Whether you live in a dorm, are craving something sweet or simply don’t have the time to devote to a scratch-made cake, these recipes will leave you satisfied without all of the work it takes to cook with an oven.

Story by Sarah Hollis

Photos by Laura Godinez

Salted Caramel Chocolate Mug Cake

Nobody will believe this delicious, rich dessert came from a microwave.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ⅓ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons caramel syrup
• ¼ cup flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Combine the first three ingredients in a mug and microwave in 30-second increments until melted.
2. Add remaining ingredients and stir until well combined.
3. Microwave for approximately two minutes. Surface should have no wet spots and cake should be spongy and moist.
4. Serve with ice cream.
5. Enjoy!

Baked Cinnamon Apples

This apple-based dessert is a healthier option to satisfy any sweet-tooth.

Ingredients:

• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• Honey (for drizzling)
• 1 small apple (honeycrisp, pink lady or granny smith)

Instructions:

1. Combine the first four ingredients in a small microwaveable bowl until well-combined.
2. Cut a small apple into about 16 thin slices.
3. Toss apple slices in mixture and microwave approximately two minutes or until apples are tender.
4. Serve warm, over ice cream or with granola (or on it’s own for a low-carb dessert alternative).
5. Enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Cookie

Prepare a classic cookie in just a few minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 2 teaspoons milk
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Combine melted butter and brown sugar in a microwaveable bowl until sugar is dissolved.
2. Add in vanilla extract, salt, milk and flour and stir until combined.
3. Make sure dough is room temperature before folding in chocolate chips.
4. Once all ingredients are incorporated, transfer dough to a microwaveable plate and form dough into the shape of a cookie that should be round and flat.
5. Microwave for approximately one minute.
6. Enjoy!