Two-minute French toast in a cup vs. five-minute apple pie in a mug

Not long ago, I tested the popular five-minute chocolate cake in a mug with high expectations. Result? This quick-fix dessert in the microwave was a fun, kid-friendly experiment but didn't satisfy my sweet tooth.

Well it seems the mug and the microwave have returned with a brunch staple this time - French toast in just a few minutes. Well far be it for me to let this one slip by without testing, so here goes.

Two-minute French toast in a cup 1 tbsp melted butter 2 slices bread 1 egg 2 tbsp milk 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp salt A drop of vanilla 1 tbsp maple syrup

Directions Swirl the melted butter to coat the inside of a mug. Tear bread into small pieces and drop into mug. Whisk egg with milk, cinnamon, salt and vanilla in a small bowl then pour over bread. Gently press the bread to absorb the liquid. Microwave on high for 1 1/2 min. Drizzle with maple syrup.

Result You know what is delicious about this recipe? The maple syrup. Unfortunately it is the only redeeming quality - and let's face it, maple syrup can save just about anything. I was hoping to praise this recipe, and encourage you all to try it, but the French toast was firm and spongy in texture, and just plain boring in flavour. Upon reflection, I don't know how much faster this is than pan-fried French toast - which is rather simple and quick to make in the first place. Recipe rescue: Seeing as the French toast in a mug didn't satisfy or save time, I recommend our sinfully delicious French-toast with raspberry cream (pictured above).

Challenge, part two: Create my own dessert in a mug

There arose my challenge. Is there a recipe that we could make, in a mug, in a microwave, in under five  minutes, that would be worth its weight? Something that is generally both time and labour intensive - like say apple pie? Well, here I am unveiling what I came up with: five-minute apple pie in a mug. Give it a try and I'd love to hear your feedback.

Five-minute apple pie in a mug 1 large tart apple (like Granny Smith), chopped 1 tbsp brown sugar A pinch of cinnamon 4 salted soda crackers 1 tbsp butter, room temperature

Directions Add the chopped apple to a mug. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon. Crumble the crackers on top. Place the butter on top of the crackers. Microwave on high for 2 1/2 minutes.

Result I think it was a sweet success, but let me know what you think!

Originally published June 18th 2012.