With ingredients found at the dining hall, fulfill your baking desires by making these homemade mug desserts in your dorm room.
Mug cakes are very trendy right now because they are quick, easy and individualized. But many of the recipes out there call for small amounts of flour, an egg, baking powder, and other ingredients that college students don’t happen to have in their 11’ x 14’ room. So instead of spending precious money at the grocery store, we complied 3 mug recipes with ingredients you can get for FREE (with your meal plan) from the dining hall. Part of the fun is creating ways to sneak the ingredients from the dining hall- and we have tips to help you out there, too.
Hint: Plan ahead and bring zip-lock bags and a backpack to put ingredients into.
Not only are these desserts delicious, all of them are fairly healthy and have gluten free, dairy-free, and vegan options. Also feel free to play around with amounts and omit any ingredients to get the perfect dessert for you.
Apple Crisp
Apple crisp is an essential fall dessert that has such a distinct homemade aroma. But you don’t have to go home for the weekend to savor this dessert. By using both oatmeal and granola as the “crisp”, we have created the perfect median of soft and crispy dessert.
Ingredients:
~1 Apple
So easy to find and take from any dining hall. Any type of apple works.
~1/2 oatmeal packet
Can usually be found in the gluten-free section cabinets. Or you can buy a bunch at a grocery store and make oatmeal with them too. Be sure to use a flavored one, like brown sugar or maple to sweeten the dessert.
~ 2 Tbsp. granola
Found at breakfast near the yogurt or anytime in the gluten-free section.
~2 tsp. cinnamon (optional)
Found near coffee/tea section or near oatmeal section.
Steps:
1. Cut up apples into slices and add to a large mug.
2. Add cinnamon if desired. Sprinkle ½ oatmeal packet and stir to combine.
3. Add granola to top and sprinkle more cinnamon.
4. Microwave for 1-2 minutes.
5. Allow a minute or so to cool then enjoy.
Option: Add a slice of butter on top before microwaving to create a richer flavor.
Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Pumpkin is everything. This dessert satisfies that seasonal craving without the guilt. It’s creamy, warm, and like fall condensed into a mug.
Ingredients:
~2 slices toasted or day-old bread (wheat or gluten-free)
Find it anytime of day in sandwich area or GF in Gluten Free Pantry.
~ ½ to ¾ cup milk (dairy, almond, soy, coconut, whatever you prefer)
Find all types of milk in the dining hall and bring a to-go coffee mug to put it into or find it at the Student Union in individual portions as seen in the photos above.
~2 Tbsp. brown sugar, raisins, cinnamon
These ingredients are out in the morning for breakfast so people can put it on their oatmeal. Put them on the side of your plate and then sneak them into a zip lock when you’re at the table.
~3 Tbsp. pumpkin puree
Pumpkin is probably the only ingredient you can’t find at the dining hall, but you can get it at any grocery store for only $0.99.
~1 Tbsp. pecans (optional)
Find them in the morning with the oatmeal station or buy them at grocery store. They are also a great healthy snack to have around your dorm.
~Extra sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)
Again, not always found in dining halls.
Steps:
1. Cut bread into cubes
2. Combine milk, brown sugar, raisins, cinnamon, pumpkin, and pecans in a large mug and stir.
3. Add bread to mug and stir to combine. Bread should absorb most of the liquid, but there still should be some liquid mixture left.
4. Top off with cinnamon and pecans if desired.
5. Microwave on high for 1 minute.
6. Take out and enjoy guilt-free, homemade deliciousness.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Mug
This medley of flavors can satisfy any sweet tooth. It’s amazing how much better chocolate chips can be just by melting them. Just add peanut butter and sliced up banana to get a simple and sweet dessert.
Ingredients:
~1 Banana
Easy to find in dining hall with the rest of the fruits.
~2 Tbs. peanut butter
Many dining halls have individual packets you can use.
~ ¼ cup chocolate chips
Find them at the sundae bar.
Steps:
1. Put chocolate chips into a mug and microwave until melted- on high for 1 minute, taking it out every 15 seconds to stir.
2. While chocolate is melting, cut banana into slices.
3. Add peanut butter to melted chocolate and swirl.
4. Add banana slices and fold in.
5. Microwave dessert for an extra 10-15 seconds.
6. Enjoy!