Lemon mug cake, a soft and aromatic dessert that is prepared in just 5 minutes with few ingredients and cooks directly in the microwave.
The result? A super soft single-serving dessert, with a fresh and citrusy flavor, enriched by the crunchy touch of poppy seeds.
Mug cakes are ideal for a quick breakfast, a tasty snack, or when you crave something sweet without turning on the oven. This lemon version is butter-free because I use mild-flavored extra virgin olive oil, which provides softness without making it heavy. To complete, a lemon glaze that enhances the citrus flavor and adds an irresistible sweetness.
Preparing this mug cake is very simple: just mix all the ingredients, pour them into mugs, put them in the microwave, and in less than two minutes, it’s ready to enjoy. It’s also perfect for those new to cooking or looking for a last-minute tasty idea.
At the end of the recipe, in the FAQ section, I have answered some questions regarding this preparation. If you have any other doubts or curiosities, write a comment or use the contact form at the end of the page.
Other recipes you might like:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 3 Minutes
- Portions: 2 People
- Cooking methods: Microwave
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
- Energy 485.62 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 59.70 (g) of which sugars 37.80 (g)
- Proteins 7.23 (g)
- Fat 26.67 (g) of which saturated 4.71 (g)of which unsaturated 1.74 (g)
- Fibers 1.33 (g)
- Sodium 36.38 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 60 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for the Lemon Mug Cake
- 1 egg
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (mild)
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 lemon (Zest and juice)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- lemon juice (A few drops)
Tools
- Spoons
- Bowls
- Lemon Grater
- Lemon Juicer
- Mugs
- Microwave
Preparation
Start preparing the lemon and poppy seed mug cake by cracking the egg into a bowl.
Add the milk (or plant-based drink if you’re lactose intolerant) and the extra virgin olive oil. If you don’t have a mild one, use sunflower seed oil.
Mix well with a whisk and add the sugar, grated lemon zest, and the juice of half a lemon.
Mix again to combine everything.
Continue the preparation by adding all-purpose flour and baking powder to the bowl.
Finish the preparation with the poppy seeds.
Always mix with the whisk until you get a homogeneous mixture.
Transfer the batter into two microwave-safe mugs or small bowls.
Cook the mug cakes at 700W for 2 minutes.
Let them cool slightly.
Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by adding a few drops of lemon juice to the powdered sugar.
Mix until you get a smooth but not too liquid glaze.
If necessary, add more powdered sugar or lemon juice.
Distribute the glaze over the cakes and decorate as desired with more poppy seeds.
Now you can enjoy the lemon mug cake! 
Lemon Mug Cake
Check this section for answers to your doubts. If you do not find the answer to your question, comment or write to me using the form below.
Also try the Lemon and Poppy Seed Muffins
Can I bake the lemon mug cake without a microwave?
Yes! If you don’t have a microwave, you can bake it in a static oven at 170°C (338°F) for about 15-18 minutes. Use an oven-safe mug or transfer the batter into a small muffin tin.
Can I substitute extra virgin olive oil?
Certainly! If you prefer a more neutral taste, you can use sunflower seed oil or melted butter in the same amount.
Can the mug cake be stored?
Being an express dessert, it’s best enjoyed immediately. However, you can cover it with plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for a few hours. If you want to prepare it in advance, you can mix all the ingredients in the mug and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
You can find all lemon dessert recipes in the Lemon Desserts collection.
For questions, curiosities, or if you want to collaborate with me, use the contact form below:
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