17 Quick and Easy Microwave Mug Recipes

Ready in 5 minutes or less

By Lily Kip
Updated on 08/11/21
Nutella Mug Cake

The Spruce

When you crave a sweet treat for dessert, or a warm and comforting breakfast or snack, but can't stand the thought of cooking, that's the time to reach for your favorite mug. With our clever microwave mug recipes, all you need are a few basic ingredients, and your microwave oven, to satisfy a comfort food craving. Not only are these mug recipes super-delicious, but all can be made in 5 minutes or less. From a nearly instant birthday cake alternative, to summery mug fruit pies, brunch-worthy mug French toast, and even chicken pot pie in a mug, once you've tried these insanely easy shortcut recipes, you may never want to pull out a cake pan or casserole dish again. 

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  • 01 of 17

    Hot Chocolate Mug Cake

    hot chocolate mug cake finished

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

    Cuddle up with this hot chocolate mug cake on a chilly night. Add some marshmallows, and you won't believe how much this cake tastes like an actual cup of the classic winter drink.

  • 02 of 17

    Nutella Mug Cake

    4-ingredient Nutella mug cake

    The Spruce 

    This gloriously simple recipe puts you just 60 seconds away from a super indulgent dessert for Nutella lovers looking to satisfy a craving in a hurry. With four ingredients you probably already have on hand, this Nutella mug cake is the perfect sweet treat for one.

  • 03 of 17

    Snickerdoodle Mug Cake

    Snickerdoodle mug cake

    The Spruce / Leah Maroney

    Snickerdoodles are no doubt a classic holiday cookie, the combination of sugar and cinnamon evoking images of snowy landscapes and roaring fires. This snickerdoodle mug cake makes it easy to enjoy these simple flavors at any time of year. The batter is layered with cinnamon-sugar, assuring the cookie's signature taste is savored in every bite.

  • 04 of 17

    Mug French Toast

    Mug French Toast

    The Spruce/Kristina Vanni & Eric Kleinberg

    When you want an effortless breakfast in bed, try our microwave mug French toast. It tastes just like everyone's favorite weekend brunch dish, and comes together in 5 minutes, so you don't have to wake up early. The recipe is even easy enough for kids who are comfy using the microwave to conquer, making it a great idea for Mother's Day.

    Continue to 5 of 17 below.
  • 05 of 17

    Fudgy Microwave Mug Brownies

    Fudgy microwave mug brownies

    The Spruce 

    Perhaps this isn't exactly a "cake," but it sure is sweet. If you're more of a pastry person than an all-out confectionary, try your hand at these fudgy microwave mug brownies for an easy afternoon treat. Brewed coffee is the secret to getting a deeper, richer cocoa flavor.

  • 06 of 17

    Caramel Apple Mug Cake

    Caramel apple mug cake

    The Spruce

    In just under two minutes, you can have a single serving of warm, gooey caramel apple cake. Throw these simple ingredients into a mug and top it all off with a crumbly streusel and syrupy sauce.

  • 07 of 17

    Rich Chocolate Mug Cake

    Chocolate Microwave Mug Cake

    The Spruce / Julia Estrada

    A classic chocolate cake is hard to beat. Try your hand at the ultimate classic and the origin of all mug cakes with this simple dessert for one. We recommend dusting the top with some powdered sugar for extra effect.

  • 08 of 17

    Microwave Mug Coffee Cake With Cinnamon Streusel

    Microwave Mug Coffee Cake With Cinnamon Streusel

    The Spruce/Kristina Vanni & Eric Kleinberg

    Do you enjoy a slice of streusal-topped coffee cake with your morning cup of Joe? Now you can satisfy your desire for the popular coffeehouse treat, without even getting dressed. Our easy microwave mug coffee cake relies on a packaged cake mix, is ready to eat in 2 minutes, and sure beats lining up.

    Continue to 9 of 17 below.
  • 09 of 17

    Blueberry Crumble Mug Pie

    Blueberry Crumble Mug Pie

    The Spruce/Kristina Vanni & Eric Kleinberg

    When you are struck by a desire for blueberry pie out of season, this microwave mug pie is just the ticket. It's miles easier to assemble than a traditional pie, and can be made at any time of year with frozen berries, plus a few other ingredients you likely already stock in your kitchen. The buttery oat crumble topping with cinnamon makes it taste and smell like a fresh-baked fruit pie.

  • 10 of 17

    Microwave Mug Chicken Pot Pie

    Microwave Mug Chicken Pot Pie

    The Spruce/Kristina Vanni & Eric Kleinberg

    Warm-from-the-oven chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food, but usually requires a time investment. Not so with our clever mug version of chicken pot pie, which delivers all the homey feels, without the fuss. Store-bought phyllo cups are the secret to adding that crispy pastry crunch you crave.

  • 11 of 17

    Red Velvet Lava Mug Cake

    Red velvet lava cake
    The Spruce

    Satisfy an emergency sugar craving with an elegant, party-worthy treat. With a chocolate truffle molten center, this red velvet lava cake can be made in just under two minutes, making it a dangerously easy indulgence you can whip up any day of the week.

  • 12 of 17

    Chocolate Coconut Mug Cake

    Chocolate coconut mug cake

    The Spruce

    This chocolate coconut cake recipe includes shredded coconut for a sweet little twist on the standard chocolate cake mix. Try it with a coconut-based frosting and sprinkle a few flakes on top for a fancy garnish.

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  • 13 of 17

    Sugar-Free Red Velvet Molten Lava Mug Cake

    Sugar-free molten lava red velvet cake

    The Spruce / Brenda Bennett 

    Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth without all the sugar? Then this sugar-free red velvet molten lava cake is for you. Made with coconut flour, flaxseed meal, and sugar-free cocoa bars, it's a gluten free alternative that still tastes just like red velvet cake.

  • 14 of 17

    Gluten-Free Flourless Chocolate Mug Cake

    Flourless Chocolate Mug Cake with Almond Flour served with ice cream

    The Spruce / Julia Estrada

    A moist and fudgey chocolate cake is one of life's great pleasures. This easy microwave mug cake uses coconut flour, so it's gluten-free, although you would never know it from the taste. Slice some seconds off the microwave cook time, if you like, to end up with a gooey, molten lava mug cake.

  • 15 of 17

    Paleo Cinnamon Mug Cake

    Paleo cinnamon mug cake

    Christiana Stawski / Getty Images

    If you thought there was no way a mug cake could be anything but fattening, think again with this paleo take on a mug cake. Water, cinnamon, coconut oil, and flour are all you need to complete this perfect paleo cinnamon cake for those wary of processed desserts.

  • 16 of 17

    Keto Birthday Cake Mug Cake

    Keto Mug Birthday Cake

    Natalya Mamaeva / Getty Images

    Party like it's your birthday with our funfetti birthday mug cake. It's sized for one, so you don't have to share with anybody. It also tastes just like the vanilla cake with sprinkles you enjoyed as a kid, but is made without the usual wheat and sugar, for those eating keto or avoiding carbs.

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  • 17 of 17

    Fruit-Filled Mug Pie

    cherry mug pie with ice cream

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

    This 3-minute dessert is everything you love about summer fruit pie, in easy microwave mug cake form. Your choice of canned fruit filling goes into the mug, along with a classic crumble topping you can mix up in under a minute. Top it with a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, for a truly pie-like experience.