If you have a sweet craving or just want a sweet dessert for yourself, Lemon Mug Cake is a quick and easy microwave dessert. It’s perfect for single servings or you can make a few and everyone can enjoy one together!
Lemon Mug Cake
This quick dessert idea gives you a sweet lemon flavor without the extra time needed to whip up a batch of cupcakes! Plus, you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – This recipe is quick to prep, quick to cook, and easy to clean up. It’s ready to eat in less than five minutes and there aren’t many dishes to clean up.
- Tackles the Craving – If you’re craving lemon bars or another sweet lemon treat, this will hit the spot. It’s delicious during summer but is so easy to make that it’s good any time of the year!
- Individual Serving – You don’t have to worry about portion control with a mug cake. It’s an individual serving and once you enjoy it, it’s gone. You won’t be eating cake for days and days.
Ingredients & Equipment
You need a few basic ingredients to make this mug cake recipe:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking Powder
- Lemon (for juice and zest)
- Milk
- Vegetable oil
- Lemon extract
Exact measurements for each ingredient can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
You’ll also need a few items from around your kitchen:
- Mug
- Measuring spoons
Step By Step Directions
This recipe makes one serving. It takes about 2 minutes prep time and 1 minute and 15 seconds of cook time.
Step 1. In a medium microwave-safe mug, stir together the flour, sugar, and baking soda.
Step 2. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, milk, vegetable oil, and lemon extract and stir to combine.
Step 3. Cook in the microwave for 1 minute 15 seconds. If the cake is still wet, cook in additional 15-20 second intervals. This will help you avoid overcooking it. Your cake should firm and bounce back when you press on it.
Step 4. Sprinkle more lemon zest over the top of the cake before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Make sure you use a big enough mug. You want a mug that is between 10 and 12 ounces. This will give the lemon cake room to rise as it bakes in the microwave. You want the mug to only be half full with batter when you put it in the microwave.
- This cake is moist enough to enjoy on its own. But you can add other toppings to your cake to jazz it up. Try a dollop of lemon or vanilla frosting. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. White chocolate chips are delicious too!
- You can try different variations on this lemon mug cake too. Add some blueberries to the batter for lemon blueberry cake. Try other berries as well for more fruity combinations. You can make lemon poppyseed cake by adding a small amount of poppyseeds to the batter.
- You can also make mug cake in different containers as long as they’re microwave-safe. You can use ramekins and jars. You can even use paper cups.
Recipe FAQs
What size mug should I use for mug cake?
I recommend using a larger mug (10-12 ounces) because it will give the cake room to rise without overflowing out of the top of the mug. Make sure your mug is microwave-safe too!
Can I use bottled lemon juice for this recipe?
You can but fresh lemon juice is recommended for better flavor. Fresh lemon zest is also essential for that true lemony taste.
Why is my mug cake rubbery?
Overcooking is the most common cause of a rubbery cake. Microwave times vary, so start with the lowest suggested time and add a few seconds if needed. You can even start with just one minute of cooking time and then add additional 15-20 second increments until it is done cooking.
More Mug Cake Recipes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest plus more for topping
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Splash of lemon extract
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe mug, stir together the flour, sugar, and baking soda.
- Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, milk, vegetable oil, and lemon extract and stir to combine.
- Cook in the microwave for 1 minute 15 seconds. If the cake is still wet and not firm, microwave for an additional 15-20 seconds.
- Sprinkle more lemon zest over the top of the cake before serving.
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