We’ve all had those nights: the ones where you’re up in the wee hours, working feverishly on a new creative project. It’s pitch black outside, quiet inside, and the glow of your computer screen displaying how to make espresso is lighting up the room. I’m normally a morning person, but a few times a year, I get a hankering to pull an all-nighter–usually when coding a website or working on a writing project. And no matter how excited I am when I get started, there’s usually a point in the middle when my mind is still racing, but my eyes start to droop and my stomach starts to rumble. I need a pick me up.
So I created the Night Owl Mug Cake, a quick a delicious treat you can make when the craving for something sweet, warm, and caffeinated grabs you. It’s the perfect excuse to step away from your project for a couple minutes, and can be made any time with items you most likely have in your pantry already.
I was inspired to create this by Gourmesso coffee. They reached out to me, wondering if I wanted to try some of their capsules for my Nespresso machine. (They’re delicious and cost 30% less than your average Nespresso branded capsules!) I love that you can use the machine to create one espresso shot in no time. It works perfectly for the single serving mug cake and makes prep/clean up super easy. But be warned, this means this mug cake is caffeinated! I use one of the capsules meant for the short/espresso function, and for this cake I used one that has a caffeine level of “7.” Use whatever caffeine level you feel you need, and if you don’t have a Nespresso, you’re welcome to substitute espresso/coffee however you normally make it.
Ready for a cozy and caffeinated treat to keep you going late into the night? Let’s get started.
- 3 TBS Flour
- 2 TBS Cocoa Powder
- 3 TBS Sugar
- ¼ tsp Baking Powder
- 2 TBS Espresso
- 1 TBS Milk
- 1 Egg
- 2 TBS Oil
- ½ tsp Vanilla
- Whipped Cream (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
- Place all dry ingredients into a mug. Mix together.
- Add all wet ingredients into a mug. Whisk with a fork until everything is well mixed.
- Microwave for 90 seconds.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkles, and enjoy!
Isn’t that easy? Make sure you enjoy it while it’s nice and warm!
Working on an all-nighter with a group? Make a batch of my Epic Win Cupcakes in advance for a caffeinated kick. Looking for something a bit more healthy? My “Healthy Gaming Snacks” Pinterest Board has a bunch of great ideas!
This would be my signature dessert, if I had one!
I’m assuming this would be okay without the espresso, but you know what they say about assuming! I’m trying to avoid the caffeine completely while pregnant (don’t worry – pulling all nighters is totally easy without it, just have a toddler). So with a caffeine level of zero, would you recommend this or try something else?
Without espresso is fine! I’d just add at least another tablespoon of milk to increase the liquids a bit.