Easy Microwave Vanilla Mug Cake

This easy vanilla mug cake is the ultimate single-serve dessert. Rich, decadent and ready in less than 2 minutes. What more could you ask for in a dessert?

Mug cakes have to be one of the best dessert inventions. How brilliant is it that you can pull together a few ingredients, pop them in the microwave and you’ve got an indulgent dessert ready in just minutes. No need to pull out any fancy equipment or turn on the oven to make this vanilla mug dessert. Perfect for those hot summer days when you can’t imagine turning the oven on.

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Great for an after school or bedtime snack, this mug cake is easily modifiable to whatever you have on hand. Top the mug cake with ice cream, you favorite cake toppings, drizzle some chocolate sauce or top with this Easy Cinnamon Whipped Cream. You can also keep it simple and cup up some berries and you are all set. It tastes great on its own too so don’t feel compelled to add anything. I sometimes like to mix a few chocolate chip into the batter for just a sprinkling of chocolate flavor.

For the best results I suggest you prepare the mug cake when you want to eat it as it tastes ideal straight from the microwave. You can easily double the recipe to make two mug cakes in one mug or bake them separately in two different mugs.

If you aren’t familiar with the concept of a mug cake it is a single serve cake that bakes up in a mug in the microwave. The microwave cooks up the cake in just minutes. It couldn’t be more simple or delicious. Just note however that the texture will not be the same as a cake you bake in the oven. The mug cake still tastes great just not exactly the same as an oven-baked cake.

If you are looking for more quick and easy dessert options try this Easy and Delicious No Bake Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake, these M&M Cookies Ice Cream Sandwich, or this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Fudge.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe For Vanilla Mug Cake

• Rich and moist
• Intense vanilla flavor
• Perfect for one person
• Cooks up in no time at all
• Easily modifiable

If you end up loving this mug cake as much as me, you’ll want to try this chocolate mug cake version below, too!

Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Bowl
• Whisk
• Mug

Ingredients To Make Vanilla Mug Cake

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• Frosting and toppings of choice

How To Make Mug Cake

In a small mug combine the melted butter, milk, sugar, and vanilla.

Add the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Mix just until the ingredient are combined.

Pour the batter into a large microwave-safe mug.

Microwave on high for 90 seconds, then check for doneness (a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean). If the cake is not fully cooked through, microwave for an additional 30 seconds, or until done.

Cool slightly then add the toppings of your choice and enjoy.

Variations

• The topping ideas are endless. Use store-bought frosting, whipped cream or Cool Whip, chocolate, hot fudge, or caramel sauce. Or top the mug cake with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, a chopped candy bar, sprinkles, chopped nuts, or M&M’s.

• Fresh fruit balances the flavors of the cake well so top with fresh berries or sliced bananas. You can also add a dollop of Nutella or peanut butter or sprinkle the mug cake with cinnamon and brown sugar.
• The recipe can be doubled and made in separate mugs or made in one large mug, but if made in one mug additional cooking time will be needed (add 30 seconds and check for doneness, then add more time if needed).

Tips and Tricks

• Make sure there is enough room in the mug for the cake to rise. Otherwise, there will be a messy overflow to clean up. If you are worried the cake may overflow, place the mug on a microwave-safe plate in the microwave.
• Spray the mug lightly with cooking spray so the cake doesn’t stick.
• Let the cake cool down slightly when you remove it from the microwave.
• Any leftover cake can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

FAQs

Can I make this mug cake in the oven?

No, this recipe has been designed to cook in the microwave, not the oven.

Can I make this mug cake dairy free?

Yes, you can make this mug cake dairy free by swapping out the butter and milk for non-dairy options.

Are mug cakes supposed to be gooey?

Yes, mug cakes will be softer and more gooey than traditional cakes baked in the oven.