Vegan Pumpkin Mug Cake

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Try this vegan pumpkin mug cake with chocolate chips for a yummy single-serve dessert that’s perfect for Fall and can be made in just 5 minutes.

Close up of a pumpkin mug cake with chocolate chips and whipped cream.

This easy treat has the yummiest pumpkin spice flavour and is fluffy, moist and so delicious. Plus, it’s super easy to make in just a few minutes with simple pantry ingredients.

This recipe is great for crisp Fall days when you want something sweet but don’t want to go all out with a big dessert. It’s also the best way to use up that bit of leftover pumpkin puree in the fridge! If you’re not in the mood for pumpkin, you can also try this Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake.

Recipe Features

  • Vegan and gluten-free. Can be made oil-free and sugar-free if needed.
  • Easy to make in about 5 minutes.
  • Calls for just a few simple pantry ingredients.
  • Amazing topped with whipped cream, ice cream, coconut yogurt or cashew frosting.
  • Great way to use up leftover pumpkin puree.

Ingredient Notes

Visual list of ingredients for making a pumpkin mug cake.

This list is not complete. Please see the recipe card at the end of the post for the complete ingredient list with measurements and detailed instructions.

  • Flour: This recipe can be made with gluten-free all purpose flour, all purpose flour, whole wheat flour or spelt flour.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice you can use a 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp each of nutmeg, ginger and a pinch of all spice.
  • Oil: You can use any kind of oil here such as avocado, olive, canola or melted coconut oil. If you prefer an oil-free recipe, you can replace the oil with unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana or drippy almond or peanut butter.
  • Milk: You can use almond, cashew, soy or oat milk.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Use plain, canned pumpkin puree. Good quality makes a big different in colour, taste and texture! I like Farmer’s Market or ED Smith.
  • Chocolate Chips: For a vegan recipe, use dairy-free chocolate chips such as Enjoy Life, otherwise any chocolate chips work. If you don’t have chocolate chips on hand, some chopped dark chocolate also works. For a healthier, lower-sugar recipe, you can omit the chocolate chips.

Expert Tips

Here are some expert tips for mug cake success!

  • A shorter, wider mug works best for even cooking and the best fluff.
  • Make sure the ingredients are fully incorporated. You can mix everything up at once but I like to mix the wet ingredients first then add the dry and combine. Either way, just make sure it’s well mixed and all dry bits are wetted.
Mixed pumpkin batter in a mug with a spoon.
  • Good quality pumpkin puree will make a big difference in texture and flavour. I like Farmer’s Market Organic Pumpkin or ED Smith Pumpkin Puree best.
  • Avoid overcooking the mug cake. Watch for the edges looking firm and cooked and the err on the side of slightly undercooked in the middle of the cake as it will continue to cook as it cools.
  • Be sure to let it cool for 5 minutes for best results.
  • Yummy topping ideas include peanut butter, melted chocolate, coconut yogurt, the homemade glaze from this Vegan Monkey Bread or cashew frosting from this Vegan Cinnamon Rolls , dairy-free whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Spoon lifting a spoonful of pumpkin mug cake out of a mug.

FAQs

Can I make this sugar-free?

Yes. For a sugar-free mug-cake, omit the sugar and sweeten the batter to taste with stevia or monk fruit. You’ll also need to omit the chocolate chips or use sugar-free chocolate chips such as Lily’s.

Can I make this fat-free?

Yes. For a fat-free mug cake, replace the oil with unsweetened applesauce and omit the chocolate chips.

What can I do with leftover pumpkin puree?

So many yummy things! Try adding a scoop to pancakes, coffee, my pumpkin peanut butter smoothie or pumpkin oatmeal.

You can also use it all kinds of recipes like these no-bake pumpkin pecan balls, vegan pumpkin pasta, pumpkin energy bars, pumpkin granola or baked pumpkin oatmeal bars.

Spoonful of pumpkin chocolate chip mug cake over a mug of cake topped with whipped cream.
Close up of a pumpkin mug cake with chocolate chips and whipped cream.

Vegan Pumpkin Mug Cake

By: Deryn Macey
The best vegan chocolate chip pumpkin mug cake! You’ll love this sweet treat for an easy single-serve Fall dessert you can enjoy in minutes.
Prep: 2 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 7 minutes
Servings: 1
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Ingredients 

  • 1 ½ teaspoons oil, 7.5 mL
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened non-dairy milk, 30 mL
  • 2 tablespoons sugar, 25 g
  • 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree, 45 g
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup gluten-free or regular all-purpose flour, 30 g
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • pinch sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons dairy-free chocolate chips, 30 g

Instructions 

  • Add the oil, milk, sugar, pumpkin puree and vanilla to a mug and mix well for 15-30 seconds until fully combined.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until everything is incorporated.
  • Microwave on high for 85 seconds. Watch for the sides being firm but err on the side of slightly undercooked in the middle. It's better to be a little underdone rather than overcooked as it will continue to cook as it cools. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  • Serve as is or top with whipped cream or your favourite vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Oil may be substituted with applesauce or dripped almond or peanut butter for an oil-free mug cake.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cake, Calories: 300kcal, Carbohydrates: 55g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 8g, Sodium: 319mg, Fiber: 3g
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