Vegan Pumpkin Mug Cake

This easy vegan pumpkin mug cake is soft, warmly spiced, and made with real pumpkin puree. Mix everything right in the mug and microwave it for a quick single-serving fall dessert that's ready in about 5 minutes.

Prep Time: 3

Cook Time: 2

Total Time: 5

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Universal

Servings: serving

Author: Julie Gaeta

Ingredients

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar I use brown sugar, but you can use cane or coconut sugar
½ teaspoon pumpkin spice mix homemade pumpkin spice mix recipe in Notes
Pinch of sea salt
3 tablespoons pumpkin puree
½ tablespoon maple syrup or 1 tablespoon if you prefer it sweeter
2 teaspoons oil you can use canola oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil. See Notes for oil-free
2 tablespoons non-dairy milk oat milk, almond, cashew, soy milk, etc.
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Mix the dry ingredients: In a lightly greased 8-ounce microwave-safe ramekin or mug, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, pumpkin spice, and salt.
Add the wet ingredients: Add the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, oil, plant milk, and vanilla. Stir just until combined, scraping the bottom and sides so no dry flour remains.
Microwave: Microwave for 90 seconds. If needed, add another 10–20 seconds. The top should look just set, even if the center is still slightly soft.
Rest and serve: Let the mug cake rest for about 5 minutes, then add powdered sugar, vegan cream cheese frosting, mini vegan chocolate chips, or chopped walnuts.

Notes

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Mix: Mix 3 tablespoons cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ginger, 2 teaspoons nutmeg, 1 teaspoon allspice, and ½ teaspoon cloves. Store airtight in the pantry.
Oil-Free: Swap oil with applesauce
Microwave timing: Mine is 1000 watts, and 90 seconds works well. Adjust in 10–20 second increments if needed.
Mug size: An 8-ounce ramekin or wide microwave-safe mug works best. Avoid tall, narrow mugs, which can leave the center undercooked.
Don't overcook it. The top should look just set, even if the center is slightly soft. It’ll finish cooking as it cools. Use a toothpick if you’re unsure.
Does it keep: This mug cake is best fresh, but you can cover and refrigerate leftovers for 2–3 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition