Tiramisu Mug Cake

Craving the rich flavors of traditional tiramisu but don’t want to wait hours?

This ingenious tiramisu mug cake brings the classic Italian dessert to your microwave in just 7 minutes total prep and cooking time!

Perfect for late-night dessert cravings, this quick recipe delivers all the coffee-infused, creamy goodness of tiramisu in single-serving form.

Skip the lengthy layering process – this homemade version will become your new favorite instant indulgence!

Looking for more mug cake inspiration? Check out my coffee mug cake recipe and espresso chocolate mug cake for another delicious treat.

Why I Love This Tiramisu Mug Cake Recipe

I love real tiramisu. But let’s be honest – it takes forever to make.

That’s why I found a shortcut: tiramisu in a mug.

This quick version is perfect when I need a dessert fix right away. It’s become my go-to treat when I want those classic tiramisu flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.

You still get that coffee-soaked cake and creamy texture, but in minutes instead of hours. It’s not exactly like the traditional dessert, but it definitely hits the spot when those tiramisu cravings strike.

Think of it as your emergency tiramisu button.

This is my favorite late-night treat when I’m stuck at my desk. It’s more exciting than plain coffee when I need to stay awake.

But it’s not just coffee – it’s dessert!

The best part? It has everything that makes tiramisu special. You get that strong coffee taste. The creamy mascarpone cheese. And yes, that perfect sprinkle of cocoa on top.

Instead of the traditional cold layers, though, you get it as a warm, soft cake. It’s like a cozy hug in a mug.

It’s perfect when you want something that feels fancy but takes almost no effort to make.

Want to know what makes this recipe extra special? You don’t need eggs!

This is great news when your fridge is nearly empty. You can still make this tasty dessert with just basic ingredients.

I’ve made this recipe many, many times. And I learned something important: use really hot water with the instant coffee.

Here’s why: When you use boiling water, the coffee taste gets much stronger. It reminds me of those coffee-soaked cookies in real tiramisu.

It’s a simple trick, but it makes a big difference.

This little discovery has made my mug cake taste much more like the real thing.

Ingredients for Tiramisu Mug Cake

For the Cake Base:

• All-purpose flour: 4 tablespoons – ensure it’s level, not heaping
• Whole milk: 3 tablespoons – room temperature works best
• Sugar: 3 tablespoons – regular granulated
• Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons – creates moisture without eggs
• Instant coffee mixture: 1 teaspoon boiling water + 2 teaspoons instant coffee
• Vanilla extract: 1/4 teaspoon – pure, not imitation
• Baking powder: 1/8 teaspoon – fresh for best rise
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance flavors

For the Topping:

• Mascarpone cheese: 2 tablespoons – room temperature
• Cocoa powder: 1 tablespoon for dusting – use Dutch-processed for best flavor

How To Make the Best Tiramisu Mug Cake

Prep work:

1. Choose a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 12 ounces
2. Bring all refrigerated ingredients to room temperature
3. Dissolve instant coffee in boiling water

Main steps:

1. In your mug, combine flour, sugar, dissolved coffee mixture, baking powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
2. Pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. Pay special attention to the bottom corners of the mug where flour tends to hide.
3. Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese. Don’t overmix – you want small pockets of creamy goodness throughout the cake.
4. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Watch as it rises – if your microwave is particularly powerful, you might need only 1 minute 45 seconds.

Finishing steps:

• The cake is done when it springs back when lightly touched
• Let it cool for 1 minute before adding toppings
• Dust generously with cocoa powder using a small sieve

How To Serve Tiramisu Mug Cake

Serve this delightful treat while still warm, about 2-3 minutes after cooking. The contrast between the warm cake and room-temperature mascarpone creates an incredible texture experience. For extra indulgence, add a small scoop of vanilla gelato on top, letting it melt slightly into the warm cake. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, though it’s best enjoyed fresh from the microwave.

Tiramisu Mug Cake FAQs

Enjoy Your Tiramisu Mug Cake!

You can now enjoy real tiramisu flavors without spending all day in the kitchen.

This mug cake is perfect for so many moments. Maybe it’s late and you need something sweet. Or maybe you want to make a fancy dessert just for yourself. Either way, you’ll get all those amazing flavors – coffee, cream, and cake – in just minutes!

Keep this recipe handy. You’ll want it the next time a dessert craving hits.

Did you try making it? I’d love to know how it went!

Tell me all about it in the comments. Did you add your own twist? Maybe some coffee liqueur? Or did you try different toppings?

Whatever you did, share your pictures too!

Have fun making your mug cake!