Apple Mug Cake (Gluten Free, Paleo, Nut Free Option) Recipe
This Apple Mug Cake is a quick and easy single-serving dessert that is gluten-free and paleo-friendly, with a nut-free option. It combines the sweet and warm flavors of cinnamon and apple in a moist, fluffy mug cake that can be made in minutes, perfect for a healthy treat or snack.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1–2 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons finely ground almond flour or 3 tablespoons sunflower seed flour or Otto’s cassava flour (1:1 nut-free replacement)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda or ½ teaspoon baking powder (use baking powder if using sunflower seed flour to prevent green color)
- ⅛ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon applesauce
- 2 teaspoons honey or 2½ teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil or melted refined coconut oil or ghee
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Prepare the Mug: Lightly grease a microwave-safe mug with avocado oil or melted coconut oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the almond flour (or chosen substitute), ground cinnamon, baking soda or baking powder, and kosher salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, honey or maple syrup, avocado oil or melted coconut oil/ghee, vanilla extract, and the large egg until smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to ensure a tender cake.
- Microwave Cooking: Pour the batter into the prepared mug and microwave on high for about 60 to 90 seconds, or until the cake has risen and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Microwaves vary, so start with 60 seconds and add more time if needed in 10-second increments.
- Cool and Serve: Let the mug cake cool for a minute or two after microwaving, then enjoy straight from the mug or tip out onto a plate. Optionally, serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a spoonful of yogurt.
Notes
- Use baking powder if using sunflower seed flour to prevent the cake from turning green.
- Adjust cooking time based on your microwave’s power to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
- This recipe can be customized with your favorite spices or add-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruit.
- For a vegan alternative, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use maple syrup as the sweetener.
Keywords: apple mug cake, gluten free, paleo, nut free, quick dessert, microwave cake, healthy snack
