Cream Cheese Frosted Carrot Mug Cake Recipe in Minutes

As a fellow fan of mug cakes, I know the joy of whipping up a warm, cozy treat at the end of a long day. But who says you have to cook all day to enjoy something special and indulgent? With mug cakes, you can have a whole cake for one, two, or even a few friends in minutes, using simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.

As the spring days grow longer and the grass begins to green, our mood shifts, and we crave cozy treats with spring-type flavors. What could be better than a carrot mug cake? While I love classics like Oreo Mug Cake, Chocolate Cake Mug Cake, and Red Velvet Mug Cake, the bright flavors of carrot cake perfectly complement the changing season. 

Carrot Mug Cake Recipe

This delightful, moist microwave carrot cake recipe is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth in minutes. Bursting with warm spices and the sweetness of fresh carrots, this simple recipe is a cozy treat for any time of day. So, without wasting more time, let’s get into this…!!

Ingredients For Carrot Mug Cake

Let’s dive into this oh-so-easy Carrot Cake Mug Cake recipe that’s become my go-to comfort food. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how these simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. From your pantry, you’ll need to gather some all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. You’ll also need a bit of oil and milk, along with finely shredded carrot. For the finishing touch, we’ll whip up a quick cream cheese frosting using cream cheese, heavy cream, and powdered sugar.

Freshly Grated Carrots or Pre-Shredded Carrots

Now, here’s a pro tip I’ve learned through countless mug cake experiments: for the best results, I recommend taking just 30 seconds to shred your own carrots. Use a fine grate – this allows the carrots enough time to soften during the 2-minute cook time. While pre-shredded carrots can work in a pinch, I’ve found that freshly grated ones really elevate this recipe to new heights.

How to Make Carrot Cake Mug Cake 

Now, let me walk you through my tried-and-true method for making this delightful treat. First, grab a microwave safe mug (I prefer one that’s about 10-12oz) and add your milk, oil, and vanilla. Give it a good whisk to combine everything. 

Next, sift in your flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Use a spoon or fork to gently mix these dry ingredients until they’re fully mixed with the wet ones. This is where the magic happens – add your freshly grated carrots and mix until well combined. 

Now, pop it in the microwave for 60–90 seconds until your cake is cooked through. I usually check at 60 seconds and add more time if needed. Let it cool for about 15 minutes – I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, this step makes a difference! 

While you’re waiting, mix up your cream cheese, heavy cream, and powdered sugar to create a lusciously creamy frosting. Once your cake has cooled, cover it with this heavenly cream cheese frosting, serve, and enjoy! It’s a little piece of homemade bliss that never fails to brighten my day.

Tips and Tricks 

• Let me share some insider tips I’ve picked up from countless mug cake experiments. First, choose the right kind of mug – it should be microwave safe with a 10-12oz capacity. This ensures your cake has room to rise in the microwave without spilling over. I learned this the hard way, but a big enough mug really does help ensure your batter doesn’t spill!
• Always start with the wet ingredients in the mug first. It’s so much easier to mix everything together this way. Trust me, starting with dry ingredients can lead to stubborn clumps of flour in the bottom corners of the mug that are hard to mix out.
• Here’s a game-changer: sift your dry ingredients. Instead of pretty much dumping them in the mug, I recommend sifting to minimize lumps. It takes seconds but makes a world of difference.
• Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your preference. I find that 2 tablespoons of sugar creates a mildly sweet cake, but you can add more or less based on how you like things.
• Now, let’s talk about “Baking” time. In my 12oz glass mug, this cake usually takes about 90 seconds. But microwave cakes are hard to give a precise amount of time for, since different microwaves have different power settings. The time will also depend on how large and wide your mug is. Your cake might take anywhere between 60–90 seconds, or even longer. I judge based on how the cake looks. I start pausing and looking at the cake around the 75 seconds mark. If you see wet batter, it needs a few more seconds. If you don’t see wet batter and the cake pushes back when lightly poked, it’s ready. Adjust your timing based on the texture you want – cooking it longer will result in a drier, more spongy texture, while going shorter will result in a more moist, dense texture. It’s all about finding your perfect carrot cake moment!

Mix-In Ideas and Freshness Tips

• Let’s talk mix-ins. NUTS can be a great addition – I’ve added finely chopped pecans to this recipe before, but you can switch to walnuts or leave them out completely if desired. It’s all about personalizing your mug cake!
• Now, about PINEAPPLE – I’ve tested this recipe multiple times to get it just right. Adding pineapple made the cake a little too wet, and it didn’t cook up nicely. So, I suggest you leave the pineapple out for the best results.
• Let’s talk SPICES. This recipe calls for 3/4 tsp cinnamon, which might sound like a lot, but trust me, it adds the perfect amount of flavor for this quick cake. I sometimes use a tiny pinch of nutmeg too, but be careful – too much can overpower the delicate carrot flavor.
• Finally, let’s address the star of the show – CARROTS. While you can use store bought shredded carrots in a pinch, this recipe works best when you use fresh carrots, finely shredded. The moisture and sweetness from freshly grated carrots really elevate this mug cake to something special. It’s a small extra step that makes a big difference in the final taste and texture.

Conclusion

There you have it – the perfect healthy Carrot Mug Cake recipe! This quick and easy recipe brings the cozy comfort of homemade carrot cake right to your microwave. With its moist texture, warm spices, and creamy frosting, it’s a delightful treat that’s sure to brighten any day. So, grab your favorite mug and whip up this delightful cake in just minutes. Happy baking!

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FAQs: Your Carrot Mug Cake Questions, Answered

Can I use a different type of flour?

While this recipe is written for all-purpose flour, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that the texture and cooking time might vary slightly.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the mug cake?

Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins would all make delicious additions to this recipe. Just be sure to chop them finely so they cook evenly in the microwave.

My mug cake overflowed in the microwave, what happened?

Mug cakes need space to rise, so make sure your mug is large enough (at least 10-12 ounces). If your mug is too small, the batter might overflow during cooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Mug cakes are best enjoyed fresh out of the microwave, but you can prepare the dry ingredients in advance. Store them in an airtight container and then add the wet ingredients when you’re ready to bake.

Can I make this cake without a microwave? 

While this recipe is designed for the microwave, you could try baking it in a ramekin in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it and check with a toothpick for doneness.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan? 

Yes! Try substituting the milk with almond milk, using a vegan cream cheese alternative for the frosting, and replacing the egg with 2 tablespoons of applesauce or mashed banana.

How long does this mug cake stay fresh? 

It’s best enjoyed immediately after making. However, if you need to store it, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Can I double the recipe? 

It’s not recommended to double the recipe in a single mug as it may not cook evenly. Instead, make two separate mug cakes if you need more servings.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting? 

You can enjoy the cake without frosting, or try a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a splash of milk.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? 

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture might be slightly denser. You might need to add a bit more liquid if the batter seems too dry.

Carrot Mug Cake Recipe

Recipe by Carmen FoodieCourse: DessertsCuisine: American

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

3

minutes

Cooking time

1

minute

Calories

341

kcal

Total time

5

minutes

A warm, spiced carrot cake in a mug, topped with a swirl of luscious cream cheese frosting – the perfect cozy treat in minutes.

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp milk

• 1.5 tbsp oil

• ½ tsp vanilla

• 4 tbsp all purpose flour

• 2 tbsp sugar

• ⅓ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp cinnamon

• ⅛ tsp salt

• ¼ cup freshly grated carrots

• 1 tbsp cream cheese, room temperature

• 1 tbsp heavy cream

• 1 tbsp powdered sugar

Directions

• First, grab a microwave safe mug and add your milk, oil, and vanilla. Give it a good whisk to combine everything.
• Next, sift in your flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Use a spoon or fork to gently mix these dry ingredients until they’re fully mixed with the wet ones. This is where the magic happens – add your freshly grated carrots and mix until well combined.
• Now, pop it in the microwave for 60–90 seconds until your cake is cooked through. I usually check at 60 seconds and add more time if needed. Let it cool for about 15 minutes.
• While you’re waiting, mix up your cream cheese, heavy cream, and powdered sugar to create a lusciously creamy frosting. Once your cake has cooled, cover it with this heavenly cream cheese frosting, serve, and enjoy!