Pumpkin Chai Mug Cake (5 Minutes)
A soft pumpkin chai mug cake made in the microwave with pumpkin puree, chai spice and a cinnamon dusting. Ready in 5 minutes, one mug, no oven.
Method
- Stir the flour, sugar, chai spice, baking powder and salt together in a large microwave-safe mug.
- Add the pumpkin puree, milk and oil, and stir until just combined with no dry flour left.
- Microwave on full power for 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes, until the top springs back when touched lightly.
- Rest for 1 minute, then top with cream and a dusting of cinnamon and serve warm.
Microwave times are for a 1,000 W microwave, the usual US size. In an 800 W microwave (common in the UK and Europe) add about a quarter more time; at 1,200 W check a little early.
A soft pumpkin chai mug cake made in the microwave with pumpkin puree, chai spice and a cinnamon dusting. Ready in 5 minutes, one mug, no oven.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 380 kcal
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbs
- 58 g
- Fat
- 14 g
- Fibre
- 3 g
- Sugar
- 28 g
- Sodium
- 210 mg
Values are estimates based on USDA FoodData Central and vary with brands and portioning.
Chef notes
Use a mug that holds at least 12 oz so the cake has room to rise. Stop at 1 minute 30 seconds for a softer centre; a full 2 minutes gives a firmer crumb.
Substitutions
- Chai spice blend — 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon plus a pinch each of ginger, cardamom and nutmeg
- Milk — oat milk or any dairy-free milk
- Vegetable oil — melted butter
Serving suggestions
Serve warm with cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Storage
Best eaten fresh. If needed, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
Reheating
Microwave for 15 to 20 seconds until just warm; longer reheating dries the cake out.
Equipment
- Large microwave-safe mug
- Fork or small whisk
Variations
- Chocolate chip: fold in 1 tablespoon chocolate chips before microwaving
- Maple: replace half the sugar with maple syrup and reduce the milk to 1 tablespoon
Why it works
Pumpkin puree adds moisture and body, so a small amount of flour and a short microwave cook set into a soft sponge instead of drying out.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my mug cake overflow?
The mug was too small or the batter was overmixed. Use a mug of at least 12 oz and stir only until combined.
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?
No, pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced. Use plain pumpkin puree and add the chai spice separately.
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