This is a single-serving mug cake with pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, made in a microwave in about 4 minutes. You whisk the dry ingredients in the mug, stir in the wet ones, and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. There is no oven, no bowl and no cake pan to wash.
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The recipe is a small one, with flour, sugar, baking powder, spice, milk, pumpkin, oil and vanilla. It makes 1 mug cake, and the amounts are easy to remember.
What Goes in the Mug
The full amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom. This is what each ingredient does.
- All-purpose flour (4 tablespoons): gives the cake its structure and a soft texture.
- Sugar (2 tablespoons): sweetens the cake and keeps the crumb moist.
- Baking powder (1/8 teaspoon): makes the cake rise so it is light and not dense.
- Pumpkin pie spice (1/8 teaspoon): the cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger blend that gives the cake its pumpkin spice flavor.
- Milk (3 tablespoons): adds moisture and helps the batter come together smoothly.
- Pumpkin puree (1 tablespoon): the pumpkin flavor, and it adds moisture too.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): keeps the cake tender so it does not dry out in the microwave.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon): rounds out the flavor of the spices.
Getting the Microwave Right
Microwave wattages differ a lot, so watch the cake instead of trusting the clock. Start with 1 minute and check. The cake should have risen and be set in the middle. If the center is still wet, add more time in 15-second increments so it does not overcook.
Room-temperature ingredients mix into a smoother batter and help the cake rise evenly. Let the mug cool for a minute before you eat it.
If you want a stronger pumpkin flavor, add more pumpkin puree. You can also adjust the pumpkin pie spice to taste, since more spice makes the cake warmer and richer.
Ways to Change It
- Chocolate chip: stir in a tablespoon of chocolate chips.
- Nutty: mix in a tablespoon of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Vegan: use almond milk or another plant-based milk in place of the milk, and coconut oil or a similar fat in place of the vegetable oil.
- Cream cheese frosting: mix softened cream cheese with a little powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle it over the cooled cake.
What to Serve With It
A dollop of whipped cream is the classic topping, and a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce works too. Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch, and a sprinkle of cinnamon is another simple finish.
For a drink, pair the cake with a hot cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte. A scoop of vanilla ice cream next to the warm cake gives a hot and cold contrast.
Leftovers
Store any uneaten cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat it, microwave it for a few seconds.
How Long It Takes
Measuring the ingredients takes 2 minutes and the microwave takes 1 to 2 minutes, with a total of 4 minutes. To go faster, measure everything out ahead of time.
Nutrition per Serving
One mug cake has approximately 300 calories, 10 grams of fat (1 gram saturated), 43 grams of carbohydrates, 16 grams of sugars, 1 gram of fiber, 4 grams of protein and 150 milligrams of sodium. These are estimates.
FAQ
How long does it take to make a pumpkin spice mug cake?
The total time is 4 minutes: 2 minutes of prep and 2 minutes in the microwave.
Can I make this mug cake vegan?
Yes. Replace the milk with a plant-based milk such as almond or soy, and use a vegan oil. The pumpkin puree is already vegan.
What can you serve with it?
Whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, plus a cup of coffee or tea.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes. Keep the mug cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator and microwave it for a few seconds to warm it again.
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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team
The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us
Pumpkin Spice Latte Mug Cake (2-min)
Ingredients
Instructions
In a microwave-safe mug, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined.
Add in the milk, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the cake has risen and is set in the middle.
Let cool for a minute before enjoying!
Notes
For a stronger pumpkin flavor, increase the amount of pumpkin puree.
Serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.
Nutrition
| Serving Size | 1 mug cake |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 calories |
| Sugar Content | 16g |
| Sodium Content | 150mg |
| Fat Content | 10g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 1g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 9g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0g |
| Carbohydrate Content | 43g |
| Fiber Content | 1g |
| Protein Content | 4g |
| Cholesterol Content | 0mg |