Strawberry Muffin in a Mug – Regular, WW and Keto Version

I love strawberry muffins. A warm one is just right for breakfast or dessert, and this strawberry muffin in a mug is perfect when you want a quick treat without making a whole batch.

I’ve loved strawberry muffins ever since Willow was a baby. She went through a stretch when she wouldn’t eat anything but strawberry muffins. She didn’t want baby food, only muffins, so I think I baked a batch almost every day for about two weeks. I wish I’d thought of a single-serving recipe back then!

A few weeks ago, I bought a big container of strawberries because I was craving muffins. By the time I was ready to bake, there were only six strawberries left. Willow still loves her strawberries, so I decided to make a small muffin in the microwave instead. That’s how this breakfast mug muffin came about.

How to Make a Muffin in a Cup

This cup muffin recipe is so easy. Stir the ingredients together, add the batter to a microwave-safe mug, and cook it in the microwave. You’ll have a warm, single-serving muffin in about five minutes, including prep.

I have a soft spot for recipes made in a mug. I make Peanut Butter Chocolate Lava Mug Cake, a spinach and feta omelet in a mug, and sausage, cheese, and eggs in a mug. Mug recipes are handy when you want one quick serving and don’t want a sink full of dishes.

This microwave muffin in a cup is egg-free as written. For a vegan version, use almond milk and dairy-free butter. You can also use a sugar substitute if you prefer.

Strawberry Muffin in a Mug Recipe

This recipe makes one muffin. Use a tall, microwave-safe ceramic mug with plenty of room for the batter to rise. A mug that holds at least 12 ounces works well.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Milk
• Butter
• Vanilla
• Strawberries

Directions

1. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or mug.
2. In a small bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla until just combined.
4. Chop the strawberries and fold them into the batter.
5. Spoon the batter into a tall, microwave-safe mug.
6. Microwave on high for about 2 minutes. Let the muffin cool for a few minutes before eating. The mug and muffin will be very hot.

Microwave power can change the cooking time. Start checking at about 90 seconds, then cook in 15-second bursts until the top looks set. If your microwave has lower wattage, it may need a little longer. Try not to overcook it, or the muffin can turn dry and rubbery.

How Many Strawberries Are in a Cup?

About 8 medium strawberries, sliced, make 1 cup. This recipe uses a little more than 1/4 cup, or about 3 strawberries. The exact number can vary depending on the size of the berries, so measuring them chopped is the easiest way to get the right amount.

Fresh strawberries are great, but you can use frozen or freeze-dried berries, too. Thaw frozen strawberries first and pat them dry so extra liquid doesn’t make the batter too wet. If you add them while still frozen, the muffin may need a little more cooking time. Check the center in short bursts. For freeze-dried strawberries, crush or chop them and stir them into the batter. They won’t add as much moisture as fresh berries, so the muffin may cook a little faster.

Weight Watchers Strawberry Muffin in a Mug

With the Weight Watchers ingredient swaps, this is a filling breakfast muffin in a mug or a simple dessert. The original recipe calculation is 3 SmartPoints per muffin. Points can vary based on your plan and the brands you use, so check your current tracker.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar substitute
• Baking powder
• Unsweetened almond milk
• Unsweetened applesauce
• Vanilla
• Strawberries

Directions

1. Mix the flour, sugar substitute, and baking powder in a small bowl.
2. Stir in the almond milk, applesauce, and vanilla.
3. Chop the strawberries and fold them into the batter.
4. Pour the batter into a tall, microwave-safe mug.
5. Microwave for about 2 minutes, checking for doneness near the end. Let it cool slightly before eating.

This version has about 228 calories, 48 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fiber per serving, based on the listed ingredients.

Keto Strawberry Muffin in a Mug

For a keto muffin in a mug, replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour, the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener, and the milk with heavy cream. Monk fruit sweetener and erythritol are options. The recipe information provided for this version lists about 6 net carbs, but the total will depend on the products and amounts you use.

Ingredients

• Almond flour
• Keto-friendly sugar substitute
• Baking powder
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Vanilla
• Strawberries

Directions

Follow the same mixing and cooking steps as the regular recipe. Almond flour can cook differently from all-purpose flour, so check the muffin early and add microwave time in short bursts if needed.

Gluten-Free Strawberry Mug Muffin

To make a gluten-free strawberry muffin in a mug, use a certified gluten-free cup-for-cup flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. You can also try certified gluten-free oat flour. Oat flour may make the muffin a little denser, so let the mixed batter sit for about 2 minutes before microwaving. Check for doneness at 90 seconds and add time as needed.

More Strawberry Mug Dessert Ideas

If you’re looking for more desserts to make with strawberries, try a simple strawberry shortcake mug variation. Make the regular batter without the berries, then spoon in chopped strawberries and a small spoonful of sweetened cream cheese before microwaving. Or top the finished muffin with sliced strawberries and a little whipped cream for an easy shortcake-style treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I microwave a muffin in a mug?

Start with about 90 seconds on high, then check the center. Most microwaves will take close to 2 minutes, but wattage and mug size affect cooking time. Add 15 seconds at a time until the top is set.

Can I make a mug muffin without eggs?

Yes. This strawberry muffin recipe has no egg, and the baking powder helps it rise. Stir the batter just until combined for a soft texture.

How do I keep my mug muffin from overflowing?

Use a tall mug that holds at least 12 ounces, and don’t fill it more than halfway with batter. The muffin needs room to rise as it cooks.

Can I prepare the dry ingredients ahead of time?

Yes. Combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder, then store the mix in an airtight container. When you’re ready to make a muffin, stir in the wet ingredients and strawberries.

What can I use instead of baking powder?

For this small recipe, baking powder is the easiest option. If you need to substitute, mix 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar with 1/16 teaspoon baking soda to replace 1/4 teaspoon baking powder.

Which is healthier, a muffin or a cupcake?

It depends on the ingredients and serving size. Muffins often have less frosting, while cupcakes usually have a sweet topping, but either can be high in sugar. This single-serving muffin lets you enjoy a small portion without baking a full batch.

What is the easiest mug cake recipe?

This strawberry muffin is one of the easiest mug recipes: mix the batter, add it to a mug, and microwave. You can also swap in other chopped berries when you want a different flavor.

For more Weight Watchers recipes, try Rocky Road Cupcakes, Chocolate Muffins, Weight Watchers Banana Pudding, Weight Watchers Chocolate Mousse, or Healthy Peanut Butter Fruit Dip.