It was a little shocking to me when my daughter started making her own cakes after school. She discovered mug cakes on Pinterest and immediately started experimenting with various recipes of the three minute microwaveable desserts. No hot oven, no big mess, these easy treats are so easy kids can even make them themselves.

Having made lots of varieties, however, we've discovered that mug cakes can be a little finicky. Microwaving is never an exact cooking method and it's easy to get something hard as a rock or a gooey mess.

Thanks to our tireless (and selfless) experimenting, we've come up with three no-fail mug cake recipes that come out well time and again. I've also worked on some adjustments to make them a little healthier.

Tips for no-fail mug cakes: 

Use self-rising flour or make your own by mixing a cup of flour with 3/4 teaspoon baking powder and a dash of salt. I made my own using whole wheat flour which worked well for all of the below recipes.

Two is better than one. Even though it's convenient to just mix the ingredients right in the mug, most mug cakes come out better if you divide the ingredients into two mugs. Either way, never fill the mug more than half way.

Take it slow. The easiest way to ruin a mug cake is to cook it too much. Start out cooking for 90 seconds and then continue for 30 second increments. Watch your cake to make sure it doesn't bubble over.  

Chocolate Nutella Mug Cake
Whisk together 4 tablespoons each self-rising flour and sugar, 3 tablespoons each Nutella, cocoa powder, milk and oil, and an egg. Divide into two mugs and microwave for 90 seconds or more if needed. Top with whipped cream if you like.

Mixed Berry Microwave Cobbler 
You can use any berries you like for this, fresh or defrosted frozen. Fill mug about halfway with chopped berries and sprinkle with a tablespoons sugar or to taste. In a bowl mix 1/3 cup self-rising flour, a tablespoon of sugar, a tablespoon of butter and 2 tablespoons of milk to form crust. Top the berries with your crust, sprinkle a little sugar on top and microwave for 90 seconds to 2 minutes. Let cool before eating. Add ice cream or whipped cream for extra yumminess. 

Flourless Banana Chocolate Mug Cake
Mash an overripe banana, 1/4 cup peanut butter, an egg, 2 teaspoons sugar, and 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to mix well. Divide batter between two mugs and microwave for 90 seconds. You can customize this with any add-ins or toppings.