Easy Honeycrisp Apple Mug Cake

This easy honeycrisp apple mug cake is filled with warm spices and fall flavors. Made with white whole wheat flour for extra fiber and nutrients and a little maple syrup, it’s a healthy take on cake and made just for one.

This vegan apple mug cake takes only a few minutes to make. A warm, fruity mug cake is just right for an afternoon snack or dessert on a chilly fall day!

Why This Recipe Works

This healthy mug cake is rich with spice from cinnamon and cloves. The applesauce and chopped apples add plenty of flavor and moisture without a lot of added fat. It is also just the right size for a nice dessert for one.

Ingredients Needed

• Nonstick spray – this helps the cake not stick to the mug. If you don’t have any, wipe a little olive oil around the inside of it with a paper towel instead.
• White whole wheat flour – I prefer this type of whole wheat flour as it has a lighter texture and color than whole wheat flour. This recipe calls for 3 tablespoons. Lightly spoon your flour into the measuring spoon and level with a knife 3 times. If the flour is packed into the measuring spoon tightly, the mug cake could come out a little dense or dry.
• Ground flaxseed – ground flaxseed helps the cake hold together and works well in some baked recipes as a substitute for egg.
• Cinnamon – this goes very well with the apples for a spiced flavor. You could also use pumpkin pie or apple pie spice.
• Baking powder – just a small amount helps the mug cake rise. I prefer aluminum-free baking powder.
• Ground cloves – these add to the flavor depth, deeper color, and warmth of the mug cake.
• Plant-based milk – use oat, soy, or the plant-based milk of your choice. I have made the recipe with vanilla low-sugar oat milk, soy milk, and vanilla almond milk with success.
• Water – this provides enough moisture for the ground flaxseeds to work.
• Natural applesauce – use applesauce without added sugar if possible. Here’s my recipe for homemade honeycrisp applesauce made in a slow cooker.
• Light olive oil – this is important for the texture of the mug cake. While I have tried just 1 teaspoon for less fat and calories, I think it is better with 2 teaspoons.
• Maple syrup – this recipe uses 2 teaspoons of maple syrup, as compared to a typical mug cake recipe which may use 2 or more tablespoons of added sugar!
• Honeycrisp apple – Peel and chop the quarter of an apple into pieces of about one centimeter to one half of an inch so they will cook quickly. Other types of apples that are good for baking include Granny Smith, Galas, Empire, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Jonathans, Cosmic crisp, or Fuji apples. See this chart from the Wisconsin State University Cooperative Extension for more varieties of apples best for cooking.

How to Make Honeycrisp Apple Mug Cake

• Spray the inside of a large microwave-safe mug lightly with nonstick spray.
• Add the white whole wheat flour, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, baking powder, and ground cloves.

• Mix these together well with a small whisk or a fork.
• Next, add the oat milk, water, applesauce, olive oil, and maple syrup. Mix these just barely with a tablespoon until all of the dry ingredients are incorporated into the batter.

• Set aside a tablespoon of the chopped apple pieces. Mix the rest of it into the cake batter. Top with the remaining apple pieces.
• Cook for about 90 seconds. Remove the mug from the microwave with a potholder. Let the cake cool for a few minutes before tasting it.

Gluten-Free Apple Mug Cake Version

Substitute 1:1 baking mix for the white whole wheat flour. Make sure that the ground flaxseeds you are using are marked gluten-free (in case of any cross-contamination in the factory). This version is tasty and has a fudgier texture like a brownie, instead of the more cake-like texture of the original recipe.

More Recipes You May Enjoy

• Honeycrisp Homemade Applesauce: Easy Slow Cooker Recipe
• 5 Minute Double Chocolate Pumpkin Mug Cake
• Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
• Homemade Vegan Apple Cinnamon Bread with Walnuts

Originally published: 10/23/22. Updated: 8/12/24.

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Have you tried this easy honeycrisp apple mug cake? If so, please let me know how you liked it in the comments below.