Cardamom Vanilla Mug Cake

I was craving something sweet and I needed it to be fast so what is my answer to my craving, mug cake yo! Before we get into the thick of things HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY! To every woman working hard to put food on the table, I salute you. Moms, sisters, aunts, daughters, nieces, grandmas every woman out there, you are special and loved. I have been thinking a lot about spices and so I decided to spice up this mug cake with one of my favorite warm spice that is cardamom. Speaking of cardamom, I used to correct people who wrote cardaMOM thinking that it was cardaMON. Am I the only one who thought that? I'm sure am not, I know you thought that too or are still thinking in that direction. Anyway apart from having a fantastic aroma, cardamom has some great health nutrients that benefit your body as a whole. To think that I lived my life without spices! I shudder. This mug cake turned out fluffy soft you would think it was baked in the oven. What has been your favorite mug cake flavour so far? 

INGREDIENTS

4 Tablespoon All Purpose Flour
3 Tablespoons Milk
2 Tablespoons Sugar
1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
1/8 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1/16 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1 Tablespoon Vanilla Essence
1 Teaspoon Ground Cardamom

METHOD

 Add flour to microwavable mug. You can mix ingredients in bowl then transfer to mug

Add sugar

Add baking powder

Add ground cardamom

Add baking soda

 Mix the dry ingredients

Until evenly combined

Add vanilla essence

Add milk and mix the ingredients

Add vegetable oil

Mix until batter becomes smooth but thick. If too heavy you can add milk a tablespoon at a time

Set your microwave on high to 2 minutes and place the mug cake batter

After 2 minutes the cake is done

Allow the mug cake to cool completely

The cake is so fluffy with aromatic spices

Use fork to dig in

You can eat the mug cake plain or add toppings like ice cream, honey, fruits or peanut butter

Delicious self serve dessert

Enjoy

CARDAMOM VANILLA MUG CAKE

Recipe by Mulunga Alukwe

Prep time: 05 Minutes
Cook time: 02 Minutes
Total time: 07 Minutes
Yield: 1 Serving
Ingredients

• 4 Tablespoons All Purpose Flour
• 3 Tablespoons Milk
• 2 Tablespoons Sugar
• 1 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
• 1/8 Teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/16 Teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Essence
• 1 Teaspoon Cardamom

Cooking Directions

1. Add flour to microwavable mug. You can mix ingredients in bowl then transfer to mug. Add sugar. Add baking powder. Add ground cardamom. Add baking soda. Mix the dry ingredients. Until evenly combined
2. Add vanilla essence. Add milk and mix the ingredients. Add vegetable oil. Mix until batter becomes smooth but thick. If too heavy you can add milk a tablespoon at a time
3. Set your microwave on high to 2 minutes and place the mug cake batter. After 2 minutes the cake is done. Allow the mug cake to cool completely. The cake is so fluffy with aromatic spices
4. You can eat the mug cake plain or add toppings like ice cream, honey, fruits or peanut butter. Delicious self serve dessert

Cardamom Vanilla Mug Cake – FAQs

1. What is a mug cake?

A mug cake is a single-serving cake that’s quickly mixed and cooked in a mug, typically in the microwave, for a fast and easy dessert.

2. How do cardamom and vanilla flavor the cake?

Cardamom adds a warm, slightly citrusy and spicy note, while vanilla gives a sweet, creamy aroma—together they create a fragrant and unique flavor profile.

3. Can this cake be made vegan?

Yes, substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk and use a flax or chia egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) instead of a regular egg.

4. How long does it take to cook?

Usually around 1 to 2 minutes in the microwave depending on wattage.

5. Can I add toppings?

Definitely! Try fresh fruit, nuts, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or a dollop of yogurt or vegan cream.

Nutrition Card – Approx. per mug cake (120g)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value (DV)	Notes
Calories	250–300 kcal	—	Depends on ingredients
Protein	5–7 g	10–14%	From flour, milk, and egg
Carbohydrates	35–40 g	12–13%	From flour and sugar
Sugars	10–15 g	—	Added sugar and natural vanilla
Fat	8–12 g	12–18%	From butter or oil
Fiber	1–2 g	4–8%	From flour and cardamom

Dietary Compatibility & Notes

Diet Type	Compatible?	Suggestions
Vegetarian	✅ Yes	Includes eggs and dairy
Vegan	✅ With modifications	Use plant milk and egg substitutes
Gluten-Free	✅ With gluten-free flour	Substitute with gluten-free flour
Dairy-Free	✅ With modifications	Use plant-based milk and oil/butter
Nut-Free	✅ Yes	Unless adding nuts as topping

Serving Tip:

Enjoy warm straight from the mug or top with fresh berries, a dusting of cinnamon, or a swirl of your favorite nut butter.

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.

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