Pumpkin Pie Mug Cake Recipe

Cook Time: 2 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

• 1 large egg
• cup dark brown sugar
• cup all-purpose flour
• cup canned pumpkin pure
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• teaspoon vanilla extract
• teaspoon ground cinnamon
• teaspoon ground ginger
• teaspoon ground nutmeg
• teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Crack the egg into a microwave-safe mug and whisk it together with the dark brown sugar until smooth.
2. Add the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pure, white sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk all ingredients until they are well combined.
3. Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for about 1 minute and 15 seconds, or until the mixture is puffed up and golden in color.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1

Calories	518
Total Fat	6g (8%)
Saturated Fat	2g (10%)
Cholesterol	186mg (62%)
Sodium	816mg (35%)
Total Carbohydrate	106g (39%)
Dietary Fiber	4g (14%)
Total Sugars	69g
Protein	12g (23%)
Vitamin C	3mg (3%)
Calcium	109mg (8%)
Iron	4mg (24%)
Potassium	334mg (7%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origin of Pumpkin Pie Mug Cake

The pumpkin pie mug cake is a modern twist on the classic American pumpkin pie, typically served during the fall and especially on Thanksgiving. Pumpkin pie itself has roots in early colonial America, where pumpkins were abundant and easy to grow. The first recorded recipe for pumpkin pie dates back to the 17th century when English settlers adapted recipes from Native American cuisine. The "mug cake" version is a recent innovation, born from the trend of single-serving microwave cakes. This quick and easy dessert provides the comforting flavor of pumpkin pie in a fraction of the time, using the microwave for an on-the-spot treat.

Regional Features and Variations

While pumpkin pie is popular throughout the United States, it holds particular significance in New England, the heart of the American colonial period, and the Midwest, where pumpkins are a major crop. Variations of pumpkin pie can differ slightly depending on regional preferences for spices. For instance, in New England, nutmeg and cinnamon dominate, while Midwestern versions might feature cloves or ginger. The pumpkin pie mug cake keeps these flavors intact, with the added bonus of being adaptableoften spiced to personal taste with options like pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon alone.

How It Differs from Similar Desserts

Though similar to traditional pumpkin pie, the mug cake version differs in its preparation and presentation. Traditional pumpkin pie requires a pie crust, a slow baking process, and time spent in the oven. In contrast, the mug cake requires just a few simple ingredientssuch as egg, flour, and canned pumpkin pureeand takes less than two minutes to cook in the microwave. This quick cooking method gives the cake a more pudding-like texture, rather than the firm, sliceable consistency of a classic pumpkin pie. Additionally, the mug cake is typically served as a single-serving portion, making it ideal for those craving a personal dessert without the need to bake an entire pie.

Where Pumpkin Pie Mug Cake is Typically Served

Given its simplicity, the pumpkin pie mug cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in various settings. It is particularly popular as a cozy, individual treat during the fall and winter months, often served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. While it is less formal than the traditional pumpkin pie, its perfect for casual gatherings or a quick after-dinner dessert. The mug cake has also found its place in busy households and workplaces as a quick snack or sweet indulgence after a long day.

Fun Facts About Pumpkin Pie Mug Cake

• The pumpkin pie mug cake can be customized to fit dietary restrictions, with substitutions like dairy-free milk, egg replacers, or gluten-free flour.
• Some variations of the recipe add chocolate chips, nuts, or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs on top, adding a new texture and flavor.
• Despite being a modern dessert, it often surprises people with how closely it mimics the taste and texture of a traditional pumpkin pie.
• The mug cake has become a staple of "microwave cooking" trends, where people seek to make gourmet desserts in under five minutes.

Conclusion

The pumpkin pie mug cake represents the perfect blend of tradition and modern convenience. It offers all the flavors of pumpkin pie in a speedy and individual serving, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quick, comforting dessert. Whether you're in the mood for a cozy treat on a cold evening or just need a fast and tasty dessert, this simple microwave mug cake is sure to satisfy your cravings.

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