Vanilla Mug Cake: A super EASY microwavable mug cake recipe without egg and a few other simple ingredients ready in just 7 minutes.
Cake recipes are a favorite easy dessert around here, and after making this multiple times and perfecting it, we’ve decided this is the BEST vanilla mug cake recipe that there is!
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What is a Mug Cake?
A mug cake is a single-serving cake that you can make in a pinch when you have a craving for a sweet treat! With a few ingredients, you can microwave a cake in a microwave-safe mug, cup, or small bowl, for a perfect dessert just for you! If you’re looking to feed a crowd, this cloud cake would be a good alternative.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Dessert for one: When you’re on the hunt for single-serving desserts, this one tops the cake! (No pun intended… well, maybe a little.) Mug recipes may just become your new favorite thing!
- Microwaved: The best part is that this vanilla mug cake recipe is mixed in and microwaved in the mug so you don't have to dirty any dishes except your measuring cups and spoons.
- Kid-friendly: It’s the perfect treat if your kiddos have a sweet tooth and they want to try and make something on their own!
- Texture: I was so pleasantly surprised by the texture of this mug cake. I was expecting weird and chewy and spongy but instead, it was light and fluffy. A key to keeping the texture super light and fluffy is mixing it with a fork to help break up any clumps to create a smooth batter.
How do you make a vanilla mug cake from scratch?
It is made with common ingredients that you'll probably already have in your pantry and refrigerator, and you’ll only need a large mug to cook it in! You simply mix the ingredients (lightly) and then microwave them, and it’s ready to eat.
Ingredient List
This only takes a few simple ingredients! Make sure to see the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and instructions.
Wet Ingredients:
- melted butter
- vanilla extract
- milk
What kind of milk to use for mug cake? I’ve used 2% and whole milk when testing the recipe but you can use whatever milk you have on hand whether it’s skim, coconut, or almond milk. I’ve also had others tell me in the comments that they’ve used certain kinds and it works well too!
Dry Ingredients:
- white granulated sugar
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- salt
Step by Step Directions
- Add butter to your mug (or ramekin like I used on the day I took photos) and microwave until melted.
- Stir vanilla extract, milk, and sugar into the butter.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt (and sprinkles if using) and stir using a fork until combined. You don’t want a lot of clumps. (A couple is fine but not a lot.)
- Microwave mug cake for 1 minute and 10 seconds (I found to be the sweet spot) to 1-½ minutes. Microwave powers can vary.
TIP: You’ll want to watch it, and when the cake doesn’t look wet any longer, (a bit shiny is ok!), it should be ready!
Be careful removing the mug from the microwave as it may be hot.
FAQs
You can! If you don’t eat it all the first round, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to one day. To reheat, simply remove cover and reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until heated through.
Sure! If you don’t prefer to reheat it, you can eat it cold!
If you’re making a mug cake in the microwave, be sure to use a microwave-safe mug as it could be really hot to the touch when finished cooking! You can also use a small ramekin.
Absolutely! It’s a great way to enjoy a quick sweet treat when the craving hits! Plus, with this recipe, you can add in your favorite toppings if desired!
Usually one of two things: overmixing the batter, or overcooking it. Stir with a fork until combined, and pull it the second the top is set. A few extra seconds is all it takes to go from soft to rubbery.
Yes. Bake it in an oven-safe ramekin at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, until the top springs back.
About 60-90 seconds depending on your microwave’s wattage. Start at 60, then add 10 seconds at a time until the top is just set.
Yes! It’s made without eggs, perfect for when you’re out or just want a
quick single-serving treat.
Tips for the Best Vanilla Mug Cake
- Use a fork, not a spoon. This is the whole secret to a light, fluffy mug cake. A fork breaks up the flour so the batter gets completely smooth, and smooth batter is what bakes up fluffy. Don’t worry about “overmixing” here, that’s not the risk. The real mistake is under-stirring and leaving dry flour pockets, which sink and turn the bottom gummy. Stir with a fork until there are no lumps and no dry streaks, getting into the bottom and corners of the mug.
- Watch your microwave. Every microwave’s different. Start at the recommended time and add 10 seconds at a time. Overcooking is what turns it tough and dry.
- Spoon and level your flour. Scooping straight from the bag packs it in and
makes a heavy cake. - Use a mug that’s big enough. Remember, the batter rises as it cooks, so start with it about half full.
Vanilla Cake Topping Ideas
This vanilla mug cake is so great on its own but if you want to top this vanilla mug cake, here are my favorite ideas:
- Sprinkles (I’ve put those in the cake batter and have sprinkled on top.)
- A scoop of Vanilla Ice cream
- Mint Buttercream Frosting or Chocolate Buttercream
- Strawberries and Whipped Cream
- Fresh fruit
- Sliced bananas
- Peanut Butter
- A dollop of whipped cream
- Chocolate chips
- Nuts
- Brown Sugar
- A drizzle of chocolate sauce
- Salted caramel drizzle
More Cake Recipes You’ll Love
If you love easy dessert recipes like this vanilla mug cake, you’ll also love these top fan favorites! This Milky Way Cake is increasingly popular, as well as this Easy Carrot Cake, this 7Up Pound Cake, and this Easy Pound Cake.
Thank you to Meg's Everyday Indulgence for sharing another easy dessert recipe with us!
Did you make this? I’d be so grateful if you left a “star” rating below to let me know what you thought! Then, the next time you need a quick and easy recipe, come back to Fantabulosity to browse all of my easy recipes!
Recipe
Vanilla Mug Cake
Video
Equipment
- Microwave safe mug
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk any type will work
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- sprinkles if desired
Instructions
- Add butter to your mug. Microwave until melted. Stir vanilla extract, milk and sugar into the butter. Add flour, baking powder and salt (and sprinkles if using) and stir with a fork until combined and you have a smooth batter. (Make sure to scrape the sides and the bottoms to get any hidden clumps.)
- Microwave mug cake 1 minute to 2 minutes. (I found 1 minute and 10 seconds in the sweet spot for my microwave.) Be careful removing the mug from the microwave as it may be hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Elora says
I think it could’ve been way better if I did it right haha I eyeballed most of the ingredients and didn’t microwave it long enough. It was so good though!
Jessica says
Oh shoot! Well hopefully you’ll get a chance to make it again!