When the craving hits for something sweet that is also low in calories, nothing beats this recipe for 3-2-1 Mug Cake. Just 2 ingredients & 1 minute in the microwave for a yummy single-serving dessert you will love.
Why is this Weight Watchers copycat recipe called 3-2-1 cake? It's pretty simple & because this is all you need to make one.
- 3 Tablespoons of Cake Mix
- 2 Tablespoons of Water
- 1 Minute in the Microwave.
Ingredients
This sponge-like mug cake is made from a combination of two boxed cake mixes.
Here are the ingredients needed to make a 3-2-1 cake.
- Angel Food Cake Mix - the egg whites in this type of boxed cake mix is what makes the texture spongey & helps it rise with few other ingredients needed.
- Chocolate Cake Mix - this is my favorite but you can use almost any other flavor ( like lemon - OMG!)
OPTIONAL toppings: whipped cream, desserts sauces, sprinkles, dice fruit, etc.
See the recipe card for quantities & substitutions/variations.
How to Make
Here is how to make a mug cake with cake mix. This 3-2-1 cake is as easy as 1-2-3! Sorry, had to go there!
Here are the 3 easy steps for making this mug cake:
- Combine the Cake Mixes
- Mix the Ingredients in a Mug
- Cook in the Microwave
See the recipe card for full instructions.
1 - Combine the Cake Mixes
This sponge-like mug cake is made from a combination of two boxed cake mixes. Whisk them together and store them in the pantry. Now you are ready to go whenever your sweet tooth kicks in.
2 - Mix the Ingredients in a Mug
Grab your favorite mug & add 3 tablespoons of the cake mix. Top with 2 tablespoons of water. Using a fork or tiny whisk, mix until combined & no visible lumps or dry streaks appear.
NOTE: Do not try to double this recipe; the proportions do not seem to work out. The center will be gummy & it doesn't rise as well.
3 - Cook in the Microwave
Place the mug in the microwave and cook for 1 minute on high. The cake will rise in the mug (about double the size) and then fall once done heating.
CAUTION: The mug & cake will be hot when done. Let the cake cool in the mug for 1-2 minutes.
Enjoy straight out of the mug or invert onto a plate. Top with any of the optional ingredients (this will add to the calories).
Serving Suggestions
If calories are not a concern, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce is to die for. Plus some sprinkles & my kids vote for all of the above!
Hint: You can also turn it out of the mug onto a plate & add a bit of frosting for mug cupcake vibes.
Top Tips
These will help with success and are worth highlighting so you don't miss them.
- Always use an angel food cake mix plus your favorite other brand & flavor of cake mix from the box.
- Store the mixture in a cool dry place in an air-tight container.
- Spray your mug if it tends to stick when cooking.
- Always make it as a single-serving for the right proportions.
FAQ
Using a mug that is 8-ounces or bigger will work just fine. The cake will rise so you need something double the size as what the small amount of ingredients will hold. Any microwave safe bowl, cup, pyrex dish, or ramekin that size or larger is perfect.
If chocolate is not your thing, no worries. You can replace the cake mix with another flavor; try strawberry, yellow, white, lemon, confetti, red velvet, or even with a Pillsbury sugar-free cake mix. The best brands are Great Value, Duncan Hines, Pillsbury, or Betty Crocker.
I do not recommend using boxed pound cake or carrot cake. NOTE: whatever you choose it must be combined with the angel food cake mix or it will not work out. And both boxes need to be around 15 ounces in size.
I have included the information in the recipe card shared below. The tally comes to 2 points for Points Plus and 3 Smart Points. The single-serving cake is under 100 calories, only 81. It is low-fat at under 1g.
It may be due to the materials in the mug you are using. Next time use a quick spritz of nonstick spray before adding the ingredients.
3-2-1 Mug Cake
Equipment
- microwave oven
- mug * 8-ounce size or bigger
Ingredients
- 1 box Angel Food Cake Mix Approximately 15 ounces
- 1 box Chocolate Cake Mix Approximately 15 ounces
Instructions
- Combine both cake mixes in a large bowl. Whisk or stir to combine. Store in a large air-tight container in a cool dry place such as the pantry or cupboard.
- In a mug add 3 tablespoons of the cake mixture with 2 tablespoons of water. Use a fork or tiny whisk to combine.
- Cook in the microwave for 1 minute.** Mug & cake will be hot - let cool for 1-2 minutes.
- Enjoy straight from the mug. Or remove from and plate. Eat plain or top with a dollop of whipped cream or optional items.
Notes
Final Notes
Here is all the reasons you will love this recipe.
- It is a yummy guilt-free snack or dessert that is Weight Watchers approved.
- It's the best cake for anyone on a diet or looking for a healthier option that's low in fat.
- It is ready in just 2 minutes.
- Only one dish to wash - no mixing bowls & cake pans!
- Serve this after one of my light dinner favorites; Cucumber Shrimp Salad or Italian Chopped Salad.
Jo says
Can we add brownie mix with the angel food mix?
Angela says
I have never tried that. I think it would come out differently texture-wise & for the points/calories.