3 Super-Easy Microwave Desserts in ~5 Minutes

You don't need an oven to bake irresistible treats. If you have a microwave, you're all set. Making desserts in the microwave can actually be the best option: for your lifestyle, wallet, and the planet.

Feeling peckish after supper? Just put a bunch of ingredients together and you'll be sinking your teeth into a homemade treat in 5 minutes. Then feel proud of yourself for being eco-friendly — microwaves use far less energy than ovens. And the cherry on top of the (mug) cake is you'll be slashing your energy bills and saving money, too. Baking a dessert in the microwave costs 7 times less than in an oven.

Did we open your appetite? Satisfy your sweet tooth with one of these beginner-friendly microwave dessert recipes.

1. Strawberry mug cake

This mug cake microwave recipe is vegan, thanks to a few clever plant-based swaps we've made. It's perfect for the spring and summer when strawberries are in season (and affordable!).

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 fresh strawberries, sliced
• 4 tablespoons oat milk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons strawberry jam

Instructions:

1. Whisk all the dry ingredients together in a microwave-safe bowl
2. Stir in the strawberries, milk, and oil
3. Mix until the batter is smooth with no lumps
4. Spoon the jam on top of the batter and swirl it, using a toothpick or knife
5. Cook the cake in the microwave on high for 2 minutes

2. 5-minute apple crisp

Traditional crisps are simple desserts, but they take a while to cook. Not this one. It's one of those easy microwave sweets you'll want to enjoy all fall long.

Ingredients:

• 1 apple, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 tablespoon applesauce
• 2 tablespoons rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Combine the apple slices, applesauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice in a microwave-safe bowl
2. Microwave on high for 1 minute to soften the apples
3. In a separate bowl, combine all the other ingredients
4. Top the buttered oat mixture over the apples
5. Microwave on high for 3 minutes

3. Cinnamon roll for one

Our small-batch cinnamon roll recipe is one of the most unique quick microwave sweets you can make. It's a bit more involved than, say, making homemade popcorn. But it's so worth it.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 8 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling:

• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For the glaze:

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon milk

Instructions:

1. Combine all the dough ingredients in a bowl
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until you have a 6x9-inch rectangle
3. In a small bowl, whisk the filling ingredients
4. Spread the filling over the dough, then cut it in two
5. Roll up one of the halves, place it on top of the other half, and roll again to make a big cinnamon roll
6. Place the roll in a greased microwave-safe ramekin or mug
7. Microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes
8. Meanwhile, whisk together the glaze ingredients in a bowl
9. Drizzle it over the baked cinnamon roll and serve

Life is better when you treat yourself

A homemade baked treat or a spa night at home can do wonders for your mental health. So don't stop treating yourself just because you're on a budget. With the right tools, self-care can be affordable (or even free!). Check out our Coupon Book Finder to see whether the Coupon Book is available in your area to start pampering yourself with money-saving deals and discounts.