This Apple Mug Cake has a clever trick - I pack an entire apple into one small, ultra-soft and fluffy cake!
If you love this recipe, you should try my apple cinnamon bread, apple muffins with grated apple and apple galette.
Why You'll Love This Apple Cake In A Mug
Apples are tricky in a microwave cake. They don't cook soft during the super short cook time. The secret is to precook the chopped apple in the microwave before adding the cake batter(just like I do for my mango mug cake). It softens the apples, removes some excess moisture, and deepens their flavor, so they become perfectly tender in the short cooking time.
I also love that you can pack a whole apple into one little mug cake without making it soggy. The result is an incredibly soft, fluffy sponge cake with tender apple in every bite. It’s the perfect single-serving apple dessert when you want something homemade without turning on the oven!
-maria doss
★★★★★
"This was by far the best mug cake I've ever made!! Didn't change a thing from your recipe, I used a honey crisp and the result was perfection. Thank you for the awesome recipe!! I know I'm late to the party, but I just had to let you know how good it was lol"
-JENNIFER
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Why Cook the Apple Before Making a Mug Cake?
This extra step makes all the difference! Raw apples can stay surprisingly firm during the short microwave cooking time, and they release a lot of moisture into the batter, which can leave your mug cake gummy or soggy.
During recipe testing, I first tried grating the apple and mixing it straight into the batter. It worked, but I could only use a small amount before the extra moisture affected the texture. So I came up with a better method: precook chopped apples first.
Precooking softens the apple, cooks off some excess moisture, and concentrates the flavor, giving you tender, almost apple-pie-like pieces throughout the fluffy cake. Best of all, you can pack an entire apple into one small mug cake without making it soggy!
Think of it as giving the apple a head start before the cake joins in—the apple gets perfectly tender, and everything finishes cooking together in the same mug.
Ingredients
Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.
- Apple: I prefer apples like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious for baking—they’re naturally sweet with a subtle tartness and hold their shape well when cooked. I explain more in the round up post of apple recipes.
- Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works best here, providing enough structure for the sponge cake to rise while still keeping it soft and tender.
- Sugar: You only need about 2 tablespoons of sugar because apples add their own natural sweetness.
- Milk: You can use any milk of choice, but I prefer whole milk for it's richness.
- Oil: A neutral, flavorless oil like vegetable or canola ensures a moist crumb without affecting the taste. It’s a key ingredient in microwave mug cakes that keeps them from drying out.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder activates instantly when mixed with liquid, making it perfect for fast, single-serve desserts.
- Vanilla: Vanilla extract adds a classic, cake-like aroma and flavor. But for a fall twist, spices like cinnamon, ginger, or allspice can be added or used instead to make it warm and cozy.
Tips for Success
- Mug size. Both large or medium size microwave safe coffee mugs work for this apple mug cake recipe. However, it is easier to mix the batter in a larger one.
- Cooking time. Cook for 1 min and 50 secs, if using a wide mug and 2 minutes, if using a medium mug.
- Best apples to use. I like to use Honey crisp, Golden Delicious, Fuji or Gala. You want to choose an apple that is crisp, sweet, and tart.
- Sugar. It depends on the sweetness of the apple used. I used Gala, and 2 tablespoons of sugar was perfect.
- Stir batter until lump free. Using a spoon, stir the cake batter until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Best eaten hot. Enjoy this microwave apple dessert, because microwave cakes have a tendency to might dry a little when left at room temperature.
- The eggless apple cake tends to shrink slightly when you remove it from the microwave. So, I prefer opening the microwave after 10 to 20 seconds after cooking.
- Use room-temperature butter—it melts quickly and blends better. If using cold butter, chop it into small pieces so it melts faster.
How to make apple mug cake?
You can find full printable recipe below, but here is a quick overview of the procedure along with step-by-step photos.
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Pro tip: After the cooking time is complete, avoid opening the microwave for an additional 10 to 20 seconds before removing the cake. This helps prevent any shrinkage.
More Mug Cake Recipes
Apple Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped apples (1 small-medium size apple)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prep apple. Wash, peel, core an apple and chop into ¼-inch cubes. Measure one cup.
- Cook apple. Add one cup of chopped apple into a microwave safe coffee mug (preferably a large mug). Microwave for 2 minutes. 👉 This step softens the apples, reduces excess moisture, and intensifies their flavor.
- Finish batter. Remove the mug from the microwave and stir in the butter until completely melted. Mix in the milk. Then add the flour, sugar, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Stir well until everything is evenly combined and you have a smooth batter.👉 Use room-temperature butter if possible. Cold butter can cool down the warm apples too quickly, which can affect how the mug cake cooks and its final texture.
- Finish cooking. Microwave for 1 minute 50 seconds (if using a wide mug), or about 2 minutes (for a regular mug, like the one shown in the photos). Once the cooking time is up, don't open the microwave for another 10–20 seconds before removing it. This little extra step helps the cake settle gently and prevents it from shrinking too much.
- Serving. Serve hot ice cream or whipped cream!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information, based on third-party calculations, should be seen as estimates, not guarantees, as various factors like product types, brands, processing methods, and more can alter the nutritional content in recipes.
FAQ'S
The biggest culprit is too much moisture—especially from the apple. Here are a few things that can make your mug cake soggy:
1. Adding too much raw apple, especially a very juicy variety.
2. Skipping the apple-precooking step
3. Using grated apples
4. Adding too much liquid
5. Under-cooking the cake
My biggest tip: Precook the chopped apple first. It removes some of the excess moisture before it goes into the batter, which is especially important when you're using a whole apple in one small mug cake.
Yes, you can! Raw apple works well when you use a small amount, chop it very finely, and choose an apple that isn’t overly juicy. Just expect the pieces to have a little more firmness.
So, if you want squeeze in a lot of apples and get real apple flavor, the I recommed precooking the apple because it softens the pieces and removes some excess moisture, giving you tender apple throughout the cake without making it soggy.
So, raw apple isn’t wrong—it’s just not the best choice for the amount of apple and texture we’re going for here.
You have plenty of options! I like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala for this recipe, and each brings something a little different:
Honeycrisp: Crisp, sweet-tart, and full of flavor.
Granny Smith: More tart, which gives a nice contrast to the sweet cake.
Fuji: Naturally sweet and juicy, perfect if you prefer a sweeter apple flavor.
Pink Lady: Sweet-tart and flavorful with a nice balance.
Gala: Mild and sweet, and softens beautifully when cooked.
Really, any good baking apple will work. I’d just avoid apples that are overly soft or mealy varieties like red delicious apples, since they can lose their texture when cooked.
Yes, I recommend peeling it. You can leave the skin on for extra texture and color, but the peel doesn’t have enough time to soften during the short microwave cooking time.
Peeling the apple gives you softer, more tender pieces and a smoother, more cake-like texture that blends beautifully into the dessert. For a quick microwave cake, it’s one small extra step that makes a noticeable difference.
🍎Looking for more apple recipes for fall baking? try the gluten free apple crumble or the air fryer apple fritters next!
Apple Mug Cake Variations
- Swap the vanilla for cinnamon—it turns the mug cake into a cozy little apple cinnamon cake!
- Use warm fall spices like ginger, nutmeg, or cardamom instead of vanilla extract for a cozy Fall treat.
More Easy Mug Cake Recipes to Try
Craving more quick and delicious microwave desserts? These easy mug cake recipes are perfect when you want something sweet in minutes:
- Mocha Mug Cake – Love a mocha at your favorite café? This mug cake combines rich chocolate and coffee for an irresistible, cozy cake.
- Almond Flour Mug Cake – Yes, mug cakes can be healthy too! This flourless, gluten-free option is packed with protein and low in carbs—perfect for a guilt-free treat.
- Oreo Mug Cake – Want to impress the kids (or your inner child)? Try this fun and easy recipe made with crushed Oreo cookies.
- Oatmeal Mug Cake – A great way to shake up your morning routine! It’s like having your bowl of oatmeal... in cake form.
- Pumpkin Mug Cake – Craving fall flavors? This spiced mug cake like the chai mug cake, with warm notes of cinnamon, is the ultimate cozy dessert.
MADE THIS RECIPE AND LOVED IT? 💚 Please leave a ⭐️STAR rating and COMMENT below- I love to hear your feedback! Tag me with your creations on Instagram and find me on Facebook.
Hi, I’m Maria! I share easy, flavor-packed dinners, high-protein meals, and irresistible baking ideas. If you’ve ever asked, “Don’t know what to cook tonight?” you’re in the right place. And yes—there’s plenty here for breakfast, snacks, and dessert too. More about maria ->
Teri W
Made this just now, cooked apple and butter together because I couldn’t wait for the butter to soften 🤣 used 1 T sugar and maybe 1/8 t or so of cinnamon. Very good! Keeping this one! 🍎
Maria Doss
Hi Teri, Sounds great, glad you liked the mug cake, Maria
Amelia A.
Very good! The apple lost its flavor though. Next time, I will make the apple in a separate mug and mix the apple in to the batter once it’s been cooked for one minute. I added a sprinkle of cinnamon and it was yummy!
Stewart Johnston
Wouldn't it be easier to make apple sauce before.
Maria Doss
The method given does not make an apple sauce! Precooking the chopped apples for 2 minutes, softens the apple chunks, reduces excess moisture, and deepens the flavor. Hope it helps - Maria
Nova
I made the recipe as is, and two tablespoons is way too much sugar. I was questioning it as I was putting it in, but went with it. Way too sweet.
Next time, I'll probably do one tablespoon.
Maria Doss
Hi Nova, Thanks so much for making it! Sweetness can also vary depending on the sweetness of the apple used and your taste preference. I’ve found 2 tablespoons works well for this recipe, but I love that you’re tweaking it to your preference. Appreciate your honest feedback - Maria ♡
Andy
Any tips for using almond or coconut flour instead?
Maria Doss
Hi Amy, We wouldn't recommend using gluten free flours in this recipe. However, you can check out this Mug cake recipe using almond flour instead. Hope it helps - Maria
Jennifer
This was by far the best mug cake I've ever made!! Didn't change a thing from your recipe, I used a honey crisp and the result was perfection. Thank you for the awesome recipe!! I know I'm late to the party, but I just had to let you know how good it was lol
Maria Doss
That’s so great to hear, so glad you loved it - Maria ♡
Janet
I my goodness I can’t believe how easy and delicious this is
Can’t wait to try other cakes
Maria Doss
That’s so great to hear, so glad you loved it - Maria ♡
Dougal
I used coconut oil instead of your suggestion for butter and cornflour cos I have run out of flour and it was delicious; added a dash of caramel flavour before noshing! Wonderful thank you 🫖
Maria Doss
That’s so great to hear, so glad you loved it - Maria ♡
Linda Atkinson
Wow. Such a great mug cake. Soft and fluffy...very easy to make. I added some cinnamon because I love cinnamon and apple together. Put some yoghurt on top once it was cooked. Yummo!
Linda
Maria Doss
That’s so great to hear! Wishing you a very happy new year - Maria ♡
Dana
I look forward to trying this! But no cinnamon is a travesty! 😄
Christina
I added cinnamon with the fry mix, then caramel on top with my ice cream! So good.
Maria Doss
Love to hear that - Maria ❤️
Kris
I don’t know the variety of apples we have on our tree. We live in France and have been told we have the best apples around. I like Mug cakes as we like a small dessert after dinner; There was enough in the mug for two of us and a topping of whipped cream made for the best mug cake I have made. I didn’t have enough milk so used cream and put the butter in with the apples halfway through cooking them. I didn’t measure the ingredients either but after cooking for 67 years I might be forgiven for guessing. I will definitely make this again.
Maria Doss
Love to hear that - Maria ❤️
Olivia
This was delicious.
I only did one tablespoon of sugar and 1 of butter and it turned out lovely.
Will make again tomorrow. 2 tomorrow actually- my husband was jealous!
Lorene N
Anybody made this leaving the skin on? I’d like to keep those nutrients and fiber. Would it affect the final product?
Maria Doss
Hi Lorene, You could try making it with the skin on! The only reason I peel the apples is that the short microwave cook time doesn’t give the skin enough time to soften—unlike in an oven-baked cake - Maria
Snae
Made this for my mom and I as a post-Thanksgiving pie-adjacent snack, and I never leave reviews but this was absolutely delicious! Instead of the vanilla, I put some cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg, and since we didn't have butter at home, I put 2 tbsp of canola oil. I have made many a mug cake and this one goes straight to the top of my list. Highly highly recommend!
Maria Doss
That’s wonderful to hear! Happy Holidays- Maria ♡
Rita
Quick and easy with ingredients I had on hand. I used soy milk and it was delicious. The next time I make it I will cut the sugar to 1.5 T. Thank you for a quick and easy recipe that took care of my sweet touth craving.
Maria Doss
Hi Rita, That’s wonderful to hear! We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback with us. Thank you, Maria ♡
Carolyn M.
This was delicious. The only addition I made was a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
We are traveling in our RV. It is too hot to bake. A mug cake was the perfect solution.
Also, we found that one serving was enough to feed two of us.
Maria Doss
Can't go wrong with some additional cinamon! Thank you for making my recipe and coming back to let me know—it means so much - Maria ❤️