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    Home » Recipes » 3-2-1 Microwave Mug Cake

    Orange Mug Cake

    By Wendy Sondov · Published: Jan 19, 2021 · Modified: Jan 19, 2021 · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe

    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!

    Orange Mug Cake topped with marmalade in white mug on plate with slice of orange.

    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

    Recipe ingredients labeled white or yellow cake mix, angel food cake mix, orange marmalade.

    Instructions

    This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the recipe card below.

    1. In a gallon sized ziplock bag, combine the two boxes of cake mix. Shake the bag to mix thoroughly.
    2. 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.
    3. In the prepared cup, stir together 3 tablespoons of the mix, 2 tablespoons of water, and 1 tablespoon of orange marmalade.
    4. Microwave on high for up to 1 minute until cooked.
    5. 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.
    6. 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.
    Orange Mug Cake out of the mug on a white plate with cake on a spoon.

    FAQ's

    How do you turn a cake mix into a mug cake?

    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.

    How do you make a moist mug cake?

    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.

    How long do you cook a mug cake?

    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.

    Would you like to save this?

    We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later! Plus, you’ll get more great recipes and tips from us each week!

    Close up marmalade topped mug cake with a piece of cake on a fork.

    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.

    Overhead shot of cake in a mug on a white plate, orange slices, and a fork.

    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 in a white mug topped with orange marmalade.

    Orange Mug Cake

    A sweet, tart citrusy dessert that's hot and ready to enjoy in just one minute!
    5 from 2 votes
    Pin Recipe Print Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 1 minute minute
    Cook Time: 1 minute minute
    Total Time: 2 minutes minutes
    Servings: 24
    Calories: 77kcal
    Author: Wendy Sondov

    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

    Packing tips
    • 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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 149mg | Potassium: 59mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @TheMondayBox or tag #themondaybox!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. RITA

      March 21, 2024 at 6:24 pm

      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.

      Reply
    2. Cindy

      January 22, 2021 at 3:57 pm

      The highlights on the top of that cake are just gorgeous!

      Reply
    3. Miz Helen

      February 02, 2019 at 4:32 pm

      5 stars
      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

      Reply
    4. Kippi

      January 31, 2019 at 7:37 am

      Yum, this looks delicious. I am pinning it. Happy Baking, Kippi #kippiathome

      Reply
      • The Monday Box

        January 31, 2019 at 9:29 am

        Thanks, Kippi! Mug cakes are fun and yummy! 🙂

        Reply
    5. cindy

      January 23, 2019 at 11:13 am

      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!!

      Reply
    6. Dorothy Hubbard

      January 22, 2019 at 10:28 am

      5 stars
      Love your ideas and recipes Wendy.

      Dorothy Hubbard,
      Soldiers Angels Volunteer

      Reply
    5 from 2 votes

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    I'm Wendy, a baker, care package maker, and smile creator. On The Monday Box you’ll find care package inspiration and recipes for delicious treats that make it easy for you to share home baked love. Let’s spread happiness, one cookie at a time!

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