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!

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.
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.

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!

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.
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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Peanut Butter Mug Cake
This quick and easy peanut butter mug cake is the perfect little dessert! It takes less than 5 minutes to make. This homemade mini cake is made with only a handful of healthy ingredients. It is great for a sweet treat or snack!
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp all natural creamy peanut butter
- 1 tbsp melted coconut oil, or melted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp milk, regular or dairy free
- 2 tbsp chocolate chips, optional
Instructions
- First, spray a microwave-safe bowl or ramekin with nonstick spray.
- Add in peanut butter and melted coconut oil. Stir to combine.
- Add in all remaining ingredients except chocolate chips. Stir to combine.
- Microwave on high for 60 seconds. If needed, microwave in additional 10-second increments until the middle is barely set.
- Finally, use an oven mitt to remove from the microwave. Immediately top with chocolate chips. Serve!
Notes
- Use a ramekin or microwave-safe bowl.
- Thick peanut butter may make this mug cake more dry.
- Use all-natural creamy peanut butter for best results.
- Substitute almond butter or cashew butter if desired.
- Stop and check the mug cake at 60 seconds. Depending on the power of your microwave, it may need longer.
- Use an oven mitt when handling the mug cake. It is very hot.
- If desired, use gluten-free 1 to 1 flour.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 575Total Fat: 39.2gSaturated Fat: 16.4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 48.5mgCarbohydrates: 45.6gFiber: 3.6gSugar: 14.1gProtein: 14.3g
Janice
Thursday 25th of May 2023
I've experimented with various mug cake recipes in the past, but this one takes the crown for perfection! I love the balance of sweetness and the delightful chewiness of this mug cake. It's like a little slice of heaven in a cup! I can't wait to share this recipe with my siblings because I know they'll fall head over heels for it too.
Jane
Thursday 25th of May 2023
I love amaranth grain! I always add it to my smoothies.
Sara
Thursday 25th of May 2023
Sooo delicious! We used SunButter in place of peanut butter (allergies) and it worked great. We added the chocolate chips in and that was my favorite part!
Lindsey
Thursday 25th of May 2023
This mug cake was delicious and so easy! I wanted a quick and easy treat that wouldn't leave me with 10 cookies left over (or an entire cake)! This is the best peanut butter mug cake I've had! I sprinkled some toasted coconut on top like you suggested and it was fantastic!
Giangi Townsend
Thursday 25th of May 2023
So simple and yet packed with great flavors. I had all the ingredients home last night and decided to make it for my husband and I. What a great treat! Thank you.