Vanilla Mug Cake
You ever get hit with a late-night craving for cake? I sure do.
Over the years, I’ve fallen in love with recipes that don’t need fancy ingredients or a lot of effort.
This Vanilla Mug Cake is one of those.

Growing up, I never imagined I’d turn to a microwave for cake! My mom would bake elaborate cakes, and the oven was always running. But these days, when I need something quick, this mug cake is my go-to.
The best part?
It’s done in under five minutes. No mess. No hassle. Just simple, sweet goodness in a mug.
My whole family, including me, always goes crazy for this recipe. It’s especially handy when the kids come home from school asking for something sweet right now.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for this quick vanilla mug cake recipe. You probably already have these in your pantry, which makes it even better:

- 1/2 cup self-rising flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup milk (plant-based milk works too)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (or oil if you prefer)
How to Make this Vanilla Mug Cake
This recipe is ridiculously simple. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, fluffy cake in no time:
- Put the flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl and mix them together with a whisk.
- Pour in the milk, vanilla, and melted butter, and mix it all together until it’s combined.
- Put the batter into two mugs, but don’t fill them up all the way.
- Cook each mug in the microwave for 1 and a half minutes, or until the top is cooked but still soft when you touch it. Then, enjoy your cakes!
Why This Vanilla Mug Cake Stands Out
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always loved simple desserts.
And this one?
It’s a winner because it’s fast, easy, and incredibly satisfying. My kids are constantly asking me to make it, especially when we need a quick sweet fix.
I remember the first time I made this recipe. It was one of those days where everything felt chaotic, and I just needed something comforting. This little mug cake came to the rescue!
It’s also super versatile, and you can switch things up based on what you’re craving or what’s in your pantry.
Helpful Tips for Mug Cake Success
- Use self-rising flour: This is key for the cake to rise properly. If you don’t have any, just mix 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder with regular flour.
- Don’t overfill the mugs: Only fill them halfway to avoid a mess in your microwave. Trust me—overflowing cake batter is not fun to clean up.
- Microwave times vary: Every microwave is different, so start with 1 minute. If the cake isn’t done, add 10-second increments until it’s perfectly cooked.
Fun Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? Try out these fun twists:
- Chocolate chip dream: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips before microwaving for a gooey, chocolatey surprise.
- Berry burst: Add a few fresh berries to the batter for a fruity kick.
- Cinnamon swirl: Mix in a swirl of cinnamon and sugar to give your cake a cozy, spiced flavor.
- Vegan version: Use almond or oat milk and swap the butter for coconut oil or any other plant-based alternative.
Give It a Try!
You absolutely, positively have to make this vanilla mug cake! It’s perfect for those moments when you need something sweet right now.
Plus, it’s so easy, and there’s really no excuse not to give it a try. Keep this recipe in your back pocket for cake emergencies—they happen more often than you think!
Let me know how it turns out in the comments below. And don’t forget to sign up for updates so you never miss out on quick and tasty recipes like this one. Happy microwaving!
Vanilla Mug Cake - Simple Yummy Recipes
Craving something sweet in minutes? This easy Vanilla Mug Cake recipe is ready in under five minutes!
Type: dessert
Cuisine: American
Keywords: Vanilla Mug Cake
Recipe Yield: 2 mug cakes
Preparation Time: PT2M
Cooking Time: PT3M
Total Time: PT5M
Recipe Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup self-rising flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- A little bit of salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Recipe Instructions: 1. Put the flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl and mix them together with a whisk. 2. Pour in the milk, vanilla, and melted butter, and mix it all together until it's combined. 3. Put the batter into two mugs, but don't fill them up all the way. 4. Cook each mug in the microwave for 1 and a half minutes, or until the top is cooked but still soft when you touch it. Then, enjoy your cakes!
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