Purpose: This study was conducted to determine whether the risk of foodborne illness resulting from improperly microwaved cakes may be increased due to the lack of time and temperature data on such recipes, limitations of microwave ovens, and the paucity of food safety messaging on the blog sites linked to Pinterest.
Methods: A protocol was developed to compile popular mug cake recipes from Pinterest. After analyzing recipes for food safety messaging and overall popularity (based on predetermined criteria), the most popular mug cake recipe was tested in triplicate. Temperature was measured on the surface, bottom, and center every 15 s of cooking and after the full baking time was completed.
Results: A total of 316 recipe pins were compiled from Pinterest; 31 provided inaccurate food safety information. A pilot study resulted in an average temperature of 188°F in the center, 163°F at the bottom, and 128°F on the surface, at the minimum baking time recommendation of 60 s. At the maximum baking time recommendation of 90 s, the cake reached an average temperature of 208°F in the center, 197°F at the bottom, and 168°F on the surface.
Significance: This exploratory project showed misinformation about the safety of microwave baking on social sharing media. Results suggest that a microwave mug cake can be baked safely when the maximum recommended baking time is followed, but further study should be done to compare different microwaves and recipes.