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This apple mug cake features a fluffy vanilla cake over warm cinnamon apples. Enjoy this single-serve dessert in just 8 minutes without turning on the oven!
Honestly, ever since I learned how to make apple mug cake, I’ve been putting apple pies and cobblers on hold.
Who wouldn’t love all the convenience of a no-bake treat that’s served right in its mug?
It’s also perfectly portioned, lightly indulgent, and full of rich, comforting flavor. An all-rounder, low-effort treat that’s ready in minutes!
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Whether you’re keeping portions in check or just hate coming back to a sink full of dishes after satisfying your sweet tooth, it’s always useful to have a few trusted recipes of single-serve desserts you can rely on.
And if you love this apple cake in a mug, make sure to try our trending TikTok baked oats and single-serving vegan apple crumble next!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Mug Cake Recipe
- This apple mug cake is one of those microwave desserts you can pull off in minutes with simple pantry staples.
- This single-apple dessert is perfect when you want dessert without worrying about leftovers or extra cleanup later.
- With soft, buttery vanilla cake sitting over warm, juicy, brown sugar cinnamon apples, this apple cinnamon mug cake feels indulgent without being too much.
Ingredients
All-purpose flour – We haven’t tested other types of flour for this spice mug cake, so we recommend sticking with all-purpose for the best structure. Using substitutes may affect the cake’s texture!
Baking powder – This is what helps eggless mug dessert recipes like this apple microwave cake rise properly, so make sure what you’re using is not expired.
Granulated sugar – Just a small amount to gently sweeten the spiced apple mug cake.
Ground cinnamon – A classic warm spice that boosts this mug cake’s comforting factor. You can also mix in other spices inspired by familiar fall flavors.
Salt – Helps balance the sweetness of this microwave apple cake. If using unsalted butter, you can skip or reduce it.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture to the mug apple cake. We haven’t tested oil, but it can work in a pinch for this fall dessert.
Milk – Helps with the soft, fluffy texture of this microwave apple mug cake.
Vanilla extract – Rounds out the sweet, warm flavors of this single-serve apple dessert. Don’t skip it!
Apples – Can be chopped or grated, but we prefer chopped apples for better texture underneath the fluffy cake. You can use Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala apples.
Brown sugar – Gives the apples a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
All-purpose flour – Helps thicken that juicy base layer. We want the apple mixture slightly saucy but not watery under the cake!
Ground cinnamon – Used again to coat the apples and enhance that warm, spiced flavor throughout the mug cake.
Ingredient Substitutions For Apple Cinnamon Mug Cake
Non-dairy milk
I like using whole milk to give the apple mug cake a nice, rich, soft texture, but you can also lighten it up with a plant-based milk. Soy milk is one of the best substitutes here!
Apple pie spice
One thing I love about this single-serve apple mug dessert is how flexible it is. Even a simple switch like using apple pie spice instead of plain cinnamon gives it a more developed flavor profile!
Applesauce
This dessert in a mug works year-round, even when you don’t have fresh apples on hand! You can use 3 tablespoons of applesauce instead of apples, so the apple and cinnamon mug cake doesn’t end up gummy from excess moisture.
Tips For Making This Recipe
Know Your Microwave
Your microwave apple cake may cook a bit faster or a bit longer, depending on your microwave’s wattage. In most cases, this apple cake takes around 60 to 90 seconds.
Keep it Mess-Free
Make sure your mug holds at least 12 ounces to prevent any overflow as the apple microwave cake rises. If you’re unsure, you can also use a ramekin.
Wait For a Few Secs
Once done, wait at least 10 seconds before removing your single-serve apple cake from the microwave. This gives it time to set, so it doesn’t shrink.
Storage Tips
While you’ll likely finish this mug cake right away, you can store any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. To serve, just reheat it in the microwave until warm.
Apple Cake in a Mug FAQs
What type of apples are best for an apple mug cake?
To keep them from turning into mush, use firm apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for this apple mug cake. Gala apples also work, since we’re not baking the cake for long.
What kinds of mugs can go into the microwave?
When making desserts like apple cake in a microwave, the safest mug choices are glass, ceramic, or porcelain mugs. Always make sure your mug is labeled microwave-safe, and don’t microwave metal, stainless steel, or thin plastic mugs!
Do mug cakes rise?
They do! This eggless apple mug dessert rises perfectly, thanks to baking powder. That said, check your baking powder’s shelf life before use to ensure it’s fresh.
Why is my mug cake so spongy?
Your apple mug cake can turn out spongy if you use too many apples or too much milk. The extra moisture can make the mug cake too soft!
How to serve a mug cake?
This apple cinnamon mug cake is great on its own, but you can also top it with whipped cream, apple butter, or unmold it into a bowl and enjoy it with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent experience!
More Delicious Quick Treats
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Coconut Bites
- Caramel Apple Bites
- Sweet Potato Bites
- Red, White, and Blue Strawberries
- TikTok Strawberry Chocolate
I found this recipe for Vanilla Mug Cake that I HAVE to try!
Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey – If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below.
Apple Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 5 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup apples, cored, peeled, and chopped
- 1 tbsp brown sugar packed
- 1/4 tsp all-purpose flour for the apple filling
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon for the apple filling
Instructions
- Gather the ingredients for your apple mug cake.
- Combine the dry ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- Place the butter in the mug and cover the top with a microwave-safe paper towel. Microwave on high for 30 seconds.
- Pour the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract into the flour mixture. Stir just until smooth and fully combined.
- For the filling, add the apples, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon to the mug. Stir well to evenly coat the apples.
- Microwave the mug on high until the apples are slightly softened, about 45 seconds.
- Stir the apples again, then pour the cake batter over the top. Do not mix.
- Microwave the cinnamon apple mug cake on high for about 90 seconds. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the top. If it comes out covered in wet batter, continue microwaving your apple cake in 5 to 10-second increments until cooked through. Enjoy!
Notes
- Your microwave apple cake may cook a bit faster or a bit longer, depending on your microwave’s wattage. In most cases, this apple cake takes around 60 to 90 seconds.
- Make sure your mug holds at least 12 ounces to prevent any overflow as the apple microwave cake rises. If you’re unsure, you can also use a ramekin.
- Once done, wait at least 10 seconds before removing your single-serve apple cake from the microwave. This gives it time to set, so it doesn’t shrink.
- While you’ll likely finish this mug cake right away, you can store any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. To serve, just reheat it in the microwave until warm.
Nutrition
PIN FOR LATER!
Awful instructions