Lemon Cottage Cheese Mug Cake – A Shockingly Fast, Bright & Cozy Treat

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By Gianna Poulef

Lemon Cottage Cheese Mug Cake

Thank you so much for being here. When life calls for something sweet right now—not in an hour, not after preheating an oven—this Lemon Cottage Cheese Mug Cake answers the call. It’s tangy, light, softly sweet, and comes together in minutes using simple ingredients and one humble mug.

This is the kind of dessert I make when the kids are asking for “just a little something,” or when I want a quiet, lemony treat with my afternoon coffee. It feels special without being fussy, nourishing without trying too hard. And if quick, feel-good recipes like this make your heart happy, don’t forget to subscribe by email so you never miss one.

Overview of Recipe Content

This lemon mug cake uses cottage cheese for moisture and protein, almond flour for tenderness, and fresh lemon juice and zest for bright, sunny flavor. It’s cooked in the microwave, making it perfect for busy days or late-night cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in under 5 minutes
  • Single-serving, no waste
  • Light, fluffy, and tangy
  • Naturally gluten-free
  • Kid-approved and adult-loved

What It Tastes Like

Soft and cake-like with a gentle lemon zing and subtle honey sweetness. Think lemon cheesecake meets fluffy snack cake—warm, comforting, and fresh all at once.

Health & Lifestyle Notes

This mug cake is refined-flour-free, protein-rich, and naturally sweetened. It’s a lovely option for lighter desserts, afternoon snacks, or even a cozy breakfast moment.

Ingredients (1 Generous Serving)

This Now, Make It Later!
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

  • Blender or immersion blender
  • Microwave-safe mug or ramekin
  • Measuring spoons & cups

Optional Add-Ins & Toppings

  • Fresh berries
  • Powdered erythritol for dusting
  • Whipped cream or Greek yogurt
  • Extra lemon zest
  • White chocolate chips

How to Make Lemon Cottage Cheese Mug Cake

Step 1: Blend the Base

Add cottage cheese to a blender and blend until completely smooth. This ensures a fluffy, cheesecake-like texture.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a bowl or directly in the blender, combine blended cottage cheese with lemon juice, zest, honey, almond flour, baking powder, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Microwave

Pour batter into a greased microwave-safe mug. Microwave on high for 90 seconds to 2 minutes, until set but still moist.

Step 4: Rest & Enjoy

Let sit for 1 minute. Top with fruit or enjoy as-is—warm and cozy.

What to Serve with Lemon Cottage Cheese Mug Cake

  • Fresh strawberries or blueberries
  • Greek yogurt or skyr
  • Hot tea or coffee
  • A drizzle of honey or lemon glaze

You may also love these Poulef favorites:

Tips for Making It Perfect

  • Blend cottage cheese until silky smooth
  • Don’t overcook—slightly moist is best
  • Microwave times vary; check at 90 seconds
  • Use fresh lemon for best flavor
  • Let it rest before eating

Storage Instructions

This mug cake is best enjoyed fresh. If needed:

  • Refrigerator: Cover and store up to 24 hours
  • Reheat: Microwave 10–15 seconds

General Information

Mug cakes became popular for their speed and simplicity, but this version takes things a step further with cottage cheese—adding moisture, protein, and a cheesecake-like richness without heaviness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it taste like cottage cheese?
No—the flavor disappears once blended and cooked.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cottage cheese alternatives.

Is this gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free.

Can I bake it instead?
Yes—bake at 350°F for about 12–15 minutes.

Can I double it?
Absolutely—use two mugs or a small dish.

Conclusion

This Lemon Cottage Cheese Mug Cake is proof that dessert doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special. Bright, cozy, and ready in minutes, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Interactive Elements

If you try this mug cake, leave a review—it truly helps others find it.
Share your mug cake moments on Pinterest and tag me here:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Nutritional Information (Approximate, Per Serving)

NutrientAmount
Calories210
Fat7g
Saturated Fat2g
Carbohydrates24g
Sugar14g
Protein11g
Sodium220mg
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Lemon Cottage Cheese Mug Cake – A Shockingly Fast, Bright & Cozy Treat


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  • Author: Gianna Poulef
  • Total Time: 7 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This lemon cottage cheese mug cake is light, tangy, and ready in minutes. A quick, cozy dessert made with simple ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup cottage cheese

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons honey

1/4 cup almond flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract


Instructions

1. Blend cottage cheese until smooth.

2. Mix with remaining ingredients until smooth.

3. Pour into greased microwave-safe mug.

4. Microwave 90 seconds to 2 minutes until set.

5. Rest 1 minute and enjoy.

Notes

Microwave times vary.

Do not overcook.

Top with fresh fruit if desired.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Microwave
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mug cake
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg
Lemon Cottage Cheese Mug Cake – A Shockingly Fast, Bright & Cozy Treat
Gianna Poulef
CEO, Chef & Recipe Creator at BLYNO LLC | Website

I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.

Let’s be friends!

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