Peanut Butter Mug Cake

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This quick and fudgy peanut butter mug cake recipe has all the comforting, indulgent qualities you look for in a homemade sweet treat.

Oven-free, this small-batch dessert can be made up in about 3 minutes and is fun to eat straight out of a mug.

This homemade mini cake is the perfect little sweet treat for any occasion. You will also enjoy this Peanut Butter Fudge and this Snickerdoodle Mug Cake!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: A peanut butter mug cake is a quick homemade dessert. You can whip it up in minutes.
• Single-serve: Mug cakes are typically cooked in individual portions, making them perfect for those who do not want to make a large batch of dessert.
• Versatile: You can make a peanut butter mug cake using gluten-free flour, non-dairy milk, and other substitutions.
• Comfort food: Mug cakes are warm, comforting, and perfect for when you need a quick pick-me-up.
• Minimal clean-up: You only need a microwave-safe mug, a spoon, and a measuring cup or tablespoon.
• Simple ingredients: This recipe is made with only pantry staple ingredients.
• Try these Microwave Cookies or this Chocolate Fudge for another fun microwave dessert recipe!

Ingredients and Substitutions

Scroll down to the bottom for the full microwave peanut butter mug cake recipe.

Coconut oil: You can substitute any other neutral-tasting oil like avocado or canola. Or, use melted butter.

Natural creamy peanut butter: Any other nut butter like almond butter, cashew butter, or hazelnut butter can be used. For best results, use all-natural. The only ingredients should be nuts and salt.

Granulated sugar: You can use brown or coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar. Honey or maple syrup can also be used as sweeteners, but the consistency of the cake may change.

Vanilla: Vanilla extract gives this dessert a dreamy homemade taste.

Flour (all-purpose or gluten-free 1-to-1 flour): Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour if needed. Make sure to use a gluten-free flour blend that is 1-to-1 for all-purpose flour.

Baking powder: Make sure your batch is fresh, as this is the key raising agent.

Milk: You can use any type of milk, including non-dairy milk like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Use dairy-free milk to keep this recipe dairy free and vegan.

Chocolate chips: These are optional but highly recommended. Use milk, dark, semisweet, or even white chocolate chips.

Taste and Texture

This peanut butter mug cake has a rich, nutty flavor from the peanut butter. The chocolate and peanut butter combination is classic and delicious.

The cake is moist and tender, with a light and fluffy texture. Adding baking powder gives the cake a slight rise. The chocolate chips provide a little bit of gooey texture and sweetness. This cake is not dry.

How to Make

Step 1

First, spray a microwave-safe bowl or ramekin with nonstick spray.

Step 2

Add in peanut butter and melted coconut oil. Stir to combine.

Step 3

Add in all remaining ingredients except chocolate chips. Stir until combined.

Step 4

Microwave on high for 60 seconds. Microwave in additional 10-second increments until the middle is barely set if needed.

Step 5

Finally, use an oven mitt to remove from the microwave. Top with chocolate chips. Serve!

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Stir the ingredients thoroughly to ensure the mug cake is evenly mixed and smooth. Make sure that there are no lumps in the batter.
• Add mix-ins after the batter is combined: If you add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruits, add them after the batter is combined. This will prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the mug. In this case, feel free to just add the chocolate chips on top after microwaving.
• Let it cool before eating: The mug cake will be very hot when it comes out of the microwave. Let it cool for a few minutes before eating.
• Use a microwave-safe mug: Make sure to use a microwave-safe mug that is at least 12 ounces in size. This will prevent the cake from overflowing or spilling out of the mug.

Toppings and Flavors

Consider adding these fun flavors to your peanut butter mug cake!

• Whipped cream: Use for a light and airy topping.
• Chocolate: Turn this recipe into a peanut butter chocolate mug cake by adding a few teaspoons of cocoa powder or melted chocolate. It will taste like Reese’s peanut butter cups!
• Sliced banana: Banana and chocolate is a simple, yet delicious combination.
• Crushed peanuts: Sprinkle some crushed peanuts over the top of the cake for added crunch.
• Caramel sauce: Indulgent and delicious! Try this vegan salted caramel sauce (without corn syrup) for a homemade option.
• Marshmallows: Add some mini marshmallows to the top of the cake and toast them with a kitchen torch for a fun and delicious treat. This will give a s’mores flavor.
• Nutella: Spread some Nutella over the cake for a creamy and chocolaty topping.
• Vanilla ice cream: Ice cream lightens up the richness of this dessert. In addition, it will melt and create a delicious sensation!
• Coconut flakes: Add for a pretty and tropical twist.
• Make this Oreo Mug Cake for a cookies and cream flavor.

How to Serve and Store

Peanut butter mug cake is best served warm and fresh out of the microwave. Once the cake is cooked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

You can eat the cake directly from the mug or transfer it to a plate or bowl. It is delicious on its own or with your favorite toppings.

If you have leftover mug cake, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave it for a few seconds until it is warmed through. Be sure not to overheat it.

If you want to make peanut butter mug cakes ahead of time, prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook it.

You can also freeze the batter in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Then, when ready to make the peanut butter mug cake, let the batter thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking it in the microwave. This is great for meal prep dessert!

For a fun idea, make this Peanut Brittle and sprinkle some on top.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are mug cakes chewy?

Mug cakes can become chewy if they are overcooked or cooked at too high a power in the microwave.

Are mug cakes supposed to be gooey?

Mug cakes can be gooey, especially if they are cooked for a shorter time or at a lower power in the microwave. The texture of the peanut butter mug cake can be adjusted to personal preference by adjusting the cooking time and power.

Can you eat mug cakes cold?

Mug cakes can be eaten cold, but they are best served warm and fresh out of the microwave. If you have leftover mug cake, store it in the refrigerator and warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Can I turn this into chocolate peanut butter mug cake?

Yes, you can turn this into a chocolate peanut butter mug cake by adding cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the batter. Simply mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or melted chocolate with the other ingredients before cooking in the microwave.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free 1-to-1 flour. Check that all other ingredients are gluten-free, including the baking powder.

What type of peanut butter should I use?

The recipe calls for natural creamy peanut butter. Or, try this 3 Ingredient Mug Cake!

Equipment Needed

Pyrex Glass Measuring Cups: Use these measuring cups for measuring out ingredients for this mug cake.

Ramekins: These are great for microwaving mug cakes in. They are also oven safe.

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