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Lemon Mug Cake: Quick & Easy Recipe for a Single Serving

Quick and easy single-serving lemon mug cake, ready in minutes! Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings with a burst of citrusy flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest, finely grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
  • Whipped cream or ice cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mug (at least 12-ounce capacity), whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined and no lumps remain.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the milk, vegetable oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the mug.
  3. Mix Thoroughly: Mix everything together until you have a smooth batter. Make sure there are no lumps of flour clinging to the bottom or sides of the mug.
  4. Check Consistency: The batter should be smooth and pourable, similar to pancake batter. If it seems too thick, add a tiny splash of milk (a teaspoon at a time) until you reach the desired consistency. If it seems too thin, add a tiny sprinkle of flour.
  5. Microwave on High: Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 60-90 seconds. Start with 60 seconds and then check for doneness.
  6. Check for Doneness: The mug cake should be puffed up and look mostly set. The top might still look slightly moist. If it’s still very liquidy in the center, continue microwaving in 15-second intervals until it’s cooked through.
  7. Insert a Toothpick (Optional): If you’re unsure, you can insert a toothpick into the center of the mug cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done.
  8. Let it Cool Slightly: Once cooked, carefully remove the mug from the microwave (it will be hot!). Let it cool for a minute or two before serving.
  9. Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional): For a pretty presentation, dust the top of the mug cake with powdered sugar.
  10. Add a Dollop of Whipped Cream or Ice Cream (Optional): A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to the warm, citrusy cake.
  11. Garnish with Lemon Zest (Optional): For an extra burst of lemon flavor and a pop of color, sprinkle a little extra lemon zest on top.
  12. Enjoy Immediately: Mug cakes are best enjoyed warm, right after they’re cooked.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
  • Adjust sweetness to taste.
  • Add a teaspoon of poppy seeds for a lemon poppy seed mug cake.
  • Substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
  • Don’t overcook the mug cake.
  • Microwave wattages vary, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Use a 12-ounce mug to prevent overflow.