There’s nothing quite like the cozy scent of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven—but sometimes you don’t want to wait an hour for a pie or a full cake. That’s where the Apple Mug Cake comes in. In less than ten minutes, you can have a warm, spiced cake with tender apple pieces, ready to enjoy straight from the mug.
I first discovered mug cakes back in college when I lived in a tiny apartment with no oven. My sweet tooth wasn’t going to wait, so I started experimenting with microwave desserts. After nailing down a classic Brownie Mug Cake, I began playing with seasonal flavors. That’s when the Apple Mug Cake became my go-to fall dessert.
It has all the comfort of apple pie—the cinnamon, the warmth, the sweetness—but without the fuss of rolling out dough. It reminds me of the cozy flavors you’ll also find in my Snickerdoodle Mug Cake Recipe, just with a fruity twist. And when I want to go big, I turn to full-size bakes like my Chocolate Cake Recipe or indulgent Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake. But for weeknights? The apple mug cake always wins.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Apple Mug Cake
- Quick & Easy → From mixing to eating in under 10 minutes.
- Small-Batch Treat → Perfect when you don’t want leftovers.
- Warm Flavors → Apples, cinnamon, and vanilla create cozy comfort.
- Beginner-Friendly → No oven, no mixer, just a mug and a spoon.
- Customizable → Add caramel, nuts, or oats for texture.
- Year-Round Appeal → Use fresh apples in fall or applesauce anytime.
If you love creative single-serve bakes, don’t miss my Strawberry Earthquake Cake for a dramatic twist on fruity desserts.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for one serving of this spiced, fruity cake:
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (or oil)
- 3 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped apple (peeled or unpeeled)
- Optional: pinch of salt, caramel drizzle, chopped nuts
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Choose a Mug → Use a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 12 oz.
- Mix Dry Ingredients → Stir flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients → Mix in melted butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in Apples → Stir in chopped apple pieces.
- Microwave → Cook on high for 1–1½ minutes until just set.
- Cool Slightly → Let rest for 1 minute before eating.
The first time I made this, I sprinkled a little extra cinnamon sugar on top before microwaving. It created a crackly crust that reminded me of the cinnamon topping on coffee cake—absolutely worth the extra step.
How to Serve Apple Mug Cake
The beauty of the Apple Mug Cake is how versatile it is when it comes to serving. Because it’s soft, warm, and full of apple-cinnamon flavor, you can enjoy it plain or dress it up into something that feels bakery-worthy.
Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:
- Straight from the Mug → Keep it simple and enjoy warm with a spoon. Sometimes, nothing beats cozying up on the couch with cake in one hand and a good book in the other.
- With Ice Cream → Vanilla, salted caramel, or butter pecan ice cream melting over the warm cake takes it to another level. The hot-and-cold contrast is irresistible.
- Caramel Drizzle → Add a swirl of caramel sauce for a flavor that feels like caramel apples at the county fair.
- Nutty Crunch → Sprinkle chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts for texture.
- Breakfast Twist → Top with Greek yogurt and granola for a dessert-meets-breakfast hybrid.
- Festive Flair → During the holidays, sprinkle with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for a festive look.
I once served this at a brunch with friends by placing each mug on a small plate with a scoop of ice cream and a cinnamon stick for garnish. It looked like something out of a café menu but took me less than 10 minutes to make.
Whether you keep it simple or dress it up, the Apple Mug Cake is flexible enough for casual snacks, family desserts, or even dinner party finales. it with maple syrup and pecans. My kitchen smelled like a bakery, and I didn’t even miss pancakes.
How to Store Apple Mug Cake
While mug cakes are best enjoyed fresh, sometimes you’ll want to save a portion for later—or make a couple ahead of time. The good news is that this Apple Mug Cake stores surprisingly well.
- Room Temperature → If you plan to eat it within a few hours, simply cover the mug with foil or plastic wrap. It stays moist and soft.
- Refrigerator → For longer storage, transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well for up to 2 days. Before reheating, add a splash of milk to keep it from drying out.
- Freezer → Mug cakes freeze better than you might think. Let the cake cool completely, then wrap in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 1 month.
Reheating tips:
- Microwave for 15–30 seconds until warm.
- Add a drizzle of caramel or a spoonful of whipped cream to bring back the freshly-made magic.
- If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
The key to storing any mug cake—especially one with fruit like this—is preventing it from drying out. Seal it well, reheat gently, and it will taste just as comforting as the first bite.and they reheated surprisingly well—especially when topped with fresh whipped cream.
Tips to Make the Best Apple Mug Cake
While mug cakes are forgiving, a few tricks can help your Apple Mug Cake turn out perfect every time:
- Chop Apples Small → Smaller pieces cook through more evenly in the short microwave time.
- Use Brown Sugar → Adds a caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with apples.
- Balance Spices → Cinnamon is classic, but a pinch of nutmeg or allspice deepens the flavor.
- Don’t Overcook → Start with 1 minute, then microwave in 10-second bursts. An overcooked mug cake becomes rubbery.
- Add Texture → Mix in oats, nuts, or raisins for variety.
- Boost Flavor → Stir in a splash of maple syrup, apple cider, or even caramel sauce before microwaving.
- Topping Magic → A quick cream cheese glaze or powdered sugar can make it look special.
My favorite trick is swirling a teaspoon of caramel into the batter before cooking. It creates pockets of gooey sweetness, almost like a caramel apple cake in miniature. Another win? Adding a few rolled oats on top for a streusel effect—it gives you the crunch of coffee cake with the convenience of a mug dessert.
With these tips, your Apple Mug Cake will never feel boring. You can adapt it to your mood, the season, or what’s in your pantry.
Variations of Apple Mug Cake
The base recipe is simple, but you can transform it into endless variations depending on your cravings:
- Caramel Apple Mug Cake → Swirl caramel sauce into the batter or drizzle on top.
- Apple Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake → Add a quick glaze made of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk.
- Apple Pie Mug Cake → Stir in crushed graham crackers and a pinch of nutmeg for pie vibes.
- Healthy Apple Mug Cake → Replace some flour with oats, use applesauce instead of butter, and cut the sugar in half.
- Apple Streusel Mug Cake → Top with a crumble of oats, sugar, and butter before microwaving.
- Apple Cranberry Mug Cake → Add a spoonful of dried cranberries for tart contrast.
- Double Apple Mug Cake → Use both chopped apples and applesauce for extra moisture.
That’s the charm of mug cakes—they’re endlessly adaptable. Once you master the base Apple Mug Cake, you can play with flavors and textures until you create your own signature version.
FAQs
Can I make this without eggs?
Yes—this recipe is naturally egg-free.
What apples work best?
Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp or Gala for sweetness.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in two separate mugs for even results.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—use almond milk and coconut oil instead of butter.
Final Thoughts
The Apple Mug Cake is proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to enjoy a warm, comforting dessert. With apples, cinnamon, and a mug, you’ll have a treat that feels just as cozy as pie but takes only minutes.
Whether you enjoy it plain, with ice cream, or try one of the variations, this recipe will become a fall (and year-round) favorite. And if you love simple, cozy desserts, you’ll also want to try my Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake—another quick, gooey delight.
Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest where I share cozy, easy-to-make baking recipes just like this one.
Print
Apple Mug Cake
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 1 mug cake 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Mug Cake is a quick, warm dessert with apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Made in just minutes in the microwave, it’s perfect for fall cravings.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped apple
- Optional: pinch of salt, caramel drizzle, chopped nuts
Instructions
1. Use a microwave-safe mug (12 oz).
2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add butter, milk, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
4. Fold in chopped apples.
5. Microwave for 1–1½ minutes until set.
6. Cool for 1 minute before enjoying.
Notes
Use small apple chunks for even cooking.
Add caramel drizzle for a caramel apple twist.
Serve with vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for variety.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug cake
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg