Lemon Mug Cake
For years, gooey lemon bars have been the go-to treat for spring, but this single-serve lemon mug cake is quickly stealing the spotlight. With thousands of views and shares on social media, it’s clear that citrus lovers everywhere are craving this quicker, lighter twist on a classic dessert.
Ready in just 60 seconds in the microwave, this mug cake is the perfect solution for when you want something sweet without the wait. It’s easy to make, naturally sweetened with honey, and is customizable to be both gluten-free and dairy-free—ideal for a variety of dietary needs.
Lemon lovers, rejoice! This easy lemon mug cake is filled with tart citrus flavor that will have you puckering upon first bite. It may even catch the attention of the deepest chocolate lover 😉
Mug cakes are a great way to satisfy that cake sweet tooth without the hassle of baking an entire cake. Make them in just one bowl, or even inside the mug itself, in about 90 seconds in the microwave. You don't get much easier than that!
Lemon Mug Cake Ingredients
- Egg - This helps the mug cake rise in the microwave. If needed,substitute with a flax egg but be prepared that it won't rise as much.
- Honey - Used to sweeten the cake naturally. Agave or maple syrup will work as well.
- Coconut oil - Provides moisture to the cake batter. Any type of lightly flavored oil can used as a substitute like avocado oil or vegetable oil or melted butter.
- Almond milk - Any type of milk will work in this recipe.
- Lemon - We use both fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. They add some fresh lemon flavor and will provide the best result. Store bought lemon juice can be used as well but I recommend using a little more to ensure the lemon flavor shines through in the cake.
- Flour - All purpose or gluten free 1:1 will work in this lemon mug cake recipe.
- Lemon curd - I used my own recipe for dairy free lemon curd but you can use any kind of lemon curd or make a lemon royal icing.
- Whipped cream - Store bought or fresh whipped cream can be used. Cool whip is also a great option or Truwhip if dairy free.
How To Make a Lemon Mug Cake
You will need a large coffee mug and a fork or spoon to mix the batter for this recipe.
- Make the batter. Like most baking recipes, start by whisking together the wet ingredients, then fold in the dry ingredients. You'll be left with a batter that resembles the consistency of pancake batter.
- Microwave! When I first started baking, I thought the oven was the only way to get batter to bake through and rise. Then I discovered mug cakes which use the magic powers of a microwave to bake in a fraction of the time. While a microwave doesn’t use dry heat like a traditional oven, it still “bakes” by using microwave radiation to heat water molecules within the food. This creates steam and internal heat, which cooks the batter quickly and evenly from the inside out.
- Add your toppings. Like most cakes, the toppings are a must! Because the cake is already packed with citrus flavor, I recommend keeping it simple with some whipped cream (homemade, coconut whipped cream, cool whip, etc.) and lemon curd. A warm berry jam would also be delectable!
Expert Tips
- Don't over mix the cake batter. Even though this is a mug cake, you still want to be sure not to over mix the batter when the dry ingredients have been incorporated.
- Use a large mug to ensure the cake doesn't spill out of the mug. I used a 16 oz coffee mug and it was perfect.
- Remember that the mug will be hot when it's done in the microwave so I recommend waiting a few seconds to take it out.
- Drizzle the lemon curd or icing over the cake while it's still slightly warm. The warm cake will soak up the sweetness perfectly.
Lemon Mug Cake Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Use Instead of Lemon Curd?
If you don't have lemon curd or don't want to go through the hassle of making a jar yourself, you can also top your mug cake with an easy lemon icing. Simply mix together 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar with a teaspoon of lemon juice and pour over top of the warm cake.
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
I tested this with both all purpose and gluten free 1:1 and both work well. Use the flour that best aligns with your dietary preferences!
For more fruity treats, check out my:
PS : If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a star review and comment below! Also be sure to follow along with me on Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date on all tasty recipes here at The Fit Peach!
Recipe
Lemon Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 1 ½ tablespoon coconut oil - melted
- 1 tablespoon almond milk - or any type of milk
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice - approx. ½ lemon
- ⅓ cup flour - all purpose or gluten free 1:1
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest - approx. ½ lemon
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- Whipped cream - or Cool Whip or Truwhip (optional)
- Lemon curd - or lemon icing (see notes), optional
Instructions
- In the bottom of a large coffee mug or in a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, honey, coconut oil, almond milk, and lemon juice until well combined.1 egg, 2 tablespoon honey, 1 ½ tablespoon coconut oil, 1 tablespoon almond milk, ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- Add the flour, lemon zest, and baking powder and gently fold into the batter.⅓ cup flour, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- Pour the batter into a large coffee mug and place the mug in the microwave. Heat for 60 - 90 seconds until the cake has puffed up to the top and is semi-stiff when you press into it with your finger. The top will be a little wet at first but will solidify more as it cools down slightly.
- Allow the mug to cool down a little before removing it from the microwave. Top with fresh whipped cream of choice and a drizzle of lemon curd or lemon icing (see notes).Whipped cream, Lemon curd
