• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Burnt Apple
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Desserts

    Spice Cake in a Mug

    Published: Nov 19, 2015 · Modified: Nov 7, 2023 by burntapple · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Spice cake in a mug offers a simple solution for a single-serving dessert that's quick to make and bursting with warm, comforting flavors. This recipe allows you to indulge in the rich taste of spice cake without the need for extensive baking time or a full-sized cake.

    A close-up photo of spice cake in a mug on a white plate. The cake is moist and fluffy, and it is topped with a scoop of whipped cream. The background is blurred, and there is a warm, cozy glow to the image
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients in Spice Cake in a Mug
    • Instructions
    • Simple Easy Dessert
    • Variations
    • Substitutions
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Spice Cake in a Mug

    Ingredients in Spice Cake in a Mug

    It's simple and easy to make this easy dessert. All you need for the cake is:

    • Brown sugar
    • Flour
    • Oil
    • Pumpkin puree
    • Cinnamon
    • Pumpkin pie spice
    • Milk
    • Baking powder
    • Salt

    For the frosting you will need:

    • Powdered sugar
    • Drops of water or milk

    Instructions

    1. Prepare Mug: Choose a microwave-safe mug. Lightly grease the inside to prevent sticking.
    2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In the mug, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and all the spices until well mixed.
    3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree. Mix thoroughly until a smooth batter forms.
    4. Microwave: Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes, or until the cake has risen and looks set in the middle.
    5. Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool for a minute or two before enjoying it directly from the mug or tipping it out onto a plate. Frost if desired.

    Simple Easy Dessert

    The allure of a spice cake in a mug is its simplicity and swiftness. With just a few pantry staples and minimal effort, you can satisfy your craving for a freshly baked treat in mere minutes. If you love easy desserts like this why not try our cinnamon mug cake or a chocolate mug cake?

    Variations

    Experiment with your favorite spices or add-ins such as chopped nuts, raisins, or even a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on top. Make it your own by adjusting the spice levels to suit your taste.

    Substitutions

    To accomodate for any food intolerances or food allergies, all you need are a few simple changes to this recipe:

    • gluten free: Use gluten free flour in place of all purpose flour
    • vegan and dairy free: the cake itself is naturally vegan but if you are using our glaze recipe, just use water or dairy free milk!

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I make this cake without a microwave?

    Yes, you can try baking this in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes in an oven-safe mug or ramekin until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

    Can I use a different type of flour?

    Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten free flour.

    Is it necessary to grease the mug?

    Greasing the mug helps prevent the cake from sticking, making it easier to enjoy. Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe silicone cup or paper liner for easy removal.

    How can I store any leftover cake?

    If you have leftover cake, it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or so. To maintain freshness, wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    A close-up photo of spice cake in a mug on a white plate. The cake is moist and fluffy, and it is topped with a scoop of whipped cream. The background is blurred, and there is a warm, cozy glow to the image

    Spice Cake in a Mug

    Traci Wennerholm
    Spice cake in a mug is a delightful single-serving dessert that captures the warm and comforting flavors of traditional spice cake. This quick and easy microwave recipe is perfect for those moments when you're craving a delicious treat without the hassle of baking a full-sized cake.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 3 minutes mins
    0 minutes mins
    Total Time 7 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 serving
    Calories 430 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
    • ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon flour
    • 1 tablespoon oil
    • 2 tablespoon pumpkin puree
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
    • 1 tablespoon milk
    • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
    • Pinch of salt
    • For the Frosting:
    • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
    • Drops of water or milk

    Instructions
     

    • Lightly grease a mug. In the mug mix together all the cake ingredients.
    • Microwave on high for 1 minute 15 seconds. Check for doneness, continue to cook at 15 second intervals until cake springs back when lightly pressed.
    • Mix together the frosting ingredients, pour on top the warm cake. Serve while warm.

    Notes

    Optional toppings: In place of the frosting, you can place a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream on top of the cake.
    Instructions. Store in any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for several days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 71gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 125mgPotassium: 175mgFiber: 2gSugar: 45gVitamin A: 4699IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 137mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword mug cake recipe, spice cake in a mug, spice mug cake recipe
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    « 3 Ingredients Cake Mix Cookies
    Tartine Bakery Shortbread Recipe »

    Reader Interactions

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    traci burntapple website featuring recipes with five ingredients or less

    Hi, I'm Traci! Cooking hasn't always come easy. I'm the burnt pancake on one side and perfect on the other pancake person that serves it to you with the pretty side up. I've learned to cook and make it look easy to my family and others. I'm now helping you save time & money with easy simple recipes with five ingredients or less!

    More about me →

    Popular

    • A top-down view of a single, shiny Cheddar's honey butter croissant on a round, white plate featuring black abstract floral and geometric designs. A partial croissant on a wooden board and a grey cloth napkin are visible at the edges, with white orchid flowers in the upper left corner.
      Copycat Cheddars Honey Butter Croissants
    • A mason jar filled with a Sonic-style Dirty Dr Pepper sits on a rustic white wooden surface. The drink is dark brown, filled with ice, and has visible carbonation bubbles on top. A fresh lime wedge is perched on the rim of the jar, while two additional limes, one whole and one sliced in half, rest nearby on the table. The background features a weathered wood texture, adding to the casual, homemade aesthetic.
      Copycat Sonic Dirty Dr Pepper
    • Top-down view of a white plate with a folded scrambled egg and avocado with salsa. The omelet is topped with slices of bright green avocado and a spoonful of chunky red salsa. A silver fork lies across the omelet. To the left of the plate is a folded white cloth napkin. In the upper right corner, a wooden cutting board holds half of a sliced avocado, a small pile of orange powder (possibly paprika), and a small pile of black peppercorns. A white bowl of red salsa is also on the cutting board. The scene is set on a light-colored marble countertop.
      Scrambled Eggs and Avocado with Salsa
    • A plate of folded breakfast scrambled eggs seasoned with pepper, served with sliced avocado, a sprinkle of orange powder (possibly paprika), and a side of red salsa.
      Breakfast Scrambled Eggs

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Burnt Apple

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.