Lemon Mug Cake
You know those moments when you’re lounging at home, maybe watching a movie or reading a book, and suddenly—bam!—you want something sweet, right now?
That’s exactly how I stumbled upon this Lemon Mug Cake recipe.
I wanted a dessert but didn’t feel like spending an hour baking. And voilà—this zesty treat became my go-to for a quick fix.
The best part?
It’s made with pantry staples, so no need to run to the store!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why this one’s a winner.
First off, it’s crazy fast. No oven, no mixers—just a microwave and a few basic ingredients.
You can whip this up quicker than it takes to scroll through your phone looking for dessert ideas.
And the flavor?
That fresh lemon zest gives it a bright, citrusy kick, so it feels light and refreshing. It’s not too heavy, but definitely sweet enough to hit the spot.
Plus, it’s the kind of treat that feels homemade without all the work. Perfect for when you need something simple but oh-so-satisfying!
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup self-rising flour
- ⅓ cup milk (or almond/rice milk for a vegan option)
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Let’s Get Cooking
- Grab a medium-sized bowl and mix together your flour, milk, sugar, oil, and lemon juice. Trust me, it’ll smell so good already!
- Once you’ve got a smooth batter, stir in that freshly grated lemon zest. This is where the magic happens.
- Now, pour the batter evenly into two mugs, but don’t go crazy—only fill them halfway. This gives the cake room to rise.
- Microwave each mug for about 1 minute. Keep an eye on it, though. When the top looks firm but still soft, it’s ready!
Time to Jazz It Up!
The cake is tasty on its own, but if you’re like me, you’ll want to add some extra goodness. Here are some topping ideas to take it to the next level:
- Drizzle a simple lemon glaze for extra tang.
- Go rich with some lemon curd or keep it classic with a vanilla glaze.
- A generous dollop of whipped cream never hurt anyone!
Fun Twists
- Make it vegan: Swap out the milk for almond or rice milk, and you’re good to go.
- Lemon-Poppy Seed Vibe: For a fun variation, fold in ¼ cup of poppy seeds before microwaving. It’ll give your cake a little extra crunch and flavor.
Perfect Anytime
The best part? You don’t need a special occasion to make this Lemon Mug Cake.
It’s perfect for when you just need a quick, homemade dessert without all the fuss. You get the brightness of lemon in a soft, comforting cake—all ready in under 5 minutes.
Lemon Mug Cake FAQ
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap the milk for a plant-based option like almond milk, soy milk, or rice milk. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly!
Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes! If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by adding 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt to every cup of regular flour.
How long should I microwave the mug cake?
It usually takes about 1 minute, but microwave times can vary depending on the wattage of your microwave. Check if the top of the cake looks firm but is still soft to the touch. If needed, add 10-second intervals until it’s ready.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% lemon juice for the best taste!
What toppings can I add?
You can jazz up your cake with a lemon or vanilla glaze, a dollop of whipped cream, lemon curd, or even some fresh berries.
Can I make it in advance?
Since it only takes a few minutes to whip up, it’s best to enjoy it fresh. But you can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in a sealed container, so all you need to do is add the wet ingredients when you’re ready!
What if I want a bigger cake?
You can double the recipe and divide the batter between larger mugs. Just adjust the microwave time slightly, adding 10-15 seconds as needed.
How do I make a lemon-poppy seed version?
To make a lemon-poppy seed mug cake, fold ¼ cup of poppy seeds into the batter before microwaving for that extra texture and flavor.
Can I make this without a microwave?
Yes! If you don’t have a microwave, you can bake the mug cake in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.
Can I substitute the sugar with a sugar alternative?
Yes, you can use your preferred sugar substitute, but be sure to follow the substitution guidelines on the package. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly depending on the sweetener you use.
So, the next time you’re craving something sweet and speedy, this Lemon Mug Cake has got your back.
It’s the perfect little pick-me-up that’s sure to brighten your day. I guarantee you’ll savor every bite! Ready to whip it up?
Grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking—you’ll be enjoying that zesty goodness in no time!
If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with a friend!
Lemon Mug Cake - Simple Yummy Recipes
Quick and easy Lemon Mug Cake recipe with flour, sugar, and lemon zest. Ready in minutes for a zesty treat!
Type: dessert
Cuisine: American
Keywords: Lemon Mug Cake
Recipe Yield: 2 Mug Cakes
Preparation Time: PT2M
Cooking Time: PT2M
Total Time: PT4M
Recipe Ingredients:
- ½ cup self-rising flour
- ⅓ cup milk
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Recipe Instructions: 1. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, milk, sugar, oil, and lemon juice. 2. Add the lemon zest and stir until the batter is smooth. 3. Pour the batter into two mugs, making sure each mug is only half full. 4. Microwave each mug for about 1 minute, until the top feels firm but soft when touched. Serve and enjoy!
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