Vanilla Mug Cake is a simple, yet delicious dessert that can be made in minutes!
If youβre looking for something sweet but donβt have time (or the patience) to bake up an entire cake or pie, this easy microwave mug cake might just be your answer. Give this recipe a try next time you want something light and fluffy with tons of flavor β I promise it wonβt disappoint!

VANILLA MUG CAKE
Vanilla mug cake is a super simple dessert that is perfectly personal-sized. This tasty cake in a mug recipe is just the perfect dessert when you get a sweet craving and donβt want to wait an hour for a dessert to bake fully! It takes less than 5 minutes from start to finish.
This vanilla mug cake is super moist and delicious! Itβs also very simple when it comes to ingredients. You can even try adding chocolate chips to this easy recipe for a yummy twist! Just mix everything together and youβre done! This measure and microwave mug cake will be ready quickly, so when youβre craving something sweet you can enjoy this treat right away!

What is a Mug Cake? (FAQ)
A mug cake is a cake made in a microwave oven in a coffee mug.
Mug cakes are easy to make and donβt require many ingredients. This vanilla mug cake recipe makes 1 serving of fluffy vanilla cake thatβs perfect for one person or to share!
Are mug cakes safe?
Mug cakes are perfectly safe. You just want to make sure you cook them long enough to cook the flour.
If youβre using a recipe that has eggs (this one does not), itβs also important to get them completely cooked.
Does a mug cake taste like a regular cake?
While mug cakes are made in a microwave, they donβt taste the same as microwavable cakes or cupcakes that you buy at the store.
Mug cakes tend to be lighter and fluffier than their store-bought counterparts because they donβt contain any preservatives. If I had to compare, I would say that mug cakes taste more like dense angel food cake.
Why are mug cakes chewy?
If your mug cake is chewy or rubbery, there are two possible causes.
You might have overcooked the cake. If so, just reduce your cooking time the next time. Cooking time can vary by microwave.
You can also get that rubbery chewy texture if you use too much oil.

If your cake is turning out too dense and dry, you might be using too much flour. You might also need to add more milk (or whatever liquid your recipe calls for) to help loosen up the batter. Be sure to ix it until itβs completely smooth with no lumps.
Are mug cakes supposed to be gooey?
To avoid a gooey center, make sure that you cook your mug cake until itβs completely firm and bounces back when you touch the top with your finger. Make sure to cook it completely to avoid the gooey texture.
If you like your cake to be soft and gooey, then all you have to do is reduce the cooking time.
Why is there oil in my mug cake?
Adding oil or melted butter to a mug cake recipe ensures that your mug cake will be moist and soft, rather than dry and crumbly! If youβre not a fan of the taste of oil, try using applesauce as a substitute.
If youβre looking for a fat-free mug cake, try replacing the oil with applesauce or mashed ripe bananas. To replace 2 tablespoons of oil in our vanilla cake recipe, simply add 2 tablespoons of applesauce or mashed overripe banana to your batter.

How to Make Vanilla Mug Cake
This recipe takes about two minutes to prep and two minutes to cook. So you can have a fresh cake in 5 minutes!
Youβll need some basic cake ingredients, but you may find that you have everything in your kitchen already!
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ΒΌ teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Splash of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon rainbow sprinkles (optional)
You will also need a mug to make your cake! You can use almost any size mug or bowl, but you want it to be at least standard mug size.
If you use a different size mug or a bowl, you may need to adjust your cooking time.

Add the flour, sugar, and baking powder to the mug.
Stir to combine the dry ingredients.
Then mix in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla.
Stir until smooth with no lumps. Add the sprinkles to the top of the batter.
Heat in the microwave for 75-90 seconds. If the cake is still wet, continue to microwave in 5-10 second intervals.
Allow cake to cool before serving.
If you want to make a confetti cake, you can mix the sprinkles into the cake batter before cooking in the microwave.

Leftovers/Storage/Freezing
Can I make this mug cake recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This vanilla mug cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. It also freezes well too.
Simply place a square of parchment paper over your mug cake (to avoid freezer burn) then seal it in a freezer bag or airtight container. When youβre ready to enjoy it, just let it thaw overnight in the fridge.
How long does mug cake last?
This vanilla mug cake will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Related Microwave Recipes
- Learn how to make macaroni and cheese in the microwave!
- Did you know you can also hard boil eggs in the microwave?
Vanilla Mug Cake
Equipment
- Mug
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ΒΌ teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Splash of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon rainbow sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Add the flour, sugar, and baking powder to the mug.
- Stir to combine the dry ingredients.
- Then mix in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla.
- Stir until smooth with no lumps. Add sprinkles to the top of the cake.
- Heat in the microwave for 75-90 seconds. If the cake is still wet, continue to microwave in 5-10 second intervals.
- Allow cake to cool before serving.
Nutrition

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