Few things are as satisfying as a freshly baked coffee cake. The combination of light, fluffy cake, crunchy cinnamon streusel topping, and sweet glaze is truly irresistible. But if you’re flying solo or craving something quick, baking an entire cake might not be the most practical option.
That’s where this microwave mug cake comes in. It’s a single-serving version of the classic, ready in just 10 minutes. Sweet, spiced, and topped with that signature glaze, it’s everything you love about coffee cake in a convenient mug. Here’s everything you need to make it.
INGREDIENTS
For the Cake:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dairy or unsweetened non-dairy milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Streusel Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Drizzle (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon dairy or unsweetened non-dairy milk (plus more as needed)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Make the Cake Batter: Microwave 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a 12-ounce or larger microwave-safe mug or ramekin on HIGH for 25–30 seconds, until melted. Add 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir with a fork until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Then, add 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir until smooth, with no pockets of flour.
- Prepare the Streusel Topping: Microwave 2 tablespoons butter in a small bowl for 25–30 seconds until melted. Add 3 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir with a fork until the mixture becomes moist and crumbly. Sprinkle the streusel over the cake batter.
- Cook the Cake: Microwave the mug cake on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Start by microwaving for 2 minutes, then check with a toothpick. The cake is done when the toothpick comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. (Cooking time may vary depending on your microwave’s strength, so adjust as needed.)
- Make the Drizzle (Optional): In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon milk until smooth and thick yet pourable. Add more milk to reach the desired consistency. Drizzle over the mug cake and serve immediately.
RECIPE NOTES
- Make Ahead: The streusel topping can be prepared up to 1 week in advance and stored in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator.
