Advent Calendar Day 1 – Mini Gingerbread Mug Cake for One

A 5-Minute Festive Hug in a Mug

Welcome to Day 1 of the Plan4One Recipe Advent Calendar — where December is a little chaotic, a little sparkly, and entirely fuelled by snacks that can be made in under six minutes.

We’re starting strong with a Mini Gingerbread Mug Cake that tastes like Christmas walked into your kitchen, gave you a warm hug, and politely ignored the pile of laundry in the corner.

This little beauty is:

festive
fluffy
spiced
single-serve
and requires exactly zero oven involvement

A win for every solo human trying to feel festive without committing to a full baking day.

⭐ Ingredients (Serves 1)

4 tbsp plain flour
2 tbsp brown sugar
¼ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
Pinch of salt
3 tbsp milk
1 tbsp melted butter or neutral oil
½ tsp vanilla
Optional: 1 tsp golden syrup or maple syrup

🍴 How to Make It

Grab your favourite microwave-safe mug — ideally the one that makes you feel like you have your life together.
Add the flour, sugar, spices, and salt. Give it a quick stir.
Pour in the milk, butter, vanilla, and golden syrup. Mix until smooth and batter-like.
Microwave 45–60 seconds until risen and fluffy. Don’t overcook — mug cakes go from “Wow, fluffy cloud!” to “Dry brick of despair” fast.
Top with a dollop of yoghurt, cream, ice cream, or just eat it proudly with a spoon straight from the mug.

🎄 Why It Works for Solo Cooks

This is the ultimate I want dessert but I don’t want commitment treat. No leftovers. No temptation. No sad half-eaten cake staring at you tomorrow morning. Just one perfect hit of festive joy.

And if you really want to share? Double the recipe and make two mugs — but only if you like the person.