This comforting recipe flavored with cinnamon and brown sugar takes just minutes and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Over the years, I’ve come to learn that my sweet tooth is not to be messed with. It’s so intense that, if there are sweets in my kitchen, I will be eating them. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. So, I try my best to keep my pantry clear of sweets, since eating chocolate, cookies, or cake every day isn’t exactly part of a balanced diet.
But sometimes, cravings take over, and I absolutely must have something sugary. In these moments, when sweets are nowhere to be found in my kitchen, I’m usually not in the mood to whip up an entire cake or batch of cookies from scratch. What I am willing to do, though, is make a mug cake. It’s quick, it’s perfectly portioned, and I can easily customize the flavor to whatever I’m craving. This coffee mug cake always hits the spot with its warming flavors and just six minutes of prep and cook time. Yes, you read that right—SIX MINUTES!
Not only does this recipe come together quickly, it has the same delicious taste as coffee cake, thanks to the sweet-but-not-too-sweet flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar. It makes one single serving, making it the perfect way to indulge for one. I love enjoying this comfort in a mug on Sunday nights, curled up on the couch with a book or an episode of one of my favorite TV shows.
How can I tell if a mug is microwave-safe?
Since all the magic happens in the microwave for this coffee mug cake recipe, you’re going to want to make sure the mug you’re using is microwave-safe. Some mugs will have a label on the bottom of them that indicates whether they’re safe for the microwave. This could be the words “microwave-safe” or the microwave-safe symbol, which is 3 squiggly lines stacked on top of each other.
If nothing is written on the bottom, you can test if a mug is microwave-safe by placing the mug in the microwave, alongside another one filled with water, and microwaving it for 30 seconds. If the empty mug remains cool, it should be microwave-safe. If the mug gets hot to the touch, you might want to use a different one.
Steer clear of using any mugs that have any type of metallic paint or designs on them, as they can spark in the microwave. It’s also a good idea to use a fairly large mug, so that the cake mixture doesn’t spill over the sides as it cooks in the microwave.

How do I store leftovers?
Since this cake just makes one serving, there usually aren’t any leftovers (speaking from personal experience here). However, if you do have leftovers, I would transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to reheat them, add a splash of water or milk to prevent dryness and reheat in the microwave at 30-second intervals.

Serving suggestions
To continue the indulgence, I love eating this coffee mug cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, right in the mug. You could also try it with homemade ice cream, like this Cookie Dough Banana Ice Cream or this Coconut Milk Ice Cream With Rum And “Eggnog”. You could also pair your coffee mug cake with a cup of coffee, of course! I recommend a steaming hot cup of Café De Olla. Or, if you prefer yours iced, check out this recipe for the perfect Iced Coffee.

Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe mug, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

- Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon on top.

- Microwave the mug on high for 1 minute. Check the center; if the cake is not set, microwave for an extra 10 seconds. Allow the cake to cool for a minute before enjoying.

Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.


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