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A vanilla mug cake is the perfect fix when you are craving a simple cake but not necessarily the whole shebang of making a full cake. This single serving vanilla mug cake is just as easy to make as my chocolate mug cake; equally light and fluffy, and still has no eggs and fully customizable!
The Very Best Vanilla Mug Cake
If you have been hanging around the blog for a few years now, you’ll know that my original chocolate mug cake that started the whole mug cake trend has been a hit. I recognize, though, that not everyone is a fan of chocolate. If I’m being honest, that’s quite shocking to me but, I aim to please, so if you are a vanilla lover, here is the vanilla mug cake!
Over the years, several of people asked for one and honestly, it wasn’t a bad idea. It’s like having chocolate and vanilla ice cream flavors to choose from. Sometimes you’re wanting chocolate, some days you’re wanting vanilla. Same deal for mug cakes, right?
What is a mug cake?
I still seem to get this question a lot and a mug cake is literally as it sounds. A cake that is made in a mug! They are popular because they’re easy to make, egg-free, and a single-serving. When you are craving cake, you don’t have to whip out all your baking equipment, let alone bake an entire cake. A mug cake is a great alternative to nip that craving in the bud!
Vanilla Mug Cake Variations
Vanilla cake in a mug is the perfect base for your favorite add-ins. Here are some ideas:
- Sprinkles (I suggest using Jimmie sprinkles as the nonpareils will bleed color into your batter)
- Chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, you get the jist!
- Mix in some jam for a fruity surprise!
- Add in some leftover candy like chopped up Reese’s peanut butter cups or a Snickers bar.
- Crush up cookies like Nilla Wafers or Oreo cookies and mix them into the batter.
- Use a nut butter or substitute of choice. Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, etc.!
- Top it off with some whipped cream or ice cream!
Important Vanilla Mug Cake Tips
- Use a microwave-safe mug! This is so important. You don’t want anything shattering in the microwave. Additionally, make sure it holds at least 16 ounces.
- Place the mug on a paper towel just in case it bubbles or spills over. It would make clean up a lot easier.
- Microwave wattages vary thus cook time will vary. My microwave is 950 watts and I cooked mine on 100% power for 130 seconds. Knowing this information, it may help you better judge how long to cook yours for and at what power.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can, but I tested it with self-raising flour and it just came out spongey and not the texture I wanted. I like my cakes light, fluffy, and moist and with the self-raising flour, it just didn’t yield the results I wanted. There have been many people who have used self-raising flour in this recipe and didn’t notice a difference so if you’re up for the challenge, and knowing texture and taste may be off, I say go for it.
No, this was solely developed for the microwave. I have had readers who have baked this but I honestly do not recall how it turned out and/or what temperature or time.
Other Mug Cake Flavors
Very Vanilla Mug Cake
Ingredients
- ¼ cup (31 g) + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup (59 ml) + 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.1/4 cup (31 g) + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon salt
- In a measuring cup, whisk together milk, vanilla bean paste, and vanilla extract.1/4 cup (59 ml) + 2 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients then pour the milk mixture into the center, followed by the melted butter.2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Whisk until no lumps remain and batter is smooth and well combined.
- Pour into a 16-ounce microwave-safe mug.
- Microwave on high for 130 seconds or 2 minutes and 10 seconds.
- Carefully remove and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Photographs by Eat Love Eat
I tried your moist chocolate cake, and it turned out awesome. I tried this vanilla version, but sadly the batter is kinda raw, and the texture looks like a solid batter that has taken shape. Doesn’t look like a cake. Any suggestions or anything I did wrong? :( I’m kinda new to this so any response will be appreciated. :D
I’m not sure! The only thing I can think of is maybe add more liquid and zap it longer? Or maybe try sifting the dry ingredients.
Didn’t have any vanilla on hand, so added some chai spices and drizzled with maple syrup. Delish, thank-you!
I made this for my husband-this was his first mug cake! I subbed cookie butter for the vanilla bean paste and dropped a tablespoon of cookie butter in to it to bake. Unreal-so good.
Yum! Switched out the vanilla for pure maple syrup (2tbsp) & drizzled some on top, turned out great!
delicious! i used pastry flour so the cake ended up being a little overcooked, but i added some maple syrup on top and it softened right up! tasted like a pancake, but a little too sweet. if you plan to use syrup, i would use a bit less sugar in the recipe.
I just made this for an after dinner treat and I absolutely love it! Was just what the doctor ordered to satisfy that sweet tooth of mine. Keep in mind the shape of the mug used to make this, because that may also vary the cook time/ end result. Happy eating!
The taste was pure perfection but i did not really like the texture. It was a bit gooey to me(like white bread on the roof of your mouth). It was really good though.
I used vanilla almond milk and sprinkled a little sugar over the top. So good!
These were amazing! I had never heard of this brand of vanilla bean paste before (Nielsen Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste), but it seemed to really make the recipe. I tried a different, cheaper brand of vanilla bean paste, and was stunned by the difference; there was far less of the wonderful vanilla flavor, as well as a slightly bitter note. Thank you for recommending this brand!
I’m so sad. I was beyond exited to try this and I followed the instructions perfectly but when I took a bite it kinda tasted like nothing and the texture is kinda chewy and it reminds me of play dough. Anyway to fix it?? I really love the concept! :(
I’m so sorry you didn’t like it! I’m not quite sure how to fix it. If it tasted like nothing, then add more vanilla.
I have been making mug cakes for years! Thought I invented them. Guess not since they are EVERY where now. :) I think you just have to be a fan of them. have not meet one I have not liked. Make sure your leavening products are fresh and don’t over mix.