These easy, microwave dessert treats should be your go-to options for nights when you want to impress your guests but don’t have the time to make anything too flashy. They can be ready to be enjoyed in under 10 minutes which is perfect for either a large crowd or just yourself. This recipe has all of the taste and texture of your usual carrot cake but without all of the fuss and time it takes to bake. These even make a great treat for the grandkids as there’s nothing kids hate more than having to wait to be fed!

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp self-raising flour
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground mixed spice
• 1/8 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 35g (1/4 cup) coarsely grated carrot
• 1 tbsp finely chopped walnuts
• 2 tsp finely chopped glace ginger
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp grapeseed or vegetable oil
  Frosting
• 70g cream cheese, at room temperature
• 25g butter, at room temperature
• 80g (1/2 cup) icing sugar mixture
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Method

1. Grease a 7cm-deep, 1 1/2 cup capacity flat-bottomed mug with oil spray. Line base with baking paper.
2. Add flours, sugar, cinnamon, mixed spice and bicarb soda to a bowl. Stir well to combine. Add in carrot, walnuts and ginger. Stir well to combine.
3. Make well in centre. Pour in egg, milk and oil. Mix well, until combined. Spoon mixture into prepared ramekin or mug.
4. Microwave on High for 1 minute 45 seconds or until risen and skewer inserted into centre comes out clean. Set aside in ramekin for 2 minutes before turning out onto wire rack to cool completely.
5. Meanwhile, use electric beaters to combine cream cheese, butter and icing sugar in bowl until pale and creamy. Beat in vanilla.
6. Use large serrated knife to cut the cake in half horizontally. Spread half the frosting on cut edge of the base and top with remaining half of cake. Spread remaining frosting over the top. Serve.