Easy 5-minute lemon mug cake

Indulging in a warm, fluffy dessert has never been easier or quicker than with this gluten-free lemon mug cake. Perfect for satisfying a sudden sweet craving, this single-serving cake requires just a few minutes and minimal cleanup. It’s the ideal treat for those who are gluten-sensitive or simply looking for a delicious, quick dessert option.

The Beauty of Lemon in Baking

Lemon is not just a flavor; it’s a burst of sunshine in your mouth. Its tangy sweetness elevates any dessert, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a refreshing and zesty taste. This lemon mug cake captures that essence, offering a delightful balance of moisture and fluffiness, with the added benefits of being egg-free and easily adaptable to dairy-free diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before diving into the baking, gather the following ingredients:

1 Lemon: The star of our recipe, providing zest and juice.
3 Tbsp Oil: You can use avocado, sunflower, canola, or any neutral-flavored vegetable oil.
2 Tbsp Milk: Choose between regular milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk.
3 Tbsp Sugar: For that perfect touch of sweetness.
½ tsp Vanilla Extract: Use homemade gluten-free vanilla extract for the best flavor.
2 Pinches of Salt: Enhances the flavors of the cake.
⅓ c + 1 Tbsp Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Essential for the cake’s structure.
½ tsp Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully.

For the Lemon Icing:

2 Tbsp Powdered Sugar: For sweetness and texture.
¼-½ tsp Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty kick to the icing.

Preparation Steps

Zest the Lemon: Begin by removing the zest from half of the lemon using a microplane. This step is crucial as it adds an aromatic essence to your cake. For tips on zesting, refer to my guide on How to Zest a Lemon.
Juicing: Squeeze the lemon to extract about 2 tablespoons of juice. The fresh juice will infuse your cake with a lively lemon flavor.
Combine Ingredients: In a microwave-safe mug, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, oil, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Use a fork to mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the gluten-free flour blend and baking powder to the mug. Stir until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Microwave the Cake: Place your mug in the microwave and cook on high for 1 minute and 50 seconds. Keep an eye on it; if the cake is not completely set in the middle, add an additional 10 seconds.
Let It Sit: Once microwaved, let your cake sit in the closed microwave for about ten seconds. This step allows the residual heat to continue cooking the cake slightly.
Cooling Time: For optimal flavor and texture, allow your lemon mug cake to cool for about 5 to 10 minutes before digging in. It’s worth the wait!

Enjoying Your Creation

This gluten-free lemon mug cake is not just a quick dessert; it’s a warm hug in a mug. Each bite is a soft, moist, and flavorful experience that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for any occasion or simply as a treat for yourself, this cake is a must-try for dessert lovers.

Preparation Time: 3 Minutes

Cooking Time: 2 Minutes

This gluten-free lemon mug cake is a fast and easy dessert option perfect for one. It mixes up in just 5 minutes, yielding a moist and fluffy treat that can satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients

1 Lemon
3 Tbsp Oil: Choose avocado, sunflower, canola, or any neutral oil.
2 Tbsp Milk: Use regular or a dairy-free substitute.
3 Tbsp Sugar
½ tsp Vanilla Extract: Preferably homemade and gluten-free.
2 Pinches of Salt
⅓ c + 1 Tbsp Gluten-Free Flour Blend
½ tsp Baking Powder

For the Lemon Icing

2 Tbsp Powdered Sugar
¼-½ tsp Lemon Juice

Instructions

Zest and Juice the Lemon: Use a microplane to zest half of the lemon, then juice it to obtain about 2 tablespoons.
Mix Ingredients in a Mug: In a microwave-safe mug, combine the lemon zest, juice, oil, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix with a fork until combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the gluten-free flour blend and baking powder until smooth.
Microwave: Cook in the microwave on high for 1 minute and 50 seconds. If needed, heat for an additional 10 seconds.
Let it Rest: Allow the cake to sit in the closed microwave for 10 seconds, then cool for 5 to 10 minutes before enjoying.

Making the Lemon Icing

Prepare the lemon icing just before topping your cake. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and ¼ teaspoon of lemon juice until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more lemon juice until you reach the desired consistency. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake for a delightful finishing touch.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: Approximately 300 kcal
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 25g
Protein: 3g