Oatmeal Apple & Dried Fruit Mug Cakes

Yields: 4 large mugs or ramekins
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2–3 minutes (microwave) or 20–25 minutes (oven)

These cozy oat-based mug cakes are soft, lightly spiced, and filled with apples, dried fruit, and nuts. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a warm dessert.

🧺 Ingredients

Dry Base

1 cup (100 g) oatmeal (rolled or quick-cook)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
A small pinch of salt

Mix-ins

½ cup (50 g) dried apricots, finely chopped
½ cup (50 g) dried cranberries
30 g almonds, chopped
Optional: a small handful of chocolate chips

Wet Ingredients

2 eggs
⅓ cup (80 ml) Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 apples, peeled and grated

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Batter

Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, Greek yogurt, and vegetable oil. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and evenly blended.

Add the Fruits
Gently stir in the grated apples, chopped apricots, and dried cranberries so they are evenly spread through the mixture.

Add the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle in the oatmeal, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Stir gently until everything is well combined.

Allow the mixture to rest for 2–3 minutes so the oats can absorb some moisture and soften slightly.

Add Nuts and Chocolate (Optional)
Fold in the chopped almonds and chocolate chips, mixing only until evenly distributed.

2️⃣ Prepare the Mugs

Lightly coat four microwave-safe mugs or oven-safe ramekins with a little oil or butter.

Spoon the batter evenly into each mug, filling them no more than three-quarters full to allow space for the cakes to rise.

3️⃣ Cooking Methods

🔹 Microwave Method (Quick Option)

Place one mug at a time in the microwave.
Cook on high power for 2 to 3 minutes.

The cake should look set on top and feel soft but springy when lightly touched.

Repeat with the remaining mugs.

🔹 Oven Method (Traditional Option)

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Arrange the filled mugs or ramekins on a baking tray.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

Enjoy warm with a spoon of yogurt or honey
Sprinkle with powdered sugar
Add a drizzle of maple syrup
Serve with tea, coffee, or warm milk

💡 Helpful Tip for Texture

For a finer, cake-like crumb, you can blend the oatmeal briefly in a blender to make a soft oat flour before mixing it with the other dry ingredients.