Carrot Mug Cake

Why will you love this carrot mug cake? Because it’s ready in minutes! And it’s a fast version of my egg-free carrot cake, except you cook it in the microwave. In a mug. It’s so simple!

You can question several things about me, but never my passion for all things carrot cake! All you have to do is try my carrot cake energy balls, and you’ll know the love is real!

But this carrot mug cake? It’s taking this passion to a whole new level Because now I can make a healthy carrot cake in minutes!

Key Ingredients

• Lemon — We’ll use both the zest and the juice of the lemon.
• Oats — I used rolled oats for this recipe, but you can substitute instant oats.
• Chia — We’ll add some ground chia seeds to create a thicker texture. You can use whole chia seeds; I just prefer ground because it creates a smoother finished texture.
• Syrup — I used maple syrup, but you can substitute agave nectar.
• Milk — We’ll use almond milk for the best overnight oats! Substitute your favorite plant-based milk.
• Yogurt — I love adding some plant-based yogurt (plain, unsweetened) for an even more tangy flavor.
• Protein Powder — I add some vanilla protein powder for increased flavor and nutrients. If your protein powder is not sweetened, you may want to add an extra teaspoon or two of sweetener.
• Cornstarch — We’ll use cornstarch to thicken the lemon curd topping.
• Turmeric — A pinch of turmeric makes that lemon curd sunny yellow.

• Flour — I used whole wheat flour to keep it healthy, but you can substitute all-purpose flour.
• Sugar — We’ll add just enough brown sugar to keep it sweet, but not too much. You can substitute granulated sugar.
• Baking powder — A small bit of baking powder is all we need to make it light and fluffy.
• Spice — We’ll use pumpkin pie spice mix to add all the best flavors. You can substitute ground cinnamon, but you should also add a pinch of ground nutmeg and ginger.
• Nuts — This is optional, but a spoonful of finely chopped walnuts adds texture and flavor.
• Carrot — The star of the show, we’ll add some grated fresh carrot to the batter.
• Vanilla — A little bit of vanilla extract enhances the already fantastic flavor.
• Vegetable oil — You can use canola, olive, or melted coconut oil.
• Vinegar — We’ll add a bit of apple cider vinegar to create a soft cake. You can substitute white vinegar or lemon juice.

How to Make Carrot Mug Cake

You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.

1. Using a 12-ounce mug, add the dry ingredients from the flour to the chopped nuts and stir to combine.
2. Create a well in the middle of the flour mixture. Pour in the grated carrots, vanilla, vegetable oil, water, and vinegar.
3. Stir the wet ingredients, then gradually incorporate the flour mixture to create a batter. 
4. Cook in the microwave for 60 to 90 seconds (depending on your microwave) until the center of the cake is set.
5. Let the mug sit in the microwave for a minute or two to cool.
6. Serve your mug cake as is, or add your favorite toppings (see below).