Name: Easy Apple Spice Mug Cake (Ready in 5 Minutes!)
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ to ½ Crisp Apple, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons Salted Butter, divided; 3 tablespoons Brown Sugar, divided; ¼ cup Milk; 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract; ⅓ cup All-Purpose Flour; ¼ teaspoon Baking Powder; ½ teaspoon Apple Pie Spice, divided

Jump to Recipe

Have you ever been struck by a sudden, intense craving for a warm, comforting dessert on a quiet evening, but the thought of a full baking project feels overwhelming? We’ve all been there. What if you could satisfy that desire with a fresh, buttery, apple-filled cake without preheating an oven or dirtying a dozen bowls? This incredible Apple Spice Mug Cake recipe is the answer to your dessert dreams. It’s a single-serving cake that goes from simple ingredients to a warm, decadent treat in about five minutes flat, delivering all the cozy flavors of a traditional apple pie in a fraction of the time.

Contents

Ingredients
Timing
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Soften the Apples
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Step 3: Create the Cake Batter
Step 4: Layer and Top the Cake
Step 5: Microwave to Perfection
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Nutritional Information
Healthier Alternatives
Serving Suggestions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storing Tips
Conclusion
FAQs

Q1. What is the best type of apple to use for this recipe?
Q2. My mug cake was rubbery. What did I do wrong?
Q3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Q4. Can I bake this in the oven instead of the microwave?

Easy Apple Spice Mug Cake (Ready in 5 Minutes!)

Description
Ingredients

For Garnish (optional): Caramel Sauce & Vanilla Ice Cream

Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a delicious single-serving dessert. The key is the layering of flavors, from the softened apples at the bottom to the buttery, spiced topping.

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity
Crisp Apple	¼ to ½, thinly sliced
Salted Butter	3 tablespoons, divided
Brown Sugar	3 tablespoons, divided
Milk	¼ cup
Pure Vanilla Extract	1 teaspoon
All-Purpose Flour	⅓ cup
Baking Powder	¼ teaspoon
Apple Pie Spice	½ teaspoon, divided
Caramel Sauce & Vanilla Ice Cream	For Garnish (optional)

Timing

This is the ultimate quick-fix dessert. The total time is so short, your craving will be satisfied almost instantly!

Preparation Time: 3 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 5 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your own personal-sized apple cake right in the microwave.

Step 1: Soften the Apples

In a large, microwave-safe mug (at least 12 oz), combine half of your apple slices with ½ tablespoon of salted butter, ½ tablespoon of brown sugar, and ⅛ teaspoon of apple pie spice. Microwave this mixture for 30 seconds. This initial step softens the apples and creates a delicious, caramelized layer at the bottom of your cake.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter in the microwave. Once melted, stir in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, the milk, and the vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture is well combined.

Step 3: Create the Cake Batter

Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of apple pie spice to the same small bowl with the wet ingredients. Gently mix with a fork or small whisk until the batter is smooth and just combined.

Tip: Be careful not to overmix! A few small lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in a tough, rubbery cake.

Step 4: Layer and Top the Cake

Pour the prepared cake batter evenly over the softened apples in your mug. Arrange the remaining apple slices on top of the batter. For the final touch, sprinkle the top with the remaining ½ tablespoon of brown sugar and ⅛ teaspoon of apple pie spice, then place the last ½ tablespoon of salted butter on top.

Step 5: Microwave to Perfection

Place the mug in the microwave and cook for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The cake is done when it has puffed up and the center looks set. Cooking time can vary depending on your microwave’s wattage, so it’s best to start with the lower time and add 15-second increments if needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Let the mug cake cool for a minute, as it will be very hot. If desired, finish it off with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream that will melt into the warm cake. This dessert is best enjoyed immediately.

Nutritional Information

This single-serving mug cake is an indulgent treat. The following nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and optional garnishes used.

Serving Size: 1 mug cake
Key Nutrients: This is a calorie-dense dessert, providing carbohydrates and fats for a quick energy boost.
Note: Adding ice cream and caramel sauce will increase the sugar and calorie content.

Healthier Alternatives

Want to enjoy this cozy treat with a few lighter modifications? Here are some simple swaps.

Lower-Sugar: Replace the brown sugar with a brown sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit. Use a sugar-free caramel sauce for the topping.
Whole Grains: Swap the all-purpose flour for an equal amount of whole wheat flour or oat flour for added fiber. Note that this will result in a denser, heartier texture.
Vegan Option: This recipe is easily made vegan! Simply use a plant-based butter substitute and your favorite plant-based milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk.

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Spice Mug Cake is a complete dessert experience right out of the microwave.

The Ultimate Garnish: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is highly recommended. It slowly melts into the warm, spiced cake, creating a delicious creamy sauce.
Extra Drizzle: A warm caramel or butterscotch sauce drizzle takes the flavor to the next level.
Added Crunch: For a bit of texture, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top with the final butter and sugar layer before microwaving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mug cakes are fast, but a few key details ensure they turn out fluffy and delicious, not rubbery.

Overcooking the Cake: This is the most common pitfall of microwave baking and the number one cause of a tough, rubbery mug cake. Solution: Always start with the shorter cooking time (1 minute 30 seconds). You can always add more time in 15-second bursts, but you can’t undo overcooking.
Using a Small Mug: The cake batter will rise significantly as it cooks. If your mug is too small, it will overflow and create a mess in your microwave. Solution: Use a large, microwave-safe mug, at least 12-14 ounces, to give the cake plenty of room to puff up.
Overmixing the Batter: Vigorously mixing the batter after adding the flour develops too much gluten, which leads to a dense, chewy texture instead of a soft cake. Solution: Mix the wet and dry ingredients only until they are just combined.

Storing Tips

Mug cakes are designed to be single-serving treats that are eaten immediately.

Best Eaten Fresh: For the best possible taste and texture, this cake should be enjoyed warm, right after it’s made.
Leftovers: If you happen to have leftovers, you can cover the mug with plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to a day, but the texture will change and become denser upon reheating.

Conclusion

This Easy Apple Spice Mug Cake is the perfect solution for your next dessert emergency. It delivers all the comforting, nostalgic flavors of a classic apple dessert with the unparalleled speed and convenience of microwave cooking. It’s a warm, buttery, and perfectly spiced treat that proves you’re only ever five minutes away from a moment of pure, delicious indulgence.

We hope this becomes your new go-to recipe for quick cravings. Try it out and let us know in the comments how you liked it! We love hearing your feedback. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more easy, single-serving dessert ideas.

FAQs

Q1. What is the best type of apple to use for this recipe?

A firm, crisp apple that holds its shape well when cooked is ideal. Great choices include Granny Smith for a tarter flavor, or Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji for a sweeter profile.

Q2. My mug cake was rubbery. What did I do wrong?

A rubbery texture is almost always a sign of overcooking. Microwave wattages vary greatly, so your microwave might be more powerful. Next time, try reducing the initial cooking time to 1 minute and 15 seconds and check it before adding more time.

Q3. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, absolutely. You can easily make this gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a good quality 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose baking blend.

Q4. Can I bake this in the oven instead of the microwave?

While it defeats the purpose of a super-fast mug cake, you can. Pour the batter into an oven-safe ramekin and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.