How do I keep my mug cake from overflowing?

Make sure you use a mug that is large enough - it should be able to hold at least 12 ounces. If you want to be extra careful, you can also place a microwave-safe plate underneath the mug to catch any potential drips. And of course, please make sure the mug you are using is also microwave safe!

How do I serve the mug cake?

After cooking, you can either unmold the mug cake onto a plate or bowl, or eat it right out of the mug! As I mentioned above, if you want to unmold it, use the melted butter to swirl around the sides of the mug to keep it from sticking. For a more interesting presentation, you can use a glass Ball jar, like I did here, so you can see the layers of apple and cake. I also recommend serving with either whipped cream or vanilla (or cinnamon!) ice cream to take it to another level of deliciousness!

What is the best type of apple to use?

Here I used Gala apple, mostly because this is a good all-around apple that is readily available. I found that the Gala apples held their shape pretty well after microwaving. I would probably stay away from apples that are known for falling apart when cooking, like Red Delicious and McIntosh. That being said, this is a matter of personal taste, so choose what you like! I found this article on the best types of apples for apple pie pretty interesting, it discusses their properties after baking in a pie. So, if you need more info on how to choose an apple for cooking, check it out!

Apple Cinnamon Mug Cake

Spoon with apples and cake being held over top cake in a green mug

Print Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

A fluffy vanilla cinnamon mug cake with juicy brown sugar cinnamon apples.

Author: Kate
Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 mug cake 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: microwave
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For apple layer:

1/2 cup peeled chopped apple
1/4 teaspoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar (light or dark)
1 pinch cinnamon

For cake batter:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 pinch cinnamon
1 pinch salt
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix together the dry ingredients for the cake batter: 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, pinch cinnamon and pinch salt. Set aside.

2. Place the 2 tablespoons butter into a large, microwave-safe mug. Place a folded paper towel on top (to catch any spatter) and microwave on high for 30 seconds, or until the butter is melted. If you want to unmold the mug cake for serving, carefully swirl the melted butter around the sides of the mug.

3. Pour the melted butter, along with 1/4 cup of milk and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla into the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix together with a fork or small whisk just until no lumps remain (do not overmix!). Set aside.

4. Add the chopped apple, 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon all-purpose flour and pinch cinnamon to the bottom of the same mug used to melt the butter. Stir together until the sugar and flour are evenly distributed throughout the apples and there are no dry bits of flour remaining at the bottom of the mug.

5. Microwave the apples on high for 45 seconds, or until they are slightly softened and look moist. Stir again. Pour the cake batter on top of the apples, do not stir.

6. Microwave the mug cake on high for 90 seconds. Check the cake; if there is still wet batter on top, microwave again in 10 second increments until the cake is cooked through. Either unmold the cake onto a plate or bowl, or serve right from the mug!

Notes

I used Gala apple for this recipe, which held up well during the cooking. Try any apple you like the taste of, but Red Delicious and McIntosh can become mushy when cooked, so if you don't like too soft apples, choose accordingly.

Don't go overboard with the cinnamon, all you need is a small pinch for the apples and a small pinch for the cake batter. If you add too much it will taste bitter. A sprinkle on top of the cake when it's done cooking is a nice touch though!

If your baking powder is pebbly, break it apart with your fingers or a fork before adding to the other ingredients. Getting a little piece of baking powder in the finished cake will taste quite bitter!

Use a mug that is at least 12 ounces to make sure the batter doesn't overflow while it cooks. If you are worried, place the mug onto a microwave-safe plate to catch any potential drips. And of course, make sure the mug is microwave-safe also!

Find it online: https://nibbleanddine.com/apple-cinnamon-mug-cake/