Craving something sweet but short on time? Let me introduce you to your new favorite treat: the strawberry shortcake mug cake. This easy, single-serving dessert is perfect for those busy days when you need something quick, sweet, and satisfying.
In less than 10 minutes, you can have a warm, fluffy mug cake with all the deliciousness of a classic strawberry shortcake—no oven required! Just pop it in the microwave, and you’re set for a cozy, comforting cake moment.
Let’s dive right into this simple recipe that’ll have you enjoying a homemade dessert in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This strawberry shortcake mug cake is a game changer for so many reasons:
- Quick: Ready in under 10 minutes!
- Minimal effort: No fancy equipment or complicated steps.
- Perfect for one: You get just the right amount without any leftovers (unless you make a second one… which I wouldn’t blame you for).
- Customizable: Add your own twist with toppings or variations.
- Super satisfying: A great way to satisfy that sweet craving without baking an entire cake.
If you love strawberries and shortcake, this will totally hit the spot. And don’t worry, I’ve got tons of tips along the way to help you make it perfect!
Recipe Overview
Here’s the quick breakdown:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 minutes (yep, that fast!)
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Servings: 1 (easy to double for sharing)
- Difficulty Level: Super easy
- Dietary Information: Can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with a few swaps.
Ingredients
You probably already have these ingredients at home, but here’s the list:
For the Mug Cake:
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or use gluten-free flour)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons milk (any milk works—dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh strawberries (or thawed frozen strawberries)
For the Topping:
- Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh strawberry slices
- A drizzle of honey or powdered sugar (optional, but yummy)
Equipment
Just need a microwave-safe mug, measuring spoons, and a microwave. That’s it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make this quick treat:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by adding the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to your mug. Give it a quick stir to combine.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir everything until it’s smooth and well mixed. No lumps, please!
3. Add the Strawberries
Fold in the chopped strawberries gently. You want some bits of strawberry throughout, but feel free to save a couple of pieces to place on top if you like extra fruitiness on the surface.
4. Microwave It
Pop the mug in the microwave and cook for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Microwave times vary, so check at the 1-minute mark and go from there. You’ll know it’s done when it looks set in the center and springs back when you touch it.
5. Top It Off
Once it’s out of the microwave, let it cool for a few seconds. Then top with whipped cream, fresh strawberry slices, and a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s all about that extra touch!
6. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your delicious, fluffy mug cake. You deserve it!
Pro Tips
Here are some handy tips to make your mug cake even better:
- Don’t overcook it: Microwaves cook differently, so check it after 1 minute 30 seconds. If you overcook it, your cake might get a bit dry, and nobody wants that — especially when making a strawberry shortcake mug cake.
- Use fresh strawberries: They give the best flavor, but frozen works just fine, too—just thaw them first for your strawberry shortcake.
- Adjust sweetness: If you like your desserts on the sweeter side, feel free to add a little more sugar or a touch of honey on top of your warm mug cake.
- Get creative with toppings: Whipped cream is classic, but don’t be afraid to switch it up. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, some crushed graham crackers, or even a little drizzle of chocolate syrup for a twist on your strawberry shortcake mug cake.
- Make it dairy-free: You can easily swap the milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk and use coconut oil instead of butter. You won’t even miss the dairy in this easy microwave dessert.
- For a fluffier texture: If you prefer a fluffier cake, try adding an extra tablespoon of milk or using cake flour instead of regular flour for a lighter feel in your mug creation.
Variations You Can Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is! Here are a few fun variations:
1. Strawberry Cheesecake Mug Cake
Mix a tablespoon of cream cheese into the batter for a rich, cheesecake vibe. Top with strawberry jam for that classic strawberry cheesecake flavor.
2. Chocolate Strawberry Mug Cake
Love chocolate? Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and top with chocolate chips or drizzle with melted chocolate for an indulgent treat.
3. Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Mug Cake
Swap the butter for coconut oil and use plant-based milk (like almond or oat). You can also use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg for a completely vegan version.
4. Banana Strawberry Mug Cake
Add a mashed banana to the batter for natural sweetness and extra moisture. Bananas and strawberries are a match made in heaven!
5. Lemon Strawberry Mug Cake
Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy twist. The lemon pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries. Looking for a tangy twist? Try making a delicious lemon loaf using cake mix for a quick and easy treat!
This easy strawberry shortcake mug cake is a total lifesaver for those times when you want a sweet treat but don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen. It’s simple, quick, and totally customizable to suit your tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for something extra indulgent or looking for a lighter dessert, you can easily tweak this microwave recipe to make it your own.
So next time you’re craving something sweet, grab a mug, a few ingredients, and in just a few minutes in the microwave, you’ll have a warm, delicious cake dessert all to yourself!
What’s your favorite twist on strawberry shortcake? Let me know how you like to make your mug cake extra special!
