PJ Library 5th Birthday Mug Cake

A photo of a Mug cake in a PJ library in the UK 5th birthday mug
 

PJ Library, the charity that sends Jewish books to Jewish children, celebrates its fifth birthday next week. They asked me (and four other food writers) to each help them do so with a special recipe. How better to celebrate than with a cake that can be made in minutes?! It’s not quite up there with a baked sponge, but it’s quick and easy and can be made in minutes.

Find more birthday recipes at

Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 tsp buttermilk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 45g granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 45g self-raising flour
  • Pinch of salt
  • ¼ tsp vinegar (any type will do - except malt!)

For the topping:

  • 25g butter, really soft
  • 60g icing sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 30g cream cheese spread full fat

Preparation:

  1. In a large mug, whisk together the egg and oil with a fork.
  2. Stir in the buttermilk, vanilla, and sugar.
  3. Add the cocoa, flour, salt, and vinegar.
  4. Beat the batter until smooth and divide between two smaller mugs.
  5. Microwave each one separately for 1 ½ to 2 ½ minutes until risen and firm.
  6. Whilst cooling, beat together the butter, vanilla and icing sugar until smooth, and then beat in the cream cheese.
  7. Once cool, spoon icing onto each cake and shower with sprinkles.

About Victoria

Head shot of Victoria Prever

Victoria Prever is the food editor at the Jewish Chronicle, having left a legal career to train as a professional chef at Leith's School of Food and Wine. She is also a freelance food writer, cookery teacher and food consultant and has appeared on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, on BBC 1’s Sunday Morning Live as well as on BBC News digital.

February 27, 2020