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

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.
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Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
all-purpose flour4tbsp
brown sugar2tbsp
baking powder1/4tsp- salt1pinch
Wet Ingredients
melted butter1tbsp
milk2tbsp
caramel sauce1tbsp
vanilla extract1/4tsp
instant coffee1pinch
Gooey Caramel Center (Optional)
caramel sauce1tsp- soft caramel candy1
Caramel Frosting (Non-Melting)
softened butter1tbsp
powdered sugar2tbsp
caramel sauce1tsp- salt1pinch
vanilla1/4tsp
milk1/2tsp
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
How to make Salted Caramel Mug Cake with Gooey Center & Non-Melting Caramel Frosting
- Step 1
In a microwave-safe mug, add flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Step 2
Add melted butter, milk, caramel sauce, vanilla, and optional coffee. Stir until smooth.
- Step 3
Push caramel sauce or candy into the center without mixing.
- Step 4
Microwave on medium-high for 75–95 seconds until just set.
- Step 5
Rest cake for 1 minute.
- Step 6
For frosting: Beat butter, powdered sugar, caramel, salt, and vanilla until thick. Add milk only if needed.
- Step 7
Spread or pipe frosting over the warm mug cake and serve.
Nutrition (per serving)
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
Don’t overcook — the cake firms up as it rests.
Add flaky salt on top for extra caramel contrast.
Swirl frosting instead of spreading for bakery vibes.
FAQS
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.
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.
What can I use instead of caramel sauce?
You can use soft caramel candy as an alternative for the gooey center.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute for regular flour.
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.
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 Sanjeev Kapoor’s Khana Khazana with my mom and helping her in the kitchen. On The Gourmet’s Hut, I share tried-and-tested authentic Indian recipes and quick microwave mug cake recipes perfect for busy days. My goal is to make cooking simple, flavorful, and fun—because food brings people together and every meal should create memories.
...Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia