An exploding mug cake in the microwave can be a result of several factors, but the most common reasons include:
Overcooking: Microwave mug cakes can be sensitive to cooking times. If you cooked the cake for too long, it could have dried out, resulting in an explosion as steam built up inside the cake and had no way to escape.
Uneven Cooking: Microwave ovens have hot spots, meaning certain areas may heat up faster than others. If your mug cake was not evenly mixed or cooked, some parts might have cooked more rapidly than others, leading to an explosion.
Wrong Container: The type of mug or container used for the cake might not have been microwave-safe or could have been damaged, leading to an unexpected reaction during cooking.
Excessive Leavening: Too much baking powder or baking soda in the mug cake recipe can cause it to rise too rapidly and uncontrollably, leading to an explosion.
Lack of Moisture: Mug cakes need some moisture to prevent them from becoming too dry and potentially exploding. If your recipe lacked sufficient moisture, the cake might have dried out during cooking, causing an explosion.
Microwave Power: Microwaves with higher power levels can cook foods more quickly, which might have contributed to the cake's rapid rise and subsequent explosion.
To prevent mug cakes from exploding in the microwave, follow these tips:
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recommended cooking time and ingredient measurements in the mug cake recipe.
Use a microwave-safe container: Ensure that the mug or container you use is labeled as microwave-safe and is not damaged or cracked.
Mix ingredients evenly: Thoroughly mix all the ingredients to ensure even distribution throughout the mug cake.
Adjust microwave power: If your microwave has high power levels, consider reducing the cooking time or using lower power settings to allow for more controlled cooking.
Add moisture: If your mug cake tends to be dry, consider adding a bit more liquid (milk, water, etc.) to the recipe.
By following these guidelines and being cautious when preparing mug cakes, you can enjoy a delicious and safe microwave treat.