Easy dorm recipes for finals week

Panic is in the air. Caffeine has replaced water. Sleep? Nonexistent. It’s finals season. With limited time, motivation and functioning brain cells, the last thing any of us wants is to trek down the hill for the same repetitive dining hall meals. But that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to the stale chips on your desk or whatever dubious fridge experiments your roommate calls “meal prep.” With just one mug, a microwave and ingredients that won’t go to waste, here are five creative, easy eats to get you through finals season, or any day you just can’t be bothered to leave your dorm.

1) Mugrito (burrito in a mug)
Craving Taco Bell but too lazy to make the trek to Ackerman? Fear no more, the mugrito is here to save the day. With just a tortilla as the base, you can toss in practically anything lingering in your fridge and create the most fulfilling breakfast or snack.

Ingredients

– 1 9-inch tortilla

– 2 eggs

– 1 slice cheese

– 1 tablespoon chopped scallions

– salt and pepper

– avocado, sour cream or salsa (for topping)

Instructions

1. Press the tortilla into a microwavable mug; it will naturally fold into shape.
2. Crack in the eggs and gently whisk without tearing the tortilla.
3. Add torn pieces of cheese, scallions, salt and pepper.
4. Lightly mix.
5. Microwave for one minute and 45 seconds, or until the eggs are fully cooked.
6. Top with mashed avocado, sour cream or salsa.
7. Enjoy!

2) Chocolate lava cake
Rich, decadent, chocolatey goodness — what’s a mug recipe list without it? Made with just three main ingredients, this healthier twist on the classic lava cake is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while salvaging your deteriorating diet amidst finals week.

Ingredients

– 1 banana

– 1 egg

– 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

– chocolate chips or a piece of chocolate

Instructions

1. In a microwavable mug, mash and mix together the banana, egg and cocoa powder until smooth.
2. Press a piece of chocolate into the center of the mixture.
3. Microwave for 2 minutes and 40 seconds on high.
4. Top with extra chocolate chips and enjoy!

3) Classic scrambled eggs

This may be a cliché, but this is the fastest recipe in the whole article. With this hot, easy breakfast-ready in just a few whisks and spins in the microwave, your days of gnawing on rock-hard granola bars are officially over.

Ingredients

– 2 eggs

– splash of milk

– salt and pepper

– 1 slice cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. In a microwavable mug, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt and pepper.
2. Microwave on high for 50 seconds.
3. Stir, then add torn pieces of cheese (if using).
4. Microwave for another 20 seconds.
5. Stir again and enjoy!

4) French toast mug

Leftover bread from that dining hall excursion a few days ago? Not a problem. Just toss it in a mug and soak in a few more ingredients to create this quick, cozy French toast mug. Breakfast in bed has never been easier!

Ingredients

– 1 slice bread (any type)

– 1 egg

– 2 tablespoons milk

– ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

– a handful of raspberries (or any berries)

– maple syrup or honey (for serving)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, cinnamon and vanilla extract.
2. Tear the bread into medium-sized chunks.
3. Add the bread and berries to a microwave-safe mug and pour the egg mixture over the bread.
4. Microwave for 1 minute and 20 seconds, or until fully cooked (watch closely — French toast puffs!).
5. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey and enjoy!

5) Blueberry cheesecake
In the mood for some restaurant-level dessert but stuck grinding a research paper due at midnight? This blueberry cheesecake might be just the solution for you. It takes a bit more time to set, but once that rich, creamy delight hits your mouth, trust me — this one takes the cake.

Ingredients
For the cheesecake:

– ½ cup cream cheese

– ½ cup yogurt

– 1 egg

– 1 teaspoon sugar

For the blueberry jam topping:

– ¼ cup blueberries

– 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

1. In a microwavable mug, add the cream cheese, yogurt, egg and sugar.
2. Stir until smooth and lump-free.
3. Tap the mug on the counter a few times to release air bubbles.
4. Microwave for 3 minutes and set aside to cool.
5. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine blueberries and sugar.
6. Microwave for 2 minutes.
7. Spoon the blueberry jam over the cheesecake, eat warm or store in fridge for at least 1 hour.
8. Enjoy!

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Featured Image Photographed by Polly Lee/BruinLife