I still remember the first time I made a Lemon Drizzle Mug Cake. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon, and I was craving something sweet and tangy. With just a few simple ingredients and a microwave-safe mug, I whipped up this delightful treat in no time!
As a self-taught home cook from Asheville, NC, I’m always on the lookout for easy mug cake recipes. These recipes help me satisfy my sweet tooth without breaking a sweat. This microwave dessert has become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Check out the full recipe on Busy Cook Life for a step-by-step guide.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Quick and easy to make in just a few minutes
- Requires minimal ingredients and equipment
- Perfect for satisfying sweet and tangy cravings
- Customizable with your favorite flavor combinations
- Great for busy home cooks and beginners alike
The Magic of Mug Cakes
Making a cake in just a minute or two is truly magical. Mug cakes have become a favorite in my kitchen. I’m excited to share why they’re a game-changer.
Mug cakes are ideal for a quick sweet treat craving. They’re single-serving, so you can enjoy your cake without guilt or leftovers. Plus, they’re ready in just over a minute in the microwave – that’s a mug cake in minutes!
Why They’re a Hit
So, what makes mug cakes special? Here are a few reasons why I love them:
- They’re incredibly easy to make – just mix the ingredients in a mug and microwave!
- Customizable: you can add your favorite flavors, like citrus or chocolate, to create a unique dessert.
- No need to worry about measuring ingredients or making a mess – it’s a citrus dessert in a mug!
Mug cakes are perfect for busy people or those who live alone. They’re a quick dessert fix without baking a whole cake. And, who doesn’t love having a single-serving cake all to themselves?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we start mixing, let’s look at what you’ll need for this easy recipe. Making a moist lemon cake in a mug is simple. You just need a few ingredients that you probably have at home.

Simple Ingredients for a Delicious Cake
This homemade microwave cake is easy to make. You’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 1 tablespoon of milk
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup of flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- A pinch of salt
Choosing the Right Lemons
For a lemon drizzle cake in a mug, the lemon matters. Use fresh, organic lemons for the best taste. You only need half a lemon’s juice, so pick a firm, bright one.
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Sugar | 1 tablespoon | Granulated sugar works best |
Oil | 1 tablespoon | Any neutral oil is fine |
Milk | 1 tablespoon | You can use any type of milk |
Lemon juice | 1/2 lemon | Freshly squeezed is best |
Flour | 1/4 cup | All-purpose flour is ideal |
Baking powder | 1/2 teaspoon | Make sure it’s fresh |
Salt | A pinch | Just a small amount is needed |
As a food blogger once said, “The simplest ingredients often lead to the most delightful culinary experiences.” This microwave lemon drizzle mug cake is a perfect example. With these easy ingredients, you’ll enjoy a delicious homemade treat quickly!
“The secret to a great lemon drizzle cake is in the balance of sweet and tart flavors.”
Step-by-Step Instructions
I’ll guide you through making a tasty lemon sponge mug cake. This single serve lemon cake is great for a quick dessert. Follow these easy steps to make a moist lemon drizzle microwave cake in minutes.

Mixing the Batter
To begin, mix the batter. In a microwave-safe mug, put 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and 1 large egg. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Stir well. In another bowl, whisk 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix! For more mug cake ideas, see this cake mix mug cake recipe.
Cooking the Cake
Now, mix your batter is ready to cook. Put the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 1-2 minutes. Start with 1 minute and check if it’s cooked. If not, add 15 seconds more until it’s done.
Let the cake cool for a minute or two after cooking. Then, drizzle with a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. This adds a lovely lemon drizzle flavor that complements the cake perfectly.

Adding the Luscious Lemon Drizzle
Now, let’s talk about the pièce de résistance – the lemon drizzle that makes this mug cake truly special! The lemon drizzle is what takes this quick lemon mug cake from good to amazing. It’s a simple mixture, but it packs a punch of flavor.
The Perfect Lemon Drizzle Recipe
Making the lemon drizzle is a breeze. You just whisk together confectioner’s sugar and lemon juice until it’s smooth and pourable. The key is to adjust the lemon juice to get the right consistency and taste. This lemon dessert in a mug gets its final touch with this drizzle.
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Confectioner’s Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
Lemon Juice | 1-2 teaspoons |
For an eggless lemon mug cake, this lemon drizzle is the perfect complement. It adds a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. Simply mix, drizzle, and enjoy your quick lemon mug cake.
Storing Leftovers
Wondering how to store leftover lemon drizzle mug cake? I’ve been there too. It’s great you’re thinking about keeping your treats fresh.
Tips for Freshness
To keep mug cakes fresh, proper storage is key. Wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, put them in an airtight container. This keeps them moist and flavorful.
For enjoying mug cakes in a few days, fridge storage works. Just wrap them up and put them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. To warm one up, microwave it for a few seconds.
Storage Method | Shelf Life | Reheating Instructions |
---|---|---|
Refrigeration | Up to 3 days | Microwave for 10-15 seconds |
For more mug cake ideas, check out this lemon mug cake recipe. The secret to freshness is correct storage and eating within a few days.
Why This Recipe Always Delivers
This lemon drizzle mug cake is my top pick for dessert. I’ve honed it over time, making it a must-have in my kitchen.
Its success comes from its simplicity and the blend of ingredients. This mix creates a moist lemon cake that’s irresistible. With this recipe, you can enjoy a homemade microwave cake in just a minute.
The Secret to a Moist and Delicious Cake
So, what makes this lemon drizzle cake in a mug stand out? Using buttermilk and real lemon juice is key. The buttermilk’s acidity and the lemon juice’s zest make the cake light and flavorful.
Another secret is not overmixing the batter. Gently combining the ingredients keeps the cake soft and moist. This simple trick greatly enhances the cake’s texture.
- Using quality ingredients like real butter and fresh lemons
- Not overmixing the batter
- Cooking it in the microwave for just the right amount of time
By following these tips, you’ll make a moist lemon cake that’s a hit. And the best part? It’s ready in just a minute!
Final Thoughts: Make It Yours
Now that you know the basic lemon drizzle mug cake recipe, it’s time to get creative! I love trying out different flavors. You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or use almond milk instead of regular milk. This will give you unique microwave dessert ideas.
Play with Toppings
Top your mug cake with whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or a drizzle of lemon glaze. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar or chopped nuts for texture and looks. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing mug cakes!
Feel free to share your own lemon mug cake variations in the comments or tag me on Instagram at #greedyeatsblog. I’d love to see what you come up with! For more inspiration, check out this other delicious mug cake recipe on Greedy Eats.
FAQ
What is a Lemon Drizzle Mug Cake?
A Lemon Drizzle Mug Cake is a quick dessert for one. It’s made in a microwave-safe mug. It has a moist lemon cake and a tangy lemon drizzle on top.
Can I make a Lemon Drizzle Mug Cake without eggs?
Yes, you can make an eggless Lemon Drizzle Mug Cake. Use applesauce or flaxseed instead of eggs.
How do I store leftover Lemon Drizzle Mug Cakes?
Cool leftover Lemon Drizzle Mug Cakes completely. Then, cover them with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for up to a day or freeze for longer.
Can I customize the Lemon Drizzle Mug Cake recipe?
Absolutely! You can try different flavors. Add nuts or use different citrus zest. Experiment with toppings like whipped cream or powdered sugar.
How long does it take to cook a Lemon Drizzle Mug Cake in the microwave?
Cooking a Lemon Drizzle Mug Cake in the microwave takes about one to two minutes. This depends on your microwave’s power.
What type of lemons should I use for the Lemon Drizzle Mug Cake?
Use fresh, high-quality lemons for the best flavor. Eureka or Lisbon lemons are great because they have a bright, citrusy taste.
Can I make a Lemon Drizzle Mug Cake in advance?
While it’s best to enjoy a Lemon Drizzle Mug Cake fresh, you can prepare ingredients ahead. Store them in the fridge overnight. Then, assemble and cook the cake in the morning.

My Favorite Lemon Drizzle Mug Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 4 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and easy lemon drizzle mug cake made in the microwave in just 2 minutes! Perfect single-serving dessert with bright tangy-sweet flavor using simple pantry ingredients. No mixer or oven required – just mix, microwave, and drizzle for an instant homemade treat that satisfies your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
1 tablespoon milk (any type)
1/2 fresh lemon, juiced (about 1 tablespoon)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
For the Lemon Drizzle:
2 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar (powdered sugar)
1–2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
1. In a microwave-safe mug, combine granulated sugar, oil, and milk. Stir well until sugar begins to dissolve.
2. Add fresh lemon juice to the wet ingredients and mix until completely combined.
3. In a small separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and pinch of salt until evenly distributed.
4. Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the mug. Gently stir until just combined – do not overmix as this will make the cake tough.
5. Place mug in microwave and cook on high power for 1 minute initially. Check for doneness – cake should spring back when lightly touched.
6. If needed, continue microwaving in 15-second intervals until cake is set and cooked through (total time 1-2 minutes depending on microwave wattage).
7. Remove from microwave and let cool for 1-2 minutes before adding drizzle.
8. Make the drizzle by whisking confectioner’s sugar with 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice until smooth and pourable consistency.
9. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled cake and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most authentic flavor – bottled lemon juice will work but won’t taste as vibrant.
Do not overmix the batter once flour is added, as this develops gluten and creates a tough, chewy texture instead of light and fluffy.
Microwave wattage varies – start with 1 minute and add time as needed. Higher wattage microwaves may cook faster.
Cake is best enjoyed immediately while warm, but can be stored covered in refrigerator for up to 1 day.
For eggless version, this recipe is naturally egg-free and perfect for those with egg allergies.
Customize with add-ins like lemon zest, vanilla extract, or almond extract for flavor variations.
Serve with whipped cream, ice cream, or fresh berries for an elevated dessert experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug cake (approximately 4 oz)
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 1mg