Red Velvet Mug Cake
Craving something sweet but short on time? Try this red velvet mug cake.
In just five minutes, you can make a rich, velvety treat to satisfy your dessert cravings.
This single-serve cake is made in the microwave, making it quick and easy.
With its red color and hint of cocoa flavor, it’s as tasty as it is convenient. Perfect for any time of day!
What Is a Red Velvet Mug Cake?
A red velvet mug cake is a quick, single-serving take on the classic red velvet cake.
It has a soft texture, a light cocoa flavor, and a bright red color that stands out. This dessert is a favorite for anyone who loves cake.
Traditional cakes take time and effort, but mug cakes are much simpler. They deliver the same great flavors in just a few minutes.
While it’s not as grand as a full-sized cake, the ease and satisfaction are worth it. Plus, it’s perfect for those moments when you want dessert right away!
Ingredients for the Red Velvet Mug Cake
Cake Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp self-rising flour
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp milk (room temperature)
- ¼ tsp white vinegar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 4 drops red food coloring
- 1 tsp powdered sugar (for garnish)
How to Make a Red Velvet Mug Cake
Preparing the Mug Cake:
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the vegetable oil, milk, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Transfer to Mug: Pour the batter into a microwave-safe mug, filling it about halfway to allow room for the cake to rise.
- Microwave: Heat the mug on high for 1 minute and 10 seconds, or until the cake is set. Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
- Garnish: Let the cake cool slightly before sprinkling with powdered sugar or your favorite topping.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Mug: Use a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 12 ounces to prevent overflow.
- Start with Wet Ingredients: Mix the liquid ingredients first to ensure even distribution.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: For a smoother batter, sift the flour and cocoa powder.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Microwaves vary, so keep an eye on your cake to avoid overcooking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature milk helps the batter mix more evenly.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Cake: Reduce cooking time by 5 seconds or add a splash of milk before microwaving.
- Undercooked Center: Microwave in 10-second intervals until fully cooked.
- Uneven Cooking: Stir the batter thoroughly to ensure even consistency.
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add 1 tbsp of chocolate chips to the batter.
- Extra Cocoa: Increase cocoa powder to 1 ½ tsp for a richer flavor.
- Vanilla Twist: Omit the cocoa powder and food coloring for a simple vanilla mug cake.
- Toppings: Experiment with whipped cream, Nutella, or crushed Oreos.
- Gluten-Free: Replace self-rising flour with a gluten-free blend and add ¼ tsp baking powder.
Storage
While this mug cake is best enjoyed fresh, you can cover and store it at room temperature for up to 4 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate and reheat for 10-15 seconds in the microwave.
Questions I get Asked
Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, you can. Just add baking powder and salt. Use 4 tablespoons of regular flour. Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder. Also, add 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
Why is there vinegar in red velvet cake?
The vinegar works with the milk. This makes something like buttermilk. It gives the cake a little tang. It also helps it rise. The cake won’t taste like vinegar.
Can I skip the red food coloring?
Yes, you can. The color is just for looks. It doesn’t change the taste. The cake will be brown, like a chocolate mug cake.
How do I know when the cake is done?
It’s done when it’s firm. It should bounce back when you touch it. Check it after 60 seconds in the microwave. Microwaves cook differently. If it’s still wet, cook it more in short bursts. Try 10-20 seconds at a time.
Can I add things to the batter?
Yes! Chocolate chips are a good choice. You can use any kind you like. Milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or white chocolate chips are all good.
What kind of mug should I use?
Use a microwave-safe mug. It should hold about 10-12 ounces. The batter won’t fill it up. It will rise when cooking. A bigger mug stops spills.
Can I save leftover mug cake?
It’s best to eat it right away. It gets dry if you save it. If you have to, cover it tightly. Put it in the fridge for one day at most. You can warm it up a little in the microwave.
My mug cake is dry. What went wrong?
You probably cooked it too long. Try cooking it for 10-15 seconds less next time. Microwaves vary in power.
My mug cake is gooey inside. What should I do?
Cook it for another 10-15 seconds. Touch the middle to check. It should bounce back when it’s done.
Conclusion
This 5-minute red velvet mug cake is a fast and easy dessert. It has a moist texture and a rich flavor, making it perfect for any sweet craving.
You don’t need to worry about the time or effort of traditional baking. Just try it and enjoy!
Leave a comment to share your experience. Experiment with toppings and flavors to make it unique.
Happy microwaving!
Red Velvet Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp self-rising flour
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp milk room temperature
- ¼ tsp white vinegar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 4 drops red food coloring
- 1 tsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
- Add the vegetable oil, milk, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Stir until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into a microwave-safe mug, filling it about halfway.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute and 10 seconds, or until the cake is set.
- Let the mug cake cool slightly before sprinkling with powdered sugar.
