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Bright, citrusy, and delightfully moist, this Lemon Poppy Seed Mug Cake is a quick and easy treat that tastes like sunshine in a cup. Made with simple pantry staples and ready in just minutes, it’s the perfect single-serve dessert or snack when you’re craving something light, fluffy, and full of zesty flavor.

A ceramic mug with a baked mug cake, topped with a lemon wedge, sits on a napkin next to two spoons, with a teapot in the background.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy – Ready in under 5 minutes from start to finish.
Single-Serve – No leftovers, no waste. Perfect portion every time!
Dairy-Free – Uses almond milk and coconut oil, making it a great option for dairy-free and vegan diets.
Lemon Lovers’ Dream – Fresh lemon juice and zest give it a vibrant citrus flavor.
Soft with a Hint of Crunch – The poppy seeds add a fun texture contrast to the tender crumb.

Ingredients

These is all you need to make these tasty, light and crunchy mug cake.

Eight labeled bowls on a countertop containing all-purpose flour, sugar, almond milk, baking powder, lemon zest, vanilla, coconut oil, lemon juice, and poppy seeds.

All-purpose flour – The base of your mug cake. Make sure it’s spooned and leveled for accurate measuring.

Baking powder – Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.

Sugar – Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the tart lemon.

Almond milk – Keeps it moist and smooth; any milk can be substituted.

Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed for that real lemon zing.

Coconut oil – Adds richness and moisture. Melt before mixing.

Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle warmth.

Poppy seeds – For that classic texture and visual appeal.

Lemon zest – Adds depth and fragrant citrus aroma.

How To Make Lemon Poppy Seed Mug Cake

A white mug containing flour, sugar, and baking powder sits on a countertop near small dishes with vanilla extract, liquid, and poppy seeds.

Mix the dry ingredients in a mug.

A mug filled with flour, zest, liquid ingredients, and vanilla extract on a countertop, ready to be mixed.

Stir in the wet ingredients.

A white mug with purple handle filled with uncooked batter topped with poppy seeds, placed on a speckled countertop.

Fold in the poppy seeds.

A small round lemon poppy seed cake topped with a lemon wedge on a white plate, with a teapot in the background.

Microwave and serve.

A small lemon poppy seed mug cake topped with a lemon wedge sits on a white plate, with a spoon, fork, and decorated teapot in the background.

Recipe Tips

Don’t overmix – Stir just until the batter is combined for a tender texture.

Adjust lemon flavor – Add more zest or a few drops of lemon extract for a stronger citrus punch.

Check your mug size – Use a mug with enough space for the cake to rise without overflowing.

Microwave times vary – Start at 1 minute and add 10-second intervals until done.

Optional glaze – Mix a little powdered sugar with lemon juice for a quick drizzle on top.

Serving Suggestions

Add a glaze – A lemon glaze or simple powdered sugar icing takes it to another level.
Top with fruit – Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries pair beautifully.
Serve with tea – This cake is a lovely companion to a cup of chamomile or Earl Grey.

More Mug Cake Recipes

Enjoy these quick and easy cakes made in a mug!

Lemon Curd Mug Cake

Vegan Banana Bread Mug Cake

Orange Mug Cake