Craving a rich dessert but short on time? Our microwave peanut butter cup mug cake bakes in 90 seconds flat—no oven required. Say goodbye to preheating and hello to melty chocolate-peanut butter nirvana.
This recipe leans on pantry staples like flour, cocoa powder, and that rogue Reese’s cup hiding in your snack drawer. No fancy equipment, no lengthy cleanup—just a microwave-safe mug and a spoon.
Below, we break down everything from ingredient swaps to microwaving hacks for peak fluffiness.
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Microwave Peanut Butter Cup Mug Cake
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: DessertCuisine: American1
2
minutes1
minute400
kcal3
minutesIf you are craving something sweet and don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen, this microwave peanut butter cup mug cake is the perfect solution. This single-serving dessert can be made in the microwave in under five minutes, making it ideal for those moments when you want a quick and satisfying treat. With a rich chocolate flavor and a gooey peanut butter center, it will satisfy any dessert lover!
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
cocoa powder
sugar
baking powder
pinch of salt
milk
vegetable oil
peanut butter
chocolate chips.
Directions
- In a microwave-safe mug, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir until well mixed.
- Add the milk and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients, and stir until a smooth batter forms.
- Drop the peanut butter into the center of the batter, and then sprinkle the chocolate chips on top.
- Microwave the mug on high for 30-40 seconds, or until the cake has risen and is set in the middle.
- Let it cool for a minute before enjoying the warm, gooey treat..
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the cake, as microwaves can vary in power. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or chocolate chips if desired. For an extra indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top!
What is a Peanut Butter Cup Mug Cake?
We’ve all had those late-night cravings where oven preheating feels like climbing Mount Everest. Enter the peanut butter cup mug cake: a single-serving dessert mixing cocoa batter and melty Reese’s cups, microwaved in 90 seconds. It’s the love child of a chocolate cake and your favorite candy aisle treat.
My dad George once attempted this during our summer camp trip when Joseph forgot his birthday. With just a mug, campfire-roasted marshmallow packets, and a smuggled Reese’s cup, he whipped up a lopsided but legendary version that tasted like victory.
What Does a Peanut Butter Cup Mug Cake Taste Like?
Imagine biting into a warm Reese’s cup surrounded by moist chocolate cake – that’s the baseline. The microwave creates a fudgy interior with gooey peanut butter pockets, while the edges develop a slight chewiness. It’s like a brownie and peanut butter cup had a baby that graduated summa cum laude. This delightful dessert can be easily transformed into a scrumptious microwave chocolate peanut cake. A quick microwave baking session can yield a rich, chocolatey treat with a hint of peanut butter that satisfies every sweet craving.
Joseph claims our campfire mug cake tasted “like a chocolate avalanche with peanut butter parachutes.” We’ll trust his 12-year-old poetry – but trust us more when we say the controlled microwave version is even better. The heat amplifies the peanut butter’s saltiness against the bittersweet cocoa, creating a balance store-bought treats rarely achieve, especially in microwave chocolate peanut butter mug cakes.
Ready to raid your pantry? Let’s break down the ingredients needed to build this edible mug masterpiece. A quick and delicious treat that you can make in minutes is microwave cookie dough in a mug. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal cleanup and effort.
Ingredients for Microwave Peanut Butter Cup Mug Cake
Our mug cake uses six core ingredients you likely already own. Grab these:
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp milk (dairy or oat)
- 1½ tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 Reese’s peanut butter cup (mini or regular)
Ingredient Substitutes & Alternatives
Out of cocoa powder? Use melted dark chocolate (1 tbsp) for deeper richness. For dietary needs: Melting chocolate in the microwave is a quick and easy alternative to traditional methods. Just make sure to melt it in short intervals, stirring in between to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Gluten-free: Swap all-purpose flour with almond flour 1:1
- Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of sugar + almond milk
- Lower sugar: Replace 1 tbsp sugar with mashed banana
We’ve even used Biscoff spread instead of peanut butter cups during pantry emergencies. Improvise like a pro! If you’re in the mood for a delightful treat, creating a peanut butter cup dip in the microwave is an easy and fun alternative. This quick microwave blend combines creamy peanut butter and chocolate to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Also See: Summer One-pot Venison Stew – Microwave Method
How to Make a Microwave Peanut Butter Cup Mug Cake
This isn’t rocket science – it’s easier than assembling IKEA furniture. Here’s your blueprint: When it comes to accommodating your microwave, consider the benefits of a dedicated countertop microwave cabinet. Such a cabinet can provide the ideal space and organization for your kitchen appliance, enhancing both accessibility and aesthetics.
- Whisk dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, sugar) in a 12-oz microwave-safe mug
- Stir in milk and oil until batter resembles thick pancake mix
- Press Reese’s cup into center – bury it like pirate treasure
Step-by-step Microwaving Instructions
Microwave times vary like British weather. Start with 70 seconds on high (1000W). If your microwave is weaker (700-800W), bump to 80-90 seconds. It’s crucial to keep in mind that hot microwaves can easily push food past the ideal temperature. Overheating can lead to tough textures or burnt edges, so timing is key.
The cake should rise just above the mug rim but not overflow. Let it cool 2 minutes – that molten peanut butter core stays lava-hot! Top with ice cream if you’re feeling fancy. If you’re looking for a quick dessert option, consider trying a microwave lava cake recipe that delivers gooey goodness in just minutes.
Also See: Sushi Rice Recipe in Microwave – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Mug Cake
We’ve nuked hundreds of these. Learn from our (delicious) mistakes:
Avoid Overcooking
Microwaves can turn fudgy centers into rubber in seconds. Check at 60 seconds – if the center still jiggles slightly, it’s done. Residual heat finishes the job.
Covering the Mug During Microwaving
A paper towel over the mug prevents splatters without trapping steam. Skip plastic wrap – it creates condensation making the top soggy. Yes, we learned this the messy way. For cooking bacon in the microwave, using a coffee mug can also help keep splatters to a minimum while ensuring it cooks evenly. With the right method, you can easily microwave bacon without the mess and enjoy your breakfast hassle-free.
Adjusting Sweetness & Texture
For less sweetness, reduce sugar to 2 tbsp and add 1 tsp espresso powder. Want chewiness? Substitute 1 tbsp flour with rolled oats. Craving crunch? Mix in ½ tbsp crushed peanuts pre-microwave. If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying treat, 2 minute microwave chocolate peanut butter oats fit the bill perfectly. This easy recipe combines rich chocolate flavor with creamy peanut butter for a delicious snack or breakfast option.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, let’s talk about keeping your mug cake fresh (if there’s any left). To keep that deliciousness intact, knowing the right storage methods is key. For a quick treat, a microwave mug cake recipe offers a simple and satisfying way to enjoy dessert in moments.
Now It’s Your Turn to Indulge!
With just a microwave and a mug, you’re minutes away from a warm, gooey peanut butter cup delight. We’ve covered everything from ingredient swaps to avoiding that dreaded rubbery texture—so you’re fully equipped for mug cake success.
Why wait for a baking marathon when this single-serving treat delivers instant satisfaction? Grab your favorite mug and let those chocolate-peanut butter layers work their magic. Your taste buds (and inner child) will thank you.