Easy Vanilla Mug Cake

Need to fix a quick cake craving? Try this vanilla mug cake in less than 2 minutes. Simple and easy, moist, light, and airy, made with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

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Why make this mug cake?

• Unlike most other mug cakes, this one is soft and moist, yet light and airy. When was the last time you heard someone say that about a mug cake?
• And this recipe is so fool-proof I use it as a base to make my other cakes, like strawberry, orange, funfetti, and more.
• Also, the ingredients are simple pantry staples you probably already have in your kitchen.
• Of course, it’s one mug and made in the microwave in less than 2 minutes. So, it’s ready in no-time, and less clean-up!

Ingredients and substitutes

• Flour – I have used self-raising flour but you can also use all-purpose flour. And if you do use all-purpose flour, just use 1/4 cup instead of 1/3 cup and add 1/4 tsp of baking soda.
• Butter – This one has butter because I love the rich flavor of butter. I have not tested it with oil yet.
• Sugar – Both white granulated sugar or brown sugar will work for this recipe. Brown will give the cake a caramel-like flavor from the molasses but make sure to combine it well.
• Milk – This helps with the consistency of the batter. You can also use coconut milk, soy milk, or even water if you prefer.
• Vanilla – When it comes to vanilla cake use good quality vanilla. You will notice I always use vanilla bean paste because I love a strong vanilla flavor.
  Pro-tip – It is more affordable to make your own vanilla extract, bean paste, or vanilla sugar.

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How to Make A vanilla Mug Cake

• Combine all the ingredients in a microwave-safe large mug. Use a fork or whisk to ensure no lumps.
  Pro-tip – The cake does rise so make sure the batter is only about half the cup. You can also divide the batter between two smaller cups.
• Then, bake in the microwave for 60 to 90 seconds on high. The cake will rise and settle a bit after it finishes baking (mine took 1 1/2 minute).
  Pro-tip – The cake is done when you prick with a skewer and feel no raw batter inside.
• Next, let cool for 5 minutes. Then, top with whipped cream and chopped strawberry.
  Pro-tip – If the cake is still hot, the whipped cream will melt. Alternatively, you can serve the whipped cream on the side.

Variations for microwave mug cakes

• Add 2 tbsp chocolate chips to make a chocolate chip mug cake
• Or 2 tbsp peanut butter to the batter – peanut butter mug cake.
• Try 2 tbsp Dulce de leche for a dulce de leche mug cake
• Or 2 tbsp Nutella for a nutella mug cake

6 Tips to make the best mug cakes

1. Use a microwave-safe mug or ramekins to bake this cake. Even microwave-safe glassware will work. 
2. The cake rises, so make sure the batter is no more than half the cup. And if necessary, use a larg mug or divide between two small mugs to prevent an overflow.
3. The cake takes between 1.15 to 1.30 minutes to bake. So, don’t over-bake. Overbaking will make the egg dry, rubbery, and chewy. Therefore, check at 1.15 minutes.
4. Mug cakes don’t have any caramelization. They bake pale and the outside looks like the inside of the cake. As a result, this can be misleading. So, make sure to check with a toothpick in the center of the cake. Often, the cake will be cooked inside. 
5. When done, let cool slightly as the cake is hot. Unless you want to eat hot cake (which is VERY delish!)
6. Also, whipped cream or any frosting will melt on the hot cake. So, wait for a few minutes or serve it on the side (for the images I did wait for at least 10 minutes – yeah my kids weren’t happy ?).

More microwave mug desserts

• Chocolate Fudge Mug Cake Recipe
• Chocolate Mug Cake

Frequently asked questions

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