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Lemon Mug Cake

This lemon mug cake is a single-serving microwave-baked dessert combining flour, eggs, and fresh lemon for a bright, citrus-flavored sponge. The final texture is tender and spongy, with a slightly crackled top and moist interior that resembles a miniature lemon sponge cake.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Global
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour sifted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest freshly grated
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice preferably fresh

Equipment

  • Microwave-safe mug
  • Mixing spoon or whisk
  • Measuring spoons
  • Lemon zester or fine grater
  • Fork

Method
 

  1. Add dry ingredients: In a microwave-safe mug, combine sifted flour, sugar, and baking powder. Stir with a fork until evenly mixed, ensuring no lumps remain.
    4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a small bowl or directly in the mug, whisk together the beaten egg, milk, olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined and slightly frothy.
    1 large egg, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  3. Combine the mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients in the mug. Stir gently with a spoon or fork, folding until the batter is smooth and uniform, with no streaks of flour visible.
    4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  4. Microwave the batter: Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high power for about 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The top should look puffed and slightly cracked, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
  5. Check for doneness: Carefully remove the mug from the microwave (it will be hot and steamy). Let it cool for a minute, then observe the spongy, light texture with a slightly crackled surface and moist interior. Optionally, garnish with extra lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Notes

Best enjoyed warm immediately after baking. Adjust cooking time for microwave wattage as needed.