Craving a quick and tasty dessert? Try my Apple Cider Donut Mug Cake! This easy recipe brings fall flavors right to your microwave in under five minutes. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can enjoy a warm, delicious treat anytime. Let’s dive into how to whip up this tasty cake and make your sweet tooth sing!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Apple Cider Donut Mug Cake
– 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
Key Flavors and Add-ins
– 3 tablespoons apple cider (non-alcoholic)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon apple sauce
– 1 tablespoon chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– Optional topping: powdered sugar
The core of this mug cake lies in its simple yet delicious ingredients. I love using all-purpose flour for a light texture. Granulated sugar gives it just the right sweetness. Baking powder helps the cake rise, while ground cinnamon adds warm flavors. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness perfectly.
Apple cider is the star here. It brings that cozy fall vibe to each bite. I prefer non-alcoholic apple cider. Vegetable oil keeps the cake moist, and apple sauce adds extra flavor. Don’t forget the chopped apples! Granny Smith or Honeycrisp give a nice crunch.
If you want a touch of sweetness, sprinkle powdered sugar on top. This cake is a quick treat that tastes like a warm hug. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Mug Cake Batter
To start, grab a microwave-safe mug, about 12 oz. In it, combine the dry ingredients. Add 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these together until they blend well.
Next, it’s time to add the wet ingredients. Pour in 3 tablespoons of apple cider, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and 1 tablespoon of apple sauce. Mix gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix! This can make your mug cake tough.
Now, fold in 1 tablespoon of chopped apples. I like to use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their tartness. Make sure the apples are evenly spread in the batter.
Cooking the Mug Cake
Microwave the mug on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Every microwave is different, so check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. If it needs more time, heat it in 10-15 second increments until cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
Once it’s done, let the mug cake cool for about a minute. This helps avoid burns. You can then dust it with powdered sugar for that sweet touch.
For a fun twist, serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Add a few apple slices on the side and sprinkle some cinnamon. This makes your mug cake look even more inviting! Enjoy your cozy treat!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Mug Cake
To get the best texture, avoid overmixing. When you stir your batter, mix just until you see no dry flour. This keeps your cake soft and fluffy. If you mix too much, your cake may turn tough.
Microwaves can vary in power. Start with 1 minute and 30 seconds, then check doneness. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready. If not, add 10 to 15 seconds more.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. This keeps the cake light without losing flavor.
For a vegan mug cake, replace the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil. You can also use a flax egg instead of applesauce. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes before adding it to your batter.

Variations
Flavor Variations
You can add more flavors to your mug cake. Try adding spices like nutmeg or cloves for a warm taste. Just a pinch can change the cake’s profile! You can also experiment with nuts or chocolate chips. Adding walnuts or dark chocolate can make this treat even more fun. Each bite can surprise you in a new way!
Serving Variations
Toppings can make your mug cake special. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is delightful. You could also sprinkle extra cinnamon on top for that cozy touch. Pair your cake with a warm cup of coffee or apple cider. The flavors blend perfectly, making your snack even better!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your mug cake fresh, let it cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. For best taste, eat the mug cake within two days.
If you want to reheat it, place it in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. Check if it’s warm enough. If not, heat it for a few more seconds. This keeps the cake soft and tasty.
Long-term Storage Considerations
If you want to save the batter or cooked cake for later, freezing is a great option. You can freeze the batter before cooking. Just mix your ingredients, then place the batter in a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
For the cooked cake, slice it into pieces. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn and keeps it fresh. Use a labeled container to avoid any mix-up. Enjoy your delicious cake even after a few weeks!
FAQs
How do I make a mug cake without a microwave?
You can bake the mug cake in an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a small oven-safe ramekin instead of a mug. Mix your ingredients as you would for the microwave method. Pour the batter into the ramekin. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick. It should come out clean. If it needs more time, bake in 2-3 minute increments.
Can I make this recipe double or triple for more servings?
Yes, you can easily make more servings. Just multiply each ingredient by the number of servings you want. If doubling, use 8 tablespoons of flour and so on. Keep in mind that cooking time may change. If you use a larger mug or dish, it may take longer to cook. Always check for doneness before serving.
What can I substitute for apple cider?
If you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice. It adds a nice fruity taste. You can also mix water with a bit of apple extract. This gives a similar flavor but may not be as rich. Adjust the amount based on your taste.
This blog post covered how to make a delicious Apple Cider Donut Mug Cake. We explored key ingredients and shared step-by-step instructions. You learned tips to perfect the cake and how to store leftovers effectively. Experiment with flavors and toppings to make it your own.
In the end, making this cake should be fun and easy. Enjoy your tasty treat, and share it with friends!
