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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 must say, I have tried a lot of mug cakes but none of them have turned out quite as well or quite as tasty. As far as mug cakes go, this one takes the cake!
Easy and delish. Love that it doesn’t need egg. Turned out just like cake.
Thank you.
Thanx for the recipe .
I had tried it an I just ❤ love it .
Tht was to ? yummy food ?
Thanx 4 d wonderful recipe It was too good
And I had tried ot it was so yumiee thank you
OMG I just made this with a fairly large dollop of Biscoff cookie butter (dropped into the center of the batter just before “baking”) and used a double strength vanilla extract that I get at a local spice shop (no vanilla paste readily available) – seriously the BEST mug cake I’ve ever had in my life! Fluffy and moist, and the cookie butter gave the cake a luscious molten bottom. I’m in heaven! FYI I live in Colorado, at almost 7000ft. I made no changes to the the recipe measurements (as is sometimes necessary with high altitude baking), and I microbaked for 1:40 (100 secs) – I have a 1000W microwave. Came out PERFECT. Thank you for this awesome recipe!
Time to try the chocolate cake w/a scoop of Nutella after tonight’s supper.
Is it OK to put nutella in the centre
Yes
Thank you for this wonderful recipe. I have been looking for a mug cake that was not spongy or dry and this nailed it. I made a quick cream cheese frosting for it and it was a happy party in my mouth. I was even pretty full about halfway through which surprised me since it didn’t rise as much but looks are deceptive! Can’t wait to try another one of your recipes.
This was amazing! I added some cinnamon and strawberry preserves, and substuted the butter for canola oil. I think using the canola oil works better than butter. Just my opinion. :D
Thanks Julie for the great recipe.
Hi can you tell me if this will cook ok in a normal oven?
No, this was made specifically for cooking in the microwave.
I just made this it’s delicious!! I don’t think it needs an egg it’s the best mug cake recipe I’ve come across!!Ive bookmarked this recipe for later use thankyou!!!