Apple Mug Cake
A quick and delicious single-serving Apple Mug Cake made in the microwave in just 2 minutes. Features warm cinnamon-spiced apples, tender cake texture, and requires only one mug. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without baking a full cake.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons light brown sugar packed
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 tablespoons apple peeled and finely chopped (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1 tablespoon walnuts chopped (optional)
- For Topping optional:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce
- Extra chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt the Butter
- Place the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe mug (at least 12 ounces). Microwave for 20-30 seconds until completely melted. Don't let it bubble vigorously.
- Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
- Pour the milk and vanilla extract into the melted butter. Use a fork or small whisk to mix everything together thoroughly until uniform with no butter pools floating on top.
- Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
- Add the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt to your mug. Whisk everything together until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter (about 30-45 seconds). Make sure to scrape the bottom of the mug where flour tends to hide.
- Step 4: Fold in Apples and Walnuts
- Gently fold the chopped apples into your batter using a spoon. If using walnuts, add them now too. Distribute the apple pieces evenly throughout the batter. Press down any pieces sticking up to prevent burning.
- Step 5: Smooth and Prepare
- Use your spoon or a small spatula to smooth the batter surface. Wipe any batter splashes on the mug's sides with a damp paper towel. The batter should sit about halfway up your mug to allow room for expansion.
- Step 6: Microwave
- Place your mug in the center of the microwave. Cook on high power for 90 seconds to 2 minutes. Start with 90 seconds, then add time in 10-second increments if needed. The cake is done when it rises significantly and the center looks set. A few moist spots on top are fine.
- Step 7: Rest
- Let your mug cake rest for 1-2 minutes after microwaving. This allows the cake to firm up and complete cooking in the center.
- Step 8: Serve
- Top with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, and extra chopped walnuts if desired. Eat directly from the mug with a spoon.
Notes
Microwave Wattage: Cooking times vary by microwave. Higher wattage microwaves (1000W+) may need only 75-90 seconds. Lower wattage units might require the full 2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent overflow. Mug Size: Use a mug that holds at least 12 ounces to prevent batter overflow. Wide-mouth mugs work better than tall, narrow ones for even cooking. Apple Varieties: Honeycrisp apples provide natural sweetness and maintain texture. Granny Smith apples offer tartness that balances the sugar. You can mix both for complex flavor. Storage: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Reheat in microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving. Oven Method: Bake in an oven-safe ramekin at 350°F for 15-18 minutes if you don't have a microwave. Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend. Increase cooking time by 10-15 seconds.
