Back to School Microwave Mug Cake

My kids go back to school tomorrow and I couldn’t resist one last treat to get them excited about the big day!  When it comes to celebrations, I love quick and easy and this back to school microwave mug cake is both!  You can make it in just minutes which makes it the perfect last minute back to school idea … and there’s a good chance you’ll have everything you need in your pantry!  The kids don’t have to know that you didn’t have this surprise planned for months {wink}!

To make a mug cake, you’ll need 7 tablespoons of cake mix {I used red velvet cake mix so the cake would be red like an apple but any cake mix will work}, 3 tablespoons oil, 6 tablespoons water, and 1/2 of a beaten egg.  You’ll also need red frosting to decorate the cake {I used red food coloring paste to color white storebought icing}, a green candy that can be shaped into a leaf {laffy taffy works well}, and a pretzel stick for the apple stem.

Since you’ll only use a bit of the cake mix, seal the rest in an airtight container to use another time.

Stir the cake mix, water, and oil together in a greased mug until the lumps disappear then add the egg and mix well.

Cook in the microwave for three minutes on high.  The cake will rise straight up out of the mug but shouldn’t fall over the sides.

Since microwaves vary, when the time is up, insert a knife or toothpick into the cake to be sure it’s done.  This cake will be a bit spongier and moist than a regular oven-baked cake.

Allow the cake to cool completely.  Sometimes the cake will drop well below the rim of the cup as it cools.  You can enjoy it as is or stack two cakes together in a mug if you want.

To decorate, cover the top of the cake with red frosting {I like to put the icing in a disposable sandwich bag, snip the corner off, and pipe it in a spiral pattern}, then embellish it with a leaf-shaped candy {simply flatten it out then trim it with kitchen shears or a knife}, and a pretzel stick.

In five to ten minutes, you can have a fun apple-themed dessert to celebrate the first day of school … or even a special time during the school year {a great test grade, a good report card, or recognition for awesome character traits}.

Have you tried making a mug cake? What are your favorite back to school treats?

For another quick and easy back to school idea, be sure to check out these apple themed homemade ice cream sandwiches!