Oh, my sweet lemon lovers—this one’s for you! 🍋 Thank you for being here today, because I can’t wait to share one of my quickest, most indulgent desserts yet: Lemon Lava Mug Cake with Condensed Milk. This little beauty combines tangy lemon flavor with a molten, creamy center, all made in just your microwave. Yes, dessert miracles do happen!

If you love easy, comforting recipes that make you smile from the first bite, you’re going to want to bookmark this one. And if you haven’t yet, subscribe to my email list so you never miss a recipe that could instantly brighten your day.

Overview of Recipe Content

This Lemon Lava Mug Cake is a single-serving dessert dream: fluffy, sweet-tart cake on the outside with a molten condensed milk “lava” surprise in the middle. Perfect for when you want something indulgent but don’t have the patience for baking a full cake.

Why you’ll love it:

Ready in under 5 minutes.
No oven required—just your trusty microwave.
Uses pantry staples.
Tangy, bright lemon flavor pairs beautifully with creamy condensed milk.
Portion-controlled, but oh-so-satisfying.

What it tastes like:
Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy, warm lemon cake—only to have a silky, sweet condensed milk sauce ooze out. It’s sunshine in dessert form.

Seasonal Relevance:
Perfect for spring and summer when lemons are vibrant and fresh, but honestly? I make it year-round for a quick mood lift.

Ingredients:

Lemon Lava Mug Cake with Condensed Milk mug

4 tbsp self-raising flour
2 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp lemon zest (or more for stronger flavour)
3 tbsp milk
1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (for lava centre)

Optional toppings:

Icing sugar
Extra lemon zest
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Tools needed:

Microwave-safe mug
Spoon for mixing
Measuring spoons
Zester or fine grater

Suggested substitutions:

Flour: Use all-purpose + 1/4 tsp baking powder if you don’t have self-raising.
Milk: Any dairy or plant-based milk will work.
Condensed milk: Try lemon curd or white chocolate ganache for a twist.

How to Make Lemon Lava Mug Cake with Condensed Milk

Step 1 – Mix the dry ingredients:
In your microwave-safe mug, combine self-raising flour, sugar, and lemon zest. Give it a quick stir.

Step 2 – Add the wet ingredients:
Stir in the milk, lemon juice, melted butter, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth batter.

Step 3 – Create the lava center:
Spoon the condensed milk into the center of the batter. Don’t stir—this is our lava surprise!

Step 4 – Microwave:
Cook on high for 60–90 seconds, depending on your microwave. The cake should rise and set on top, but still feel soft.

Step 5 – Garnish and enjoy:
Dust with icing sugar, add a little more lemon zest, and top with whipped cream or ice cream if you’re feeling fancy.

What to Serve with Lemon Lava Mug Cake

A dollop of whipped cream for extra lightness.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for that hot-cold contrast.
Fresh berries for a refreshing pop.

Tips for Making It Perfect

Don’t overcook—microwaves vary, so check at the 60-second mark.
Fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable for best flavor.
If your butter is too hot when mixing, it can start to cook the batter—let it cool slightly first.

Storage Instructions

Best enjoyed fresh out of the microwave. If you must store it, keep covered in the fridge for up to 1 day and reheat in 10-second bursts.

General Information

This recipe is part of the mug cake revolution—born from the need for instant dessert gratification without baking a whole cake. It’s an easy way to turn lemons (literally) into pure joy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this without condensed milk?
Yes! Try lemon curd or white chocolate ganache for a different molten center.

2. Can I bake it in the oven instead?
Sure—bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12–15 minutes in an oven-safe ramekin.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook each mug separately for best results.

Conclusion

The Lemon Lava Mug Cake with Condensed Milk is proof that dessert can be both luxurious and lightning-fast. If you loved this, try my Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake or Microwave Chocolate Lava Mug Cake for more instant indulgence.

Interactive Elements

Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below and let me know how much you loved it!
Share your creation on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram with your lemony masterpiece.