Vanilla Mug Cake

This vanilla mug cake is so easy to make, it’ll be a go-to for a sweet fix!

Using the microwave, this recipe makes a light and fluffy cake in minutes, perfect for a quick last minute treat!

Vanilla Mug Cake with whipped cream and sprinkles with a portion taken out

Mug cakes are a single-serving for those who are craving a small treat without baking (or eating!) a whole cake.
Kids love to make their own cake for parties and sleepovers! Offer small bowls of fun mix-ins and toppings.
Clean-up is a breeze! Just one mug and one fork means minimal dishes.

milk , cornstarch , vanilla , butter , baking powder , sprinkles , sugar with labels to make Vanilla Mug Cake

Ingredients for Vanilla Mug Cake

Dry Ingredients: All-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder are added for the right texture, structure, and flavor.

Wet Ingredients: Sugar and butter bring a moist and sweet flavor and the milk adds creaminess. For the best vanilla flavor, use pure vanilla extract, Mexican vanilla extract, or vanilla paste.

Add-Ins: Anything can be mixed into a mug cake! We like chocolate chips or peanut butter chips, crushed cookies or toffee pieces, chopped nuts, and coconut as mix-ins.

Toppings: Top vanilla mug cakes with sprinkles, a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, or even homemade granola. Or try a spoonful of frosting.

dry and wet ingredients in bowls to make Vanilla Mug Cake

How to Make Vanilla Mug Cake

Combine flour, cornstarch, and baking powder in a small bowl.
Melt butter in the mug in the microwave and then stir in the remaining ingredients.
Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until smooth.
Cook cake as directed (recipe below). Allow the cake to rest before serving.

For the best results, refer to this conversion chart to determine the amount of time to ‘bake’ your microwave mug cakes. This can vary a bit based on the shape of the mug and the brand of the microwave, so it may take a time or two to try it out!

1200 watt: 55 to 60 seconds
1100 watt: 60 to 65 seconds
1000 watt: 65 to 75 seconds
900 watt: 75 to 85 seconds

Vanilla Mug Cake on a plate with a spoon

Tips and Tricks

Choose a heat-proof, microwave-safe mug that holds at least 12 ounces. Use measuring cups to measure 12 ounces and pour it into your mug to see if the cake will fit once it’s baked.
No need to use pan release in this recipe!
Cover leftover mug cakes with plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Enjoy leftover vanilla cake chilled or reheated in the microwave at 30-second intervals.

Delicious Desserts for One

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A vanilla mug cake is a quick, single-serving dessert with a fluffy texture and rich vanilla flavor, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings in minutes.

Prep Time 7 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Rest Time 3 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

In a small bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.
Add the butter to a large mug and microwave for 20 seconds or until melted.
Stir the sugar, vanilla, and milk into the melted butter.
Add the flour mixture and stir to form a batter. Gently mix in sprinkles if using.
Place the mug in a microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or just until cooked through. It should be puffy but still shiny on the top. The cake will continue to cook as it rests. Rest for 2 to 3 minutes.

For best results use a 12oz mug or larger.
For the best results, refer to this conversion chart to determine the amount of time to ‘bake’ your microwave mug cakes. This can vary a bit based on the shape of the mug and the brand of the microwave, so it may take a time or two to get it just right!

1200 watt: 55 to 60 seconds
1100 watt: 60 to 65 seconds
1000 watt: 65 to 75 seconds
900 watt: 75 to 85 seconds

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Cake, Dessert

Cuisine American

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