The Grateful Cake Recipe

Right now, we are all dealing with different problems in these pandemic times. Some things are the same while most others are different. Some problems are more stressful for one another and I pray that this will end soon. On the bright side, this may be a good time to reflect on our actions and decisions that we continue to make every day.

I am extremely grateful that I am fortunate enough to be able to go out and buy food, be able to take a walk. I thank our health professionals and everyone who is risking their lives in saving others.

This instructable was inspired by some of my friends and families who aren't allowed to go out and buy groceries, fresh fruits or cakes for celebrations. Maybe it was someone's birthday or anniversary, or an important celebration, you can make this dessert with a few simple ingredients.

This dessert is pretty simple and fast to make, I hope you will like it and it will put a smile on your loved ones face!

Microwave

Microwavable mug

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 3 tbsp milk**
• 2 tbsp flavourless oil*
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• a pinch of salt

Frosting

• 1 tbsp butter**
• 4 tbsp/ 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp milk**
• a splash of vanilla
• a pinch of salt

Fruits or chocolate chips to decorate with.

You can also use Nutella/chocolate hazelnut spread for a quick frosting alternative.

*Use a flavourless oil such as canola, sunflower or vegetable oil, but not olive oil.

**For a vegan cake, substitute milk and butter for coconut oil/ vegan butter, and vegan milk such as coconut milk and almond milk.

In a bowl, add in the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Mix it until everything is combined together. Next add in the milk, oil and vanilla. Blend it until smooth.

This recipe fits for a medium-sized mug. Please add more or fewer ingredients to suit the mug you are using. You can choose to add butter or to spray the inside of the mug so the cake doesn't stick. Pour in the batter and microwave it. It usually takes 45 sec to a minute, but please adjust the timing according to your own microwave. Mine took about a minute and a half. Be careful not to bake it too much otherwise, it will end up to dry.

Once it is baked, turn it over and let the cake fall out onto a plate. Let it cool for about 10 minues. Next, cut your cake in half or thirds. Mine became very thin but I could still manage to cut it in half.

Start by blending the butter into a creamy white colour. Next, mix in the cocoa and powdered sugar. Slowly add in the milk, while mixing to get a creamy consistency. Pour in the vanilla extract and add in a pinch of salt. Blend it until it is creamy. If it is too thin add more sugar one spoon at a time.

Using good quality cocoa is very important, I am using dutch processed.

Start by making the rough side of the cake as the base. Next, add a layer of frosting making sure it is not so much that it will ooze out. Place the second half of the cake on top. Now frost the whole cake( the sides and top).

I had mine frosted by a toddler, so it became a little like a blob. Also, a tip is to not frost it outside, in the middle of the day when the burning sun is out. The frosting will melt and turn into a sad cake puddle which no one wants.

I topped the cake with blueberries and strawberries. You can use chocolate chips as well. This cake wasn't the prettiest but it was very moist and delicious!

I hope that this was a bit helpful and I hope that you can try it too! Please be welcome for suggestions so I can improve :)

Thank you very much for reading.