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!
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!
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!
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!
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
- Chocolate Chip Mug Cake (Easy & Healthy Recipe)
- Healthy Apple Cake in a Mug
- Easy and Healthy Pancake in a Mug
- Cookie in a Mug
- Hot Chocolate Mug Cake (Easy and Healthy Recipe!)
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 Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see your photos!
Carrot Cake in a Mug Recipe
Equipment
- Mug
Ingredients
- 30 g Whole Wheat Plain Flour 1/4 cup
- 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 10 g Coconut Sugar 1 tbsp
- Pinch of Salt
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 3 tbsp Milk
- 20 g Grated Carrot around 1/3 cup grated carrot
- 10 g Walnuts optional
- Vanilla Yoghurt for serving optional
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.
