milk in place of the almond milk.
- Mix in a few mini Reese's peanut butter cups to take this easy dessert to the next level!
How to Make a Peanut Butter Mug Cake
This peanut butter mug cake recipe is made right in your coffee cup. But if you prefer, you can mix it in a small bowl and pour it into the mug right before microwaving.
- STEP ONE: Combine the oil and peanut butter in a 15 ounce microwave safe mug. Stir really well until it's very smooth with no chunks of peanut butter remaining. You can microwave it for about 15 seconds if your peanut butter is stiff.
- STEP TWO: Add the milk and vanilla to the peanut butter mixture and stir well.
- STEP THREE: Add the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Stir well.
- STEP FOUR: Top the cake batter with chocolate chips.
- STEP FIVE: Cook for 1 minute 45 seconds. Continue to cook in 15 second intervals until the cake is slightly sticky on top and the top springs back when gently poked. Cooking time will vary depending on the power of your microwave. I used a 1200 w microwave for testing this recipe.
- STEP SIX: Remove from the microwave and let the cake cool for 1-2 minutes before eating.
Serving Suggestions
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- A drizzle of chocolate sauce
- Chopped nuts
- Fresh berries
Expert Tips
- Make sure to use the right mug size. A 15 ounce coffee mug will give plenty of space for your cake to rise without spilling over the sides.
- Depending on the power of your microwave, you may need to adjust the cooking time of the cake. Start by cooking it for less time, and then cook more if needed.
- If you really like your cake denser or firmer, simply return to the microwave and bake for an extra 10 seconds or until it reaches your favorite texture.
- It is best to enjoy a mug cake fresh from the microwave while it is still warm. But wait a minute before digging in otherwise you may burn your mouth.
- This recipe was made for the microwave, but if you don’t have a microwave you can bake the mug cake at 375F / 180°C for 8 - 10 minutes.
Recipe FAQs
It is so disappointing when a mug cake turns out with a rubbery texture. This mug cake is light and fluffy in texture which is easy to achieve with the right ingredients and method. The unfortunate chewy texture of some mug cakes is often due to too much oil or overcooking the cake.
Use the time provided in the recipe as a guide, but remember that each microwave is different, so it will take a little bit of practice to find your perfect amount of cooking time. Once your mug cake has finished 'baking,' it should be slightly wet and sticky in the center. If it's still completely wet, put it back in the microwave for 15 second increments until you achieve that perfect, slightly sticky consistency that will give you a fluffy cake.
Mug cakes are best eaten warm & freshly made. But if you do have any leftovers they can be reheated and enjoyed within the day of making. Mug cakes aren't suitable for freezing but the batter can be made in advance. Simply make the batter ahead of time and store it in the mug. Cover the mug with cling wrap until you are ready to cook it.
if you love this recipe...
10 Easy Mug Cakes You Must Try!
Check out this list when your next sweet craving hits.
If you try this recipe, please leave a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 star rating and let me know how you liked it in the comments below.
Recipe
Peanut Butter Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Peanut Butter
- 1 ½ Tablespoon Oil
- 3 Tablespoons Milk vegan or dairy
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 2 Tablespoons Sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Baking Powder
- pinch Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Dark Chocolate Chips measure with your heart :)
Instructions
- Combine the peanut butter and oil in a 15 ounce microwave safe coffee mug. Stir well until the peanut butter is completely creamy. If you have stiff peanut butter, microwave it for about 15 seconds.2 Tablespoons Peanut Butter, 1 ½ Tablespoon Oil
- Add the milk and vanilla extract and stir well.3 Tablespoons Milk, 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Add the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir again until the dry ingredients are incorporated and there are no lumps remaining.2 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour, 2 Tablespoons Sugar, ¼ teaspoon Baking Powder, pinch Salt
- Sprinkle the top with mini chocolate chips.1 Tablespoon Dark Chocolate Chips
- Microwave for 1 minute 45 seconds. If it's not ready, continue to microwave in 15 second intervals. The top should be slightly sticky and springy when it's done. Microwave time will vary depending on the power - my microwave is 1200 watts.
- Remove from the microwave and cool for 1-2 minutes before enjoying.
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