The Ultimate Two-Minute Dessert: Peanut Butter “Mug” Cake

Introduction

There are few cravings as intense as the need for warm, gooey cake, and even fewer solutions that deliver in under two minutes with minimal cleanup. The Peanut Butter “Mug” Cake is the ultimate dessert shortcut, born out of necessity and a deep love for minimal cleanup. Originating in the realm of quick internet recipes, this single-serving marvel transforms simple pantry staples—flour, sugar, and, crucially, creamy peanut butter—into a decadent, moist cake. It’s perfect for late-night snacking, satisfying your sweet tooth without the commitment of baking a full batch. Forget preheating the oven; all you need is a mug, a fork, and sixty seconds of patience.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons (30g) All-Purpose Flour
2 tablespoons (25g) Granulated Sugar
¼ teaspoon (1g) Baking Powder
Pinch of Salt
2 tablespoons (32g) Creamy Peanut Butter (natural or conventional)
3 tablespoons (45ml) Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
½ teaspoon (2.5ml) Neutral Oil (like vegetable or canola) or melted butter
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Step-by-step Preparation

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a standard 10-12 oz microwave-safe mug, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined. Tip: Use a fork to ensure there are no lumps of baking powder or flour clumped at the bottom.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the peanut butter, milk, oil, and vanilla extract (if using) to the dry mixture.
Mix Thoroughly: Stir vigorously until a thick, smooth batter forms. Ensure all the dry ingredients from the bottom and sides of the mug are fully incorporated. Do not overmix, as this can make the cake tough, but ensure no pockets of dry flour remain.
Optional Center Filling: For an extra gooey center, drop a small spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of extra peanut butter or chocolate chips directly into the center of the batter, ensuring it’s completely covered by the cake mixture.
Microwave: Place the mug in the microwave. Cook on high power for 60 to 90 seconds. Cooking time depends heavily on your microwave wattage (70 seconds is often ideal for a 1000W unit).
Check for Doneness: The cake should look set on the edges but still slightly glossy or moist in the very center. The cake will rise significantly during cooking; if it starts to overflow, stop the microwave immediately. If it looks very wet, microwave in 10-second increments until just set.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 2-3 minutes before eating directly from the mug, as the batter and mug itself will be extremely hot.

Nutritional Information

Due to the high fat content of peanut butter, this mug cake is calorically dense, making it a satisfying treat. An average serving (the entire mug) contains approximately 380–420 calories, 18g of fat, 45g of carbohydrates, and 12g of protein. The inclusion of peanut butter provides beneficial monounsaturated fats and a significant protein boost compared to traditional cakes, helping to stabilize energy levels and promoting satiety.

Storage

Mug cakes are designed to be a single-serving experience and are best enjoyed immediately while warm. If, however, you have leftovers (which is rare!), they can be stored loosely covered in the refrigerator for up to 24