Single Serve Mug Coffee Cake

Featured in Delicious Desserts.

This single-serving coffee cake cooks in the microwave in just 45 seconds. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings with minimal effort and cleanup.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:34:19 GMT
A close-up of a mug cake topped with cocoa powder, served in a white mug. Pin it
A close-up of a mug cake topped with cocoa powder, served in a white mug. | recipesim.com

Looking for a quick sweet treat? My single-serve mug coffee cake is the answer to those dessert cravings. You won't believe how something so delicious can come together in just 5 minutes. The smell of cinnamon and vanilla wafting from your mug will have you coming back to this recipe again and again.

Perfect for Those Sweet Cravings

I love this recipe for those moments when I want something sweet but don't need a whole cake sitting around. It's just enough for one generous serving no waste and no guilt. Plus all you need is a mug and your microwave how easy is that?

Everything You Need

  • Flour: Just 4 tablespoons of regular all-purpose flour.
  • Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons make sure it's fresh and soft.
  • Regular Sugar: 1 tablespoon for perfect sweetness.
  • Milk: 3 tablespoons any kind works even non-dairy.
  • Oil: 2 tablespoons use something neutral like vegetable oil.
  • Vanilla: A splash about 1/4 teaspoon.
  • Cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon makes it smell amazing.
  • Baking Powder: Just 1/4 teaspoon for the perfect rise.
  • Salt: A tiny pinch brings out all the flavors.

Let's Make It

Get Your Mug Ready
Give your mug a quick spray or wipe with oil nothing sticks that way.
Mix Your Dry Things
Put all your dry ingredients right in the mug and give them a good stir.
Add The Wet Stuff
Pour in your milk oil and vanilla mix it all up really well.
Cook It Up
Pop it in the microwave for about a minute watch it rise like magic.
Time to Enjoy
Let it cool just a bit maybe add some powdered sugar on top if you're feeling fancy.
A creamy dessert topped with sweet brown sugar sits in a white ramekin, surrounded by cinnamon sticks and coffee beans. Pin it
A creamy dessert topped with sweet brown sugar sits in a white ramekin, surrounded by cinnamon sticks and coffee beans. | recipesim.com

Why This Recipe Never Fails

I've made this so many times and it always turns out perfect. The oil keeps it moist the milk makes it tender and that hit of cinnamon and vanilla gives you that classic coffee cake flavor we all love.

That Perfect Texture

The best part is how light and fluffy it turns out. The brown sugar gives it this wonderful caramel note and every bite is perfectly spiced. It's just like regular coffee cake but ready in minutes.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I toss in some chocolate chips or nuts. Other times I'll swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter. That's what's fun about this recipe you can change it up however you like.

Perfect Partners

This is amazing with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Want to make it extra special? Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top while it's still warm heaven in a mug.

A white ramekin filled with a fluffy dessert topped with brown sugar and cinnamon. Pin it
A white ramekin filled with a fluffy dessert topped with brown sugar and cinnamon. | recipesim.com

Easy Clean Up

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how little mess it makes. Just one mug and a spoon to wash. Rinse them right after you're done and cleanup is done in seconds.

Keeping It Fresh

While it's best right out of the microwave you can cover it and save it for later. Just wrap it up if you need to step away it'll stay moist for a few hours.

Great for Everyone

My kids love making these almost as much as eating them. It's such a fun way to get them interested in baking. We make it special with different toppings and sprinkles.

Perfect Anytime

Whether you need a quick breakfast treat or late night snack this fits the bill. It's casual enough for everyday but can be dressed up for company too.

A close-up of a white ramekin filled with a sugary dessert topped with brown sugar, accompanied by coffee beans and a cinnamon stick in the background. Pin it
A close-up of a white ramekin filled with a sugary dessert topped with brown sugar, accompanied by coffee beans and a cinnamon stick in the background. | recipesim.com

Not Too Sweet

If you're watching your sugar just cut back a bit. The cinnamon and brown sugar still give plenty of flavor even with less sweetness.

Making It Work for You

Need it dairy free? Use almond milk. Gluten free? Your favorite GF flour blend works great. This recipe is so flexible you can make it work for any dietary needs.

Getting the Timing Right

Every microwave is different so you might need to adjust the time a bit. Start with 45 seconds and add more time if needed. You'll get to know exactly how long it takes in your microwave.

Dress It Up

When I'm feeling fancy I'll add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream. Sometimes just a dusting of powdered sugar makes it look extra special.

A mug cake topped with cocoa powder and sugar, surrounded by coffee beans and a cinnamon stick. Pin it
A mug cake topped with cocoa powder and sugar, surrounded by coffee beans and a cinnamon stick. | recipesim.com

Extra Special Touches

Try adding some orange zest or a pinch of nutmeg. These little extras can make your mug cake feel really special. I love experimenting with different spice combinations.

Perfect Portions

That's what's so great about this recipe it's just enough for one. No tempting leftovers calling your name from the kitchen perfect when you just want a little something sweet.

Saving for Later

If you don't finish it all just cover your mug and save it for later. A quick 10 seconds in the microwave brings back that fresh-baked taste.

Your Perfect Mug Cake

This little cake has become my favorite quick treat. It's simple satisfying and so versatile. Once you try it I know you'll find yourself making it again and again just like I do.

A close-up of a mug cake with a portion removed, revealing its soft, fluffy interior. Pin it
A close-up of a mug cake with a portion removed, revealing its soft, fluffy interior. | recipesim.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different milk options?

Yes, you can use regular milk, almond milk, or any other non-dairy milk alternative. The recipe is flexible with liquid choices.

→ Why use yogurt instead of oil?

Greek yogurt can replace oil to make the cake lower in fat while keeping it moist. Both options work well in the recipe.

→ How do I adjust cooking time for different microwaves?

Start with 45 seconds for 1100-watt microwaves. For lower wattage, add time in 15-second increments until done.

→ Can I make this larger?

This recipe is specifically portioned for one serving. Doubling may affect cooking time and texture, so it's best made as a single serving.

→ Why spray the mug?

Spraying with cooking spray prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. It also helps the cake release cleanly from the mug.

Single Serve Mug Coffee Cake

A quick microwave coffee cake made in a mug for one person. Ready in minutes with a cinnamon-brown sugar topping for the perfect individual treat.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
1 Minutes
Total Time
6 Minutes

Category: Delicious Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 1 Servings (1 mug cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 tablespoon granulated sugar.
02 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
03 1/8 teaspoon salt.
04 1/4 teaspoon baking powder.
05 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or plain nonfat greek yogurt.
06 1 tablespoon nonfat milk or almond milk.
07 Dash of vanilla.
08 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar.
09 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Instructions

Step 01

Spray mug or ramekin with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 02

Combine sugar, flour, salt, baking powder, oil, milk, and vanilla. Stir well.

Step 03

Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over batter.

Step 04

Microwave 45 seconds (adjust time for lower wattage microwaves).

Notes

  1. Best served warm.
  2. Can use yogurt instead of oil.
  3. Adjust time based on microwave power.

Tools You'll Need

  • Microwave-safe mug or ramekin.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 267
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 2 g