Most people reach for it every day — their favorite mug. Whether yours is thrifted, love worn, DIY’d or impulse-purchased from a high-end boutique, one thing is certain: It’s a kitchen essential that can make your life easier. If the thought of dragging out mixing bowls and casserole dishes makes you want to run screaming out of your kitchen (we’ve all been there), never fear. The mug is here! With a few simple ingredients and a microwave, your cup can transform into a one-dish wonder. Not only are these mug meals super delicious, but most of them can be ready in five minutes or less.
1. 5-Minute Chocolate Fudge S’mores Mug Cake: If the mere thought of breaking out skewers and standing over a hot fire makes you sweat, meet your s’mores in a new way — the mug cake. This ooey gooey marshmallow ‘n’ fudge treat can be ready to eat in five minutes, sans sweating over an open fire. (via How Sweet It Is)
2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake: The mug cake can be tricky to master… but not for you. Not now that you’re armed with this carefully tested recipe, that is. Mix things up by adding nuts and mini mallows for a rocky road-style treat. (via The Novice Chef)
3. Blueberry Muffin With Streusel Topping Mug Cake: There’s nothing like the scent of freshly-baked blueberry muffins. Mmmmm. Are your cravings on a blueberry kick now? Good thing you can make this muffin in a matter of minutes. (via Kirbie’s Cravings)
4. Mexican Street Corn in a Cup: What a classy way to serve corn! And how beautiful would this spicy dish look in a variety of colorful mugs? (via Little Inspiration)
5. Red Velvet Mug Cake: Wrap up this colorful cake-in-a-mug and make it a gift. Who wouldn’t love to find this sweet snack on their office desk? (via Kirbie’s Cravings)
6. Pumpkin Mug Pie With Toffee and Caramel: Sooooo… we’re totally tempted to make this for breakfast. Pumpkin’s healthy, right? (via Yammie’s Noshery)
7. Microwave Mug Brownie: Fuel your mug obsession with chocolate. What else? (via Cooking Classy)
8. The Ultimate Gooey Caramel Brownie Mug Cake Sundae: An already fabulous molten chocolate cake recipe gets a makeover with rich espresso and other add-ins such as melted caramel, nuts and fudge sauce. This is a great way to satisfy your cravings. We have a hunch that it will more than meet your expectations. (via Willow Bird Baking)
9. Single Serving Cinnamon Roll: There are so many things to love about cinnamon rolls. They’re basically an excuse to eat cake for breakfast! Which is why we’re super excited to try this healthified version. Ingredients like oat flour, bananas, coconut oil, dates and, of course, cinnamon come together to create a single serving of delish. (via Chocolate Covered Katie)
10. Nutty Little Mug Cake: Who’s game for a little mug cake that’s infused with Ferrero Rocher chocolates!? Oh, and there’s Nutella. Yes, Nutella. Your day just got seriously awesome. (via This Little Street)
11. Strawberry Mug Pies: Strawberry pie — in a mug — is now officially the greatest thing to ever happen to you. This beauty is actually oven-baked, but the recipe boasts a seriously good time-saving secret: puff pastry. So genius. (via How Sweet It Is)
12. Coffee Cup Quiche: Desserts are nice… but when you’re really hungry they just don’t cut it. Make a meal happen in minutes with this simple yet delicious quiche in a cup. Dinner? Done. (via STL Today)
13. Cookies and Cream Mug Cake: Worth every single delicious calorie. Make this happen with only five ingredients and five minutes of your time. (via Kirbie’s Cravings)
14. Peach Cobbler Mug Cake: The smell of this fresh-from-the-microwave cake is so irresistible that you might find yourself greedily spooning down mouthfuls before it’s had time to properly cool. We found it a great test of self-control — and yep, apparently we’re human. (via Cooking Classy)
15. Minute Microwave Cheesecake: Cheesecake in one minute? Yum and yes please! Top off these babies with fresh fruit, nuts or even chocolate. Fair warning: We’re not sharing! (via Your Lighter Side)
16. Microwaved Sausage and Cheese Spaghetti Dinner: Let’s face it. You’re busy. Too busy to mess around with complicated cooking after a long day. That’s when you can really appreciate this totally microwaveable mug meal. Throw together fresh ingredients, like italian sausage, pasta, garlic, shredded cheese and spices — then microwave. Within minutes, you’ll be hooked. (via Lady and Pups)
17. Blueberry Coffee Cake: It’s time for second breakfast. Perhaps elevenses? Or maybe a fourth meal? No matter what time of day or night it is, we’re ready to succumb to this sweet coffee cake. (via Steph’s Bite By Bite)
18. Roasted Tomato Soup With Grilled Cheddar: Hungry? Here’s something to really get your stomach growling. Rather than coming home to a microwave dinner or leftover pizza, prepare this roasted tomato soup a day ahead, then simply ladle into cups and heat in the oven, sprinkling shredded cheese on top. You won’t be sorry. (via Smitten Kitchen)
19. Nutella Mug Cake: The world of mug cakes just reached a whole new level of delish. This mug absolutely meets all the must-have requirements for a perfect mug cake. Minimal ingredients? Check. Short prep time? Check. Minimal cooking time? Check. And Nutella? Check yes. (via Babble)
20. Mint Chocolate Chip Cake: After a doozy of the day — or any day — eat this, feel better. (via She Knows)
21. Chocolate Buckwheat Microwave Cake: This buckwheat cake is loaded with heart-healthy ingredients to create a snack that you’ll love and feel good about eating. P.S. Only 200 calories! (via Desserts with Benefits)
22. Chicken Pot Pie in a Mug: Carry around your favorite comfort food in your trusty mug. The handle makes it easy to manage if you’re cozying up on the couch for a comfy dinner. Oh, and just so you’re not freakin’ about crust-making, know that this flaky topper is a breeze thanks to puff pastry. (Whew!) (via Dance on Flour)
23. Microwave Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie: When we were kids, a day without sweets was a day without joy. And now that we’re all grown up — well, we’re still not over it. (via Heather’s Dish)
24. A Cup of Coffee Cake: Coffee cake should always be in a cup. Way to manage those pesky crumbles! (via Prudent Baby)
25. Chocolate Chip Cookie: Sometimes it’s better to make just one cookie, because making a whole batch takes far too long, and it’s far too easy to munch your way through a dozen… or two. But how would we know about that? ;) (via No. 2 Pencil)
26. Omelet: Get a handle on breakfast (or make it brunch!) with an omelet in a mug. This is a great way to tote your breakfast when you’re in a hurry — simply grab and go! (via Just Putzing)
Tell us: What’s been hanging out in your mug lately? (Besides your morning coffee, of course!) Let us know in the comments below!