This easy and healthy Carrot Cake in a Mug is such a game-changer for dessert or breakfast! With a handful of pantry staples, a mug, and a microwave, you can effortlessly whip up a moist and decadent carrot cake mug cake that nourishes your soul and your body. If you’re looking for a healthy mug cake recipe, a vegan mug cake recipe, or even just a simple but delicious one, you’ve come to the right place!

Healthy Carrot Mug Cake.

What is a mug cake?

Mug cakes have become a beloved solution for those spontaneous sweet cravings, offering a quick and effortless route to indulgence. The beauty of mug cakes lies in their simplicity; a handful of basic ingredients, a mug, and a microwave are all it takes to conjure up a warm and satisfying treat. These single-serving wonders come together in mere minutes, making them an ideal option for those moments when a dessert craving strikes unexpectedly. The process involves whisking the ingredients directly in the mug, popping it into the microwave, and voilà—a delicious, freshly baked cake emerges, ready to be enjoyed straight from the mug.

My mug cake recipes are obviously also healthy! They’re made with simple nourishing ingredients, but they still taste exactly like cake, and they will undoubtedly satisfy your cravings while also nourishing your body. You might also enjoy my Chocolate Chip Mug Cake, Hot Chocolate Mug Cake, or Apple Mug Cake Recipes!

Ingredients for a healthy mug cake.

How to make a Carrot Mug Cake

All my mug cakes start with the same ingredient base (see below for substitutions):

  • Flour: I use whole wheat flour as it contains more nutrients, protein, and fibre compared to refined white flour.
  • Sugar: I use coconut sugar to keep this mug cake refined sugar-free.
  • Baking Powder: This is the raising agent and is what makes the mug cake nice and fluffy.
  • Salt: Always, ALWAYS add a pinch of salt to anything sweet as it enhances the flavours.
  • Oil: While it is possible to make this mug cake oil-free, I prefer it with oil as it turns out more moist and decadent. I use extra virgin olive oil, which has many health benefits.
  • Milk: To bring the cake batter to the right consistency, milk will do the trick.
  • Carrots: You will obviously need some carrots!
  • Nuts: This is optional, but I love adding some nuts to my carrot cake in a mug, my favourite is walnuts!
Healthy Carrot Cake in the microwave.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Flour: This recipe is so forgiving and versatile; you can use any of these flours – Plain White Flour, Plain Wholemeal, Gluten-free Blend, Oat Flour, or Spelt Flour.
  • Sugar: Any sugar or sweetener will work. You can use liquid sweetener but reduce the amount of milk you add by 1 tbsp.
  • Oil: You can use any liquid oil or even melted butter. You can also make a mug cake with no oil by just omitting the oil and adding extra milk; however, the texture will be less moist.
  • Milk: You can use any milk – cow’s milk or even plant milk to make a dairy-free or vegan mug cake. In fact, you can actually just use water – I do this often if I’m running low on milk.

The process is super easy:

No, really – you just need to combine the ingredients and microwave it for 1-2 minutes. That’s why I love mug cakes – they’re ready in under 5 minutes!

How long to microwave a mug cake:

This really depends on your microwave and your texture preference and might take some experimenting on your part. I would say start with one minute, and then if you feel it needs a bit longer, pop it back in. I do around one and a half minutes, and it comes out like moist cake. Sometimes I go for less time if I want it nice and gooey!

Carrot cake in a mug.

Are microwaves bad for you?

I get a lot of comments about microwaves being bad for you, and while I understand why you could have that concern, I don’t share that concern. I won’t go into detail, but here is a helpful blog post about microwave cooking and nutrition that you can read and make your decision.

How to store a mug cake

Generally, mug cakes are made right when you want them, but if you want to prepare a carrot mug cake ahead of time, you can do that!

Simply make the recipe as instructed and then leave it to cool completely. Wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and leave it in the fridge until you want to eat it. You can eat it cold or reheat it in the microwave for 30 seconds.

More Healthy Mug Cake Recipes

Hey! If you make this recipe, I would love it if you could leave me some feedback and a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in the comment section at the bottom of the page! Also let me know on FacebookInstagram or Pinterest! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see your photos!

Healthy Carrot Cake in the microwave.

Carrot Cake in a Mug Recipe

Carrot Cake in under 5 minutes? YES PLEASE! All you need is a few nourishing pantry staples, a mug and a microwave.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine 5 minute Recipe, Healthy
Servings 1 mug cake
Calories 326 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Add all ingredients apart from carrot and walnuts to a small mixing bowl and mix with a fork to combine.
  • Add in grated carrot and crushed walnuts and mix them in.
  • Transfer the mixture into a microwaveable mug.
  • Microwave for 2 minutes (see notes).
  • Add yoghurt on top.

Notes

*see blog post contents above for ingredient substitutions.
When it comes to microwaving this beauty, I would say start with one minute, and then if you feel it needs a bit longer, pop it back in. I do two minutes for this mug cake and it comes out like moist cake. Sometimes I go for less time if I want it nice and gooey!
MEASUREMENTS:
Whilst I do provide the US cup measurements for the recipe, I always recommend using a kitchen weighing scale and using the weighted measurements instead. This will result in a more accurate process and your cake will come out perfectly.
MORE INFO:
Read the blog post before making this Carrot Mug Cake for extra tips, ingredient substitutions and storage instructions.
NUTRITIONAL INFO:
These nutritional values are provided as a guide only and may be different depending on your ingredients and measurements.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Carrot Cake in a Mug Recipe
Serving Size
 
1 mug cake
Amount per Serving
Calories
326
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
19.6
g
30
%
Carbohydrates
 
28.6
g
10
%
Protein
 
7.1
g
14
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Did you make this?Leave a rating & leave some feedback in the comments section below! You can also tag me on Instagram @Nourishing.Niki and use the #NourishingNiki