Skip Preheating with These Easy Low-Ingredient Microwave Mug Cakes You Can Whip Up in Minutes

If you do not have an oven or wish to avoid using one, this one's for you. You can easily whip up deliciousness in minutes; that too hands-free and throwing in ingredients in a mug without much worry.

Conventional baking takes time and with our busy lives going through all the motions to bake a confection can be difficult. For such cases, microwave baking is a great solution, for it allows you to whip up tasty baked treats in a fraction of the usual time, without even turning your oven on.

It could be the end of the month, you might be low on energy but the weather or your mood might dictate that you have to have a confection. But you also do not want to spend too much money or go out; raid your pantry and put some kitchen staples in a microwave-safe mug! With just a few minutes you can make delicious custards, cookies and puddings without the hassle of the heaving oven.

1. Microwave Fruit Custard

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped fruits (grapes, bananas, apples)

Instructions:

• In a microwave-safe bowl, whisk the eggs well until light and fluffy.
• Add the milk and sugar to the eggs and whisk to combine well.
• Drop in the chopped fruits gently.
• Microwave on high for 1 minute. Once it stops, stir the mixture.
• Microwave for another 30 seconds. Check if the custard has thickened slightly by running a spoon through the center after it stops.
• If not set, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the custard coats the back of the spoon.
• Allow to cool slightly before serving. You can also refrigerate and enjoy it chilled.

2. Microwave Chocolate Souffle

Ingredients:

• 3 eggs, separated
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup milk
• Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar or ice cream for serving

Instructions:

• Grease a microwave-safe soufflé dish or large mug with butter. Dust with cocoa powder and tap out excess.
• In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 1/6 cup sugar until pale. Whisk in cocoa powder and milk.
• In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the remaining sugar.
• Gently fold one-third of the egg whites into the yolk mixture to lighten it. Then fold in the remaining whites just until combined.
• Pour the batter into the prepared dish. Microwave on high for 1 minute.
• Dust the soufflé with powdered sugar and serve immediately, with ice cream if desired. Enjoy!

3. Microwave Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 2 very ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup cup cup oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

• In a large microwave-safe bowl, mix the mashed bananas and brown sugar until well combined.
• Beat in the eggs, oil and vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda and salt.
• Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
• Pour the batter into a greased bread loaf pan or microwave-safe container.
• Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.

4. Microwave Rice Pudding

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (leftover is fine)
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup cream or additional milk
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Raisins (optional)

Instructions:

• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the cooked rice, milk, cream or milk, sugar, cinnamon and salt. Stir well to combine.
• Microwave the mixture on high power for 2 minutes. Stir thoroughly.
• Continue microwaving and stirring every 2 minutes until the rice pudding thickens and resembles a creamy pudding-like consistency. This should take about 6-8 minutes total depending on your microwave wattage.
• During the last minute of cooking, stir in the raisins, if using.
• When thickened, remove the bowl from the microwave and let the rice pudding cool slightly, stirring occasionally.
• The rice pudding can be served warm or chilled. Garnish individual servings with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.