Emergency Cake

I prepare for a long-term collapse of society where there is no manufacturing and no shipping of any foods or other goods.  It served us pretty well during the COVID crisis, such that we didn't have to run to the store for any food or medical supplies. (For us.  I wasn't well enough prepared for the animals.  The ewes started lambing in March and April, and one of the little ewe lambs developed an infection that required injectable penicillin.)

But it was a little surreal.  I never imagined that when exciting times kicked off for everyone, that the electricity would still be plentiful.  I'm not complaining, mind you.  I am really quite fond of electricity and indoor plumbing.  But I just didn't imagine it.  I might have prepared a little differently.

Anyway, I have always planned to have to make everything from scratch and not have a reliable consistent source of heat for easy baking.  So I would never have prepared to make something like Emergency Cake.   It's made with store-bought cake mixes and a microwave, neither of which I am fond of relying on, but I think it's a great way to ease into difficult situations, when the power's still on.  And it's made in single servings when you need only a little chocolate fix, and you can save the rest of the mix for another day.

So here goes:

Emergency Cake Mix
1 box regular cake mix, any flavor
1 box angel food cake mix
2 small boxes instant pudding mix, optional

Combine the mixes in a plastic storage container.

Emergency Cake 
3 tablespoons Emergency Cake Mix
2 tablespoons water

Spray microwaveable mug (or small bowl) with cooking spray.  Combine the cake mix and water in a the mug and stir well.  Microwave for 1 minute.  Turn out onto plate and top with frosting, whipped cream, or fruit.

Options:  Before microwaving, top with chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or coconut.

Family reviews:  It's not real cake; the texture is a little off.  But!! It is perfect for a quick fix--both in terms of speed of preparation as well as when we just need a little something sweet after dinner.  And because we make only single servings, there is no cake leftover taunting us to eat it the next day.