Oatmeal Mug Cake
This post may contain affiliate links.
This oatmeal mug cake is your answer to sweet cravings in a hurry. No oven, no mixing bowls, and no waiting around. Made with wholesome ingredients and ready in just minutes, it’s the perfect single-serve treat for busy mornings or late-night snacking. One bite and you’ll see why this cozy, cake-meets-oatmeal combo is on repeat.
Try serving this mug cake with a strawberry sauce topping, cup of coffee, and fruit on the side for a morning breakfast treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speed and Convenience: It takes just a few minutes to mix and microwave, making it ideal for busy mornings or when you’re craving a quick, comforting snack.
- Customizable: The basic oatmeal mug cake is like a blank canvas. You can add nuts, fruits, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to personalize your cake to your taste preferences.
- Minimal Cleanup: With ingredients mixed and cooked in the same mug, there’s hardly any cleanup involved. It’s a one-mug wonder that keeps your kitchen tidy!
Did you know you can make a mug cake with oats? Super quick to whip up right in a mug, and the customization options are endless. Toss in some chocolate chips, a splash of vanilla, or your favorite fruit to make it your own. It’s like magic; a warm, fluffy cake in minutes, perfect when you need a quick treat. Plus, it’s just one mug, so barely any cleanup. Trust me, it’s going to make your mornings so much better!
It’s like a magical combination of flavors- and the perfect excuse to eat dessert for breakfast! This cake tastes remarkable similar to my baked oats recipe, but in single serve form! A convenient option for busy mornings and a go-to when you need a sweet fix.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ready to break down the ingredient list? If you’ve ever baked oatmeal before you’ll notice it’s a fairly similar process- only in a mini version. Here is what you need:
- Butter: Butter adds a rich, creamy taste while also keeping things moist. I like salted butter, but you can use unsalted.
- Brown Sugar: I like the light molasses flavor that you get with brown sugar. It also adds a little additional moisture to the mix as it bakes.
- Egg: Egg provides structure to the cake. As the egg cooks, it solidifies, helping to bind all the ingredients together and giving the cake its shape and firmness.
- Vanilla: It provides a comforting background note that makes the cake taste richer and more indulgent, elevating the simple mug treat into something truly special.
- Oats: Quick oats are ideal for an oatmeal mug cake because of their finer texture and faster cooking time. They absorb liquids more quickly than traditional rolled oats, ensuring that your cake cooks evenly and remains moist within the short microwave cooking period.
- Spices: There’s a delicate balance of flavors with baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. If you use unsalted butter I suggest a sprinkle of salt.
- Milk: For a richer, creamier texture, whole milk is a great choice. However, best milk to use in an oatmeal mug cake depends largely on your taste preferences and dietary needs
Jesseca’s Recipe Review
This oatmeal mug cake is my go-to when I want something warm, sweet, and ready now. It hits that cozy spot without making a mess, and I love how easy it is to tweak. Some days it’s chocolate chip, other days it’s all about cinnamon and chopped apples. It’s like breakfast and dessert had a baby in the microwave.
Tip from Jesseca:
Lightly stir halfway through microwaving. It helps cook the center evenly and keeps the texture soft and cake-like instead of gummy.
Substitutions and Variations
This mug cake is easy to customize with what you’ve got in your kitchen. Here’s how to swap ingredients or switch up the flavors:
- Butter: Use coconut oil or neutral oil (like canola) for a dairy-free option.
- Brown Sugar: Try maple syrup or honey for a refined sugar alternative.
- Milk: Any milk works here—dairy, almond, oat, or soy.
- Quick Oats: Rolled oats are fine, just expect a slightly chewier texture.
- Add-ins: Mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
- Flavor Boosts: Try adding a splash of almond extract or a pinch of pumpkin pie spice.
- Fruity Twist: Fold in chopped apple, mashed banana, or a few berries before microwaving.
- Toppings: Finish with a drizzle of maple syrup, a spoonful of nut butter, or a dollop of whipped cream.
How To Make An Oatmeal Mug Cake
This single-serve oatmeal mug cake is the perfect solution when you want something warm and sweet now. It’s quick, easy, and comes together with pantry staples in just a few minutes.
- Grease your mug: Lightly spray a 12 oz mug with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Melt the butter: Microwave the butter in the mug for 20–30 seconds until fully melted.
- Mix in sugar + vanilla: Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla until well combined.
- Add remaining ingredients: Crack in the egg, then add oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together.
- Stir in the milk: Pour in the milk and mix until fully incorporated.
- Microwave in bursts: Heat for 30 seconds, stir, then microwave for 1 more minute or until set.
Let it cool for a minute before diving in. It’s warm, soft, and perfectly cozy—no oven required.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
This is best enjoyed fresh, straight from the microwave. Since it only takes a few minutes to make, there’s really no need to prep far in advance.
- Want to save a step? You can mix the dry ingredients (oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt) in a small container ahead of time. When you’re ready, just add the wet ingredients and microwave.
- Leftovers? If you don’t finish it all, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, but note that the texture is softest when fresh.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use rolled oats, but keep in mind that they might not soften as much as quick oats due to their thicker size. The texture will be chewier and less cake-like.
You can skip it, but the cake will be denser. A pinch of baking soda with a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar can work in a pinch.
The mug cake should be set and slightly springy to the touch. It might look a bit moist on top, but if it’s overly liquidy, give it another 10-15 seconds in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook as it can become rubbery.
I like it with a little glaze (recipe included) but you can drizzle with honey, maple syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Yogurt, nut butter, or a scoop of ice cream also make delicious toppings, along with a sprinkle of nuts or extra cinnamon for a flavor boost.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!
Oatmeal Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup quick oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch nutmeg and salt
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Grab a 12 oz mug and generously spray the inside with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place butter in the mug and microwave it for about 20-30 seconds or until it’s fully melted.
- Add the brown sugar and vanilla to the mug with the melted butter. Whisk them together until well combined.
- Crack an egg into the mug, then add the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until it’s nicely blended.
- Stir in the milk until everything is smoothly incorporated.
- Put the mug in the microwave and heat for 30 seconds. Then pause and stir the mixture to help it cook evenly.
- Microwave for an additional 1 minute. Check if the cake is done—it should be set and slightly springy to the touch.
- Let it cool for a minute or two before enjoying your freshly made oatmeal mug cake!
Notes
- Whisk Thoroughly: Whisk the ingredients vigorously after adding each to break up clumps and incorporate air, making the cake lighter and fluffier.
- Adjust Microwave Time: Microwaves vary in power, so start with the shorter cooking time and add more in short bursts if needed. This prevents overcooking, which can make the cake rubbery.
- Add Toppings: Enhance your mug cake with toppings like a dollop of yogurt, a sprinkle of granola, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup right before serving for added flavor and texture.
- Use a Tall Mug: Choose a tall mug to allow the cake room to rise without spilling over as it cooks.
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
Recipe adapted from Mama Gourmand
