This quick and sweet coffee cake mug cake is a perfect treat when you need a little pick-me-up. It’s fluffy, cinnamon-swirled goodness ready in just ten minutes!
What’s great is that you can enjoy it straight from the mug. It feels like a mini party! I love topping mine with a drizzle of icing for that extra yummy touch. ☕️🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your mug cake. If you’re gluten-free, try almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend to keep the texture nice.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works perfectly, but you can substitute with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative if you’re looking for a healthier option.
Milk: I used regular milk, but any milk works here! You can try almond milk or soy milk for a dairy-free version.
Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter: If you’re looking for a richer taste, I always lean towards melted butter. You can also use coconut oil for a slight coconut flavor.
Cinnamon and Brown Sugar: These two combined give that classic coffee cake flavor. If you want something different, try a bit of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice.
Nuts: I highly recommend adding chopped walnuts or pecans for great texture and flavor. If you have allergies, feel free to skip these or use pumpkin seeds instead.
How Do I Make Sure My Mug Cake Doesn’t Overflow in the Microwave?
Microwave mug cakes need careful attention to avoid any messy spills. The key is to use the right size mug and control the cooking time.
- Choose a large mug (at least 12 oz) to give the cake room to rise.
- Start by microwaving for 1 minute. Then, check the cake. If it isn’t set, add time in 15-second increments.
- Keep an eye on it, as microwaves can vary. Once it rises and is firm in the middle, it’s ready!
How to Make a 10-Minute Coffee Cake Mug Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/8 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Optional: walnuts or pecans, chopped (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy mug cake takes just about 5 minutes to prepare, plus about 1 to 1.5 minutes to microwave. In no time, you’ll have a fluffy and delicious coffee cake right in your mug!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a microwave-safe mug, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a small spoon or a fork to stir it all together until everything is well blended. This is the base of your cake!
2. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Now, pour in the milk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until you have a smooth cake batter. Make sure there are no lumps left!
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this sweet mixture over the top of the batter in your mug. This will give your cake a deliciously sweet cinnamon flavor.
4. Add Nuts (Optional):
If you like a little crunch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the cinnamon sugar mix. This step is totally optional, but it adds a great texture!
5. Microwave the Cake:
Put the mug in the microwave and cook on high for about 1 minute to 1 minute and 30 seconds. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overflow. The cake is done when it has risen and is set in the middle. Every microwave is different, so you might need to adjust the time a bit!
6. Cool and Enjoy:
Let your mug cake cool for about a minute. Then, grab a spoon and enjoy your warm, tasty treat straight from the mug. Perfect for a cozy snack or dessert!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour will give the mug cake a slightly denser texture and nuttier flavor. Just keep in mind that it may require a bit more liquid, so you might need to add an extra teaspoon of milk if the batter is too thick.
What If I Don’t Have Baking Powder?
No problem! If you’re out of baking powder, you can use baking soda instead. Use 1/16 teaspoon of baking soda and add a small splash of vinegar or lemon juice to help the cake rise. Just mix them in with the wet ingredients to activate!
Can I Store Leftovers?
While this mug cake is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 day. To reheat, just pop it back in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
How Do I Make This Mug Cake Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture, or add 1/8 tsp on your own if it doesn’t. You may also need to adjust the liquid slightly depending on the blend used.
