Try this single serving lemon mug cake recipe for dessert tonight. It takes just two minutes, from start to finish!
Easy lemon mug cake
Mug cakes are one of my go-to snacks, because they are quick and easy to prepare, and you can create unlimited flavors.
My current favorite is this fluffy lemon cake, which tastes equally delicious baked in the oven or microwave.
Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a mountain of whipped cream, and enjoy each citrus sweet bite.
Do not be surprised if you find yourself back in the kitchen making another lemon mug cake every day this week!
Also try this Brownie in a Mug
Key ingredients
Lemon – The recipe is extra lemony, thanks to double the lemon with both fresh lemon zest and lemon juice. For the best flavor, it’s very important to include the zest.
Flour – This can be whole grain spelt flour, oat flour, gluten free all purpose flour, or regular white flour.
For a low carb and keto lemon mug cake, use almond flour. Do not choose coconut flour, because the cake will turn out dry.
Sugar – I like granulated sugar or coconut sugar. Xylitol or granulated erythritol are great options for a sugar free cake.
Liquid sweeteners, like pure maple syrup and honey, do work here as long as you do not mind a somewhat gummy cake texture.
Oil (optional) – The results will be most buttery if you include oil (vegetable or coconut oil) or butter. However Greek yogurt or mashed banana for a healthy fat free option also taste great.
Other ingredients – The simple lemon cake in a mug also calls for baking powder, salt, water, and pure vanilla extract.
Still craving lemon? Make Frozen Lemonade
Step by step lemon cake video
Mug cake flavor variations
Lemon Blueberry: After stirring all other ingredients to form a batter, very carefully stir in two tablespoons fresh or frozen thawed blueberries.
Strawberry Lemon: Follow the blueberry variation above, adding two tablespoons diced strawberries instead of the blueberries. Can’t choose? Use a tablespoon of each.
Key Lime Pie: Instead of lemon juice and lemon zest, use an equal amount of lime. Or make an orange mug cake with orange juice and zest.
Lemon Poppy Seed: Stir one teaspoon poppy seeds in with the dry ingredients.
Protein Mug Cake: Swap one and a half tablespoons of the flour for your favorite protein powder. Top with cashew or almond butter for even more protein.
How to make the best lemon mug cake
Step 1. Combine all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Stir until well mixed.
Step 2. Transfer the batter to a well greased mug or a large ramekin. Alternatively, you can create a double layer cake by baking in two half-cup ramekins.
Step 3. Either bake 10 minutes in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or microwave until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out mostly clean. (Microwave cooking time can vary by wattage. My cake took two minutes.)
Step 4. Top with powdered sugar or Coconut Ice Cream and Vegan Lemon Curd.
Frequently asked questions
Is this lemon mug cake vegan or low carb? The naturally eggless recipe is milk free, dairy free, and vegan as long as you choose oil or plant based butter. Use almond flour and a sugar alternative for a keto lemon cake with no sugar added.
Can I make it in the air fryer? As long as you use an oven safe mug, the cake works just fine in an air fryer. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and check after ten minutes.
I don’t feel like zesting a lemon. Can I just use lemon extract instead? Yes, you may substitute the two teaspoons lemon zest with half a teaspoon of extract.
Can I add an egg? I often get this question from readers. Baking powder helps the mug cake to rise with no eggs, so they are not needed. However, you can add an egg or egg whites and omit the water if desired.
How do I make a 100 calorie mug cake? If you bake this cake in two half-cup ramekins and save one for later, each cake may contain as few as 80 calories.
The recipe was adapted from my Vanilla Mug Cake.
- 6 tbsp flour (spelt, white, oat, or almond) (Here’s a Keto Mug Cake) (50g)
- 3 tbsp sugar or xylitol (36g)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tbsp butter or oil or mashed banana (18g)
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract (2g)
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To make the single serving lemon mug cake, stir dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Transfer the batter to a well greased mug or large ramekin. Either bake in a 350 F preheated oven for 10 minutes or microwave until fluffy. (Microwave times will vary depending on wattage. My microwave cake took 2 minutes.)View Nutrition Facts
More single serving desserts
Single Serving Peanut Butter Cookie
