The best microwave cake recipes
Make one of our quick microwave cake recipes to satisfy that sweet craving in a flash. Whether you want a light sponge or rich brownies we have an easy, speedy recipe for you.
Looking for a quick pudding fix? Discover our squidgy chocolate sponges, melting-middle mug cakes, zesty lemon puddings and more, all ready in under 20 minutes. If you're busy and in desperate need of cake, these quick recipes are the ideal solution – and they don't require Michelin-starred skills either.
Using mostly storecupboard ingredients, these smart recipes are made in the microwave in minutes (or, in some cases, seconds), so you can rustle up something truly indulgent just for yourself, or lay on a feast for the family.
For more on making the most of your microwave, see our microwave recipe collection to find genius everyday meals and more. Read our guides on 20 quick and easy microwave recipes and how to cook with a microwave, plus we have 10 easy healthy microwave recipes for fuss-free, nutritious mealtimes.
1. Sticky sultana pudding
Have the custard at the ready for this simple, traditional pud and spend a grand total of 10 minutes making the gloriously sticky, fruity sponge. It is a light, moist dessert that is bound to get demolished by friends and family (it serves four to six people). Finish with a drizzle of golden syrup, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, instead of custard, to jazz up this storecupboard hero.
Make our sticky sultana pudding and try pairing it with our instant vanilla ice cream.
2. Melt-in-the-middle mug cake
It doesn't get much quicker than this gooey chocolate pudding, ready in less than five minutes. It needs only simple ingredients that you'll probably already have, with no weighing required, and just 45 seconds in the microwave. Break the surface to discover the melting truffle in the middle. Best served piping hot with a scoop of ice cream on top.
Try our melt-in-the-middle mug cake for yourself.
3. Microwave peanut butter & jam brownies
The microwave comes in handy again for our American-inspired peanut butter & jam brownies. Go from brownie-less to swimming in chocolate in only 15 minutes. The mixture will continue to cook as it cools so don't worry about it being slightly wobbly. Mix it up with crunchy or smooth peanut butter, depending on your taste.
Bookmark our microwave peanut butter & jam brownies recipe or watch our easy video tutorial.
4. Microwave chocolate cake
Guests won't believe you made this classic chocolate cake with glossy ganache in 15 minutes – the perfect choice if you weren't expecting them. Want a plain vanilla sponge instead that you can spruce up another way? Leave out the chocolate and cocoa, divide your baked sponge, then spread cream and jam in between for a quick Victoria sandwich.
Bake our speedy microwave chocolate cake.
5. Banana pudding
If you have a couple of overripe bananas and you're not a fan of banana bread, try our lightly spiced banana pudding. A sprinkle of cinnamon makes all the difference. Keep in mind, the browner and softer the bananas, the stronger the flavour when baked. Serve with a generous helping of salted toffee sauce and ice cream for a deliciously decadent dessert. Who could resist a bowlful of banoffee? Take even more sweet inspiration from our banana recipe collection.
Make our microwave banana pudding.
6. Fastest ever lemon pudding
You don't need to sacrifice flavour if you're short on time. Our five-star recipe is bursting with zesty lemon despite the fact that you can plate it up in 10 minutes. It's adaptable, too, if you fancy a chocolate version. Pour over lashings of warmed lemon curd for an instant sauce. You'll be amazed that something so light and delicate came from your microwave.
Try our fastest ever lemon sponge pudding.
7. Hot mocha puddings
For a grown-up option, these irresistible puds use pitted prunes and instant coffee to bring out the depth of flavour in the cocoa. Serve them with coffee or vanilla ice cream and a splash of coffee liqueur. We reckon these up-market mug cakes are a step above your average microwave dessert.
Indulge in our hot mocha puddings.
8. Vegan mug cake
No one need miss out – make our super simple microwave mug cake with everyday vegan ingredients. We love a lemony sponge, particularly if it can be cooked in just two minutes. Drop in raspberries, or any frozen berries you might have for a zingy flavour boost.
Want to go the extra mile? Pair it with our two-ingredient vegan chocolate banana ice cream. Just blitz cocoa powder and banana pieces in a blender, et voila!
Make our easy vegan mug cake.
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