This easy Vanilla Mug Cake recipe is the fastest way to make a cake for one that cooks in the microwave in under 2 minutes. With just a few simple ingredients, no eggs, and minimal effort, you can indulge in a single serving dessert that you don’t have to share!

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The BEST Vanilla Mug Cake

Our easy Vanilla Mug Cake, sometimes called a cupcake in a mug, is the ultimate sweet treat in a perfectly portioned, single-serving size!

Ready from start to finish in under four minutes, this vanilla cake in a cup recipe is full of classic vanilla flavor, lots of colorful sprinkles, and topped with pretty pink frosting – it looks like a cupcake in a mug that’s made entirely in the microwave! 

Cooking mug cakes in the microwave is like making a miracle small-batch, no-bake cake for one, because sometimes you need just a few bites to tame a sweet tooth craving.

Because a cake made in a mug using only a few ingredients, microwaved for 90 seconds, and fancied up with your favorite toppings is the best!

Why We Love This Vanilla Cake In A Mug Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make in less than 4 minutes.
  • Uses simple kitchen staple ingredients.
  • Mug cake recipes cook light, fluffy, and moist cakes entirely in the microwave; no baking needed!
  • Tasty treat when you don’t want to spend a lot of time cooking.
  • Perfect dessert when you want to sample a slice or take a few bites when you don’t want to bake an entire cake.
Vanilla Mug Cake ingredients

Vanilla Mug Cake Ingredients

  • Self-rising flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Whole milk: I prefer to use whole milk for this recipe because it gives this cake a richer taste. However, you can use 2%, 1%, skim, or even almond milk if you prefer.
  • Salted sweet cream butter
  • Vanilla extract
  • Colorful sprinkles
  • Premade whipped vanilla frosting
  • Red food color gel (optional)

Substitutions and Additions

  • Vegan Vanilla Mug Cake: You can ditch the dairy in this recipe to make a dairy-free, vegan version. Use your favorite non-dairy milk, (like almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk), and use dairy-free butter. Make sure to check the labels on your whipped frosting and sprinkles too or leave them out entirely.
  • Add-In Ideas: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins for extra texture and flavor. While you don’t want to add a lot, you can easily add a few additions. Some ideas include sprinkles, candy pieces, crushed cookies, mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and chopped nuts.
  • Tasty Toppings: Instead of topping your cupcake in a mug with frosting, try it with a scoop of ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, caramel or chocolate sauce, chopped nuts, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
eating Vanilla Mug Cake with a spoon

How to Make Vanilla Mug Cake

  1. Make The Mixture: Whisk together the flour and sugar. Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla and fold in the sprinkles.
  2. Microwave In The Mug: Microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds. Allow the cake to rest for 20-30 seconds. 
    Pro Tip: Depending on your microwave, you may need to add an extra 5 seconds.
  3. Tint And Top: Stir food coloring into the frosting and pipe it over the top center of the cake. Add the remaining sprinkles over the frosting. Enjoy!
cupcake batter in a mug and pink frosting on top.

Tip for the Best Cupcake in a Mug!

  • Using a wider and shorter cup works best and makes it easier to scoop out your cake.
  • Keep a close eye on the cake while it’s in the microwave and cook it until the center is just set.
  • You can substitute whipped topping for the frosting.

How to Store a Mug Cake

  • To Store: This is a 1 serving recipe and is meant to be enjoyed in 1 sitting.
cupcake in a mug with pink frosting

Frequently Asked Questions

What size mug should I use for my Chocolate Mug Cake?

I suggest using at least a 12-ounce mug for this recipe as the batter will rise quite a bit in the microwave. Using a wide, short cup will make it easier to scoop out your cake. When choosing a mug, make sure that it is microwave safe. This recipe isn’t designed for a travel mug that may have a stainless steel exterior.

Can I store my Mug Cake to eat later?

I do not recommend storing this mug cake, especially since this recipe only makes enough for one person. However, if you need to store it, place it in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours. 

Can I substitute the butter with another ingredient?

Technically you can swap the butter for coconut oil, avocado oil, or applesauce. However, I think butter is key with cakes to give them the most fluffy and moist texture.

More Easy Mug Cake Recipes

eating Vanilla Mug Cake with a spoon

Other Easy Dessert Recipes

5 from 3 votes
Vanilla Mug Cake featured image

Cupcake In A Mug

Serves — 1
Our Vanilla Mug Cake is the is the fastest and easiest way to cook a cupcake in a mug in a matter of minutes. Perfect for portion control, this recipe makes a delicious dessert for one or two, depending on how you feel about sharing.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 5 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons self-rising flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter melted
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons colorful sprinkles divided 1½ tablespoons for the cake and ½ tablespoon for garnish
  • ¼ cup premade whipped vanilla frosting
  • 2 drops red food color gel optional

Instructions
 

  • Add the flour and granulated sugar to a 12-ounce microwave-safe mug. Whisk to combine.
  • Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the mug to combine thoroughly.
  • Fold in the sprinkles.
  • Microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds (depending on your microwave, you may need to add an extra 5 seconds). Allow the cake to rest for 20-30 seconds.
  • Add the premade frosting to a small bowl. Add 1-2 drops of red food coloring gel. Stir well until the color is uniform. Spoon the tinted frosting into either a disposable piping bag or a quart-size ziplock bag with a corner snipped off. Evenly squeeze the frosting over the top center of the cake. Sprinkle the remaining sprinkles over the frosting.

Jenn’s Notes

Storage:
  • To Store: This is a 1 serving recipe and is meant to be enjoyed in 1 sitting.
Tips:
  • Using a wider and shorter cup works best and makes it easier to scoop out your cake.
  • Keep a close eye on the cake while it’s in the microwave and cook it until the center is just set.
  • You can substitute whipped topping for the frosting.

Nutrition Info

Calories: 656kcal | Carbohydrates: 84g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 307mg | Potassium: 119mg | Sugar: 81g | Vitamin A: 797IU | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 0.1mg

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5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    GREAT Recipe Jennifer 👍🏼♥️My Grandaughters LOVE ❤️ 👏🏼 THIS ❗️❗️ She Saw Pancakes With Sprinkles On A Breakfast Menu And WAS ENTHRALLED 😳❗️❗️YUM❗️ And I’ve BEEN Watching WHAT I’m Eating SO Cup Size Is JUST Right 👏🏼♥️THANKS ❗️G-d♥️Bless