How to Make the Best Mug Cake – Soft, Fluffy & Ready in Minutes! 🍰☕
Yields: 1 serving
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 1 minute – 1 minute 30 seconds
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar
- Sprinkles
- Whipped cream
- Berries
- Chocolate chips
- Frosting
Equipment:
- Microwave-safe mug (about 10-12 ounce capacity)
- Measuring spoons and tablespoons
- Small whisk or fork
Step-by-Step Instructions with Pictures:
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to your microwave-safe mug.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
- Use a small whisk or fork to thoroughly combine all the dry ingredients. This ensures even distribution of the baking powder for a good rise.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
- Add the milk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract to the mug.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. A few small lumps are okay.

Step 5: Microwave
- Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high power for 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds. Cooking times can vary depending on your microwave’s wattage.
- Start with 1 minute.
- Check for doneness: The cake should look mostly set and slightly pull away from the sides of the mug. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached (not wet batter).
- If it’s still very wet, continue microwaving in 15-second intervals until done. Be careful not to overcook, as the cake can become dry.

Step 6: Let Cool Slightly
- Carefully remove the mug from the microwave (it will be hot!). Let the cake cool for a minute or two before adding any toppings.

Step 7: Add Toppings (Optional)
Now for the fun part! Top your warm vanilla mug cake with your favorite goodies. Here are a few ideas:
- Dust with powdered sugar.

- Sprinkle with colorful sprinkles.

- Add a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh berries.

- Stir in some chocolate chips before microwaving or sprinkle them on top afterwards.

Step 8: Enjoy!
- Grab a spoon and dig into your delicious homemade mug cake!

Tips and Variations:
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Chocolate mug cake: Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and increase the milk to 4 tablespoons. You can also add chocolate chips.
- Cinnamon mug cake: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
- Peanut butter mug cake: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter with the wet ingredients.
- Make it vegan: Use plant-based milk and oil.
- Don’t overfill the mug: Leave some space at the top as the cake will rise during cooking.
- Clean up immediately: Mug cakes are best enjoyed fresh, and the mug is easier to clean before the batter hardens.
Enjoy your quick and easy mug cake!