Easy Mug Coffee Cake

Featured in Sweet Treat Sensations.

Create this microwave coffee cake in just 45 seconds. A sweet snack that's quick to make and even easier to clean up!

Ranah
Updated on Mon, 07 Apr 2025 01:46:41 GMT
Close-up of a warm mug cake with cocoa on top in a white mug. Pin it
Close-up of a warm mug cake with cocoa on top in a white mug. | chefemmakitchen.com

Need a fast dessert fix? This single mug coffee cake scratches that sweet tooth itch in no time. It's hard to believe you can whip up something so tasty in just 5 minutes flat. Once you catch a whiff of that vanilla and cinnamon coming from your cup, you'll be making this little treat over and over.

Ideal When Sugar Cravings Strike

This little gem works perfectly when I'm hankering for something sweet but don't want a full cake tempting me all week. It makes just one big serving – no leftovers to worry about. And you only need a mug and microwave to pull it off!

Your Simple Ingredient List

  • Regular Sugar: 1 tablespoon gives just enough sweetness.
  • Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons, check it's not dried out.
  • Flour: Just 4 tablespoons of your everyday all-purpose type.
  • Salt: One tiny pinch to boost all other flavors.
  • Baking Powder: A mere 1/4 teaspoon for proper fluffiness.
  • Cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon for that wonderful aroma.
  • Vanilla: A tiny dash, around 1/4 teaspoon.
  • Oil: 2 tablespoons of something bland like vegetable oil.
  • Milk: 3 tablespoons, whatever kind you drink works fine.

Simple Steps Forward

Prep That Mug
Lightly coat your mug with oil so everything slides out easily.
Combine Dry Ingredients
Dump all dry stuff straight into your mug and stir them together.
Pour In Wet Components
Add your vanilla, oil and milk then blend everything thoroughly.
Zap It
Stick it in the microwave for about 60 seconds and watch it puff up beautifully.
Grab A Spoon
Let it cool slightly, maybe sprinkle with some powdered sugar if you're feeling extra.
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. | chefemmakitchen.com

Reasons This Treat Always Works

I've thrown this together countless times without fail. The milk brings tenderness, oil keeps everything moist, and those hints of vanilla and cinnamon create that classic coffee cake taste everybody goes nuts for.

Wonderfully Fluffy Results

You'll love how airy and soft it turns out. The brown sugar adds this lovely caramelish flavor, and every bite has just the right amount of spice. It's basically traditional coffee cake but ready in a flash.

Customize As You Please

I'll toss in chocolate chips sometimes. Other days I'll stir in a blob of peanut butter. That's what makes this so fun - you can twist it to match whatever you're in the mood for.

Tasty Companions

This goes down so well with your first coffee of the day or alongside afternoon tea. Wanna make it extra indulgent? Drop some vanilla ice cream on top while it's still warm - total bliss in a cup.

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. | chefemmakitchen.com

Quick Tidy Up

Another thing I love about this is how little washing up you'll face. Just one mug and a spoon to clean. Give them a quick rinse right after eating and you're done in moments.

Still Good Later

Even though it tastes best straight from the microwave, you can save it for later too. Just pop a cover on if you need to walk away - it'll stay nice and moist for several hours.

Fun For The Family

My children enjoy making these almost as much as eating them. It's a fantastic way to get kids excited about kitchen skills. We jazz them up with different toppings and colorful sprinkles.

Fits Any Moment

From quick morning treats to midnight snacks, this works whenever. It's casual enough for your own cravings but can be fancied up when friends stop by 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. | chefemmakitchen.com

Adjustable Sweetness

If sugar's a concern, just dial it back a bit. The brown sugar and cinnamon still pack plenty of flavor even when you use less of the sweet stuff.

Adapts To Your Needs

Want dairy free? Swap in some oat milk. Need gluten free? Your favorite GF flour mix usually works great. This little treat bends to fit almost any dietary requirement.

Finding Your Perfect Cook Time

Since microwaves vary, you might need to tweak the timing. Try 45 seconds first, then add more if needed. You'll soon figure out exactly how long works best in your kitchen.

Fancy It Up

When I want something more special, I'll add a swirl of caramel sauce or some fluffy whipped cream. Sometimes just sprinkling powdered sugar makes it look way more impressive.

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. | chefemmakitchen.com

Tasty Little Tweaks

Try grating in some orange zest or adding a dash of nutmeg. These small touches can transform your mug cake completely. I'm always playing around with different spice mixes.

Just Right Serving

That's the beauty of this treat - it's exactly one portion. No extra slices calling your name from the fridge - perfect for when you just want a tiny bit of something sweet.

Storing Any Leftovers

If you can't finish it all, just cover your mug and keep it for later. A quick 10-second zap brings back that fresh-baked feeling.

Your Go-To Mug Dessert

This tiny cake has become my go-to quick sweet fix. It's basic, satisfying and works with so many variations. After your first try, I bet you'll find yourself reaching for this 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. | chefemmakitchen.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap the milk type?

Definitely! Use regular, almond, or even oat milk. Any liquid choice can work here.

→ Why yogurt instead of oil?

Greek yogurt lowers the fat while keeping the texture soft. You can still use oil if you'd prefer.

→ How to adjust microwave times?

Begin with 45 seconds for an 1100-watt microwave. If it's weaker, just add 15-second intervals until it's done.

→ Can I double this?

This is meant for one portion. Doubling might make the texture tricky, so sticking to one serving works best.

→ Why add cooking spray?

It keeps the cake from sticking, so cleanup is a breeze. It also helps you remove the cake easily from the mug.

Mug Coffee Cake

This microwave-made coffee cake is perfect for one person. It's fast, easy, and topped with cinnamon and sweet brown sugar.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
1 Minutes
Total Time
6 Minutes
By: emma

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 1 Servings (1 single-serve mug dessert)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 01

Coat a mug or ramekin with some nonstick spray so it doesn't stick.

Step 02

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, oil, milk, and vanilla together well.

Step 03

Scatter cinnamon and brown sugar across the top of the batter.

Step 04

Heat in the microwave for around 45 seconds, adjusting for weaker microwaves.

Notes

  1. Tastes best when eaten warm.
  2. Swap oil for yogurt if you'd like.
  3. Microwave time may vary with power level.

Tools You'll Need

  • Ramekin or microwave-safe mug.

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