Mug Cakes for One
Vanilla Mug Cake for One
One soft vanilla mug cake with a light fluffy crumb, warm buttery flavor, and simple ingredients — ready in just a few minutes.
Servings
1 mug cake
Prep
5 min
Cook
1–2 min
Total
6–7 min
Difficulty
Easy
Calories
≈ 390 kcal
Protein
≈ 6 g
Fat
≈ 17 g
Carbs
≈ 54 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
Ingredients
What you'll need.
- All-purpose flour40 g
- Granulated sugar25 g
- Baking powder¼ tsp
- Fine saltPinch
- Milk45 g
- Unsalted butter, melted20 g
- Vanilla extract¾ tsp
How to Make It
One vanilla mug cake, step by step.
- 01
Choose the mug
Use a microwave-safe mug with enough room for the cake to rise slightly while cooking.
- 02
Mix the dry ingredients
Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to the mug. Stir until evenly combined.
- 03
Add the wet ingredients
Pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the batter is smooth and no dry pockets remain.
- 04
Microwave the cake
Microwave on high for about 60–90 seconds, depending on your microwave. The top should look set while the center remains soft and tender.
- 05
Let it rest
Allow the mug cake to sit for 1–2 minutes before eating. The center will continue to set slightly as it rests.
SVI SWEET Tip
Stop cooking as soon as the top looks set.
Vanilla mug cake can dry out quickly in the microwave. A slightly soft center after cooking is better than waiting until the cake looks completely firm.
Substitutions
Make it work with what you have.
Butter
A neutral oil can replace the melted butter in the same quantity, although butter gives the cake a richer flavor.
Milk
Regular dairy milk or an unsweetened plant-based milk can be used in the same amount.
Vanilla
Vanilla extract gives the classic flavor. You can also replace a small portion with almond extract for a slightly different bakery-style taste.
Add-ins
Add a small spoonful of sprinkles, berries, or chocolate chips if you want to turn the basic vanilla cake into a variation.
Storage
Best enjoyed right away.
Fresh is best
This mug cake is best eaten shortly after cooking while the crumb is still warm, soft, and tender.
Short-term storage
If needed, cover the mug cake and keep it at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
Microwave for about 5–8 seconds to warm it again. Avoid heating it for too long or the cake may become dry.
FAQ
A few helpful answers.
Why did my vanilla mug cake turn out dry?
It was probably microwaved a little too long. Microwave strength varies, so begin with a shorter cooking time and add only a few seconds if needed.
Can I make this mug cake without butter?
Yes. Replace the melted butter with the same amount of a neutral-flavored oil.
Can I add sprinkles?
Yes. Stir a small amount of sprinkles into the batter before microwaving for an easy birthday-cake variation.
Can I double this recipe?
For more even cooking, make two separate mug cakes rather than doubling the batter in one mug.
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