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Easy Lemon Mug Cake

A moist, tender lemon mug cake made in the microwave with a bright citrus flavor and simple ingredients. Ready in under 5 minutes.
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 4 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon milk whole or 2%
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest optional but recommended
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • microwave-safe mug (12 oz capacity)
  • small whisk or fork
  • measuring spoons
  • microwave

Method
 

  1. In a 12-ounce microwave-safe mug, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Break up any clumps with the back of a fork.
  2. Add the lemon juice, milk, oil, lemon zest (if using), and vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is smooth and no dry streaks remain. Scrape the bottom and sides of the mug to ensure everything is incorporated.
  3. Microwave on high for 1 minute 15 seconds to 1 minute 30 seconds. Start checking at 1 minute 15 seconds—the cake should be risen, spring back lightly when touched, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Cooking time varies by microwave wattage (700W vs 1200W).
  4. Let the mug cake cool in the mug for 1 minute before eating. The cake continues to set as it cools. Serve warm directly from the mug, or tip it out onto a small plate if you prefer.

Notes

Storage: This mug cake is best eaten fresh, within 10 minutes of cooking. It does not store well. For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with any unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy). For an egg-free version, this recipe already has no egg—the baking powder and lemon juice provide the lift. Lemon juice can be bottled, but fresh juice gives a brighter flavor. If you want a sweeter cake, increase sugar to 2 1/2 tablespoons. Be careful handling the mug after microwaving; it gets hot. Use an oven mitt.