This is one of my all time FAVORITE Weight Watcher’s Recipes. Yes, it is 105 calories and *5 WW SmartPoints BUT it is so much better than eating a box of cookies or a bag a chips. My hubby even said it wasn’t bad when I topped it with some chocolate frosting!
This skinny 3-2-1 mug cake is a simple way to satisfy a craving for cake in minutes with just two ingredients, a mug and a microwave. Add a little bit of whipped topping and a few pieces of chopped fruit for a yummy treat.
It is low in calories and naturally portion controlled for those of us in Weight Watchers who are tempted by an entire cake sitting on the counter. Admit it, you shave just a little bit off each time you walk by, right? I know I am not the only one.
STEP 1 – MAKE THE BASE
You’ll need a box of angel food cake mix (make sure it is the one step kind) and a box of another cake mix of your choice. I love chocolate so I picked Devil’s food (gluten free). But you can use whatever flavor you like best. Whisk together the cake mixes in a large clear bowl with a balloon whisk. Whisk the two dry mixes together until they are free of lumps and well combined. Now you have enough “321 cake mix” for about 31 little microwave mug cakes. Store your 3-2-1 microwave cake mix in an airtight container (like a gallon zipper lock plastic bag). Be sure to label it with what it is and the instructions so you are ready the next time a cake craving strikes.
STEP 2 – MAKING A MUG CAKE
Gather your tools: a 10 ounce mug, measuring spoons, nonstick cooking spray and your mix. Coat the mug with nonstick spray. Then add 3 level tablespoons of dry cake mix and 2 level tablespoons of water. Stir together cake mix and water with a fork. Stirring with a fork (acts like a little whisk) until the mixture is well combined. It is okay if it bubbles up. Microwave your mug cake for approximately one (1) minute and voila – you have cake!
NOTE: The actual time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave. My microwave is 900 watts and takes 60 seconds. If your microwave has higher wattage set your time for a little less.
I will admit, it is not the prettiest thing but it tastes yummy, especially when it is still warm. You can eat it right from the mug.
Or turn it out onto a plate and pretty it up with a dusting of powdered sugar and dollop of canned whipped topping. You can even add a little bit of chocolate frosting while it is still warm and it will melt down the sides.
It is a great recipe for playing with different cake mix flavors, additions and/or accompaniments. If you are a Weight Watcher concerned about calories and/or tracking your points be sure to adjust accordingly.
You can use any flavor of cake mix you prefer: chocolate, white, yellow, lemon, spice, funfetti, spice, carrot, strawberry, etc.
Try adding 2 to 3 teaspoons of any of the following to the cake batter before cooking: miniature chocolate chips, finely chopped dried fruit, finely chopped nuts, sprinkles. Top with a dollop of light whipped topping.
Make a Molten Cake by placing a small piece of chocolate in the middle of the cake before microwaving.
Make a Caramel Apple Cake by adding a little bit of chopped dried apple to the cake before microwaving and then after it’s baked top with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Make a Cranberry Orange Nut Cake into yellow or white 3-2-1 cake mix by stirring in chopped nuts, dried cranberries and orange zest before microwaving.
Top your favorite cake with fruit and whipped cream for a light and tasty “shortcake.”
Drizzle finished cake with chocolate or caramel sauce.
Let us know what you think…. Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 