Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake in a Mug

Kelli Foster
Kelli FosterSenior Contributing Food Editor
Kelli is a Senior Contributing Food Editor for Kitchn. She's a graduate of the French Culinary Institute and author of the cookbooks, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, The Probiotic Kitchen, Buddha Bowls, and Everyday Freekeh Meals. She lives in New Jersey.
Follow
updated May 1, 2019
summer
(5)
Strawberry Shortcake in a Mug

Serves1

pinterest
comments
Jump to Recipe
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
(Image credit: Lauren Volo)

Sometimes there’s an occasion to make a beautiful, towering strawberry shortcake to grace the dessert table. But more often we’re managing a busy weeknight when the hankering for a slice of soft, spongy cake accompanied by fresh sliced berries and whipped cream hits. Even if you had the time and energy, you don’t need a whole cake, and you definitely don’t want to turn on the oven if it’s high summer. This sweet mug cake is your single-serve solution.

The One-Dish, Two-Minute Dessert

Here’s the thing about mug cakes: You’re never going to mistake this dessert for a freshly baked cake, and — if we’re being honest — they’re not always the prettiest dessert. But that’s just fine with me; mug cake is all about sweet convenience. It’s a quick way to satisfy our dessert craving, while dirtying as few dishes as possible.

(Image credit: Lauren Volo)

This single-serve version of strawberry shortcake blends a fresh diced berry with super-moist and tender vanilla cake. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but one berry is just enough for added sweetness (and pretty pink color), without making for a soggy cake. Do be sure to top your cake with extra chopped strawberries and, of course, a big dollop of whipped cream. Keep things simple with store-bought whipped cream or make a quick homemade batch by shaking some in a Mason jar.

Read More: Can You Really Make Whipped Cream with Just a Mason Jar?

Comments

Strawberry Shortcake in a Mug

Serves1

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons

    unsalted butter

  • 3 tablespoons

    whole or 2% milk

  • 2 tablespoons

    granulated sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    vanilla extract

  • 1/4 cup

    all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 teaspoon

    baking powder

  • Pinch of fine salt

  • 1

    small strawberry, diced, plus more for topping

  • Whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place the butter in a 12-ounce or larger microwave-safe mug and microwave until just melted. Add the milk, sugar, and vanilla and whisk to combine. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, and whisk until well-combined. Add the strawberry, then gently push the pieces down so they're mostly submerged in the batter.

  2. Microwave on high for 60 seconds, and then in 15-second bursts until the cake begins to pull away from the sides of the mug and the top looks set, dry, and springs back when gently touched, about 30 to 60 seconds more. Top with extra strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream and serve immediately.

Stylist Credits

  • White Luscious Teapot, Cups & Saucers, and White Mugs courtesy of T2
Filed in:
baked goods
Baking
Cake
children
Dessert
easy