Easy Vanilla Mug Cake Recipe

I’d like a mug of dessert please.

It’s no secret that I love cake, it’s one of my absolute favorite desserts and this super simple vanilla mug cake is perfect for those late night one off cravings. It easy to do in a pinch and only takes a few common baking items that most everyone has in their pantry already. The best part, is that it is ready in only a few minutes and takes very little time and effort to prepare, making it the perfect single serving snack.

This delicious vanilla mug cake is fluffy, buttery, moist, and not too sweet. It tastes just like a vanilla cupcake, with out all of the hassle of having to use a bunch of mixing bowls and baking pans. That’s right, this wonderful little dessert can be made in your favorite mug! This recipe makes baking and clean up super easy, and since it is a single serving, its perfect for those concerned with portion control.

Change the way you bake

You have never made a cake in the microwave, well don’t worry. This vanilla mug cake comes out just as good as any traditional baked cake, and with a fraction of the time and effort. From start to finish it takes less than ten minutes, that’s unheard of with any standard cake. Plus it still has all of the amazing flavor of that traditional baked cake. It really is a wonderful dessert after any meal, or even the perfect late night snack. The addition of the sprinkles give the cake a fun pop of color and an extra little hint of sugar. Other goodies like chocolate chips can be added as well, but we will talk more about that later.

Ingredients

1/4 cup + 1 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 dash salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon rainbow sprinkles optional

How to Make Easy Vanilla Mug Cake

Step 1: In your favorite mug (at least 12 oz size), mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and a dash of salt.

Step 2: To the same mug, add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is smooth. Make sure to reach the bottom to avoid any flour pockets.

Step 3: Fold in the rainbow sprinkles if you’re in the mood for a little extra joy!

Step 4: Cook on high in the microwave for about 70-90 seconds. The top should look set when it’s done. Let it cool for a minute before digging in. Be careful, it’s hot!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

This cake is best eaten right away, but if you are looking for a time saving tip, you can mix all of the dry ingredients in the mug and set it aside for later. Then when you are ready to bake, simply add in the wet ingredients, give it a quick mix, then bake it.

Is there an easy way to make multiple cakes at once?

Absolutely, if you would like to make multiple servings of this cake you can multiply the recipe by how many servings you would like. Then mix up the batter in a large bowl, and divide the batter into the individual mugs and bake. Note that cooking multiple mugs at once may increase the cooking time.

Can I over mix this batter?

Yes, you want to stir the ingredients until the are just combined. If you over mix the batter it will activate the gluten in the flour and your cake will come out dense and rubbery.

Do I have to use all purpose flour?

No, if you use a flour like a baking flour or a OO (bread) flour, the end result will be a finer more delicate cake.

Serving Suggestions

This vanilla mug cake gives you the opportunity to deliver some incredible flavor combination. You can easily switch out the sprinkles for the chocolate chips I mentioned earlier or switch those out with another favorite chip. My personal favorite are butterscotch, the melt in just the right way and put a dollop of whipped cream on top and you have yourself a fast and fancy dessert in the palm of your hand.

Don’t stop at chips, no. Dried fruit and nuts can add some texture and body, taking your simple cake in a new and delicious direction. Coconut and even chocolate baking powder make for an amazing combo, that never disappoints. Around the holidays mix in a little pumpkin or put a dollop of jam in the center before baking for an ooey gooey surprise.

Speaking of pumpkin, our classic Pumpkin Cupcakes are a fantastic fall pleaser at gatherings. Our Easy Vanilla Bundt Cake is one of those must make recipes and the Peppermint Bark Popcorn is handful after handful of happiness.