This quick and easy vanilla mug cake is soft, fluffy, and packed with vanilla flavor. It’s the perfect single-serving dessert to satisfy any sweet tooth in minutes.
It calls for pantry staples, and you can even add a little smear of frosting if you want to jazz it up.
The best part? You can keep things simple with just the vanilla flavor, or go all out with fun mix-ins like sprinkles for a funfetti vibe or chocolate chips to make it extra special.
Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Mug Cake
Instant Gratification: This mug cake satisfies your sweet cravings in minutes. Better yet, there’s no need to preheat the oven or wait for baking.
Portion Perfection: Designed as a single-serving dessert, it helps control portions, ensuring you enjoy a sweet treat without the temptation of leftovers.
Minimal Mess: With just one mug to clean, this recipe is a hassle-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth without a major cleanup.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the deal and keeps your cake moist.
- Baking Powder: The rising star! Just a little bit lifts your cake to new heights.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds rich, buttery goodness. Melted for easy incorporation.
- Pinch of Salt: A small but mighty flavor enhancer. Balances sweetness and elevates the vanilla aroma.
- Milk: The creamy unifier. Binds ingredients and creates a smooth, luscious batter.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: The flavor queen! Infuses your cake with authentic, aromatic vanilla notes.
- Rainbow Sprinkles or Chocolate Chips (optional): Fun pops of color and whimsy.
How to Make Vanilla Mug Cake
Sometimes you just need a little something sweet, but don’t want to go through the whole rigmarole of baking a full cake or batch of cupcakes.
That’s where this delightful vanilla mug cake comes in!
It’s the perfect single-serving treat that can be whipped up in practically no time at all.
1. MELT the butter in a 12-ounce mug, then mix in the milk, sugar, and vanilla.
2. ADD the flour, baking powder, and salt, and stir gently to combine. If using, add sprinkles or chocolate chips.
3. MICROWAVE for 1 minute, check, then nuke it again for 15-30 seconds, if needed.
4. COOL for 2-3 minutes, then dig in!
Tips For the Best Vanilla Mug Cake
The trick to the perfect mug cake is to mix gently and leave out the eggs. That’s usually why mug cakes turn rubbery.
Need more tips? I’ve got you covered:
- Mug size. Use a large, microwave-safe mug that can hold at least 12 ounces to allow room for the cake to rise without overflowing.
- Thorough mixing. If you have them, use a mini whisk and spatula to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter. Don’t forget to scrape the bottom and sides of the mug.
- Cooking time. Start with 1 minute on high power, then add 15-30 second intervals if needed. Cooking time varies based on microwave wattage.
- Healthier version. Substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour, use a sugar alternative, replace the butter with coconut oil, or add fresh fruit.
- Flavor variations. Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, peanut butter, Nutella, cocoa powder, coffee, or pumpkin puree to change up the flavor.
- Toppings galore. Serve with a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, sprinkles, chopped nuts, frosting, fresh berries, shredded coconut, or your favorite syrup.
- Make it a lava cake. Pop a chocolate truffle in the middle, pressing it just under the batter. It’ll melt and turn gooey in the microwave!
How to Store
Mug cakes are best eaten warm, right after cooking, for optimal taste and texture. So don’t wait – dig in!
But if you need to:
To Store: Cover the mug tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and refrigerate for up to 1-3 days. Before eating, bring it to room temperature or reheat it in the microwave for 10-20 seconds to restore its moistness.
More Quick and Easy Mug Cakes
Banana Mug Cake
Red Velvet Mug Cake
Chocolate Chip Mug Cake
Oreo Mug Cake
Vanilla Mug Cake
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kcalThis quick and easy vanilla mug cake is soft, fluffy, and packed with vanilla flavor. It’s the perfect single-serving dessert to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon rainbow sprinkles or mini chocolate chips, optional
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe mug, melt the butter in 10-20 second intervals. Add the milk, sugar, and vanilla and stir to combine.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt and gently mix until just combined. Stir in the sprinkles or chocolate chips, if using.
- Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 1 to 1 ½ minutes, until the top looks set and the cake pulls away slightly from the sides of the mug. Cooking time will vary based on your microwave wattage. Start with 1 minute and add additional 15-30 second intervals as needed.
- Carefully remove the hot mug from the microwave and let the cake cool for 2-3 minutes before enjoying on its own or with whipped cream, ice cream, or frosting. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use a mug that holds at least 12 oz to allow room for the cake to rise without overflowing.
- For a vegan mug cake, substitute non-dairy milk and vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Quick frosting: Blend 2 tablespoons of soft butter with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla. Spread it on the cake and dive in.
