As dainty and delicious as they are simple, mug cakes are a great way to satisfy a spontaneous cravings for a baked treat. To help stop things from getting dry or chewy, these few tips from baking pros will come in handy. Berlin (dpa) – Their fame comes not from recipe books or cookery shows, but emails. Some time in the mid-2000s, viral recipes started popping up in inboxes and calling for people to ditch the long-winded baking slog for something simpler. Mix, bake and eat the ingredients in a mug. About two decades later, the art of the mug cake has been well refined. "They’re ready in just a few minutes, making them perfect for busy days — especially when you’re in a hurry," says food blogger Angelina Antal. "The biggest difference between mug cakes and traditional cakes is the small quantities of ingredients." Recipes are typically designed for one or two servings, so they’re not intended for feeding a large group of guests. "In my opinion, mug cakes are perfect when I need a small, sweet moment for myself," says Antal. "For example, as a quick break while working from home or in the evening on the sofa." If unexpected guests arrive, you can whip up a mug cake and serve it to them in just minutes. What you put on top of them is what makes the biggest impression. "The topping is important because it turns a simple mug cake into something special," says Antal. "Whipped cream or a cream cheese frosting with a slightly salty note balances the sweetness of the cake. Add some berries, chocolate or nuts for texture, flavour and a nice look," she suggests. Simple recipe, endless variations Cookbook author Kathrin Runge, who showcases various versions of mug cakes on a food blog, says their speed is what allows you to experiment with them. "Because mug cakes are so quick and easy, you can try out new variations all the time," she says. The basic recipe can be enhanced with different spices such as cinnamon, vanilla, tonka beans or orange zest. It’s also nice to fold in small amounts of berries, apple pieces, chocolate chips, nuts or shredded coconut. "The key is to use small quantities," Runge says. Most basic recipes include egg, sugar, oil or butter, flour and baking powder. Additional ingredients depend on the type of mug cake you want: chocolate, lemon, berry or caramel. Once the ingredients are mixed in the mug with a fork, the microwave settings are crucial — and some trial and error may be needed. The right mug and microwave settings "Depending on the microwave, the cake might initially taste a bit rubbery," says Runge. She recommends setting the microwave to 800 watts and experimenting with the timing: "Mug cakes take between one and two minutes. For the first attempt, I suggest starting with a shorter time and then increasing in 20-second intervals. A quick taste with a spoon will tell you if the cake is done." What kind of mug should you use? "It must be microwave-safe, with no metallic elements, and preferably not overly decorated, as the design could be affected in the microwave," says Runge. Depending on the recipe, mugs with a capacity of at least 250 ml are suitable. It’s important not to overfill the mug, as the batter rises significantly. The mug should only be half to three-quarters full. "For the first attempt, I’d recommend placing a small plate under the mug and staying near the microwave," Runge advises. "This way, you can quickly see if the batter overflows," she explains. Mug cakes rise significantly in the microwave, often spilling over the edge, but they also deflate slightly as they cool. Best enjoyed fresh One distinct feature of mug cakes is that they taste best immediately after baking. "You should eat mug cakes right away because the texture suffers if they’re left for an hour or more," says Runge. It’s also possible to bake mug cakes in the oven. At 180°C (top/bottom heat), they take about 20 minutes. However, this eliminates the main advantage of mug cakes — the extremely short preparation time for when you’re in a hurry. "If you have that much time, you might as well bake muffins or a quick tray bake," Runge suggests. These will stay fresh longer but will also require more equipment than just a mug — and if you’re baking for yourself, you’ll likely have leftovers. When asked about favourite mug cake recipes, Runge opts for lemon mug cake. "With or without a small lemon glaze — this cake is wonderfully refreshing." Antal, on the other hand, says: "A true underdog is the vanilla mug cake: simple but incredibly delicious." For colder seasons, the blogger recommends warming spices like cinnamon or gingerbread spice. "You can also experiment with peanut butter or almond butter. For a fruity twist, try strawberries or apricots," Antal adds. "The possibilities are endless." The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn jfa yyzz a3 bzl cwg sw
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