Jump to Recipe Print Recipe“Can you really make a cake in just a mug?” I was skeptical too, until I discovered the magic of the Vanilla Mug Cake. This delightful treat is proof that you can whip up a moist and fluffy dessert in just five minutes, perfect for those evenings when the sweet cravings hit but you don’t want to deal with the fuss of baking. The beauty of this easy recipe is in its versatility; it can be your go-to option for a quick snack, charming breakfast, or even an unexpected mini birthday celebration. You won’t believe how satisfying it feels to savor a warm, homemade dessert all for yourself—no sharing needed! So, ready to see how a mere mug can turn into a wonder of comfort? Can a mug cake be this good? Simplicity at its best: This Vanilla Mug Cake comes together in mere minutes, requiring just a few pantry staples and minimal effort. Irresistible flavor: The combination of rich vanilla and buttery goodness gives you that homemade bliss without the hassle. Perfectly portioned: Enjoy a single serving, eliminating the temptation of too much cake leftover; there’s no need to share! Microwave magic: Made right in your microwave, this treat saves you from the oven and cuts down on cleanup, making it the ultimate quick dessert. Versatile delight: Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding ingredients like chocolate chips or fresh fruits, or try it topped with whipped cream for an extra special touch. For more delightful ideas, don’t miss my Fruity Pebbles Cheesecake or Blueberry Cheesecake Bars. Crowd-pleaser: Whether for a cozy night in or a casual gathering, impress friends and family with your mug cake prowess—everyone will want a taste! Vanilla Mug Cake Ingredients For the Batter • All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and base for the cake; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. • Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and tenderness; brown sugar can be used for a richer flavor. • Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent to help the cake rise; ensure it’s fresh for the best results. • Salt – Enhances flavor; this small amount is crucial for balance. • Small Egg – Binds ingredients and adds moisture; use a flax egg or applesauce for a vegan alternative. • Unsalted Butter – Adds fat and richness; can be substituted with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. • Milk – Provides moisture; use almond milk or any plant milk for a dairy-free version. • Vanilla Extract – Imparts essential vanilla flavor; opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought. For Topping (Optional) • Sprinkles – For fun decoration and to enhance visual appeal; optional based on personal preference. Feel free to let your creativity shine with the ingredients in this Vanilla Mug Cake! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Vanilla Mug Cake Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients In a microwave-safe mug, start by adding 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1/8 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Use a small whisk or fork to mix these dry ingredients well until they are evenly combined. This step sets the stage for a fluffy Vanilla Mug Cake, so make sure everything is nicely blended without clumps. Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients Next, incorporate the wet ingredients into your mug. Crack in 1 small egg and add 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk everything together thoroughly for about 30 seconds until you have a smooth and creamy batter. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the mug for a well-combined Vanilla Mug Cake. Step 3: Fold in Sprinkles Now it’s time to add a little fun! Gently fold in about 1 tablespoon of sprinkles, making sure not to overmix. This adds a delightful pop of color and sweetness to your Vanilla Mug Cake. Stir until the sprinkles are evenly distributed, giving your mug cake that cheerful touch while the batter remains thick and well-mixed. Step 4: Microwave the Cake Place your mug carefully in the microwave and cook on high for 60-90 seconds. Keep an eye on it because microwave power may vary; the cake is done when it has risen and looks set in the middle. A slightly moist top is okay, but avoid overcooking to keep it tender and moist, ensuring you enjoy the best Vanilla Mug Cake possible. Step 5: Let It Rest After microwaving, let the mug cake sit for about 30 seconds before serving. This brief resting period allows the cake to finish cooking and cool slightly, making it perfect for diving in. You’ll notice the aroma wafting up as it cools, building anticipation for your delicious treat straight from the mug. Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Dig into your Vanilla Mug Cake while it’s warm! Optionally, top it with more sprinkles or a scoop of ice cream for indulgence. Whether it’s for a cozy snack, a quick breakfast, or a sweet finish to your day, this delightful mug cake is ready to make you smile with every bite. Storage Tips for Vanilla Mug Cake Fridge: Store any leftover Vanilla Mug Cake covered in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 2 days. This keeps it fresh and ready for your next sweet craving. Freezer: If you’d like to save it for later, wrap the cooled mug cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheating: To enjoy your Vanilla Mug Cake again, microwave it for about 10-15 seconds until warm, ensuring it stays moist and fluffy for that delightful bite. Avoiding Spoilage: For the best taste and texture, consume within the recommended timeframe. Enjoy your delicious mug cake while it lasts! Expert Tips for Vanilla Mug Cake Room Temperature Egg: Use an egg that’s at room temperature for better integration into the batter, ensuring a smoother texture in your Vanilla Mug Cake. Microwave Timing: Avoid overcooking by checking your mug cake at 60 seconds. If it looks wet, continue cooking in 10-second increments to maintain moisture. Cooling Period: Let the mug cake rest for 30 seconds after microwaving. This helps it set properly while cooling, enhancing the overall texture and flavor. Mix Gently: When folding in the sprinkles, be gentle to avoid overmixing. This preserves the tender crumb that makes the Vanilla Mug Cake so delightful. Keep it Fresh: If you’re making ahead, cool the mug cake completely, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently before enjoying! Variations & Substitutions for Vanilla Mug Cake Feel free to unleash your creativity and make this delightful treat uniquely yours! Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for a delicious cake everyone can enjoy. Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and coconut oil instead of regular milk and butter for a creamy, dairy-free delight. Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or applesauce for a plant-based version. Flavor Twist: Swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract to create a cake with a nutty, aromatic twist that’ll surprise your taste buds. Indulgent Additions: Stir in chocolate chips or chopped nuts before microwaving to elevate the flavor and add a delightful crunch. Fruit Fusion: Toss in fresh fruits like blueberries or chopped strawberries before cooking for a burst of freshness in every bite; they blend beautifully with the soft cake. Toppings Galore: Top your mug cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream; the warmth of the cake contrasts beautifully with the cool topping for an unforgettable treat. Special Occasion: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate version or consider a layer of frosting for your mini birthday celebration! Don’t forget to experience the magic of other delightful desserts, like my Burnt Basque Cheesecake or the light and airy Cloud Cake Feel. Enjoy experimenting with your Vanilla Mug Cake! What to Serve with The Moistest Vanilla Mug Cake Treat yourself to a comforting mini dessert experience with delightful pairings that elevate your mug cake into a full celebration of flavors! Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it adds a rich creaminess that perfectly complements the soft texture of the mug cake. Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream creates a delightful contrast, making each bite even more indulgent. Fresh Berries: Raspberries or strawberries bring a burst of freshness and tanginess that balance the sweetness of the cake beautifully. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the mug cake creates a gooey, decadent experience that will satisfy all chocolate lovers. Coffee or Espresso: Enjoying a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a shot of espresso alongside your mug cake enhances the flavors, making for a perfect afternoon treat. Caramel Drizzle: A sweet touch of caramel sauce adds an extra layer of flavor, elevating the dessert from good to utterly divine. Nutella Spread: A dollop of Nutella transforms your mug cake into a rich, hazelnut chocolate delight that is simply irresistible! Make Ahead Options These Vanilla Mug Cakes are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time! You can mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt) in advance and store the mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your treat, simply add the wet ingredients (egg, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract) into the mug and whisk until smooth. For the best results, prepare the batter just before microwaving to maintain that tender, fluffy texture. If you want to prepare the entire mug cake, cook it, let it cool completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before reheating in the microwave. This way, you can savor a delicious Vanilla Mug Cake effortlessly, anytime! Vanilla Mug Cake Recipe FAQs Can I use different types of flour? Absolutely! While all-purpose flour is the base for this Vanilla Mug Cake, you can substitute it with gluten-free flour if desired. Just ensure that the gluten-free blend you choose includes a binding agent, like xanthan gum, for proper structure. This way, you can enjoy a delightful mug cake that suits various dietary needs! How should I store leftover mug cake? Store any leftover Vanilla Mug Cake covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 2 days. This keeps it fresh and ready for your next sweet craving. If you want to enjoy it later, wrap the cooled mug cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Can I reheat my mug cake? Certainly! To reheat your Vanilla Mug Cake, simply microwave it for about 10-15 seconds. This gentle reheating will ensure the mug cake remains moist and fluffy for that delightful bite, just like when it was freshly made! What if my mug cake overflows in the microwave? If your mug cake overflows, it’s usually a sign that there was too much batter or it was cooked for too long. To prevent this in the future, use a larger mug or reduce the cooking time. Always keep an eye on it as it cooks, and if it starts to rise, you can stop the microwave briefly, allowing it to settle before continuing cooking. Can I make this mug cake vegan? Yes! To make a vegan Vanilla Mug Cake, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, left to sit for a few minutes) or 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. Additionally, opt for plant-based milk and use coconut oil instead of butter to keep it dairy-free. Is this mug cake safe for pets? While this Vanilla Mug Cake is a delightful treat for humans, it’s best not to share it with pets. Ingredients like sugar and chocolate sprinkles can be harmful to animals. Stick with pet-safe snacks if you want to treat your furry friends! Deliciously Easy Vanilla Mug Cake in Just 5 Minutes Enjoy a delicious Vanilla Mug Cake, perfect for quick cravings, made in just 5 minutes. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 2 minutes minsCook Time 1 minute minResting Time 1 minute minTotal Time 4 minutes mins Servings: 1 mugCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Batter4 tablespoons all-purpose flour substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.4 tablespoons granulated sugar brown sugar can be used for a richer flavor.1/8 teaspoon baking powder ensure it's fresh for best results.a pinch salt enhances flavor.1 small egg use a flax egg or applesauce for a vegan alternative.2 tablespoons unsalted butter can be substituted with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.3 tablespoons milk use almond milk or any plant milk for a dairy-free version.1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought.For Topping (Optional)1 tablespoon sprinkles for fun decoration. Equipment Microwave-safe mug Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Vanilla Mug CakeIn a microwave-safe mug, start by adding 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1/8 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Use a small whisk or fork to mix these dry ingredients well until they are evenly combined.Next, crack in 1 small egg and add 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk everything together thoroughly for about 30 seconds.Gently fold in 1 tablespoon of sprinkles, making sure not to overmix.Place your mug carefully in the microwave and cook on high for 60-90 seconds.After microwaving, let the mug cake sit for about 30 seconds before serving.Dig into your Vanilla Mug Cake while it’s warm! Optionally, top it with more sprinkles or a scoop of ice cream. Nutrition Serving: 1mugCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 6gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesFor a vegan alternative, substitute the egg with a flax egg or applesauce and choose plant-based milk and butter alternatives. Store leftovers covered in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 2 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
