This Gingerbread Mug Cake is festive and ready in one minute! This recipe is oil and dairy-free so it's lighter and a bit healthier than most holiday desserts (but trust me, you'd never know it). Let's get to the recipe!
About Gingerbread Mug Cake
The cake contains that classic gingerbread cookie flavor we love this time of year. It's light, fluffy, not too sweet and honestly the perfect dessert to cozy up with when you want to spend the night watching your favorite holiday movies.
Here's what you need to make this recipe:
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour- gives the cake a light fluffiness.
- Baking soda- to give the cake a little lift.
- Molasses- I use unsulphured dark molasses which gives the cake it's classic gingerbread color and flavor.
- Gingerbread spices- dried cinnamon, ginger and cloves are key, but if you don't like too much spice you can adjust the amount.
- Applesauce- replaces oil in this recipe but you could also substitute canola or a less healthy option would be butter.
- Brown Sugar- You can use light or dark brown sugar (whatever you have in your pantry). You can adjust this cake based on your sweet tolerance. 3 teaspoons of sugar will give this cake a moderately sweet flavor.
- Plant-Based Milk- I recommend using unsweetened almond milk. You could also substitute regular milk as well.
How To Make Gingerbread Mug Cake
This cake gets made all in one cup. I recommend using a mug that can hold at least 10 oz of liquid.
- In the mug, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, spices and baking soda).
- Add the wet ingredients (applesauce, molasses, milk )and the sugar then whisk to combine.
- Bake for 60-80 seconds in the microwave. Microwave powers vary so keep a close eye on the cake as it begins to bake. Remove the cake as soon as you see there's no wet cake batter left in the center of the mug.
- Allow the cake to cool at least 5 minutes before enjoying.
Gingerbread Mug Cake Toppings
Top your mug cake with these delicious toppings:
- whipped cream
- dark chocolate chips
- white chocolate chips
- vanilla ice cream (highly recommend!!)
- extra cinnamon and spices (absolutely yum!!)
- caramel sauce
Is This Recipe Vegan?
Although this recipe contains no dairy or eggs, it's not technically not vegan unless you use vegan molasses. Since molasses is made from sugar cane which may or may not be processed using animal bone char, you'd have to look on the brand's label to identify if it's vegan. I recommend using Wholesome Organic Fair Trade Molasses. Also, be sure to use plant-based whipped cream and ice cream for your toppings to keep it completely plant-based.
Why is This Gingerbread Mug Cake Healthier?
Many holiday desserts contain heavy amounts of butter and oils that contain saturated fats. This recipe uses applesauce to replace those fats. However, if you did want to use oil in this recipe but still keep to the healthier theme, I recommend using a monounsaturated oil like canola oil.
You can also easily adjust the sweetness of this recipe giving you more control over the "added sugar" content.
Explore More Healthy Dessert Recipes:
Chocolate Espresso Avocado Pudding
Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Cookies
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Gingerbread Mug Cake
Equipment
- 1 standard coffee mug
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon all purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon ground dried cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground dried ginger
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon molasses see ingredient notes above
- 2-3 teaspoon dark brown sugar can be adjusted depending on desired sweetness level, see ingredient notes above
- 1 tablespoon applesauce
- 3 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk can use regular milk
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Spray the inside of a mug with cooking spray then add the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, spices) and whisk together.
- Next, add the wet ingredients, (milk, applesauce, molasses) and the sugar. Whisk to combine well and make sure no flour lumps at the bottom of mug.
- Microwave on high for 60-70 seconds or until you see the batter is almost dry on top.
- Allow to cool (about 1-2 min) then add favorite toppings like whipped cream or ice cream. Highly recommend ice cream or whipped cream and an extra dash of cinnamon on top.
Notes
Nutrition
I prefer to focus on quality ingredients from a variety of sources that work in tandem to promote optimal health. Nutrition calculations may not reflect these valuable interactions. However, I understand certain values can be helpful to some. Please note these calculations are merely estimates. Values will vary depending on modifications, brands used, and portion size. Should you require specific information, it's best to consult with a dietitian or qualified healthcare provider.
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