Over this past weekend, my friend and podcast co-host, Stef, and I set off on what has quickly become our new favorite holiday tradition in her neck of the New England woods – the town of Hubbardston’s annual “Light Fight” contest! I had written about the event last December, which was our first time participating, and where we’d had an absolute blast.
The premise of “Light Fight” is simple: residents of the town who enter the contest decorate their homes and/or businesses for the holidays in the style of different categories (like “Go Big or Go Home”, “Traditional”, etc.) and people drive or walk around using a map provided on the town’s social media that displays all of the participants’ locations and then vote on their favorites throughout the course of the holiday season.
Much like we did last year, Stef prepared a holiday playlist and some hot chocolate to bring with us on the road to make the evening all the more festive – but before we departed, I also added something cozy and comforting to enjoy – peanut butter cup mug cakes that only take a couple of minutes to prepare and bake in the microwave!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
1 SERVING:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch salt
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 2 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (optional)
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
1. In your mug, stir together the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt). Make sure there are no clumps.
2. Stir in the vegetable oil and milk until the mixture is smooth. To keep the cake from potentially drying out, add the teaspoon of melted unsalted butter and mix again. Finally, drop a tablespoon of peanut butter into the center and push it down into the batter.
3. Microwave on high for one minute, add toppings if desired, and enjoy!
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When I’d first tried this recipe, it didn’t call for butter – and while the results were still undeniably delicious – certain sections of the cake felt a little dry in texture. I found that when adding the melted butter into the mix, the consistency was a lot softer, moist and fluffier!
I love a good mug cake this time of year, especially when there’s frost or snow on the ground and I just want to keep something warm in my hands while I curl up with a cozy fire or a Christmas movie – and I’m excited to make these again as the holidays get closer and when I’m finally done wrapping the gifts I picked up for everyone and can take a break!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 