🎄 Because You Deserve Pudding, Too
Let’s be honest — traditional Christmas pudding is a bit of a production. Steaming for hours, soaking fruit for weeks, and enough leftovers to feed a small army. But if you’re cooking for one, or just craving that nostalgic spiced pudding flavour without the marathon effort, this little gem is your saviour.
This Single-Serve Christmas Pudding Mug Cake delivers all the warmth, spice, and fruity goodness of the classic — but in a mug, and in under two minutes. It’s the perfect festive treat for a quiet night in, or when you just need a comforting reminder that yes, Christmas magic can come in small (microwave-safe) packages.
🍒 Ingredients
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp melted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
- 1 tbsp milk (or almond milk)
- 1 tbsp mixed dried fruit (sultanas, raisins, chopped apricot or cranberries)
- ½ tbsp orange juice (or a cheeky splash of brandy)
- ¼ small apple, finely grated
- ½ tsp vanilla extract or golden syrup
Optional toppings:
- A dollop of vanilla yoghurt, custard, or whipped cream
- Dusting of icing sugar or drizzle of caramel sauce
☕ Instructions
- Mix the fruit:
In your mug, combine the dried fruit with orange juice (or brandy). Microwave for 15 seconds to plump them up. - Add wet ingredients:
Stir in the melted butter, milk, grated apple, and vanilla (or golden syrup). - Add dry ingredients:
Mix in flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. Don’t overmix — just combine until you don’t see dry spots. - Microwave:
Cook on high for 1 minute 20 seconds, then check. If it’s still a little gooey in the centre, give it another 10–15 seconds. (Microwave power varies, so err on the side of caution — you can always cook more, but you can’t uncook a lava puddle!) - Serve:
Let cool for a minute — it will be hot — then top with yoghurt, custard, or a spoonful of cream. Dust with icing sugar for a festive finish.
🎅 Tips from My Kitchen
- No apple handy? Use 1 tsp applesauce or mashed banana instead.
- Make it vegan: Swap butter for olive oil and milk for almond or oat milk.
- Amp it up: Stir in a few chopped nuts or a tiny chunk of dark chocolate before cooking.
- No microwave? Bake in an ovenproof ramekin at 180°C (fan 160°C) for about 15–18 minutes until just set.
🎁 Storage & Gifting
- Storage: Best enjoyed immediately (it’s all about that warm, fluffy texture), but you can refrigerate leftovers in the mug for up to 1 day — reheat gently in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
- Gifting idea: Mix the dry ingredients in a small jar and tie on a tag that says: “Add milk, butter, apple, and love. Microwave for 90 seconds of Christmas joy.” 🎄
Perfect for teachers, neighbours, or your work Secret Santa!
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
It’s a nostalgic nod to Christmas tradition without the faff. You get that sweet, spiced pudding aroma filling your kitchen in under two minutes — and honestly, when it’s just you and a spoon, there’s something deeply satisfying about not having to share.
✨ Thanks for staying
If you try this Christmas Pudding Mug Cake, let me know how yours turned out!
Drop a comment below or tag @Plan4One on social media with #Plan4OneChristmas — I’d love to see your festive creations.
