pumpkin mug cake

Who doesn’t love a good mug cake? The single-serving superstar might just be one of the easiest treats to whip up, and perfect to enjoy this fall–especially when you add pumpkin into the mix (literally).

chocolate chip mug cake

See, these are better than your average mug cake; the pumpkin cake is reminiscent of your favorite homemade pumpkin bread, but it’s studded with chocolate chips–and bakes in the microwave in just a few minutes. No patience required!

How Do You Make a Mug Cake?

pumpkin mug cake

For lack of a better word: easy-peasy! To make these, just whisk together your wet ingredients, then stir in your dry ingredients. Add chocolate chips–measure these with your heart, naturally–then, top with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a delicious hit of flavor on top of the cake.

chocolate chip mug cake

Now, let’s talk about the cake: It comes out moist and fluffy, even in the microwave! (Not to mention, it’s full of delicious pumpkin and pumpkin spice.) Skeptical about the microwave? I tried baking these pumpkin mug cakes in the oven and it took such a long time–and they were 100% comparable to the ones baked in the microwave.

pumpkin mug cake

So, no need to fret about “cheating” with this baking method. It’s a great option in a pinch, or when you want a personal-sized treat! (Mug cakes accompanied me on many late-night study sessions in college.) To get the full recipe, scroll on–and  happy baking (er, microwaving)!

Did you try this recipe? Show us your mug cakes on Instagram or TikTok @lulus using #lovelulus and head to our Fall Fashion Shop for more sweet seasonal styles!

This recipe comes from our food contributor, Stephanie Simmons, of Blue Bowl. Her goal with her kitchen-tested recipes is to get you excited about cooking, show you how good food can taste, and prove that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make a good meal.

  • PREP TIME: 10 MINS
  • SERVES: 1
  • how to make a mug cake in the microwave
  • chocolate chip mug cake recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Half of a 15 ounce can of pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 and ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¾ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ⅛ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp allspice
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 generous cup chocolate chips, plus a handful more for topping
  • Cinnamon sugar, for topping

Directions

Prep:

Spray two large microwave-safe mugs with cooking spray. 

Make the Batter:

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and pumpkin.
  • Add the dry ingredients and whisk together, making sure no dry bits are hiding in the bottom of the bowl. Stir in the chocolate chips last. 

Bake:

  • Divide the batter between your two mugs, adding the extra chocolate chips on top along with a pinch of cinnamon sugar.
  • Microwave for 2-3 minutes, until cakes are cooked through (use a toothpick or knife to test for doneness). Moist crumbs are fine, if you have wet batter add 5-10 more seconds at a time.

Serve and Store:

  • Enjoy immediately, with whipped cream or ice cream. Cover any leftovers and keep at room temp for a day or two, reheating as desired.