If you’ve ever found yourself craving something sweet, comforting, and homemade but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, then this Apple Mug Cake is about to claim a permanent spot in your dessert rotation. Just imagine: warm spiced apples nestled in a tender, buttery cake, cooked to perfection in minutes right in your microwave. With its quick prep, minimal cleanup, and unbeatable flavor, this delightfully easy treat is your go-to fix for last-minute cravings or a cozy night-in. Once you try it, you’ll understand why the Apple Mug Cake is pure magic in a mug!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Apple Mug Cake is just how simple and accessible the ingredients are. Each component shines, coming together to create something far more delicious than you’d expect from such an unfussy lineup. Here’s how each plays a role in both taste and texture:

Chopped apples: Fresh apple cubes add juicy sweetness and a lovely bite; make sure they’re small and uniform for even cooking.

Unsalted butter: Gives the cake richness and helps the apples caramelize slightly as they microwave.
Milk: Adds moisture, creating a tender crumb in your finished mug cake.

All purpose flour: The backbone of the mug cake, providing structure for all your tasty ingredients.
Sugar: Sweetens the cake and brings out the natural flavors of the apple.

Baking powder: Ensures your Apple Mug Cake rises to fluffy perfection in just a couple minutes.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and an irresistible bakery-style aroma to the cake.
Salt: Just a pinch balances out the sweetness and accentuates every other flavor.

How to Make Apple Mug Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Apple

Begin by washing, peeling, and coring your apple, then chop it into 1/4-inch cubes. You want about one cup—this ensures each bite is packed with real apple flavor and a lovely soft-tender texture once microwaved.

Step 2: Microwave the Apples

Add the chopped apple to a microwave-safe mug (a larger mug works best to prevent overflow). Microwave for two minutes; this step softens the fruit, evaporates excess moisture, and really intensifies that sweet apple essence, making the base of your Apple Mug Cake extra flavorful.

Step 3: Add Butter and Milk

Carefully remove the mug from the microwave and immediately stir in the room-temperature butter. Let it melt fully into the warm apples, then add the milk. The butter helps create a rich batter, while milk ensures the mixture remains moist and tender.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the flour, sugar, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt directly into the apple-butter-milk mixture. Stir well until everything is thoroughly combined, with no pockets of dry flour remaining. This ensures an even, light crumb.

Step 5: Final Microwave Zap

Microwave your mug cake for 1 minute and 50 seconds (for a wide mug) or 2 minutes (for a regular mug). For best texture, let it stay in the closed microwave for another 10 to 20 seconds before removing. This brief rest prevents shrinkage and ensures your Apple Mug Cake stays fluffy and moist.

How to Serve Apple Mug Cake

Garnishes

The Apple Mug Cake is already divine on its own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top takes it completely over the edge! If you’re feeling extra fancy, sprinkle on a whisper of cinnamon, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a handful of toasted chopped nuts for crunch.

Side Dishes

While this treat holds its own as a solo star, pairing your Apple Mug Cake with a mug of spiced chai, a frothy latte, or a big glass of cold milk creates a little after-dinner ritual you’ll want to repeat often. It’s cozy comfort, made even more memorable.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making more than one, set up a mug cake bar with bowls of toppings so everyone can customize their own masterpiece! Or, for a special brunch, serve mugs on a tray with fresh apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and whipped cream for a picture-perfect presentation that turns a simple Apple Mug Cake into a memorable mini-event.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (it’s rare!), simply let your Apple Mug Cake cool completely, then cover the mug with plastic wrap or transfer the cake to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to two days. The flavors deepen slightly as it rests, making it an irresistible grab-and-go treat.

Freezing

Though best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cake portion (minus any ice cream or wet toppings). Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month. Let thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy your Apple Mug Cake warm again, simply pop it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds (unwrapped, of course). It will regain that delightful soft texture and inviting aroma, almost as if it was just made!

FAQs

Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?

Absolutely! Pears work beautifully, and stone fruits like peaches or plums can be delicious, especially if you follow the same pre-cooking method to soften them. Just be mindful of their moisture content—apples are ideal for structure, but other fruits are fun to try.

Is it possible to make Apple Mug Cake dairy-free?

Yes—swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use your favorite plant-based milk. The cake will still turn out tender and flavorful, with just a hint of coconut if you go that route.

What if I don’t have a microwave-safe mug?

No worries! Any heatproof bowl or ramekin will work just fine. Just make sure it’s deep enough to prevent overflow as the cake rises during microwaving.

Can I make more than one Apple Mug Cake at a time?

Absolutely! You can prepare multiple mugs and microwave them one at a time for the best results. If microwaving two at once, increase the cooking time slightly and watch closely for doneness—microwaves vary, so it may take a bit of experimenting.

How do I know if my mug cake is fully cooked?

Check that the top of the cake looks set and springs back when lightly touched. If it’s still wet in the center, give it another 10-15 seconds. Remember, even after microwaving, the cake will continue to cook slightly as it rests.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably satisfying about whipping up a homemade Apple Mug Cake with just a handful of pantry staples and a ripe apple. Whether you’re treating yourself or surprising someone special, this easy recipe never fails to bring comfort, joy, and a little bit of everyday magic to your kitchen. Go ahead—grab that mug and let’s make some sweet memories!

Apple Mug Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 11 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 8 minutes

Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Apple Mug Cake is a quick and easy dessert that can be made in minutes using simple ingredients. It’s a perfect single-serving treat for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 cup chopped apples (1 small-medium size apple)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
2 tablespoons milk

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Wash, peel, core an apple and chop into 1/4-inch cubes. Measure one cup.

Add chopped apple into a microwave-safe coffee mug (preferably a large mug). Microwave for 2 minutes. Pre-cooking the apple chunks softens them, reduces excess moisture, and intensifies their flavor.

Remove mug from the microwave, stir in butter until fully melted, then mix in milk.

Use room-temperature butter to maintain the texture of the cake.

Add remaining ingredients and mix well until thoroughly combined.
Microwave for 1 minute and 50 seconds for a wide mug or 2 minutes for a regular mug.

Avoid opening the microwave for an additional 10 to 20 seconds after cooking to prevent shrinkage.

Serve hot with ice cream!

Notes

You can top the mug cake with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream for added flavor.
Experiment with different fruits like pears or berries for variety.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Category: Dessert

Method: Microwave
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 mug cake

Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 220mg

Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g

Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Apple, Mug Cake, Dessert, Quick, Easy, Microwave