1-minute Vanilla Mug Cake Recipe: The Easiest Dessert You'll Ever Make

A vanilla cake in a mug is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious treat without all the hassle of baking a cake from scratch. This recipe is perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to go through the trouble of making a whole cake. All you need is a mug, a few simple ingredients, and a microwave. In just minutes, you can have a warm and cozy vanilla cake that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. So, next time you’re in the mood for a little something sweet, give our recipe for the vanilla cake in a mug a try.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Equipment
• Storage
• Tips
• Recipe for Vanilla Cake in a Mug
• Comments

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour — 4 tbsp.
• Sugar — 2 tbsp. 
• Baking powder — ⅓ tbsp.
• Milk — 3 tbsp. 
• Melted butter — 2 tbsp.
• Vanilla extract — ¼ tbsp.
• Sprinkles — 1 tbsp.
• Salt — to taste.

Instructions

1. Stir together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in the mug.

2. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and butter. Stir together until the mixture is smooth without visible lumps.

3. Stir in the sprinkles.

4. Transfer the mug to the microwave, and cook for between 1-1.5 minutes.

5. Let it cool for a minute before serving.

Substitutions

• Heavy cream — This one makes a great substitute for milk. Though heavy cream is fattier than milk, this also results in a much smoother texture. Just make sure that you dilute it with a splash of water.

• Baking soda — Contrary to popular belief, baking soda, and baking powder do not work the same. That’s why if you substitute baking soda for baking powder, you’ll also need to add just one tbsp. of lemon juice.

Variations

• Dairy-free — This recipe for a vanilla cake in a mug can also be made dairy-free. You’ll need to swap milk with a non-dairy alternative, such as soy milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. When it comes to butter, both vegan butter and coconut butter will do well.

• Gluten-free — This recipe for a vanilla cake in a mug contains lots of dairy products, and most are gluten-free. Just swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free one such as buckwheat flour or brown flour.

Equipment

• Microwave-safe mug.

• Microwave.

• Measuring cups and spoons.

Storage

• In the unlikely case that you have leftovers, you can store them in your fridge in an airtight container for up to a week.

Tips

• The mug — We’d recommend using a 10 oz. mug. A smaller one would probably lead to a mess.

• Use eggs — If you’re not content with the way things are, you can always use egg yolks the next time. This will help keep the cake moist and tender. 1 large egg yolk will do the trick.