Orange Mug Cake is sweet, tart dessert that's hot and ready to enjoy in just one minute! Add this tasty recipe to the list of 3-2-1 cake variations on the Monday Box, all made with shelf-stable ingredients ideal for sending in care packages. This 3 ingredient snack is an instant cup of sunshine!
Why you'll love this recipe
When I published the first microwave dessert recipe on The Monday Box almost six years ago, I honestly never expected the enthusiastic response the recipe received. This recipe almost doesn’t qualify as a recipe.
It’s more like a simple set of directions. And it isn’t even baked! These cakes are zapped in the microwave.
There were several factors I hadn’t taken into account. A LOT of people are looking for quick and easy.
BuzzFeed, always on trend, knew what I didn’t and happily sent a LOT of microwave mug cake enthusiasts to The Monday Box to take a look.
Most importantly, though anyone can quickly prepare and enjoy these treats at home, you can also send the shelf-stable ingredients in care packages to college students and deployed military, two groups that truly appreciate hot, sweet, fresh snacks made in minutes with minimal tools.
Recipe ingredients
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the recipe card below.
- In a gallon sized ziplock bag, combine the two boxes of cake mix. Shake the bag to mix thoroughly.
- If using a microwaveable mug, lightly coat the inside of a with non-stick spray. Without the spray the cake will stick to the mug and make it harder to clean. If using a disposable, microwave safe paper cup, no non-stick spray is needed.
- In the prepared cup, stir together 3 tablespoons of the mix, 2 tablespoons of water, and 1 tablespoon of orange marmalade.
- Microwave on high for up to 1 minute until cooked.
- If you plan to eat right out of the cup, add 1 tablespoon of orange marmalade on top. Return to the microwave for 10- 15 seconds to heat and melt the marmalade.
- If you plan to transfer the cake out of the mug onto a plate, run a knife around the edge to loosen, dump out onto a plate, then add the 1 tablespoon of marmalade and return to the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQ's
Combine a box of any flavor of cake mix with a box of angel food mix. For example, this recipe uses yellow cake mix combined with angel food mix.
Three tablespoons of the mixture stirred together with two tablespoons of water, creates the basic batter. Additional ingredients, like chips or syrups, can be added for flavor before or after the one minute microwave cooking time.
Include an ingredient that adds extra moisture to the texture. One tablespoon of syrup (chocolate, caramel, strawberry) or jam adds both flavor and moisture.
This recipe includes orange marmalade for flavor and moisture.
Though most recipes say to microwave for one minute, the correct cooking time can vary by 5-15 seconds, due to the size or power of each microwave. After making your first mug cake, you will have a better idea of whether you need to add or subtract a little cooking time.
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Recipe variations
Additional ingredients can be added either within the batter before cooking or on top after cooking. Try these delicious add-ins for Orange Mug Cake.
- Chocolate chips (dark or white)
- Shredded coconut
- Chopped canned fruit
- Chopped dried fruit
- Slivered almonds
More mug cake with cake mix
Make a mug cake with cake mix using this one minute microwave mug cake recipe! The flavor possibilities are endless!
Piña Colada Mug Cake is like a tropical vacation. Add pineapple and coconut to mug cake mix and enjoy.
Molten Lava Mug Cake is a chocolate indulgence. Lots of melted chocolate in this cake in cup!
Hot Chocolate Mug Cake is just what you need to quickly warm up on a cold day.
Caramel Apple Mug Cake combines spiced apples and melted caramel candy into an amazing cup of cake.
Red, White, and Blueberry Mug Cake with cake mix is an individual serving of patriotic funfetti cake bursting with sweet cherry and blueberry pie filling.
Stir up some mug cake cake mix for instant treats at home or for care package gifting. Adding just a bit of marmalade transforms the vanilla mix into a quick and easy citrus flavored snack!
Ready to bake? Join the free membership group to get new recipes and a newsletter delivered to your inbox! You can also stay in touch on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. I’d love to stay in touch!
Orange Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box Angel Food Cake mix
- 1 box vanilla yellow cake mix
- Non-stick spray if not using disposable cups
- Water
- 3 jars orange marmalade
Instructions
- In a gallon sized ziplock bag, combine the two boxes of cake mix. Shake the bag to mix thoroughly.
- If using a microwaveable mug, lightly coat the inside of a with non-stick spray. Without the spray the cake will stick to the mug is harder to clean. If using a disposable, microwave safe paper cup, no non-stick spray is needed.
- In the prepared mug/cup, stir together 3 tablespoons of the mix, 2 tablespoons of water, and 1 tablespoon of orange marmalade.
- Microwave on high for up to 1 minute until cooked.
- If you plan to eat the cake right out of the mug, add 1 tablespoon of orange marmalade on top. Return to the microwave for 10- 15 seconds to heat and melt the marmalade.
- If you plan to transfer the cake out of the mug onto a plate, run a knife around the edge, dump out onto a plate, then add the 1 tablespoon of marmalade and return to the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Combine the two mixes into a gallon-size ziplock bag. Use permanent marker to label the bag with preparation directions.
- Include a 1 tablespoon measuring spoon and a jar of orange marmalade (1 jar/8 mug cakes).
- If the care package will be sent internationally, include microwave safe paper cups. Snack sized or 6-8 oz drinking cups work well. If the care package is mailed domestically, add either a can of non-stick spray (for use with a ceramic mug) or microwave safe paper cups.
RITA
This was my first mug cake. As a senior now living on my own, I was eager to try this recipe (love marmalade). Easy to make and great to eat........thank you.
Cindy
The highlights on the top of that cake are just gorgeous!
Miz Helen
Your awesome post is featured on the Top Ten for Full Plate Thursday this week. Thanks so much for sharing it with us and hope you have a very special week!
Miz Helen
Kippi
Yum, this looks delicious. I am pinning it. Happy Baking, Kippi #kippiathome
The Monday Box
Thanks, Kippi! Mug cakes are fun and yummy! 🙂
cindy
Wendy, I have never made a mug cake. I just didn't believe it could be good, but you have convinced me! i need to give this a try. Gorgeous pictures., Those oranges are glowing!!
Dorothy Hubbard
Love your ideas and recipes Wendy.
Dorothy Hubbard,
Soldiers Angels Volunteer