This Spiced Apple Mug Cake is a warm and comforting recipe, which is made with fresh apple and apple pie spice. It’s the perfect single-serving dessert, ready in less than 10 minutes.
Jump to RecipeSpiced Apple Mug Cake Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 2 Tbsp. whole milk
- 2 Tbsp. light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. apple pie spice
- 1/4 tsp. baking powder
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1 Envy apple (or other firm, crisp apple)
- Vanilla ice cream, to serve
- Caramel sauce, to serve
How To Make Spiced Apple Mug Cake
- Melt Wet Ingredients: In a 14- to 16-ounce microwave-safe mug, combine the butter, milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Microwave on high for 45 seconds, then stir with a fork until the butter is completely melted and the sugar starts to dissolve.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, apple pie spice, baking powder, and salt directly to the mug. Stir with a fork until just combined and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Apple: Chop the apple into small dice, leaving the skin on. Stir about ¾ cup of the chopped apple into the mug cake batter. Reserve the rest for garnish.
- Microwave: Clean off any batter from the inside rim of the mug. Microwave on high for about 2 minutes, or until the top of the cake is set and springs back when lightly touched.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the mug for 5 to 7 minutes, as it will be very hot. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of the remaining chopped apple.

Recipe Tips
- How to avoid a tough mug cake? The most important rule for any mug cake is not to overmix the batter. Once you add the flour, stir only until it’s just combined. A few small lumps are okay.
- What are the best apples to use? A firm, crisp apple like Envy, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith is best because it will hold its shape and not turn to mush in the cake.
- Can I use a different spice? Yes. If you don’t have apple pie spice, you can substitute it with an equal amount of ground cinnamon, plus a tiny pinch of nutmeg and allspice if you have them.
- How to prevent the cake from overflowing? Make sure you use a large enough mug (at least 14 ounces). This gives the cake plenty of room to rise as it cooks without spilling over.
What To Serve With Spiced Apple Mug Cake
This warm and comforting dessert is a perfect canvas for creamy and rich toppings:
- A scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream
- A generous drizzle of warm caramel or butterscotch sauce
- A dollop of fresh whipped cream
How To Store Spiced Apple Mug Cake
Mug cakes are designed to be eaten immediately while they are warm and tender. They do not store well and will become tough and dry if left to sit or refrigerated.
Spiced Apple Mug Cake Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450-550 kcal (without ice cream)
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Protein: 6g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
No, this recipe is specifically formulated for the quick, high heat of a microwave. It will not bake correctly in a conventional oven.
Yes. To make this dish vegan, use a vegan butter substitute, your favorite plant-based milk (like oat or almond milk), and ensure your sugars are vegan-certified.
A rubbery texture is almost always the result of overmixing the batter after the flour has been added, or overcooking it in the microwave. Every microwave is different, so start checking for doneness around the 1 minute 45 second mark.
Try More Recipes:
- Brown Butter Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
- Salted (and Other) Caramel Apples Recipe
- Apple Cake in an Iron Skillet Recipe
Spiced Apple Mug Cake Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy1
servings2
minutes5
minutes550
kcalA warm, single-serving apple spice cake with tender chunks of fresh apple, cooked in a mug in the microwave in just two minutes.
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2 Tbsp. whole milk
2 Tbsp. each of light brown and granulated sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. apple pie spice
1/4 tsp. baking powder
Pinch of kosher salt
1 firm apple, chopped
Directions
- In a large, microwave-safe mug, microwave the butter, milk, sugars, and vanilla for 45 seconds until the butter is melted.
- Stir in the flour, apple pie spice, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
- Fold in about ¾ cup of the chopped apple.
- Microwave on high for about 2 minutes, until the cake is set.
- Let cool for 5-7 minutes.
- Serve warm, topped with ice cream, caramel sauce, and the remaining chopped apple.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure a tender, cakey texture.
- Using a large mug (14-16 oz) is important to prevent the batter from overflowing as it cooks.
- All microwaves vary in power, so your cooking time may be slightly different.
- This cake is best eaten immediately while it’s warm and fresh.