Mediterranean Cuppa Cuppa Cake
Mediterranean Cuppa Cuppa Cake is a charming, single-serve dessert designed to satisfy cravings with minimal effort. Inspired by cozy Mediterranean flavors, this cake is made directly in a cup, offering a soft, moist texture infused with olive oil, citrus, and subtle spices. Perfect for when you want a quick treat without baking a whole cake, it’s ideal for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a last-minute dessert. Despite being a mug cake style, it is rich in flavor and balanced, combining the gentle sweetness of honey or natural sugar with the aromatic notes of orange or lemon, and a touch of cinnamon.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes (microwave)
Total Time: 7 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients
For the Cake:
4 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 tablespoon almond flour (optional for nuttiness)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon milk or almond milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Zest of ½ lemon or orange
Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
A dollop of Greek yogurt
Fresh berries
Drizzle of honey
Chopped nuts
Instructions
In a microwave-safe cup or small ramekin, mix all dry ingredients: flour, almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and citrus zest.
Add olive oil, milk, honey, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
Stir gently until all ingredients are combined into a smooth batter.
Ensure there are no pockets of dry flour at the bottom of the cup.
Microwave the cup on high for 90 seconds. Cooking time may vary depending on the microwave.
Check the cake with a toothpick or fork; it should come out clean.
Allow the cake to cool for 1–2 minutes before adding toppings.
Top with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, or nuts for added flavor and texture.
Drizzle a little honey or maple syrup if desired.
Serve immediately, enjoying it warm and fresh from the cup.
Tips
Use a ceramic or microwave-safe mug for even cooking.
Do not overfill the cup; batter should not exceed ¾ of the mug’s height.
Stir gently to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
Olive oil provides moisture and a subtle Mediterranean flavor.
Adjust honey to taste if you prefer a sweeter cake.
Adding almond flour enhances nuttiness and texture.
Citrus zest elevates the flavor profile—use fresh zest for best aroma.
Allow the cake to rest a minute after microwaving for structure.
Avoid microwaving too long to prevent dryness.
Serve with toppings to balance sweetness and add freshness.
Variations
Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
Fold in 1 tablespoon of chopped dried figs or dates for Mediterranean sweetness.
Add 1 teaspoon of orange liqueur or coffee for depth of flavor.
Replace milk with almond milk or oat milk for dairy free.
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before microwaving for a crispy crust.
Add a teaspoon of finely chopped pistachios for crunch.
Stir in a few fresh blueberries for fruitiness.
Mix in ½ teaspoon ground cardamom for a warm, aromatic note.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness.
Top with a spoon of ricotta or mascarpone for creaminess.
Questions and Answers
Can I bake this cake in the oven instead of microwave?
Yes, bake at 175°C (350°F) for 12–15 minutes in a small ramekin.
Can I double the recipe for more servings?
Yes, make multiple cups, but cook each separately.
Can I make it vegan?
Use plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of honey.
Is it very sweet?
It is mildly sweet; you can adjust honey or syrup to taste.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, it works, but the texture will be slightly denser.
Can I store leftovers?
It’s best eaten fresh, but you can refrigerate for 1 day and rewarm gently.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, fold in 1 teaspoon for extra indulgence.
Does it rise like a regular cake?
It rises slightly but is denser than a full-size cake.
Can I prepare it without a microwave?
Yes, small ramekins in a preheated oven will work.
Can kids make this recipe?
Yes, it is easy and safe for supervised children.
Nutrition
(Per Serving Approximate)
Calories: 230
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g
Conclusion
Mediterranean Cuppa Cuppa Cake is proof that a small, simple dessert can feel indulgent and flavorful. With the gentle richness of olive oil, aromatic spices, and fresh citrus zest, it captures the essence of Mediterranean home baking in just a few minutes. Easy to customize with toppings and variations, it is a versatile treat for breakfast, dessert, or snack time. Quick, comforting, and satisfying, this little cup of cake brings warmth and flavor to any occasion.