Name: Lemon Cake Mix in a Mug
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons lemon cake mix; 3 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or coconut oil)

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Craving something sweet, zesty, and effortless? This Lemon Box Cake Mug Cake is the perfect treat to whip up in minutes. Using just a few tablespoons of lemon cake mix, a splash of water, and a touch of oil, you’ll have a warm, fluffy mug cake bursting with citrusy flavor in under 5 minutes. It’s light, vibrant, and a perfect single-serve dessert for those times you want something homemade without the mess or wait.

Two white mugs filled with individual yellow mug cakes, each topped with whipped cream, are placed on a beige cloth with a blue and white ceramic jar in the background.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This mug cake is all about convenience and flavor. The lemon cake mix provides a bright, refreshing taste, while the texture is soft and sponge-like—just like oven-baked cake. You’ll love how quick it is to prepare, with no eggs, no fuss, and no need to turn on the oven. It’s ideal for a quick dessert, a sunny afternoon snack, or a sweet late-night indulgence.

Ingredients

All you need is just 3 ingredients to make this delicious mug cake.

A box of lemon cake mix, a small bowl of water, and a small bowl of oil are arranged on a marble surface.

Lemon cake mix – The star of the recipe, pre-mixed with flour, sugar, lemon flavoring, and leavening agents for foolproof baking.
Water – Adds the necessary moisture to activate the mix and keep the cake tender.
Oil – Enhances the richness and helps create a moist, soft texture. Vegetable or coconut oil are great choices. Melted butter can be substituted.

⭐ Best Lemon Box Cake Mixes for Mug Cakes

For the best lemon box cake mix to use in your mug cake recipe, look for one that has a strong, natural lemon flavor and a moist texture when baked. Here are a few popular and reliable options:

Duncan Hines Signature Lemon Supreme Cake Mix
- Why it’s great: Bright lemon flavor, light and fluffy texture, and it performs well in small-batch baking like mug cakes.
- Bonus: Consistent results and easy to find in most stores.
Betty Crocker Super Moist Lemon Cake Mix
- Why it’s great: Super moist and slightly richer, with a sweet-tart balance. Works great in the microwave.
- Bonus: Slightly denser crumb, which some people prefer in a mug cake.
Pillsbury Moist Supreme Lemon Cake Mix
- Why it’s great: Subtle lemon flavor and good moisture. It’s dependable and has a smooth batter texture.
- Bonus: Affordable and kid-friendly if you want a more mellow lemon taste.
Simple Mills Almond Flour Lemon Cake Mix(for a gluten-free option)
- Why it’s great: Made with wholesome ingredients, gluten-free, and still delivers a nice citrus zing.
- Bonus: Great for those wanting a grain-free or healthier alternative mug cake.

Tips for Choosing

Go for mixes that say “moist” or “supreme” on the box for best mug cake texture.
If you want a more intense lemon flavor, add a drop of lemon extract or zest to the batter before microwaving.
Avoid mixes that are overly sweet if you plan to add toppings like icing or glaze.

Two white mugs filled with a yellow lemon cake mix in a mug dessert, topped with whipped cream, rest on a beige cloth with a blue and white pitcher in the background.

How To Make Lemon Cake Mix in A Mug

Enjoy a quick and easy cake recipe with just 3 ingredients.

A white mug containing a small amount of yellowish flour sits on a speckled countertop.

Add cake mixture to a mug.

A white mug containing a mixture of flour, melted butter, and other ingredients sits on a speckled countertop.

Add the oil and water.

A white mug filled with yellow batter sits on a speckled countertop.

Stir until combined.

A white mug filled with a yellow cake, topped with a dollop of custard and whipped cream, sits on a beige cloth with a blue and white decorative object in the background.

Microwave and serve with lemon curd and cream!

Recipe Tips

Don’t over-mix the batter—just stir until smooth.

All microwaves vary, so start with 1 minute and check for doneness.

For extra lemony zing, add a few drops of lemon juice or a pinch of lemon zest before microwaving.

Want a gooey center? Microwave for slightly less time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm on its own or add toppings like whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, lemon glaze, or fresh berries. It also pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or a cool glass of lemonade.

Two white bowls filled with yellow pudding, each topped with whipped cream, sit on a beige cloth. In the background is a blue vase, complementing this cozy scene perfect for enjoying lemon cake mix in a mug or classic pudding treats.

More Lemon Mug Cake Recipes

If you enjoy the refreshing flavor of lemon, you will love these other lemon mug cake recipes:

Lemon Poppy Seed Mug Cake

Lemon Curd Mug Cake

Keto Lemon Blueberry Mug Cake