Vanilla Mug Cake: A super EASY mug cake recipe, using no egg, and uses simple ingredients that you make in the microwave!
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 mug cake recipe that there is!
Recipe updated September 2021
Jump to:
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!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- 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!
- 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.
- It’s the perfect treat if your kiddos have a sweet tooth and they want to try and make something on their own!
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 can also find the entire recipe in the card below for this great recipe!
Ingredient List
This only takes a few simple ingredients!
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp. butter (for melted butter)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp. baking powder
- 1/8 tsp. salt
Note: I used 2% milk when testing the recipe but you can use whatever milk you have on hand whether it’s whole, skim or almond milk.
Step by Step Directions
- Add butter to your mug and microwave until melted.
- Stir vanilla extract, milk, and sugar into the butter.
- Add flour, baking powder and salt and stir until just combined.
- Microwave mug cake 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Be careful removing the mug from the microwave as it may be hot.
You can! If you don’t eat it all the first round, cover 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!
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!
Light and Fluffy Vanilla Cake
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 just until it comes together. Any extra stirring could make it tough or gummy.
Packed with Vanilla Flavor
This easy vanilla mug cake recipe is packed with so much vanilla flavor. The recipe includes a teaspoon of vanilla to make sure that flavor gets through.
You could even use vanilla bean paste if you have it on hand to punch up the flavor even more. You can purchase it on Amazon, at some grocery stores and I’ve even seen it at Wal-Mart in their cake decorating section (not in the grocery area).
Vanilla Cake Topping Ideas
This vanilla mug cake is so great on its own but if you want to get really wild I have some fun ideas for you.
- Scoop of Vanilla Ice cream
- 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
How fun would it be to set up a selection of toppings for movie night or your kid’s birthday parties!
Or, make it a baking party and everyone can make their own little mug cakes! See the baking party for some ideas, where they used cookies, but could easily be turned in to mini cakes!
More Cake Recipes You’ll Love
If you love easy dessert recipes, you’ll also love these top fan favorites!
Thank you to Meg’s Everyday Indulgence for sharing another easy dessert recipe with us!
Vanilla Mug Cake
Equipment
- Microwave safe mug
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp. baking powder
- 1/8 tsp. salt
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 stir until just combined.
- Microwave mug cake 1.5 to 2 minutes. Be careful removing the mug from the microwave as it may be hot.
Video
Notes
- Ice cream
- Strawberries and Whipped Cream
- Fresh berries
- Sliced bananas
- Peanut Butter
- A dollop of whipped cream
- Chocolate chips
- Nuts
- Brown sugar
- A drizzle of chocolate sauce
- Salted caramel drizzle
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.
Ann says
Cake recipes in mugs are always so interesting and unusual. Indeed, we are used to pouring tea into mugs rather than making cakes in them 🙂 I really like vanilla flavor and this recipe has become one of my favorites, I cook it every weekend when I want something sweet. Once I tried to add cocoa, but I like vanilla more anyway. Thank you for sharing such detailed and delicious recipes.
Jessica says
Aw, I’m so glad that you like this recipe!! Thank you so much for letting us know!
Natalie says
Perfect for when I need something sweet all to myself!! Thank you!! Love vanilla cake!
Jessica says
For real! I can totally relate to this, and I love vanilla cake too!
Tiffiny says
Not bad for being microwaved. It reminds me of the puréed waffles I used to get in the hospital…it was the only thing that was good. Super good with a little syrup
Trang says
I seriously do have cake cravings sometimes but then feel bad about getting or making a whole cake because I’d be the only one eating it and/or it takes time to make! I love that I can make this so quickly and just for myself!
Jessica says
YES! I can totally relate this feeling!
Anna says
Love love love this recipe! I don’t have to bake a whole cake when I am just craving a slice!
Jessica says
YES! No wasted left-overs either!
Sara Welch says
Love quick and easy desserts! This is just what I needed to cure my sweet tooth!
Jessica says
YES! This is the perfect way to satisfy a sweet tooth quickly! 🙂
Krissy Allori says
I love this for when I need a treat but don’t want to make a whole big amount.. Thanks!
Jessica says
You’re so right! Thank you!
Sri says
OMG ,for real ,this is hands down the best mug cake ever.If your still looking for a good mug cake recipe,your search ends here.make it nd you’ll know y we love this mug cake so much.Thank you for this wonderful mug cake recipe ,fantabulosity.
Jessica says
Aww, I’m so glad that you like it!! Thank you for sharing!
Cath says
This is the truly best!! My first mug cake ever!! Had a lot of doubts since it’s my first but I would really love to do this over and over again!!
Jessica says
Yay!! I’m so glad, thank you for sharing!
Amy Hyde says
This was excellent! Light, fluffy and so simple. No big mess or pans. I added a touch of almond extract with the vanilla. it also makes great banana pudding, just mash up half a ripe banana cook as normal. Drizzle a bit of caramel over it. Serve warm. Thank you for this godsend of a recipe!!!
Jessica says
I’m so glad that you liked it! Thank you so much for letting me know!
Mia Hyde says
The best mug cake I ever tried. I added some mashed banana, or whip cream topping. It’s so warm and satisfying with only normal pantry items. Thank you!
Jessica says
Yay! I’m so glad that you likd it Mia! Thank you for sharing and leaving a review!
Frie says
Honestly after I got it out I had major doubts cause it looked little (I didn’t look at how big it would be) but it really is delicious and I will definitely make it again.
Jessica says
That’s so great! Oh yes, it’s made for one serving, which is why I like it because sometimes I’m the only one who wants something sweet! 🙂 I’m so glad that you liked this mug cake! Thank you for taking the time to share and leave a review!
Toni says
This was a huge hit at my house! Such a perfectly easy treat!
Jessica says
I’m so glad you liked this vanilla cake too! Thank you for sharing!
Kristyn says
You know, sometimes you just need some warm, moist, delicious cake all for yourself! And, this recipe is perfect for that!! It turns out perfectly!
Jessica says
I feel the exact same way about this mug cake too! Thank you so much for sharing!
Tammie Rainworst says
It doesn’t get any easier than this! So delicious!
Jessica says
Thank you Tammie! So glad that you liked this vanilla mug cake too!
Pamela says
Flavor was good but it only rose about halfway up the mug, and was a bit chewy. Cooked right at 2 minutes.