Hey you! Ever just crave something sweet and cozy… but don’t want to bake a whole cake? That’s exactly why I love this coffee cake mug cake. It’s soft, fluffy, and has that sweet cinnamon swirl that feels like a warm hug in a cup.
And here’s the best part—it only takes 10 minutes! I’ve made this on lazy afternoons, late-night snack runs, and even as a special little breakfast treat. It’s so simple and satisfying, and you eat it right from the mug. Fewer dishes? Yes, please!
Why You’ll Love This Mug Cake
If you’re new to mug cakes or just looking for a quick win in the kitchen, this recipe is going to be your go-to. Here’s why:
- Super fast: Just 5 minutes to prep and a little over a minute to cook.
- No oven needed: Your microwave does all the work.
- Cozy & comforting: It tastes like a slice of cinnamon coffee cake in a cup.
- Single serving: Perfect when you want a treat without making a full cake.
I love adding a little icing on top—or just enjoying it warm with a cup of tea. It’s the little things, right?
Easy Ingredient Swaps You Can Try
This mug cake is very forgiving. You can change a few ingredients based on what you have at home:
- No regular flour? Use almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
- Cutting back on sugar? Swap white sugar for coconut sugar or a sugar-free alternative.
- No milk? Any milk works! Almond, soy, oat—whatever you like.
- Want richer flavor? Use melted butter instead of oil.
- No nuts? Skip them or use sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead.
- Love spice? Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice along with the cinnamon.
This is the kind of recipe you can make your own.
How to Make a Coffee Cake in a Mug
Here’s my super simple step-by-step guide. It’s fast, fun, and no-fail!
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons milk (any kind)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for topping
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large microwave-safe mug, add flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix it all together with a fork. - Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in milk, oil (or butter), and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is smooth and combined—no dry spots! - Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this on top of your cake batter in the mug. - Add Nuts (If You Want)
Want a little crunch? Sprinkle a few chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the cinnamon sugar. It’s optional, but I love the texture it adds. - Microwave Your Mug Cake
Microwave on high for 1 to 1½ minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overflow. It’s ready when it’s risen and looks set in the middle. - Cool & Enjoy
Let it cool for about a minute before digging in. You can drizzle some icing or just eat it as is. It’s warm, sweet, and SO good!
Tips to Get It Just Right
Let me share a few little tricks I’ve learned to make the perfect mug cake:
- Use a big mug: At least 12 oz to avoid overflow.
- Don’t overcook: Start with 1 minute. Add 10–15 seconds more only if needed.
- Check the texture: The cake should look set and bounce back when you touch it lightly.
- Let it rest: A minute of cooling makes the texture even better.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes! Just know it’ll be a little denser and nuttier in flavor. You might need an extra teaspoon of milk if it looks too thick.
What if I don’t have baking powder?
No problem! Use 1/16 tsp of baking soda and add a tiny splash of vinegar or lemon juice. It’ll help your cake rise just like baking powder would.
Can I store leftovers?
Honestly, this is best fresh. But if you want to save some, cover the mug and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat for about 15–20 seconds.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. If your mix doesn’t have xanthan gum, add 1/8 tsp for better texture. You may also need a little more milk—start with 3 tbsp and add if needed.
Let’s Make Snacking Fun Again!
I hope you give this cozy little mug cake a try! It’s perfect when you want something sweet, fast, and homemade. If you make it, come hang out with me on Pinterest—I’ve got lots more easy treats, microwave recipes, and quick snack ideas waiting for you.
