Alright, picture this: a cozy Sunday morning with the sun peeking through the window, and the kitchen filled with the warm, sweet scent of cinnamon and baked apples. That’s exactly what this Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Mug Cake brings to your day—a quick, comforting treat that feels like a hug in cake form. And the best part? It’s ready in minutes, perfect when you want something indulgent but without the fuss. The cottage cheese adds this delightful tang and moisture that keeps the cake wonderfully tender, while the spiced apples create little bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find this mug cake is just the little pick-me-up your morning or afternoon needs!
Quick Facts
Yield: Serves 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 7 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
1/4 cup cottage cheese
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
1/4 cup diced apple (peeled or unpeeled, your choice)
Pinch of salt
Optional: a small handful of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
How I Make It
Step 1:
In a microwave-safe mug, combine the cottage cheese, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until smooth—don’t worry if the cottage cheese has some small curds; that adds texture you’ll love!
Step 2:
Add the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the mug. Stir everything gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; you want the batter to stay fluffy.
Step 3:
Fold in the diced apples and nuts if you’re using them. These little pockets of fruit will burst with flavor as the cake cooks.
Step 4:
Microwave the mug on high for about 1 minute 45 seconds to 2 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the cake should rise nicely and look set but still moist.
Step 5:
Let the mug cake cool for a minute or two. It’s tempting to dig right in, but trust me—waiting helps the flavors settle.
Step 6:
If you want to get fancy, top it with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, maybe even a little Greek yogurt for creaminess. Then, enjoy every warm, comforting bite!
Variations & Tips
Swap in almond or oat flour for a gluten-free version.
Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra spice depth.
Try diced pears instead of apples for a twist.
If you prefer sweeter, mix in a tablespoon of maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
Microwave power varies—if yours tends to cook hot, lower the time and check frequently.
How I Like to Serve It
This mug cake is perfect on brisk autumn mornings, paired with a steamy cup of chai or coffee. I love it as a quick afternoon snack when I need a little cozy pick-me-up. For a brunch twist, serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy!
Notes
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat briefly in the microwave.
You can substitute plain yogurt or ricotta for the cottage cheese if needed—just expect a slightly different texture.
Closing: This recipe never fails to give me that warm, comforting feeling with minimal effort—trust me, it’ll become your go-to cozy treat too!
Hi, I’m Lina, the creator of Lina Easy Recipes. Cooking has always been my passion, and I love sharing simple, homemade dishes that anyone can prepare.
