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Lemon Mug Cake Recipe

Lemon Mug Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 minutes
  • Yield: 1 to 2 1x

Description

Whip up Lemon Mug Cake in minutes when your morning needs a quick, zesty pick-me-up. Tangy citrus and sweet simplicity come together faster than brewing coffee, making your breakfast break delightfully easy.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Supporting Ingredients:

  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Finishing Ingredients:

(none)


Instructions

  1. Mix 2 tablespoons flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, and ¼ teaspoon baking powder in a small bowl. Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re thoroughly blended.
  2. Grate 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest directly into the dry mixture. Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
  3. Crack 1 large egg into the bowl with your other ingredients. Whisk everything together until your batter looks smooth and has tiny bubbles throughout.
  4. Select a microwave-safe mug and spray its interior lightly with cooking spray. Pour your prepared batter into the mug, filling it no more than ¾ full.
  5. Place the mug in the microwave and cook at high power for exactly 1 minute and 30 seconds. Watch as the cake rises and develops a soft, golden surface.
  6. After cooking, let the mug cake rest for 30 seconds. Insert a toothpick into the center to verify doneness. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
  7. Allow the cake to cool for 1-2 minutes before eating. The texture should be tender and spring back when gently pressed.

Notes

  • Zest is key for maximum lemon flavor, so choose fresh, bright lemons and grate carefully to avoid the bitter white pith.
  • Different microwaves vary in power, so start with 1 minute and 30 seconds, then adjust cooking time based on your specific appliance.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.
  • When checking doneness, look for a slightly springy top and clean toothpick – overcooking leads to a dry, rubbery texture.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 minute 30 seconds to 1 minute 45 seconds
  • Category: Cakes
  • Method: Microwaving
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 to 2
  • Calories: 260 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 185 mg