When your sweet tooth is begging for satisfaction, but the thought of an elaborate baking process is a deal-breaker, I have the perfect solution for you. I’ve stumbled upon a magical concoction that turns your favorite peanut butter cups into a warm, gooey Reese’s Mug Cake in mere minutes.
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How to make Reese’s Mug Cake
Reese’s Mug Cake is a quick and easy dessert that combines the flavors of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with a single-serve, microwave-friendly mug cake. It’s a soft and warm chocolate cake with a peanut butter filling, designed for those who want a delicious treat without making an entire cake.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons of milk (any kind you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- Reese’s peanut butter chips (or chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups for the filling and topping)
- Mini Reese’s Pieces (for topping)
- Whipped cream or ice cream (optional for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mug: Grab your favorite microwave-safe mug. Ensure it’s large enough to allow the cake to rise without spilling over.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In the mug, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until there are no lumps.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add in the milk and vegetable oil. Mix until the batter is smooth.
- Add the Reese’s: Gently fold in a generous spoonful of Reese’s peanut butter chips or chopped Reese’s cups into the batter, reserving some for the topping.
- Microwave: Place your mug in the microwave and cook on high for 60 to 90 seconds. The exact time may vary depending on the microwave’s power. Keep an eye on the mug cake as it cooks to ensure it doesn’t overflow.
- Check the Cake: Carefully touch the top of the mug cake with a fingertip. It should be firm to the touch. If it still feels too gooey, microwave it for an additional 15 seconds until it’s just right.
- Add Toppings: Once the mug cake is cooked, let it cool for a minute or two. If desired, top with additional Reese’s chips, Reese’s Pieces, and a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Reese’s Mug Cake warm right after cooking for the best experience.
Tips:
- Mug Size: The bigger the mug, the less chance there is of overflow. To be safe, use at least a 12-ounce mug.
- Microwave Variations: Microwaves can vary greatly in power. If you’re not sure about yours, start with 60 seconds and increase the time to 15-second bursts.
- Don’t Overcook: Mug cakes can become rubbery if overcooked. Err on the side of underdone – you can always pop it back in for a few more seconds if needed.
- Mix Well: Mix thoroughly before microwaving your finished cake to avoid pockets of flour or cocoa powder.
- Customize: You can add more or less Reese’s, depending on your love for peanut butter and chocolate.
- Let it Cool: Allow the mug cake to cool slightly before eating, as the Reese’s pieces can be very hot, and the flavors develop as it cools a little.
What to serve with
When pairing your freshly made Reese’s Mug Cake with the perfect accompaniment, you have various delicious options that can enhance the already decadent treat.
Cool and Creamy:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream atop or beside your warm mug cake creates a classic hot-and-cold dessert experience.
- Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the density of the cake.
- Chocolate or Peanut Butter Gelato: A spoonful of chocolate or peanut butter gelato pairs delightfully well for those who want an even richer dessert.
Crunch and Texture:
- Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle over some crushed peanuts or almonds to add a nice crunch that complements the gooey cake.
- Sea Salt: A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top can balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors even more.
- Crushed Graham Crackers or Biscuits: Adding a layer of crumbled graham crackers or your favorite biscuits can offer a subtle crunch and a nod to the classic peanut butter and chocolate bars.
Sweet Enhancements:
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over your mug cake for a heightened level of indulgence.
- Hot Chocolate Sauce: The extra chocolate sauce will make this treat even more luxurious if you’re a true chocolate lover.
- Banana Slices: Adding slices of banana can provide a fresh and slightly healthier dimension to your dessert, complementing the peanut butter beautifully.
Beverage Pairings:
- Cold Milk: A glass of cold milk is a traditional go-to that helps balance out the rich flavors of the mug cake.
- Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of espresso can cut through the sweetness and act as a palate cleanser between bites.
- Dessert Wine: For those of an appropriate age, a dessert wine such as a Port or a sweet Sherry can elevate this dessert to gourmet status.
- Hot Tea: A mug of hot tea, particularly a robust variety like Earl Grey or Chai, can be a cozy compliment and help cleanse the palate.
Ingredients Substitutes
When making a Reese’s Mug Cake, you may not always have all the required ingredients on hand or you may be catering to dietary restrictions. Below are some common substitutes for ingredients that you might find in a typical mug cake recipe, especially one featuring Reese’s or peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
Flour Substitutes:
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend: If you need to avoid gluten, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. These blends are designed to mimic the properties of wheat flour.
- Almond Flour or Coconut Flour: These low-carb and gluten-free options can be used, but the texture may be different, and you’ll need to adjust the quantities as they absorb moisture differently than all-purpose flour.
Sugar Substitutes:
- Coconut Sugar: For a more natural sugar alternative with a lower glycemic index.
- Monk Fruit Sweetener or Stevia: These are sugar-free alternatives but are much sweeter than sugar so that you will use less. They are suitable for those reducing their sugar intake.
Egg Substitutes:
- Mashed Banana: About half of a mashed banana can replace an egg and add natural sweetness.
- Applesauce: Equally, roughly 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce can substitute for an egg and add moisture.
Milk Substitutes:
- Almond Milk, Soy Milk, or Oat Milk: Any of these can replace cow’s milk 1:1 if you’re avoiding dairy or lactose intolerant.
- Coconut Milk: Canned coconut milk can be used for a richer texture, but it may impart a noticeable coconut flavor.
Peanut Butter Substitutes:
- Almond Butter, Cashew Butter, or Sunflower Seed Butter: If you’re allergic to peanuts or prefer a different taste, you can use these in the same quantity.
- Tahini: Made from sesame seeds, tahini can replace peanut butter, but it has a much different flavor profile.
Butter Substitutes:
- Coconut Oil or Vegetable Oil: If you’re out of butter, an equal amount of these oils can substitute.
- Applesauce: For a lower-fat option, you can substitute half the amount of applesauce for butter.
Cocoa Powder Substitutes:
- Cacao Powder: This is a less processed form of cocoa powder and can be used 1:1.
- Carob Powder: Carob is naturally sweeter but less chocolaty. If you substitute carob for cocoa powder, you may have to adjust the sugar content.
Final Thoughts
Remember, serving your Reese’s Mug Cake is all about personal preference. Feel free to mix and match these suggestions or even incorporate your creative twists based on what you love most.
More Mug Cake Recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons of milk (any kind you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- Reese's peanut butter chips
- Mini Reese's Pieces (for topping)
- Whipped cream or ice cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Mug: Grab your favorite microwave-safe mug. Ensure it's large enough to allow the cake to rise without spilling over.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In the mug, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until there are no lumps.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add in the milk and vegetable oil. Mix until the batter is smooth.
- Add the Reese's: Gently fold in a generous spoonful of Reese's peanut butter chips or chopped Reese's cups into the batter, reserving some for the topping.
- Microwave: Place your mug in the microwave and cook on high for 60 to 90 seconds. The exact time may vary depending on the microwave's power. Keep an eye on the mug cake as it cooks to ensure it doesn't overflow.
- Check the Cake: Carefully touch the top of the mug cake with a fingertip. It should be firm to the touch. If it still feels too gooey, microwave it for an additional 15 seconds until it's just right.
- Add Toppings: Once the mug cake is cooked, let it cool for a minute or two. If desired, top with additional Reese's chips, Reese's Pieces, and a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Reese's Mug Cake warm right after cooking for the best experience.