Salted Caramel Mug Cake with Gooey Center & Non-Melting Caramel Frosting

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Rajani (@thegourmetschoice)

A rich, soft, and buttery salted caramel mug cake with a warm gooey caramel center, topped with a thick bakery-style caramel frosting. Made in the microwave in under 5 minutes — no oven, no mess, pure comfort. Perfect for midnight cravings, quick solo desserts, kids’ treats, or last-minute party sweets.

Salted Caramel Mug Cake with Gooey Center & Non-Melting Caramel Frosting recipe

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Prep Time
2min
Cook Time
2min
Total Time
4min

Ingredients

1 Servings
(1 serving = 1 mug cake)

Dry Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour
    all-purpose flour
    4tbsp
  • brown sugar
    brown sugar
    2tbsp
  • baking powder
    baking powder
    1/4tsp
  • salt
    salt
    1pinch

Wet Ingredients

  • melted butter
    melted butter
    1tbsp
  • milk
    milk
    2tbsp
  • caramel sauce
    caramel sauce
    1tbsp
  • vanilla extract
    vanilla extract
    1/4tsp
  • instant coffee
    instant coffee
    1pinch

Gooey Caramel Center (Optional)

  • caramel sauce
    caramel sauce
    1tsp
  • soft caramel candy
    soft caramel candy
    1

Caramel Frosting (Non-Melting)

  • softened butter
    softened butter
    1tbsp
  • powdered sugar
    powdered sugar
    2tbsp
  • caramel sauce
    caramel sauce
    1tsp
  • salt
    salt
    1pinch
  • vanilla
    vanilla
    1/4tsp
  • milk
    milk
    1/2tsp

How to make Salted Caramel Mug Cake with Gooey Center & Non-Melting Caramel Frosting

  1. Step 1

    In a microwave-safe mug, add flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.

  2. Step 2

    Add melted butter, milk, caramel sauce, vanilla, and optional coffee. Stir until smooth.

  3. Step 3

    Push caramel sauce or candy into the center without mixing.

  4. Step 4

    Microwave on medium-high for 75–95 seconds until just set.

  5. Step 5

    Rest cake for 1 minute.

  6. Step 6

    For frosting: Beat butter, powdered sugar, caramel, salt, and vanilla until thick. Add milk only if needed.

  7. Step 7

    Spread or pipe frosting over the warm mug cake and serve.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

345.0kcal (17.25%)

Protein

5.0g (10%)

Carbs

50.0g (18.18%)

Sugars

30.0g (60%)

Healthy Fat

6.1g

Unhealthy Fat

9.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Don’t overcook — the cake firms up as it rests.

  2. Add flaky salt on top for extra caramel contrast.

  3. Swirl frosting instead of spreading for bakery vibes.

FAQS

  1. Can I make this mug cake vegan?

    Yes, you can use plant-based swaps like coconut oil or vegan butter for butter, and almond, oat, or soy milk for regular milk.

  2. How do I avoid overcooking the mug cake?

    Microwave for 75 seconds first and check. The cake firms up as it rests, so avoid microwaving for too long.

  3. What can I use instead of caramel sauce?

    You can use soft caramel candy as an alternative for the gooey center.

  4. Can I make this gluten-free?

    Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute for regular flour.

  5. How do I store the mug cake?

    It's best eaten fresh, but you can cover it and let it rest at room temperature for up to 2 hours.

thegourmetschoice's profile picture

Rajani

(@thegourmetschoice)

I’m Rajani, a passionate cook with over 15 years of experience creating delicious, approachable dishes. My love for food began in childhood, inspired by watching

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