Emergency Red Velvet Mug Cakes

Yes, that IS a real thing!

Haven't you ever had a red velvet emergency? 

If you've followed my blog from the beginning, you probably know how red velvet crazy I am! I've done a lot of red velvet posts. Heck, I had a whole week dedicated to the wonder that is red velvet. 

Lately, I've been hearing people say "oh this red velvet is just a fad. What's the big deal about it anyways?" I say they've been eating their red velvet at the wrong places! Good red velvet just cannot be dissed!! If it is the food coloring bothers you, as it often does me, just omit it! Or go easy on it. Most of the time, when I make red velvet just for the family, I skip the color altogether. Doesn't affect the taste at all!

So back to my emergency. This particular day, also know as today, I had two feverish kids with runny noses that wouldn't stop whining. It took me hours to get them to finish just half their lunches! The dog peed inside the house. In the midst of all this, I went to the supermarket and came back with three bagfulls and without the ONE thing I went for! Now, if that isn't a red velvet emergency, what is? Pray tell. 

Emergency Red Velvet Cakes

Makes 2 small coffee mug cakes

Adapted from a recipe by Teri Lyn Fisher found on buzzfeed

Ingredients

1 large egg

3 tbsp vegetable oil

1/2 tsp (or less) red food coloring

1 tsp vanilla

3 tbsp buttermilk (or whisked yoghurt)

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1-2 tbsp cocoa powder (I prefer less)

1/4 cup self raising flour

(Or 1/4 cup all purpose flour mixed with 1/4 slightly heaped tsp baking powder)

A pinch of salt

1/4 tsp apple cider (or white) vinegar 

Method

1. In a small bowl or a large mug or measuring jug, whisk together the first five ingredients till smooth. 

2. Add the sugar and cocoa powder and whisk till smooth. 

3. Add the remaining ingredients and stir till combined. 

4. Divide the batter between two coffee mugs. 

5. Microwave each cup separately for 1.5 minutes until the top of the cake is springy to the touch. Add another 30-60 seconds if needed. This will depend on the wattage of your microwave. 

6. Serve topped with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream or white chocolate ganache or just white chocolate shavings. 

This makes just enough for two and is extremely satisfying. As you can see, I topped it with just white chocolate shavings. I didn't have the energy or time to make anything more elaborate. 

The cake is amazing, and not just for a mug cake. It is a superior cake. It is super moist, amazingly flavorful and makes you go mmmmm. 

I settled down on the couch with a mug and spoon and I had barely taken two yummy spoonfuls when a pair of small hands carrying a pink spoon appeared out of nowhere, grabbed my mug and disappeared with a strange giggly-sniffly sound. Thankfully I had a back-up mug. Whew!

So when you have a day like mine, take five minutes and make yourself this mug cake recipe. You'll be glad this recipe makes two!