When those sweet tooth cravings hit, but you don’t want to bake an entire cake, this Microwave Vanilla Mug Cake is the perfect dessert. Made with pantry staple ingredients and ready in less time than it takes to preheat an oven, this single-serving dessert is soft, fluffy, and utterly satisfying.
Using cake mix as a base makes this one of the easiest dessert recipes ever. Just mix, microwave, and enjoy. No need to measure flour, baking powder, or sugar. You’ll have a delicious vanilla cake in minutes, with endless ways to customize it.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Vanilla Mug Cake
Super quick. Just mix and microwave for the best vanilla mug cake recipe in under 5 minutes!
No mess. One mug, a spoon, and a microwave. That’s it!
Single-serving dessert. Perfect for portion control or a little cake indulgence just for you.
Endless variations. Turn this into a confetti cake, chocolate chip mug cake, or even a cinnamon roll mug cake.
For this easy vanilla mug cake, you only need a handful of ingredients.
Microwave Vanilla Mug Cake: Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons Vanilla Cake Mix can use yellow cake mix too, use any brand of cake mix you love
- 3 Tablespoons Milk dairy or non-dairy like almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk
- 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil coconut oil, or canola oil
- 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract or vanilla bean paste
- 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar or coconut sugar (for extra flavor, optional)
- 1 Tablespoon Whipped Cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Mix the Batter. In a microwave-safe mug, combine the cake mix, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.6 Tablespoons Vanilla Cake Mix, 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar, 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Add milk and vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil). Stir until smooth.3 Tablespoons Milk, 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- Microwave on high for 60-90 seconds. Cooking time will vary based on your microwave’s wattage.
- The cake should rise and be set in the middle.
- Let It Cool & Enjoy. Allow your little cake to cool slightly before digging in.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavoring.1 Tablespoon Whipped Cream
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
How to Make the Best Vanilla Mug Cake Variations: Get Creative
Once you master the classic vanilla flavor, try out these fun variations using the same base recipe
Birthday Cake (Confetti Cake)
- Stir in 1 tbsp rainbow sprinkles before microwaving.
- Top with extra sprinkles and whipped cream for a festive treat!
Chocolate Chip Mug Cake
- Mix in a handful of chocolate chips for melty pockets of sweetness.
- Use white chocolate chips, dark chocolate, or even peanut butter chips for a twist.
Oreo Mug Cake
- Crush 2 Oreo cookies and mix them into the batter.
- Add a little bit of extra vanilla extract for a cookies-and-cream flavor!
Peanut Butter Mug Cake
- Swirl in 1 tbsp peanut butter into the batter before microwaving.
- Top with a drizzle of melted peanut butter or a scoop of ice cream!
Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake
- Add 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon to the batter.
- Swirl in 1 tsp maple syrup before cooking.
- Top with a drizzle of vanilla glaze for the perfect treat!
Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake
- Add 1/4 tsp pumpkin spice or ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Drizzle with maple syrup for a cozy fall-inspired dessert!
Tips for the Best Mug Cake Every Time
Use the right mug. A larger mug (12-14 oz) works best to prevent overflow.
Adjust cook time. If your microwave is strong, check the cake at 60 seconds. If undercooked, heat in 10-second bursts.
Customize the flavor. Swap whole wheat flour, almond flour, or coconut flour for a healthier twist.
Let the cake cool slightly. The cake continues to cook as it cools. Don’t burn your mouth.
The Convenience of Microwave Baking
One of the biggest advantages of mug cakes is their incredible convenience. Unlike traditional baking, which requires measuring, mixing, preheating an oven, and then waiting for the cake to bake, a microwave mug cake can be ready in just a couple of minutes. With minimal prep, easy clean-up, and no need for specialty baking equipment, they’re perfect for a quick dessert or late-night treat.
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, mug cakes let you enjoy the flavors you love in a fraction of the time.
Can I Make a Vegan Mug Cake?
Yes, just use almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and swap the vegetable oil for melted coconut oil. Many cake mixes are already dairy-free.
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix Flavor?
Absolutely! Try chocolate cake mix for a chocolate mug cake recipe, spice cake mix for a cozy flavor, or red velvet cake mix for a special treat.
Can I Make This Mug Cake in an Air Fryer?
Yes! Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the cake in a ramekin or oven-safe mug for about 6-8 minutes.
This Microwave Vanilla Mug Cake is the perfect single-serving dessert for when you want a sweet treat without baking a full cake. Whether you make a vanilla, chocolate chip, or pumpkin spice cake, this quick dessert will be your new go-to.
Grab your coffee mug, whip up this easy dessert recipe, and enjoy a fluffy cake in minutes.
