Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning-fast and fuss-free—ready in under 10 minutes using your microwave
Fall-inspired flavor—full of apple and warm spice notes
Single-serving—perfect when you want dessert just for yourself
Soft, moist texture—thanks to butter, apples, and a quick microwave finish
Customizable toppings—add ice cream, caramel, or whipped cream to make it extra indulgent

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh apple (sliced or grated)
Salted butter
Brown sugar (and optionally granulated sugar)
Milk
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Apple pie spice (or cinnamon)
Optional: caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream for garnish

Directions

In a microwave-safe mug, combine some of the apple slices with a portion of the butter, brown sugar, and a sprinkle of apple pie spice. Microwave briefly (around 30 seconds) to soften and caramelize the apples.
In a separate bowl, mix melted butter with brown sugar, milk, and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking powder, and more apple pie spice until just combined.
Pour this batter over the softened apples in the mug. Top with remaining apple slices, a bit more sugar and spice, and a final pat of butter.
Microwave for about 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes, until the cake puffs up and sets.
Let it cool just slightly before serving. Optional: drizzle with caramel sauce and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Servings and timing

Servings: 1 mug cake
Prep time: 3–5 minutes
Cook time: 1½–2 minutes
Total time: Approximately 5–8 minutes

Variations

Use grated apple instead of sliced for extra moisture and texture
Swap apple pie spice for pumpkin pie spice for a slightly different autumn twist
Replace milk with a dairy-free alternative like cashew or almond milk if needed
Add mix-ins like chopped nuts, raisins, or white chocolate chips
Experiment with different toppings: whipped cream, maple syrup drizzle, or cinnamon sugar

Storage/Reheating

This mug cake is best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you happen to have leftovers, store the mug in the refrigerator, and reheat for about 20–30 seconds in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

What if I don’t have apple pie spice?

You can use simple cinnamon—or mix cinnamon with a pinch of nutmeg and cloves for a homemade version.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes—but butter offers richer flavor and a more tender texture.

My mug cake overflowed—why?

Make sure your mug is large enough—fill it only halfway before cooking to allow room for rising.

What’s the best type of apple to use?

Sweet-tart varieties like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work beautifully and hold up well during microwaving.

How do I know when it’s done?

The top should be set and slightly springy to the touch. It’s okay if it’s moist in the middle—that’s part of the charm!

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely—just swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend.

Is it safe to eat mug cakes?

Yes! Since most recipes skip eggs, there’s minimal food safety risk, and the microwave cooks the batter thoroughly.

Can I halve the recipe?

This is already a single serving; halving would make it too small. Stick with the full recipe for best results.

My cake is dry—what happened?

You may have overcooked it. Reduce the cook time slightly next time.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely—feel free to add your favorite extras for flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This Easy Spiced Apple Mug Cake is a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for solo indulgence. With fall flavors, minimal prep, and quick cooking, it’s a perfect solution when you’re craving something sweet and cozy—no oven or fuss required.