Easy 5-Minute Pumpkin Mug Cake

Photo byAuthor

Fall is finally here, and there’s no better way to welcome it than with a warm, spiced pumpkin treat.

This 5-minute Pumpkin Mug Cake is my go-to when I want something indulgent — that brings all the flavors of autumn into a simple mug.

It’s the perfect excuse to pause for a few moments, let go of the day’s stress, and just enjoy the present moment with something sweet (plus it’s dairy-free too!).

This mug cake is an easy, simple, and delicious treat (that’s dairy-free too!). Does it get any better than that?

Kitchen Tips for the Perfect Mug Cake

• Pre-Mix the Dry Ingredients: To save time, keep a jar of the pre-mixed and pre-measured dry ingredients in your pantry. When the craving hits, just add the wet ingredients, and you’re ready to go!
• Cooking Time: Every microwave is different, but a good rule of thumb is 120 seconds. Start checking at 110 seconds to avoid overcooking. The toothpick method is a great way to make sure it’s perfectly cooked.
• Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice Mix: Making your own spice mix is a game changer. Not only is it fresher, but you can adjust it to match your personal taste.

Photo byAuthor

FAQ

1. Can I bake this in the oven? Yes! If you prefer, you can bake it in an oven at 350°F for about 15–18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out mostly clean.
2. What kind of mug should I use? Go for a ceramic or microwave-safe mug or ramekin. Also, a wider mug allows the cake to cook more evenly.
3. Why use coconut sugar over granulated sugar? Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index, meaning it’s a better choice for managing blood sugar levels. It’s less sweet than granulated sugar, so feel free to adjust to your taste,
4. Can I freeze leftover canned pumpkin puree? Yes! Portion it into airtight containers, label it with the date and freeze it for up to 3 months.

5-Minute Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1/4 tsp pumpkin spice mix (or homemade recipe below)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

• 3 tbsp pumpkin puree
• 1 tbsp high-quality tasteless oil (canola, avocado, etc.)
• 2 tbsp almond milk ( or any choice like soy or oat,)
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Mix Recipe

• 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves

Optional Add-ins

• 1 Tbsp chopped walnuts

Optional toppings

• Dusting of powdered sugar
• Sprinkle of dairy-free chocolate chips
• A few pieces of chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Lightly grease a microwave-safe mug or ramekin with a little oil or cooking spray.
2. In the mug or ramekin, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, pumpkin spice mix, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Stir in the pumpkin puree, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until just combined. Avoid overmixing — mix only until you no longer see streaks of flour. This helps keep the cake light and fluffy.
4. Microwave for 120 seconds. Check for doneness; if needed, add extra time in 20-second intervals to reach your desired cake texture, but be careful not to overcook.
5. Top with toppings if you choose.
6. Let it sit for a minute or two to cool down.
7. Grab a spoon, and dig into this warm, cozy treat!