A soft, homemade, easy and single serving coffee mug cake!
Coffee Cake In A Mug
This coffee mug cake comes complete with crumbly streusel topping in each little bite.
By now, I think all of my girl friends–and some of the guys too–are on Pinterest. We were talking about the site a few days ago, and one of my friends mentioned a “coffee cake in a mug” pin that taunted her every time she logged into her account.
Finally she wrote down the recipe with the intent of trying it at home, but then was horrified to learn one mug contained 720 calories and an entire day’s worth of saturated fat!
Also try the popular chocolate version: Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake
How can they fit so much fat into a single mug?!
So I came up with a healthier version for her.
You could quadruple the following recipe and it would still be healthier than eating one of the frankenmuffins from Pinterest.
I think my friend approves of this recipe.
She’s made it four times already and says I’m her new favorite person in the world.
Apparently my face is now pinned to her “Dream Wedding” Pinterest board, under the title “dream wedding caterer.”
Not sure how I feel about this…
Above, watch the step-by-step coffee mug cake recipe video
To answer a question that a bunch of people have been asking:
Coffee cakes traditionally do not have actual coffee in the ingredients. They are so named because they’re seen as “a cake that goes well with coffee.”
If you want to add a sprinkle of instant coffee to this cake batter, feel free!
Or you can serve it the traditional way – with coffee, such as this Frappuccino Recipe or the youtube-favorite Whipped Coffee Recipe.
Coffee Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp spelt, white, oat, or almond flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/16 tsp salt
- pinch uncut stevia OR 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp + 2 tsp water, or 1 egg or flax egg if using almond flour
- 2 tsp oil or buttery spread – or applesauce
- 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
For The Streusel
- (If you like a lot of streusel feel free to double all ingredients below)
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- 1 1/4 tsp sucanat or brown sugar, or keto sweetener
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp oil or butter, or applesauce for low-fat
- tiny pinch salt
- 2 pecan or walnut halves
Instructions
- I prefer the oil or buttery spread, but that’s simply because I’m not a fan of fat-free baked goods. If using an oven, preheat to 330 F. Combine batter dry ingredients and mix well. Add wet and mix until just mixed. In a tiny bowl, combine all streusel ingredients. Fill a greased muffin tin 1/2 way with the batter (or use a ramekin or mug, if using the microwave). Sprinkle on two-thirds of the streusel, then spoon the remaining batter on top. Finally, sprinkle on the rest of the streusel. Cook 12-13 minutes in the oven, or around 1 minute in the microwave. Microwave times will vary, depending on microwave wattage.View Nutrition Facts
Video
Notes
More Healthy Mug Cake Recipes:
This looks delicious! I assume the ones pictures you did in the oven, how is the texture when microwaved?
One of my sisters is getting married in August and the other is an event coordinator/wedding planner, so I hear lots of wedding talk. It’s always fun though. I’m definitely a few years away from that, I’m more concerned with finding the dream groom, the actual celebration not so much (at least not yet).
I like it much better in the oven, but I’m honestly not a big fan of microwave cakes EVER. My friend makes it in the microwave and she seems to like it that way :).
Old Married Lady here! Looking for recipes for one or two (hubby travels – he’s a musician)… So fun – must made it before my dinner for one – now I’m full… oh well – I liked this better than my main course! But I never microwave – was curious and used it – hence a spongey but tasty bit – forgot to use the nuts – this is definitely a great morning treat with coffee – my dog loves when I bring coffee and breakfast in bed – she thinks she’s getting something fabulous… Anyway, she won’t get this nor does she get the green smoothies we’ve been having! I’m going to make the chocolate cake in a cup next (tonight – hahah – I’m recipe testing!)… Thanks for doing this – it’s a great idea! AND I agree – ditch the wedding and take a nice vacation!
Good morning. I literally just did this one in the microwave.
Generally speaking, I find the microwaved versions slightly…spongy-er. That is the best way I know how to describe it. I still microwave more often than not because it is fast, easy, and no heating the oven.
I will say that having done some of these recipes both oil or applesauce versions that when I have done the oil it has been more of an oven consistency in the microwave…if that makes sense?
That’s because applesauce versions will also be gummier. So an applesauce version in the microwave = double gummy! Haha but some people like it that way! I know my friend uses the applesauce version of this recipe and loves it. I probably wouldn’t even like the applesauce version in the oven! Everyone’s tastes are different ;).
Yes…gummy is a good description. 🙂 Once I did applesauce + microwave + whole wheat flour. You can probably imagine. I was overtired that night. 🙂
The oil versions just have more of a rich baked goods taste to me.
Hello! I LOVED this recipe…thanks so much Katie! But in fact I have to say that if you microwave it you CAN make it fluffy, light, and not gooey or dense at all! I also used whole wheat flour! The trick is NOT to overmix, as it will cause the cake to develop lots of gluten and become gummy. It is also very critical that you do not OVER-MICROWAVE it! (Try cooking 30 sec first, then stick a toothpick in to see if it comes out clean. If not, then cook it longer) So remember that less is more.
I spent half an hour last night looking for a mug cake recipe. I have one thing to say after reading this post: I love you.
What is the icing in the pic? I definitely would want to add icing 🙂
You can make a really quick icing by just mixing powdered sugar or sugar-free powdered sugar with a few drops milk of choice. 🙂
(I think you could just use water for a thinner icing… I used almond milk for the one in the photos.)
Hi Katie, what is sugar-free powdered sugar? Is that the same as Splenda (loose in the bag)? If not, what it is called and where do you find this? Thanks!
Powdered sugar is the same as icing sugar in the UK.
I LOOOOVE baking with coffee! Adds such great flavor! I just made some coffee banana bars and they are delicious!
I’m totally with you, Katie. I definitely don’t want a big expensive wedding; in fact, if the time’s right and the person’s right – why not elope?! It would save everyone stress, money, and time! All for what – one day? Plus, 50% end in divorce, so no matter how you look at it, there’s a chance it won’t last. I guess you could say I’m a little cynical when it comes to marriage 🙂
Exactly! Put the extra money in savings and you can use it for something that’ll last much longer than one day!
(Of course, I know some people disagree and say that you get memories from the day so really it lasts more than one day, and therefore the money isn’t gone within a few hours.)
I can’t be the only one who has attended a wedding with memories that probably everyone wishes wasn’t memorialized.
Oh, this looks so good!
I actually really love the deviation from chocolate recipes. When you have a craving for chocolate, you can just eat a piece of chocolate… but you have to get creative for non-chocolate things 🙂
This is just what my Monday morning needed! I looove coffee cake, but even the vegan ones I’ve tried end up being a hazard to my health. I used oil and the microwave, and yes it came out “springy” but it was so delicious and quick, it didn’t matter. You’re a genius, Katie!
And on the topic of weddings – I’m getting married in a year and want to be at my top game health-wise, which is how I found your website! My sweet-tooth will never shut up, so healthy treats are my new jam.
Aw I’m so excited you already tried it. And congrats on your upcoming wedding!! 🙂
I love your single-serving cake recipes! I make your chocolate microwave mug cake every day, and add a dollop of peanut butter to the middle of it before cooking. It’s heavenly! I’m super excited to try this recipe.
I did a version of this one with peanut butter as the oil and it was incredible. I like your idea of just straight peanut butter in the middle of the chocolate one though too.
Seeing as how I just celebrated my 3rd wedding anniversary, I can safely say that I don’t have a “dream wedding” to plan. Perhaps a “dream wedding vow renewal” to work towards! *lol* Actually…that’s not a bad thing to start saving for!
The coffee cake looks good. I’ll have to get a few things, but I’m eager to try it, perhaps later this week. I usually do the single lady cupcakes in my pretty coffee cup (it gives them a nice shape), and I’ve been slathering them with the Reese’s Frosting. Excellent stuff. 🙂
Speaking of…I have Zumba tonight…I can afford some yummy chocolate. Time for a snack 🙂
Congratulations on being married 3 years! That’s how long my sister and her husband have been married… Still seems like yesterday when we were standing on the beach, bawling our eyes out!
Haha, your Zumba comment made me laugh. That’s exactly the attitude I have! I mean, come on, we burn a LOT of calories, so why not have a little treat while sitting in front of the TV, watching Friends? 😉
Highlight of my morning. Seeing your comment name.
We steal that tv guide every week!
Whoa, I just now saw your reply, 2 months later, haha. Anyway, I’m so happy since usually your blog posts are the highlight of my day!
I just saw the Slim Pickin’s Kitchen comment below and I instantly thought, “That’s so cheesy!” 😉
By the way, did you get to see the special preview for Matthew Perry’s new show last night? I can’t believe I forgot and chose yesterday to go to sleep early!
I continue to be amazed…..I really thought the directions would include a microwave oven, and was pleasantly surprised that this can be made in the “regular” oven! Awesome! I really love your recipes, by the way. I keep forwarding links to my mom who is working on weight loss. And I’m *almost* convinced to be a vegan! LOL Just having a tough time giving up my cheese and eggs (we just got 9 hens for our backyard who should be laying by fall!)…..
Cheese was the hardest for me. I was obsessed. (Seriously, it was even part of my middle school screen name ;).) Oddly enough, now I don’t crave cheese at all.
And I actually like this recipe BETTER in the oven, so you’re in luck if you try it that way :).
THREE of my friends ARE getting married this summer which is crazy because they’re all happening at once. One of them is happening Friday actually, it’s fun to think about it and anticipate!
Thanks for the healthier version of these muffins: they look AWESOME. Luckily, people on Pinterest rarely make what they pin; it’s more for the food porn I think than real things people will make. Haha.
Katie,
You are such a genious to come up with delicious and healthy “bad for you” foods. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! And the pictures to the recipes are so awesome, too!!!!! I love you so much!
PS: When I have a wedding, you’ll be my caterer…. you’re hired, lol! 😀
I love this! It’s genius! And I’d way rather be pinning stuff like this, than imaginary wedding plans.
I have some friends who seem to be obsessed with weddings, and sadly enough they are very single.
Fun story from my mom’s wedding though: her flower girl started having a nosebleed all over right before the ceremony… Talk about a change in dress plans!
Wow, this looks fantastic for a mug cake. Going to try this – I need all the quick snacks and treats I can get with a new baby 😀
this looks amazing! but it doesn’t have any coffee in it! i’m confused aha! love your recipes though, your single serving cakes have made my life! 🙂
Coffee cake is just a cake that goes well with coffee. It doesn’t usually have coffee in it :).
Ohh okay! In England we have an actual cake with coffee in called coffee cake! You should make a recipe, I can never find a nice vegan one! 🙂
I will have to google it! 🙂
Just checking the comments for th answer to this question! Thanks x
Oh wow, this looks incredible! You have outdone yourself again, Katie! 😉