Apple Cinnamon Coffee (Mug) Cake

I know what you're thinking, "She made another mug cake". Darn right I did! And this one is FANTASTIC (as are all the other ones I've made and posted)! In this version, think coffee cake - a moist cake with hints of apple and cinnamon - topped with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar crumble. Just like the real deal, but healthy and ready in 90 seconds!

What I love most about mug cakes - aside from the fact that it's CAKE - is that I can whip them up at the last minute. There are many nights when the boys and I are craving something sweet, and we want something warm and fresh from the oven. There's almost ZERO chance I'm baking a cake at 7 PM on a school night, so mug cakes are the perfect solution. Plus, I can make 1, 2, 3 - as many I want.

So why did I say this was "healthy"? Because the applesauce serves as all the moisture in the cake - replacing any fat that you might otherwise need. You need just 1 egg and 2 teaspoons of oil - for TWO cakes. Yes, there's sugar, but just a little over 2 tablespoons per person. Not bad for a scrumptious dessert.

Apple Cinnamon Coffee (Mug) Cake

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup applesauce, unsweetened
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/4 cup of the sugar, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of the cinnamon, and salt. In a small bowl, combine the teaspoon of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.
In a third bowl, whisk together the applesauce, egg, oil, and vanilla. Add the apple mixture to the flour mixture and whisk until blended.
Spoon the batter into 2 microwave-safe mugs, filling the mugs about 2/3 full. Microwave the mug cakes one at a time, and cook on HIGH (uncovered) for 90 seconds each.
Sprinkle the mug cakes with the cinnamon-sugar mixture and serve warm.

Makes 2 mug cakes