Name: Salted Caramel Apple Mug Cake with Cinnamon Spice Recipe
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 3 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon apple pie spice; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; Pinch of salt; 1 ½ tablespoons unsweetened applesauce; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon water; Homemade salted caramel sauce or store-bought caramel sauce; Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 6 reviews

If you love cozy desserts that come together in a flash, you are going to adore this Salted Caramel Apple Mug Cake with Cinnamon Spice Recipe. It captures the essence of warm fall flavors in a single-serving cake that’s tender, fragrant with cinnamon, and bursting with the comforting sweetness of apples and buttery salted caramel. Best of all, you can whip this up in just three minutes, making it the perfect indulgence for any time you need a quick, soul-soothing treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl contains three main dry ingredients neatly divided inside: light beige flour on the right, fine white granulated sugar and salt in the center, and brown spices on the left, creating a visually distinct layering effect. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with scattered brown spice powder nearby. To the top right, a small white bowl filled with a smooth light brown liquid sits partially visible. A black whisk with a black handle rests at the upper left edge of the frame. The image is clean and well-lit, showing the textures of the powdery ingredients clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating your own personal mug cake masterpiece. Each element plays an important role, whether it’s the flour providing structure, the apple pie spice infusing that signature cinnamon warmth, or the applesauce contributing moistness without heaviness.

All-purpose flour (¼ cup): This forms the base of the mug cake, giving it a soft, cakey texture that’s just right for microwaving.
Apple pie spice (½ teaspoon): A warm blend of cinnamon and spices that gives the cake its cozy, inviting aroma and flavor.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Helps the mug cake rise perfectly in the microwave for a light, tender crumb.
Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons): Adds sweetness that balances the tartness of the apples and highlights the salted caramel’s richness.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings out the deep notes in the salted caramel topping.
Unsweetened applesauce (1 ½ tablespoons): Adds moisture and a subtle apple flavor, keeping the mug cake tender without extra fat.
Milk (2 tablespoons): Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together for a smooth batter.
Vegetable oil (1 teaspoon): Keeps the cake moist and gives it a soft crumb.
Water (1 teaspoon): Lightens the batter to ensure it cooks evenly and rises beautifully in the microwave.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Mug Cake with Cinnamon Spice Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, apple pie spice, baking powder, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. This combination creates the flavorful foundation of your mug cake, bringing both rise and spice to every bite.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Make a well in the center of your dry mixture and add the unsweetened applesauce, milk, vegetable oil, and water. Whisk everything together until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. The applesauce keeps the cake moist, while the milk and oil ensure a tender crumb.

Step 3: Prepare for Microwaving

Pour your batter into a microwave-safe mug with around 14-ounce capacity to allow room for the cake to rise. To avoid any mess, place a paper towel on top of your microwave plate and set the mug on it — this trick catches any accidental overflow and keeps cleanup simple.

Step 4: Microwave the Cake

Cook your mug cake on high for 1 minute and 50 seconds. Keep a close eye on it the first time you try this step; microwave powers can vary, but this timing creates a tender, cooked-through delight without dryness.

Step 5: Add the Salted Caramel Topping

Carefully remove your steaming mug cake from the microwave and drizzle generously with homemade salted caramel sauce, or, if you’re short on time, a quality store-bought caramel works beautifully too. The warm, buttery caramel mingles perfectly with the cinnamon-spiced apple base, creating an irresistible flavor harmony.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Mug Cake with Cinnamon Spice Recipe

A white ceramic cup filled with three layers: a smooth, light brown pudding at the base, a thick, glossy caramel sauce covering the pudding, and a dollop of whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon on top, all placed on a white speckled saucer. Next to the cup is a spoon with a white handle and gold head resting on the saucer. In the background, there's a small white bowl with coarse salt and another white bowl with extra caramel sauce. A white and brown striped cloth is partially visible at the bottom right on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your mug cake experience, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top. The contrast of cold creaminess against the warm cake brings a satisfying balance that makes each bite feel like a little celebration.

Side Dishes

Pair your mug cake with a simple hot cup of chai tea or a comforting latte. The spiced notes of these beverages complement the cinnamon in the mug cake, making your dessert break feel extra cozy and indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the caramel. You can also serve the mug cake in a pretty ramekin for guests or drizzle chocolate sauce for a decadent finish. These small touches turn a humble mug cake into a special occasion treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Salted Caramel Apple Mug Cake with Cinnamon Spice Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can cover the mug tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep in mind the texture may firm up slightly when chilled.

Freezing

Because this mug cake is designed for quick enjoyment, freezing is not ideal. The delicate apple and spice flavors along with the moist texture do not freeze well, and the caramel topping is best fresh.

Reheating

If you do refrigerate leftovers, simply microwave the mug cake for about 30 seconds until warmed through. Add extra caramel or a fresh scoop of ice cream to revive that freshly-made magic.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of applesauce?

Absolutely! Finely chopped fresh apples can add texture and natural sweetness, but you may need to adjust the moisture with a bit more milk to keep the cake moist.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but make sure it contains baking powder or add some separately to help the cake rise.

Can I make this mug cake without a microwave?

While this mug cake is designed for microwaving, you can bake it in a small ramekin in a preheated 350°F oven for about 12–15 minutes, but watch closely to avoid overbaking.

What else can I add to the batter for extra flavor?

Try mixing in a handful of chopped nuts, raisins, or even a few chocolate chips for added texture and taste that complements the apple and caramel beautifully.

How do I make homemade salted caramel sauce?

Simmer sugar until golden, then whisk in butter and cream, finishing with a pinch of salt. It’s easier than you think and incredible on this mug cake.

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Apple Mug Cake with Cinnamon Spice Recipe is a tiny treasure for busy days or anytime you crave something sweet and warming. Its simplicity and amazing flavors will keep you coming back again and again. Trust me, once you try this in your favorite mug, you’ll want to share it with everyone you know.