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When you’re craving a sweet slice of cake but don’t want to commit to making the entire thing, this Vanilla Mug Cake recipe is to the rescue! This single-serving cake recipe is made with basic pantry staples and takes a few minutes to make in the microwave. The best part? If you use a mug to mix your cake batter, you only have to clean the mug.
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Treat yourself to a delicious funfetti mug cake whenever you’re craving something sweet and quick. No need to lug out the mixer and bowls as this cake recipe comes together in minutes, from start to finish, and can be made all in just one mug. The added sprinkles make this a fun recipe, and it’s also easy enough for kids to learn to cook. No cake is complete without frosting or a dollop of whipped cream!
Why you’ll love this microwave mug cake
- One serving mug recipe. Sometimes you just want a slice of cake, not the whole thing, and this mug cake recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. But hey, if you want a whole cake, you should check out my vanilla layered cake recipe!
- Easy to make. Nug cakes are a great alternative for days when you’re craving cake but don’t feel like making a whole cake recipe and dealing with all the fuss. All the ingredients are combined in the same mug you’ll be eating out of. Talk about convenience!
- Dairy-free cake recipe. This recipe skips the butter and dairy, making for a tasty dairy-free dessert option and vegan mug cake idea.
- Funfetti for kids and adults, too! This is such a sweet and light vanilla cake recipe that’s already fun being made in a mug, but the colorful sprinkles add that celebratory and exciting appeal. For a sweet gesture, teach kids how to make this on their own to surprise you or others on their birthday.
Ingredients to make a moist vanilla mug cake
- Dry ingredients: For this mug cake, I use a combination of all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Switch out the flour for whole wheat or white whole wheat flour, if preferred.
- Almond milk: I use unsweetened and unflavored almond milk. Other plant-based milk or dairy milk could work here, too.
- Coconut oil: Melt the coconut oil into a liquid, but let it cool before adding it to the mug.
- Vanilla extract: Just a tad to really infuse this cake recipe with the best vanilla fragrance.
- Sprinkles: Funfetti is a fun addition, but there are also many sprinkle varieties.
How to make a mug cake
- Grease a mug with cooking spray. Measure and add the dry ingredients directly into the mug.
- Add the milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients.
- Stir together until smooth with no more lumps. Scrap down the sides and the bottom to ensure the dry ingredients are all combined.
- Cook until the cake is just set and pulls away from the side of the mug. Let rest before serving.
Tips for making microwave cake
- Choose the right mug. When cooked in the microwave, the batter will expand almost double the size, so make sure the mug is large enough for the expansion. I like 12-ounce mugs.
- Use a mug with straight sides if possible. I love a fun wide mug, but straight sides will help the mug cake bake evenly all around.
- Place a plate or paper towel under your mug if it’s not large enough. There might be some overflow happening if you only have a small mug, so this trick will help keep the microwave clean.
- Test your microwave strength to determine the best time. It can range from 1 to 1 ½ minutes, but my ideal time was 1 ½ minutes. Keep in mind that wider mugs will cook faster than taller mugs.
Popular substitutions & additions
- Don’t forget the frosting! Top your final mug cake with frosting and extra sprinkles after it’s cooled.
- Sprinkles for any occasion! Switch them up for an endless way to make this vanilla mug cake for any event. Pink and red sprinkles for valentines, green to celebrate St. Patty’s day, school colors for a congratulatory graduation treat, or game day dessert, you name it!
- Swap the milk. Almond milk is light and gives you a great-tasting cake. You could also use sweetened vanilla almond milk to enhance the vanilla flavor of this cake, though you may want to reduce the added sugar a bit, so it isn’t overly sweet. Substitute almond milk for dairy or other plant-based milk if you like.
- Try a different extract. This is a simple vanilla cake recipe, but you could always swap out the vanilla for another extract like almond, lemon, peppermint, or coconut. Just keep this basic mug cake recipe handy and make it your own.
- Other topping and add-in ideas. I love a good sweet buttercream, but you could also top it with chocolate shavings, a dusting of powdered sugar, or some fresh berries. To the batter, stir in some Nutella, peanut butter or other nut butter, chocolate chips, spices, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts for added flavor and variety.
How to store vanilla mug cake
If you have leftovers from your mug cake, you can store them in the fridge until they are ready to heat. For the best texture, bring it to room temperature before eating.
How long will this dairy-free mug cake last in the fridge?
Keep leftovers stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze mug cake?
Yes, mug cakes are okay to freeze. However, this recipe is designed to be quick and easy to make in just minutes, so I recommend making them fresh instead.
Frequently asked questions
You can, but they are better fresh. Plus, because these cakes only take minutes to make, they are easy to whip up whenever you want!
If you don’t have a microwave or just prefer not to use one, don’t fret, as you can still make these delicious cakes! Whisk the ingredients together in a bowl and pour it into a greased oven-proof ramekin. Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes at 350F.
This cake is pretty perfect as is, but if you want to add some toppings to make it extra special, I won’t stand in your way! Chocolate shavings, some whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar will all work well.
This isn’t what we want in a mug cake and usually occurs when overcooked. Depending on your microwave, you may need to adjust the time to get the best results: a moist, soft vanilla cake!
What a fun treat to make a cake in a mug in just a couple of minutes! I love enjoying this in the evening when I don’t want to make a mess and don’t need to feed the whole family a large cake. It’s great if you want to treat yourself, treat someone special, or teach your kids how to make it so they can surprise you on your birthday. Love the idea of making food in a mug? Be sure to check out my Pasta in a Mug!
More easy dessert recipes:
- Chocolate Mug Cake
- Nutella Mug Cake
- Fudgy Tahini Brownies
- Classic Vanilla Cake
- Vanilla Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cranberry Cake
- Peanut Butter Cookies dipped in Chocolate
- Olive Oil Cake
- Cinnamon Coffee Crumb Cake
- Chocolate Covered Bananas
If you try this feel good Vanilla Mug Cake recipe or any other recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. We would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!
This Vanilla Mug Cake recipe was originally published on my birthday June 30, 2020 which is why it used to be called Birthday Mug Cake. The recipe name has been changed, but the recipe is essentially still the same, and the post now includes new step-by-step photos for how to make the mug cake
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Vanilla Mug Cake
Video
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch salt
- 4 tablespoons almond milk
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil melted
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon sprinkles plus more for serving
Instructions
- Grease a 12-ounce mug with cooking spray. Add flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in milk, coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth with no more lumps, being sure to scrape the bottom of the mug. Stir in sprinkles.
- Cook in the microwave for 75-90 seconds or until the cake is just set and pulls away from the mug corners. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before enjoying.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Is the mug cake safe to eat raw
No, because even though there is no egg, it is not safe to eat raw flour.
Can you use normal milk?
Absolutely! I hope you enjoy!
Can I do it in the oven instead?
This recipe is meant to go in the microwave, I am not sure if it will work in the oven. You can always try!
Did you try this in the oven? Just curious, I don’t have a microwave and was wondering the same thing.
I made the mug cake today. It was so easy and very delicious. I was making it for my step daughter’s birthday but then I decided I needed to try it first. Now I have to make another one. No problem.
So glad you liked it, Elizabeth!
Thanks for this recipe, perfect when you’re craving cake and can’t be bothered to bake!
Do you think adding in a tbsp of cocoa powder will make a chocolate cake? 😋
You’re so welcome! I actually have a separate recipe for a Chocolate Mug Cake with chocolate chips and cocoa powder if you want to check it out. Otherwise, you can absolutely add cocoa powder to this recipe. If you try it, you’ll have to let me know what you think of the chocolate version.
Love this recipe! I made it today to beat the Monday blues and my partner and I gobbled it up within seconds. So quick and easy and delicious! Will definitely be trying more recipes asap!
Thank you so much, Flora! It is perfect for when you want a little sweet pick-me-up!
Does this work with almond flour?
I’ve never tried it with almond flour, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work! If you try it, please come back and let me know how it turned out.
This was such a fun activity to make with my little ones. They get to make something and consume it literally within minutes. I personally cut the sugar by 1/3 and it was still plenty sweet and delish. 5/5!
Hi Jenna, so glad you and your kiddos enjoyed the mug cake! It is super fun! I’d love for you to try my 3-Ingredient PB cookies with them, and let me know if they like them!
Look super easy and yummy! What can I substitute for the coconut oil?
Hi, Jean! You can use melted butter or any type of neutral-flavored oil instead. Enjoy!
Happy Birthday 🎉🎈🎊 I am going to try this sounds great and all comments were positive!!
I hope you like Mary! You’ll have to come back and let me know how it turned out.
Since I’m allergic to Almonds and Grapes and Vanilla. I can use Vanilla Imitation but
what can I substitute for the Almond milk and grapeseed oil, which I have never heard of. Thank you. It’s a nice idea for that cake.
You can use any milk and any oil. Hope that helps!
Can this be made with whole milk instead of the almond milk and avocado oil or olive oil instead of the grapeseed oil? Thank you!
Yes, you can make both of those substitutions!
I just had a sweet craving and looked up your mug cake recipe. It absolutely blew my mind. It is so simple and quick. Thank you so much for sharing.
Yay, so happy to hear that. Thanks so much!!
My son is allergic to dairy and egg. This is his all time favorite dessert! Thank you so much for this recipe and all the others you have on your site. 🙂
Aww that makes me so happy! Throw in extra sprinkles for him!!