This easy red velvet mug cake is the perfect sweet treat, made with simple ingredients and ready in just minutes. If you are craving cake but don’t want to bake an entire cake, this is our go-to dessert. Whether you need a quick dessert for Valentine’s Day, a cozy night in, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this single-serving cake is the answer.
Best of all, this red velvet mug cake recipe delivers that classic red velvet cake taste—moist, fluffy, and slightly tangy—without the hassle of traditional baking. Plus, with a quick cream cheese frosting, you’ll have the ultimate perfect mini dessert in no time.
Red Velvet Mug Cake
Moist & Fluffy Texture – Thanks to buttermilk, vinegar, and natural cocoa powder.
Quick Cooking Time and No Oven Needed. Just mix, microwave, and enjoy in under 5 minutes. Perfect for small spaces or warm days.
Most microwave mug cakes take 60-90 seconds to cook, depending on your microwave’s wattage. Start with 60 seconds, then check the center. If it looks too wet, add 10-15 second increments until set. Overcooking can result in a dry texture, so keep a close eye.
Perfectly Portioned for One
Mug cakes are all about single servings, making them an ideal choice when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to bake an entire cake. Whether you’re indulging in a late-night treat or looking for a quick dessert for one. Enjoy the flavors you love in a fraction of the time.
Easy and Delicious Red Velvet Mug Cake in 5 Minutes
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 4 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Cocoa Powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 Pinch Salt
- 3 Tablespoon Whole Milk or non-dairy options like almond or oat milk
- 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil or melted butter for extra richness
- 1/2 Teaspoon White vinegar enhances the tangy flavor and velvety texture
- 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 Teaspoon Red Food Coloring or beet juice for a natural option
For the Quick Cream Cheese Frosting
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Cream Cheese
- 3 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar
- 1/4 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients; all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.4 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour, 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar, 1 Tablespoon Cocoa Powder, 1/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda, 1 Pinch Salt
- Add the Wet Ingredients. Pour in the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring. Use a mini whisk or fork to stir until a smooth batter forms.3 Tablespoon Whole Milk, 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil, 1/2 Teaspoon White vinegar, 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract, 1/4 Teaspoon Red Food Coloring
- Transfer to a Mug. Pour the cake batter into a large microwave-safe mug. At least 12 oz mug to prevent overflow.
- Microwave & Watch It Rise. Microwave on high for 60-90 seconds, depending on your microwave’s wattage. The edges of the cake should be set, and the top of the cake should look slightly soft but not wet.
- Carefully remove the mug from the microwave and let the cake cool for a minute.
- Make the Quick Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a medium bowl, mix together the room-temperature butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.2 Tablespoons Butter, 2 Tablespoons Cream Cheese, 3 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar, 1/4 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Spread the creamy cream cheese frosting on top, or add a little bit of whipped cream and fresh strawberries for extra indulgence.
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
Tasty Variations to Try
Chocolate Lovers’ Red Velvet Mug Cake. Add a handful of chocolate chips before microwaving for an extra gooey center.
Birthday Cake Mug Cake. Mix in white chocolate chips and top with sprinkles for a fun twist.
Mocha Red Velvet Mug Cake. Add 1/2 tsp of instant coffee to the batter for a bolder flavor.
Pumpkin Spice Red Velvet. Stir in ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a festive fall version.
Simple Ingredient Swaps for Dietary Needs
Want to make your mug cake vegan, gluten-free, or more nutritious? Here’s how:
- Egg-Free. Use mashed banana, applesauce, yogurt, or flax eggs as a substitute.
- Dairy-Free. Replace milk with almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk.
- Gluten-Free. Swap all-purpose flour with almond flour, oat flour, or gluten-free flour blend.
- Lower Sugar. Use coconut sugar, maple syrup, or a sugar-free sweetener.
- Keto-Friendly. Replace flour with almond or coconut flour and use a low-carb sweetener.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- If you want to make this ahead of time, cover the mug with plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Reheat for 15-20 seconds in the microwave before enjoying.
Can I use cake mix instead of making it from scratch?
Yes! Simply mix 4 tbsp of red velvet cake mix with 3 tbsp of milk and 1 tbsp of oil for a super easy shortcut.
Why do I need vinegar in a red velvet mug cake?
The white vinegar helps activate the baking soda, making the cake rise and giving it that tangy flavor.
How can I make this a vegan mug cake?
Use almond milk or soy milk instead of whole milk, and swap the butter and cream cheese for non-dairy alternatives.
This is an easy treat. You get all the taste of the cake without all the work. Whether you’re craving a sweet cake, or just need a perfect sweet treat, this minute red velvet mug cake is a must-try.
