I love making this Cupcake In A Mug as my go-to dessert fix when time is short. It blends simple pantry staples like flour, sugar, and a pinch of baking powder with milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to create a surprisingly delightful treat that’s quick and satisfying every time.

Jump to Recipe

I always get excited when I come across a recipe that is both super simple and satisfying. Recently, I whipped up my microwave vanilla mug cake and it blew my mind.

Using just 4 tbsp of all purpose flour, 4 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/4 tsp baking powder, a pinch of salt, 3 tbsp milk, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract, I managed to create a dessert that’s not only a true one-serve treat but also perfect for those days when you need something quick and delicious. The cake cooked in less than 5 minutes in the microwave and gave off a moist, tender texture that reminded me of an easy oven snack or even a cupcake in a mug.

I love how this no baked dessert recipe turns a few basic ingredients into a little moment of joy you can enjoy any time. Trust me, it’s a game changer if you haven’t tried it yet.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super quick to whip up when I’m craving a sweet treat and I love that it’s ready in less than 5 minutes even if sometimes i mess up the timing a little.
I really enjoy that it’s a one serving dessert so i dont have to worry about leftovers or wasting food.
I like the fact that its so flexible – i can always add my favorite topping like whipped cream or ice cream to make it extra special.
It makes me feel creative coz even though the ingredients are basic, playing around with the recipe lets me experiment and it still turns out delicious even when its a bit imperfect.

Ingredients

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

All purpose flour: Contains carbs and gives body to the cake, helps it hold together.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and energy, makin the mug cake delightfully tasty.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise so its nice and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness, vital to bring out the best taste.
Milk: Supplies moisture, protein and calcium, makin the cake a bit more nutritious.
Vegetable oil: Gives richness and tenderness though it adds extra calories in the mix.
Vanilla extract: Boosts aroma and flavor, a must-have to complete the recipe.

Ingredient Quantities

4 tbsp all purpose flour

4 tbsp granulated sugar

1/4 tsp baking powder

A pinch of salt

3 tbsp milk

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make this

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

1. Grab a microwave-safe mug and add 4 tbsp all-purpose flour, 4 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/4 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt.

2. Pour in 3 tbsp milk, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract to the dry ingredients in the mug.

3. Stir the mixture well till you get a smooth batter with no lumps.

4. Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for about 70-90 seconds.

5. Check if the cake is set in the middle; if not, microwave it for an extra 10-15 seconds.

6. Wait a minute for the cake to cool down as the mug will be really hot.

7. Optionally, top with your favorite ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feelin like it.

8. Enjoy your quick and tasty microwave vanilla mug cake while it’s still warm!

Equipment Needed

1. Microwave – you’ll need this to cook the mug cake
2. Microwave-safe mug – obviously the cake has to be made in something that won’t break in the microwave
3. Measuring spoons – these are needed to accurately measure out the tbsp and tsp ingredients
4. A spoon for stirring – it helps to mix the batter till it’s smooth with no lumps
5. Timer – if your microwave doesnt have one built in, this is useful to get the cook time right

FAQ

How long should I microwave the mug cake?

Most of the time it takes around 70 to 90 seconds in a standard microwave. Keep an eye on it, cuz microwaves can vary.

Do I need to grease my mug?

Yeah, it's a good idea to lightly grease or spray your mug so the cake wont stick.

Can I add extra flavors like chocolate chips or berries?

Sure, go ahead and mix in some extras like chocolate chips or berries, but dont add too much or it may affect the cooking time.

What can I do if my cake comes out too dry?

If it seems dry, try decreasing the microwave time a little or adjust the oil and milk balance next time.

Can I double this recipe to make a bigger cake?

Doubling the recipe might mean you need a larger microwave-safe dish and adjusting the cooking time, so its best to do it in two separate mugs.

Microwave Vanilla Mug Cake Recipe Substitutions and Variations

All-Purpose Flour: You can swap it out for a gluten free blend or whole wheat flour, but whole wheat might make the cake a bit denser
Granulated Sugar: If you dont have sugar, try honey or maple syrup instead. Just cut back the milk a little since these are more liquid
Baking Powder: You can replace this by using 1/8 tsp baking soda mixed with a few drops of lemon juice
Milk: Almond milk or soy milk works fine in place of cow’s milk if you need a dairy-free option
Vegetable Oil: Melted butter or coconut oil is a great substitute and adds just a bit more flavor

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you mix the batter real good so that there aren’t any lumps – those can mess up the texture and make the cake unevenly cooked.
2. Microwave times can vary a lot depending on your appliance, so keep an eye on it after 70 seconds and add extra time in small bursts, like 10-15 seconds at a time to avoid overcooking.
3. Let the cake sit for a minute after microwaving, this gives it a chance to cool down a bit and lets the flavors settle even though waiting might be hard when it’s so yummy.
4. Try stirring in a little extra twist like a few mini chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon to change things up if you feel like experimenting.