Easy Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake – A Cozy Fall Dessert in Minutes

There’s something magical about a chilly autumn evening, when the crisp air outside calls for a warm, comforting treat. That’s when an Easy Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake steps in like a hug in dessert form. The first time I made one, it was on a busy weeknight when I craved pumpkin spice but had no time for baking a full cake. In just a couple of minutes, I had a fluffy, spiced cake in a mug, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It felt indulgent, seasonal, and completely stress-free. This recipe brings all the flavors of fall together in a single-serve treat that’s quick, simple, and oh-so satisfying.

What Makes This Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake Special

The charm of this Easy Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake lies in its simplicity. Unlike traditional cakes that require mixing bowls, pans, and long baking times, this recipe takes just a mug, a spoon, and a microwave. It’s single-serve, making it perfect when you want dessert without the leftovers. Plus, it delivers all the beloved flavors of fall: pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm spice notes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who rarely bakes, you’ll love how approachable and foolproof this recipe feels.

This isn’t just cake—it’s cozy comfort in a cup, perfect for solo indulgence or sharing the recipe with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create the perfect Easy Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake, gather the following pantry staples:

• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (or brown sugar for richness)
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 3 tbsp pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 tbsp milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Optional toppings: whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Ingredient Variations

• Flour Alternatives: Use oat flour or gluten-free blends for dietary needs.
• Sweeteners: Swap sugar with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
• Dairy-Free: Almond, soy, or oat milk works beautifully.
• Flavor Boosts: Stir in chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or a swirl of cream cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a microwave-safe mug, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Stir in pumpkin puree, milk, oil or butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. The batter should be slightly thick but well-combined.

Step 3: Microwave the Cake

Microwave on high for 70–90 seconds. The cake should rise and set but still look moist on top. Avoid overcooking, as it can dry out quickly.

Step 4: Add Toppings

Top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Dig in while warm—it’s best eaten fresh from the mug.

Tips for the Perfect Mug Cake

• Use the Right Mug: A microwave-safe ceramic mug about 12–14 ounces prevents overflow.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir until combined, but don’t whip excessively.
• Check Doneness: The cake should spring back lightly when touched.
• Customize: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a marshmallow center for surprise fillings.
• Timing Matters: Every microwave is different; start at 70 seconds and increase in 10-second intervals.

5 Creative Variations

1. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake – Swap in gluten-free flour.
2. Vegan Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake – Use dairy-free milk and coconut oil.
3. Healthy Pumpkin Mug Cake – Replace sugar with maple syrup and flour with oat flour.
4. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Mug Cake – Stir in a tablespoon of chocolate chips.
5. Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Mug Cake – Add a spoonful of sweetened cream cheese to the center before cooking.

FAQs

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

Serving Ideas

This Easy Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake pairs beautifully with fall evenings. Serve it:

• With hot cocoa for a cozy movie night.
• Alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• As a quick dessert at a Halloween or Thanksgiving gathering.
• For a late-night sweet craving without guilt.

Conclusion

The Easy Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake is proof that comfort doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and a microwave, you can create a dessert that tastes like autumn in every bite. It’s versatile, quick, and endlessly customizable, making it perfect for busy nights, last-minute guests, or those moments when your pumpkin craving hits hard. This recipe brings the joy of baking into your hands—literally, in a mug—and transforms it into a tradition you’ll return to again and again.

For more simple and delicious recipes just like this one, be sure to follow me on Pinterest! I’m always pinning the best easy weeknight meals, and I’d love to share them with you.

Easy Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake

This Easy Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake brings all the cozy flavors of fall together in one warm, fluffy, single-serve treat. Ready in just minutes, it’s the perfect dessert for chilly evenings, late-night cravings, or quick seasonal indulgence.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 3 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 1 mug cake

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour or oat flour or gluten-free blend
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or brown sugar, maple syrup, or coconut sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
• 2 tablespoons milk dairy or plant-based
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter or coconut oil
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• optional toppings whipped cream, caramel drizzle, powdered sugar, or cinnamon

Method

 

1. In a microwave-safe mug (12–14 oz), whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice.
2. Add the pumpkin puree, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined.
3. Microwave on high for 70–90 seconds. The cake should rise and look set but still moist on top. Do not overcook.
4. Top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or cinnamon, if desired.
5. Serve warm and enjoy your cozy fall treat straight from the mug.

Notes

Customize your mug cake with chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or a swirl of sweetened cream cheese. Start with 70 seconds in the microwave and increase in 10-second intervals if needed—every microwave is different. This recipe is best enjoyed fresh but can be shared with friends by making individual mugs for each.