Looking for a cozy and quick treat that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of spices? This Cinnamon Mug Cake Recipe is just the answer! It’s a delightful single-serving cake that comes together in minutes, boasting a tender crumb infused with comforting cinnamon and the perfect touch of sweetness. Whether you’re craving a last-minute dessert or a cozy snack, this mug cake brings a personal hug in a cup every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cinnamon Mug Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity — each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor with minimal effort. You probably already have these pantry staples on hand, which makes this recipe even more inviting.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your cake for a soft, tender bite.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and aromatic depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a fluffy perfection.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1/4 cup milk: Keeps the batter moist and smooth for an even crumb.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and tenderizes the cake.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a subtle, sweet aroma that complements cinnamon beautifully.
How to Make Cinnamon Mug Cake Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking the flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt right in your microwave-safe mug. This ensures all the dry elements are evenly mixed so your cake bakes uniformly.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, stirring everything together until you achieve a smooth batter. Be sure to scrape the mug’s sides and bottom well, so no pockets of flour remain. This helps your mug cake turn out perfectly soft and moist every time.
Step 3: Optional Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl
For an extra special touch, mix 1 teaspoon brown sugar with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and a small pat of butter separately. Drop this mixture into the center of your batter and gently swirl it with a toothpick or fork. This little swirl bursts with cinnamon goodness in every bite.
Step 4: Microwave to Perfection
Pop the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 1 to 1 minute 20 seconds. Watch closely as the cake rises and sets but remains soft. Avoid overcooking to keep it moist and tender, and you’ll have a fresh single-serving dessert in no time.
Step 5: Let It Cool Slightly
After microwaving, let your cake sit for 1 to 2 minutes to firm up slightly. This waiting time helps the flavors meld beautifully and ensures your mouth doesn’t get burnt on the hot cake.
How to Serve Cinnamon Mug Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your mug cake by topping with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cool contrast or drizzle a bit of cream cheese glaze for a luscious finish. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a simple, pretty touch.
Side Dishes
This mug cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea to amplify its spicy notes. If you want a fuller snack, fresh fruit like apple slices or berries can bring refreshing brightness alongside the richness of the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or sharing, try baking a batch in small ramekins lined with parchment. You can also garnish with toasted nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce to turn your Cinnamon Mug Cake Recipe into an elegant, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though unlikely!), keep the mug cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The texture may be a little denser but still delicious warmed up.
Freezing
This mug cake is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers by wrapping them well and placing in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your mug cake in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds until warm but not overheated. This keeps it soft and moist without drying it out, bringing back that just-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of milk in this Cinnamon Mug Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, soy, or any milk alternative you prefer. Just keep the amount the same to maintain the right batter consistency.
What if I don’t have brown sugar? Can I use white sugar instead?
White sugar works in a pinch but brown sugar adds a richer flavor and moisture that complements the cinnamon perfectly. If you use white sugar, consider adding a tiny pinch of molasses or honey for depth.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can! Use a plant-based milk and substitute the butter with a vegan alternative or coconut oil. The vanilla extract and cinnamon will still shine, making your cake just as cozy.
How do I know when the mug cake is done?
Look for the cake to rise and set with no wet batter on top but still soft to the touch. Every microwave is different, so start with 1 minute and add more time in small increments if needed.
Can I double the recipe to make a larger cake?
While it’s designed as a single-serving treat, you can double the ingredients in a larger microwave-safe bowl and increase cooking time accordingly. Just be sure to stir well and keep an eye on it while microwaving.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Mug Cake Recipe is truly a little moment of joy you can whip up whenever the craving for something sweet and warm hits. I love how fast and fuss-free it is, turning simple ingredients into a comforting dessert that feels homemade and special. Give it a try and enjoy a cozy treat that’s ready before you know it!
Print
Cinnamon Mug Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Total Time: 6 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Mug Cake Recipe is a quick and easy single-serving dessert that you can whip up in just minutes using your microwave. Rich in warm cinnamon flavor complemented by a moist, fluffy texture, this cake is perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without the fuss. Optional cinnamon-sugar topping adds an extra swirl of spice and sweetness, making it an ideal snack or indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- small pat of butter
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a microwave-safe mug (10–12 oz size), whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to create an even base for your cake batter.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract into the mug with the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until a smooth batter forms, ensuring you scrape the sides and bottom of the mug to incorporate all the flour.
- Add Optional Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl: Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and pat of butter in a small bowl. Drop this mixture into the center of the batter in the mug and lightly swirl it through with a toothpick or fork for an extra burst of cinnamon sweetness.
- Microwave the Cake: Microwave the mug on high power for 1 minute to 1 minute 20 seconds. Watch carefully until the cake has risen and is cooked through but still soft; be careful not to overcook as it may become tough.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the mug cake to cool for 1–2 minutes before enjoying. Optionally, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for a dessert-style treat.
Notes
- For a richer dessert, top the mug cake with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze.
- You can adjust the amount of ground cinnamon to suit your preference for more or less spice.
- Make sure to not overcook the cake in the microwave, as it can become dry or rubbery.
- The mug used should be microwave-safe and around 10 to 12 ounces in size to prevent overflow.
- This recipe is ideal for a quick single-serving dessert or snack right when you need it most.
