How to make gluten-free mug cakes for Father's Day

Got kids? Got a Daddy to impress? Then cake's your answer for Father's Day. But if you also need gluten-free (or have a food allergy) then it may not be as simple as running out to buy a bunch of Mr Kipling's Mini Rolls.

That mug isn't only for coffee, you know!

You might also want to add that special homemade touch. But if the mere thought makes your stomach lurch (messy kitchen not your bag?) then trying a mug cake is just the ticket.

It all looks like fun...but there's an easier way

Mug cakes are now so popular there's actually a plethora of books on them. That's right: multiple books (and all with the same title). If you're curious, 5 different glossy images popped up on Google when I had a quick search.

But you may not be ready for an entire book just yet. Or you may simply be tired of converting recipes to suit the coeliac(s) in the family.

Either way, here's a totally gluten-free recipe with guaranteed yumminess (as long as you don't blast it for too long in the microwave).

Easy things for the kids to do:

Tiny tots: pressing the button on the microwave and choosing a cake flavour (e.g. being shown a lemon and some cocoa powder and being asked to point to their favourite).

Older children: weighing out ingredients, beating the mixture and taking the finished mug cake triumphantly to Daddy.

Ingredients:

50g caster sugar

50g butter or margarine

1 large egg

50ml milk (dairy or soya)

50g self-raising gluten-free flour (I like Doves Farm)

+ flavouring (see below)

Flavour choices:

EITHER 1/2 tspn vanilla essence OR zest of 1/2 lemon OR 10g cocoa (but reduce flour by 10g)

Vanilla cake mix ready to go in the microwave

Method:

1. Mix all ingredients together with a fork in a large ceramic mug*.

2. Microwave for 15 seconds and check. Mixture should be starting to cook.

3. Microwave for a further 15 seconds. Check again.

4. Repeat 15 second process until cake puffs up proudly in the mug.

5. Remove from microwave and allow to cool for 2 minutes.

6. Serve with lashings of squirty cream/fromage frais/chocolate sauce (or all 3, just to be decadent).

7. Take photo of proud Daddy with his mug cake.

* Be sure it's one without a metal rim.

The finished mug - it's time to dig in!

If all of the above doesn't fill you with confidence and you'd rather have someone else take care of things for you, pop me an e-mail here or give me a call on 0117 908 9193. I'll be happy to help!