Mug cakes get their name because the ingredients—whether flour, sugar, cocoa powder, butter, or milk—are simply measured using a regular mug, usually about 2.5 deciliters (1 cup). You pour or sift everything into a bowl and whisk it smooth with a hand whisk, mixer, or sometimes even an immersion blender. It’s one of the most practical ways to make a quick, impressive treat without pulling out a ton of dishes or a scale—just one mug is all you need.
If you want to whip up a delicious dessert in a flash, these mug cake recipes are your best friends. Here are some heavenly cakes you can have on the table for your family anytime, in no time.
Chocolate Coconut
For this cake, mix half a mug of vegetable oil, one mug of milk, three eggs, and one mug of sugar (use less if you prefer it less sweet) in a bowl. Whisk until fluffy. Sift in one mug of flour, a packet of baking powder, a pinch of salt, and a quarter mug of cocoa powder. Add coconut to the batter or sprinkle it on top for extra flavor. Mix until smooth, then pour into a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for just 40 minutes. Once done, cut into squares and enjoy.
Classic Kefir & Sour Cherry
This iconic mug cake swaps milk and butter for kefir. Measure three mugs of flour, one and a half mugs of granulated sugar, a packet of vanilla sugar, and a packet of baking powder into a bowl and mix. Crack in three eggs, add one mug of kefir and the same amount of oil. Pour the thick batter into a parchment or butter-lined baking tray, smooth it out, and scatter pitted sour cherries on top. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about an hour. If the top turns golden but the inside feels raw, cover it with foil and bake a bit longer.
Mug Doughnuts
Forget the fuss of traditional doughnut frying and try these quick, amazing mug doughnuts instead! Mix one mug of sour cream or plain yogurt, a quarter mug of sugar, a teaspoon of vanilla sugar, one egg, a packet of baking powder, and some grated lemon zest in a bowl. Stir in two mugs of flour. Roll the dough out about 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 inches) thick and cut small circles, or shape doughnut shapes by hand or with a spoon. Fry in hot oil, but keep the heat moderate (around medium-low) so the doughnuts cook evenly—crispy outside, soft inside.
Apple Cinnamon
This recipe calls for about half a mug of each ingredient—impossible to mess up! Mix one mug of peeled, grated apple, one and a half mugs of flour, half a mug of sugar, half a mug of milk, half a mug of oil, a packet of baking powder, cinnamon to taste, a pinch of salt, and one egg. Bake in a greased tray at 190°C (375°F) for about 30 minutes. Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and powdered sugar—a classic, simple delight.
Poppy Seed & Lemon Mug Cake
Thoroughly mix one mug of flour, half a mug of ground poppy seeds, half a mug of sugar, one egg, half a mug of milk, and the same amount of oil. Add the grated zest of a whole lemon and the strained juice, free of seeds. Stir in a packet of baking powder and a pinch of salt. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes, checking with a fork to make sure it’s fully baked. If not, bake another 10 minutes. Top with powdered sugar, a sprinkle of poppy seeds, or a simple lemon glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar.
