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    Home » Sweets

    Apple Mug Cake

    October 1, 2021 by Chenée Lewis

    71 shares
    pin for apple mug cake showing apple mug cake with a spoonful taken out

    This easy apple mug cake recipe is a super simple way to enjoy a treat! Make this single serve apple pie mug cake whenever you crave apple cinnamon goodness! And if you like small batch treats, try my mini vanilla cake, my mini chocolate cake, or my small batch chocolate chip cookies!

    spoonful of apple mug cake
    Apple Mug Cake Recipe
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    *This post contains affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclosure for details*.

    Easy Apple Mug Cake Recipe

    This cinnamon apple mug cake recipe came about when I was craving an autumn treat, but didn't want leftovers. I had just made my Instant Pot Apple Butter, so I had a few extra apples in the fridge, and what better way to use fresh apple than in this single serve apple cake! No egg needed, just a few simple ingredients, and all the delicious apple cinnamon flavor I wanted!

    closeup of apple mug cake
    Cinnamon Apple Mug Cake

    How does cake in a mug work?

    I know it seems too good to be true, but mug cakes are SO good and so easy! But what is the science behind mug cake? Well, microwave ovens work by exciting water molecules within the cake batter, which heat the batter and eventually evaporate. You're left with a perfectly moist apple mug dessert, bursting with fresh apples, vanilla, and spices. For more on how this apple mug cake recipe works, check out this Popular Science article.

    apple pie mug cake ingredients
    Cinnamon Apple Mug Cake Ingredients

    Apple Pie Mug Cake Ingredients

    • melted butter - you'll pop your butter into the mug to melt it in the microwave before adding the rest of the ingredients. I use salted butter for this recipe, but if you use unsalted, just add a couple pinches of salt.
    • grated apple - I used a Gala apple for this apple pie mug cake. You'll use a box grater to grate the apple, making it the perfect size to add apple flavor and moisture to this cake!
    • light brown sugar - I love the flavor of brown sugar in this cake! It works so well with the vanilla and spices.
    • pure vanilla extract - be sure to use a high-quality pure vanilla extract. Or better yet, check out my post on how to make vanilla extract at home with just 2 ingredients!
    • lemon juice - brings out the tartness of the apples.
    • milk - use whatever milk you like in this recipe -- I use whole milk, but lowfat milk or a plant milk would work well.
    • all-purpose flour - be sure to use a kitchen scale to measure by weight, or use the spoon-and-level method to measure by volume.
    • baking powder - gives this mug cake its lift!
    • apple pie spice - if you don't have apple pie spice, then pumpkin pie spice would also work.
    spoonful of apple mug cake
    Apple Mug Dessert

    Equipment

    First, you'll need a mug with at least a 16-ounce capacity. Then just use a fine-mesh sieve to sift in your dry ingredients, a fork or mini whisk to whip it all up and you're ready to pop it in the microwave!

    Tips and F.A.Q.

    Is it safe to eat mug cakes?

    It's definitely safe to eat mug cakes, assuming you cook them long enough so that they're baked through. If the top of your apple pie mug cake is dried out, then it's done cooking and ready to eat!

    Do mug cakes rise?

    Yes they do! This easy apple mug cake is made with baking powder, which gives the cake a nice lift as it cooks in the microwave.

    How do you make a mug cake better?

    First of all, in this cinnamon apple mug cake we're skipping the egg -- it makes this mug cake easier to make and gives it the best texture. Instead of egg, we're using baking powder for height and grated apples for moisture. Also, enjoying your mug cake right away (rather than saving for later) for the freshest flavor. Finally, top your mug cake with whipped cream or caramel sauce to make it even more decadent!

    Apple mug cake topped with whipped cream

    Why is my mug cake so spongy?

    You may have added a little too much grated apple or milk. In this recipe, too much moisture weighs down the texture a bit. Stick with the amount of apple and milk listed in the recipe card below for the best apple mug dessert!

    Is mug cake eaten hot or cold?

    Definitely enjoy your mug cake warm! Once it's out of the microwave, let it cool for a minute or two so that it's not too hot. Or if you're like me, you'll be too eager and burn your tongue on the hot cake!

    Can you reheat a mug cake?

    Yes you can -- after storing the mug cake, covered, in the fridge, just heat it for 15-20 seconds to reheat!

    What kinds of mugs can go into the microwave?

    Check your mug to see that it's marked "microwave safe" -- usually on the bottom. In general, ceramic mugs are a safe bet for this microwaved apple pie mug cake. It should also have at least a 16-ounce capacity to accommodate the rise of the cake.

    More Small Batch Desserts You'll Love

    • Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies with Brown Butter and Sea Salt
    • Pumpkin Pecan Dump Cake
    • Mini Chocolate Cake
    • Mini Carrot Cake
    • Butter Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
    spoonful of apple mug cake

    Apple Mug Cake - No Egg, Single Serve Treat!

    Print Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    This easy apple mug cake recipe is the best single serve treat! This cinnamon apple mug cake is so quick to make and full of amazing apple cinnamon flavor!
    Prep Time: 3 minutes
    Cook Time: 2 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine :American
    Servings: 1 mug cake
    Calories: 570kcal
    Recipe Source: Chenée Lewis

    Equipment you may need

    • measuring cups and spoons
    • mini whisk
    • 16 oz mug
    • fine mesh sieve

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoon butter - melted & cooled
    • ¼ cup (31 g) grated apple - Gala, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith
    • ½ teaspoon (2 ml) fresh lemon juice
    • ¾ teaspoon (4 ml) pure vanilla extract
    • 2 tablespoon (24 g) light brown sugar - packed
    • ¼ cup (61 g) milk - room temperature
    • ½ cup (63 g) all-purpose flour
    • ½ teaspoon (2 g) baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon (1 g) apple pie spice - or pumpkin pie spice
    • whipped cream - optional, for topping

    Instructions

    • Place butter in microwave and heat in microwave for 30 seconds until mostly melted. Stir in apples.
      2 tablespoon butter, ¼ cup grated apple
    • Add lemon juice, and vanilla extract and stir to combine.
      ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice, ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • Stir in brown sugar, followed by milk.
      2 tablespoon light brown sugar, ¼ cup milk
    • Sift in flour, baking powder, and apple pie spice and stir to combine.
      ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon apple pie spice
    • Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute 30 seconds, or until cake is set (see note).

    Video

    Notes

    Cook time: Note that microwave ovens vary, so your cake may cook a bit more quickly or take a bit longer to cook completely. I recommend checking it after 60 seconds and adding more time in 15-30 second intervals until it's cooked through. Your cake should be set in the middle, although it may still be a little moist on top.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 mug cake | Calories: 570 kcal | Carbohydrates: 80 g | Protein: 9 g | Fat: 24 g | Saturated Fat: 15 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 61 mg | Sodium: 447 mg | Potassium: 249 mg | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 30 g | Vitamin A: 844 IU | Vitamin C: 3 mg | Calcium: 237 mg | Iron: 4 mg
    Nutrition Disclaimer
    Tags: apple mug cake eggless, apple mug cake no egg, apple mug cake recipe, apple mug dessert, apple pie mug cake, apple spice mug cake, cinnamon apple mug cake, easy apple mug cake, spiced apple mug cake
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can't wait to see (and share) your results! Follow me on Instagram at @chenee_today and tag #cheneetoday!

    PIN this apple mug dessert for later!

    pin for apple mug cake showing apple mug cake with a spoonful taken out
    Pin this apple mug cake recipe for later!

    Last Updated on August 10, 2022 by Chenée Lewis

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    71 shares

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    1. Chef Mimí

      March 28, 2022 at 9:14 pm

      5 stars
      Hi. I made this and it was soo good. My son also made one, and we thinly chopped the apples because we don’t have a grater unpacked. We just moved, so things are still packed up. We wanted a sweet treat, and this was perfect. Thanks a lot Chenée. I didn’t have applepie spice, so I did a bit of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg and it was delicious. Will make again. Do you have a pumpkin one??

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        March 29, 2022 at 10:53 am

        I'm so glad you both liked it! I don't have a pumpkin one yet but that's a great idea!

        Reply
    2. Britney Brown

      October 15, 2021 at 5:55 pm

      5 stars
      I was craving a good dessert and found this recipe. It was just what I needed because I didn't really feel like doing a lot of cooking/baking. We used the apples we picked at the orchard and it was SO good. This is going to be my new go to dessert when I don't feel like baking or dirtying a lot of dishes!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 18, 2021 at 12:38 am

        Thanks so much! I love this mug cake for a quick, easy treat!

        Reply
    3. Jazz

      October 13, 2021 at 12:17 pm

      5 stars
      This was the perfect treat for me when I wanted something sweet last night without heating up the oven. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 18, 2021 at 12:36 am

        Glad you liked it!

        Reply
    4. KALUHI

      October 13, 2021 at 4:17 am

      5 stars
      I usually hesitate when it comes to mug cakes but this beauty just lit up my heart! It was very moist, delicious and I enjoyed the fruity notes! Perfection!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 18, 2021 at 2:51 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Lilly

      October 11, 2021 at 8:54 pm

      5 stars
      This was my first time making a cake in the microwave! I can't believe how amazing it turned out! This was perfect to fulfill my sweet tooth craving. Thanks for the recipe

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 31, 2021 at 12:12 pm

        Thanks!! It's so easy! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Crystal DaCruz

      October 11, 2021 at 2:42 pm

      5 stars
      This was my first time making a mug cake and your instructions were super easy to follow! The results were delicious! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 31, 2021 at 12:12 pm

        So glad you liked it! It's so wonderful for a sugar craving!

        Reply
    7. Chef Mireille

      October 11, 2021 at 11:56 am

      5 stars
      love the ease of this recipe especially at this time of year, when there are apples always in the house. This is perfect for 1 when there is a sweet tooth attack but no sweets in the house 🙂

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 18, 2021 at 2:53 pm

        Exactly! I love having single serve options like this!

        Reply
    8. Jessica

      October 11, 2021 at 10:09 am

      5 stars
      I was craving something sweet and didn't feel like making a whole dessert so I tried this! It was easy and very tasty. I made another one right after lol.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 22, 2021 at 4:19 pm

        I'm so glad you liked it!

        Reply
    9. Heather

      October 09, 2021 at 7:50 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe was the perfect way to enjoy one of my favorite desserts without any guilt! This is the perfect mini fall indulgence. Thanks for a great recipe!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 10, 2021 at 9:55 am

        So true! I love that it's a single serving!

        Reply
    10. EB

      October 08, 2021 at 8:02 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is so yummy and it love that it can be made without egg.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 10, 2021 at 9:56 am

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    11. Marta

      October 06, 2021 at 9:06 pm

      5 stars
      I loved everything about it. Single servings, tons of flavor, the perfect amount of sweet. Thank you,

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 07, 2021 at 6:06 pm

        Thank you for trying it! I'm glad you enjoyed! 🙂

        Reply
    12. Stephanie

      October 06, 2021 at 5:43 pm

      5 stars
      This was amazing! The apple flavor was perfect and just what I need to get in the mood for Fall.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 07, 2021 at 6:06 pm

        Yes I love the fall flavors in this mug cake!

        Reply
    13. Robin

      October 06, 2021 at 3:34 pm

      5 stars
      I am obsessed with everything about this cake! Genius.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 07, 2021 at 6:06 pm

        Thanks so much!

        Reply

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    About Chenée

    I’m Chenée (kinda rhymes with “today”) and I love all types of baking! But my favorite recipes are ones that are quick and easy, and still yield impressive results. The ones you can't help but make again and again! That's what I share here, and I hope I can make your baking life a little easier along the way. MORE ABOUT CHENÉE >>

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