Cakes, brownies and cookies aren’t difficult to make, especially with a mix, but it takes time — and it makes a mess. Not up for all of that? Microwave a mug dessert.
Making dessert in a mug, an idea that gained traction a few years ago, is a genius dessert shortcut that provides a single serving of dessert in seconds. No measuring, no spreading, no waiting, no baking, no fuss, no mess. Just dump the mix into a mug, stir in some water and pop it in the microwave. A minute later, dessert is served.
Like full-size mixes, these mini-versions come in a vast array of flavors and styles, including keto, gluten-free, high-protein and dairy free. While none of these microwave mug desserts are even remotely gourmet, they are a handy solution for those in need of a fast dessert alternative for guests on special diets — or for those who crave a baked dessert but don’t want the temptation of an entire cake or pan of brownies.
Great mug treats are carefully blended powders that deliver a warm bite of tender, sweet deliciousness that is nearly as good as a homemade treat. Sadly, many of the mixes fail, delivering yucky, grainy, gummy mouthfuls that don’t even deserve to be called “dessert.”
Here are details on the best microwave mug desserts, and the regrettable, forgettable mistakes. Nutrition info refers to one brownie or cake.
Betty Crocker Rainbow Chip Cake Mug Treats
Sprinkles of color in an airy cake that tastes exactly like a full-sized slice of cake makes this cake + frosting combo worth keeping on hand. It’s not high-brow, but it’s comforting. 400 calories, 4 g fat, 440 mg sodium, 51 g sugar, 6 g protein. $2.73 for four 3.48-ounce pouches at Walmart. (4 stars)
Birch Benders Brownie a La Cup
This grain-free, lower calorie mix made with almond and coconut flours is super-chocolatey and even has semi-sweet chips in the mix. Fans of dark chocolate should give it a try. 180 calories, 15 g fat, 330 mg sodium, 2 g sugar, 6 g protein. $2.99 for a 1.78-ounce cup at Sprouts. (3 1/2 stars)
Duncan Hines Cinnamon Coffee Cake Mix
A big dose of cinnamon and tender texture makes this generous-sized cake a tasty treat. It’s not homemade, but a fine stand-in. 320 calories, 10 g fat, 290 mg sodium, 31 g sugar, 4 g protein. $2.48 for four 2.58-ounce pouches at Walmart. (3 1/2 stars)
Betty Crocker Hot Fudge Brownie Mug Treats
This warm, tasty brownie is rich and chocolate-forward, but a bit too sweet. The frosting is a nice touch. 390 calories, 9 g fat, 310 mg sodium, 50 g sugar, 6 g protein. $3.49 for four 3.48-ounce pouches at Safeway. (3 stars)
Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Premium Brownie Mix
Pools of melty milk chocolate due to lots of full-sized chocolate chips are luscious, but the batter itself lacks chocolate punch. 300 calories, 10 g fat, 180 mg sodium, 32 g sugar, 3 g protein. $2.20 for four 2.3-ounce pouches at Foodmaxx. (2 1/2 stars)
Dr. Oetker Mug Cake Vanilla and Dark Chocolate Bits
This cake is sticky and the chocolate bits are few, but the bold vanilla flavor and pleasant texture make it worth eating. 320 calories, 10 g fat, 310 mg sodium, 34 g sugar, 4 g protein. $5.99 for a 2.6-ounce pouch on Amazon. (2 stars)
Duncan Hines Keto Friendly Double Chocolate Cake Mix
The coconut flour in this mix matches well with the chocolate, but the cake is dry and grainy. 300 calories, 14 g fat, 200 mg sodium, 2 g sugar, 8 g protein. $3.49 for a 2.1-ounce cup at Safeway. (1 1/2 stars)
Kodiac Cakes Chocolate Fudge Brownie Power Cup
The deep chocolate color of this cup is a plus, but it delivers little chocolate flavor and it’s incredibly gummy. 290 calories, 11 g fat, 230 mg sodium, 25 g sugar, 10 g protein. $2.49 for a 2.3-ounce cup at Raley’s. (1 star)
Namaste Organic Yellow Cake Cup Mixes
A strange flavor permeates this gritty, oddball cake made with rice flour, tapioca starch and citrus fiber. It’s vegan, keto, gluten-free and nearly inedible. 250 calories, no fat, 350 mg sodium, 25 g sugar, 2 g protein. $4.79 for four 2.44-ounce pouches on Amazon. (1/2 star)
Duncan Hines Caramel Brownie
It makes no sense to create a cake that tastes this bad. It tastes like paper. 330 calories, 10 g fat, 210 mg sodium, 39 g sugar, 3 g protein. $2.48 for four 2.8-ounce pouches at Walmart. (no stars)
Reviews are based on product samples purchased by this newspaper or provided by manufacturers. Contact Jolene Thym at timespickyeater@gmail.com. Read more Taste-off columns at www.mercurynews.com/tag/taste-off.
