Craving a peanut butter-chocolate fix faster than you can unwrap a Reese’s cup? Our microwave Reese’s mug cake whips up in under 5 minutes – no oven preheating or dishwashing marathons required.
This single-serving dessert packs that iconic sweet-salty punch with a molten peanut butter core. We’re talking fluffy cake hugging a gooey Reese’s heart – like a portable peanut butter cup volcano.
Below, we break down ingredient swaps, step-by-step tricks, and how to dodge rubbery cake disasters. Let’s turn your mug into a mini bakery.
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Microwave Reese’s Mug Cake
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: DessertCuisine: American1
5
minutes1
minute350
kcal6
minutesIf you're in the mood for a quick and scrumptious dessert, this Microwave Reese's Mug Cake is the answer. With classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, this easy recipe takes just a few minutes to prepare and cook. Perfect for one, it’s a fun way to enjoy a homemade cake in a mug using your microwave. Skip the oven and dive straight into this delightful treat!
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
granulated sugar
cocoa powder
baking powder
milk
vegetable oil
peanut butter
chocolate chips
Reese's pieces optional for topping
a pinch of salt.
Directions
- In a microwave-safe mug, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the milk and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients, then mix until well combined.
- Stir in the peanut butter and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Microwave the mug on high for about 60-90 seconds, watching carefully to prevent overflowing.
- The cake is done when it has risen and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow it to cool for a minute before enjoying.
- Top with additional Reese's pieces or a drizzle of peanut butter if desired..
Notes
- For best results, do not overcook the mug cake as microwaves vary in power. Start with 60 seconds and check for doneness. You can customize this recipe by adding nuts or different types of chocolate for extra flavor. This mug cake is best enjoyed immediately for a warm and gooey texture!
Can You Microwave a Reese’s Mug Cake?
Absolutely! Microwaving a Reese’s mug cake works because the batter’s moisture interacts with microwave radiation to create steam, which lifts the cake. Unlike dense breads or oily foods, mug cakes have the ideal balance of fat, sugar, and liquid to “bake” evenly in 60-90 seconds.
John once forgot my birthday cake… until he zapped a peanut butter mug cake with a Reese’s center. It arrived steaming, crowned with a flickering matchstick “candle.” Was it perfect? No. Did it save the day? Absolutely. Microwaves are the unsung heroes of kitchen emergencies.
What Does a Reese’s Mug Cake Taste Like?
Imagine a Reese’s Cup and a chocolate soufflé had a baby. The cake itself is tender and cocoa-rich, while the hidden Reese’s melts into a silky river of peanut butter that oozes into every bite. Grandpa called it “a warm handshake between salty and sweet.” For those craving a delicious treat, a microwave chocolate peanut cake is a perfect solution. This quick dessert combines the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter, making it an irresistible delight in minutes.
Texture matters here. Properly microwaved, the edges stay fluffy while the center stays fudgy. Overdo it, and you’ll get a dry hockey puck. Nail the timing, though, and it’s like eating chocolate clouds with a peanut butter core. Pro tip: let it cool 60 seconds – molten peanut butter laughs at impatience. For an easy, delightful treat, try a microwave peanut butter banana mug, which combines the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and banana into a quick dessert.
Ready to raid your pantry? Let’s break down what you’ll need (and clever swaps if you’re missing something). With a few simple microwave tricks, those pantry staples can quickly be transformed into gourmet meals. Discovering how to elevate leftovers can open up a world of delicious possibilities.
Ingredients for Microwave Reese’s Mug Cake
Grab a 12-ounce microwave-safe mug and these staples: 4 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons sugar, ¼ teaspoon baking powder, 3 tablespoons milk, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, and 1 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup (mini or regular). No fancy equipment – just a fork and your trusty microwave. For an even faster treat, consider making a microwave peanut butter cup mug. It combines all the delicious flavors of a classic dessert in a quick and easy format.
Ingredient Substitutes and Alternatives
Out of milk? Use almond milk, oat milk, or even strong coffee for deeper chocolate notes. Swap vegetable oil with melted butter or coconut oil. Gluten-free? A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works seamlessly – we’ve tested it with King Arthur’s mix. If you’re looking for a quick dessert option, consider making 2-minute microwave banana oat cookies that are gluten-free. They’re not only easy to whip up but also deliciously satisfying.
For a vegan twist, use plant-based milk and replace the Reese’s with a vegan peanut butter cup (like Justin’s). Sugar can drop to 2 tablespoons if you prefer less sweetness – but trust us, that Reese’s center needs a worthy dance partner. If you’re looking for a fun and easy dessert idea, consider making a peanut butter cup dip in the microwave. This delicious blend can be enjoyed with fruits or pretzels for a perfect snack.
Also See: Quick Microwave Cajun Corn: An Easy Side Dish!
How to Make a Microwave Reese’s Mug Cake
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, and baking powder in your mug until no lumps remain.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in milk and oil. Stir until just combined – a few streaks are fine.
- Bury the Reese’s: Press your peanut butter cup into the center until submerged. Batter should cover it completely.
- Microwave: Cook on high for 70 seconds (1000W oven). If your microwave is weaker, add 10-second increments until the top looks set.
Tips for the Best Microwave Mug Cake
Use room-temperature milk – cold ingredients can create uneven cooking. Stir gently to avoid overmixing, which activates gluten and leads to toughness. My college roommate once stirred hers like cookie dough – we ended up with a rubbery puck worthy of a hockey game. To achieve a perfect temperature for mixing, heating milk can help. A quick way to do this is by using the microwave, which heats milk evenly and saves time.
Microwave wattages vary. If your cake erupts like a volcano, reduce time by 10 seconds next round. Let it rest 90 seconds post-zapping – that molten Reese’s center stays lava-hot! For a quick and delicious dessert, you might want to try a 2 minute microwave apple cinnamon mug cake—it’s an easy way to satisfy your sweet cravings in no time.
Also See: Anyday Microwave Meal: Spicy Black Bean Cornbread

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Overcooking: The top should look slightly damp but spring back when touched. If it’s dry, you’ve gone 10 seconds too long. We’ve all been there – set a timer!
Wrong mug size: Too small, and batter overflows. Too large, and the cake cooks unevenly. Stick to 12-16 oz mugs. My first attempt used a teacup – let’s just say peanut butter cement isn’t a trend.
Skipping the rest time: That 90-second cool-down lets the Reese’s thicken into a sauce instead of scalding your tongue. Patience pays in gooey dividends. If you’re looking for quick and delicious options, try making microwave cornbread mix in just 90 seconds. It’s a fast way to enjoy warm cornbread alongside your sweet treat.
Ready to get creative? Let’s explore flavor twists that’ll make this mug cake your own chocolate-peanut butter playground. With just a few ingredients and a microwave, you can whip up a delightful chocolate peanut butter mug treat in no time.
Now It’s Your Turn to Indulge!
We’ve walked you through every step—from ingredients to pro tips—for making the perfect microwave Reese’s mug cake. This gooey, peanut buttery delight is just 90 seconds away from satisfying your sweet tooth.
Grab your favorite mug and give this recipe a whirl. Trust us, that first warm, melty bite will make you wonder why you ever bothered preheating an oven for dessert.