One Minute Microwave Mug Cake Recipe

Sharing our easy vanilla, chocolate and funfetti mug cake recipe that bakes in the microwave in just under 1 minute!

photo of the vanilla mug cake recipe with sprinkles

Sometimes, you just need some cake, right? But the craving doesn’t always hit at the right moment.

Maybe you just need a dessert for one or don’t have time to haul out the cake pans and turn on the oven. Or maybe you just don’t have the time to wait for all of the baking, cooling, and frosting a standard cake requires.

Those are the times when I, Rebecca like to break out my big, cozy mug and make this microwave mug cake recipe. It’s ready in a matter of minutes and uses pantry and refrigerator staples that you most likely have on hand.

mug cake recipe - photo of Chocolate and Vanilla Coffee Mug Cake Recipe

What is a Mug Cake?

Mug cake is literally a cake that bakes in the microwave. So it’s easy to make and easy to clean up, and even better, it is made from scratch!

And no, you do not even need a fancy microwave. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and a minute to bake. It may not be the prettiest in presentation, but mug cake definitely is an instant gratification dessert.

mug cake recipe - photo of Ingredients Needed To Make Microwave Mug Cake
coffee mug cake recipe -photo fo Prepping the Batter Ahead of Time

What You’ll Need for this Mug Cake Recipe

The ingredient and equipment list for making a cake in a mug is pretty simple!

You’ll need a 12 to 14 oz. microwave safe mug, a few measuring spoons, and a small spoon for stirring. The simple ingredients are butter, sugar, baking powder, all-purpose flour, salt, milk, and vanilla extract.

Notice that the usual eggs and oils (not even even canola or coconut oil) are missing? Most mug cakes do not require eggs (which is perfect if you have an egg allergy). Omitting the egg and oil makes for a more light, fluffy and moist cake.

If you want a chocolate mug cake, we’ve included a variation with cocoa powder. Oh, and a sprinkles version if you’re in the mood for funfetti!

And if you know, we are always in the mood for sprinkles as seen with our Funfetti Cookie Cake, Funfetti Granola Bars, and White Chocolate Funfetti Popcorn recipes.

This basic mug cake recipe is basically a great starting point for a lot of fun creative variations to suit your every mood and whim.

chocolate mug cake - photo of the moist chocolate mug cake with vanilla frosting

How to Make a Microwave Mug Cake

1 — Begin by getting out all of your ingredients and your mug.

2 — Melt the butter in the bottom of your mug.

Mug Cake Recipe - photo of the batter being made

3 — Once the butter has melted, add the flour, sugar, milk, vanilla, salt, baking powder and salt and stir until it’s well mixed.

microwave mug cake - photo of the ingredients being prepped

For our funfetti mug cake recipe below, the only extra step would be to also stir in sprinkles.

mug cake recipe - photo of the sprinkles being mixed in the mug cake

The batter will be fairly thin. It may look like there is not enough batter in the mug. But it will rise when it’s baking.

4 — Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 45 seconds to a minute.

We like to check ours after 45 seconds. And if there are any spots that look raw or doughy, continue cooking it in 15 second increments until they have baked. Also, remember that different microwaves have different power levels. So your mug cake can take up to 2 minutes to bake.

5 — Carefully remove the mug cake from the microwave. It can be hot to the touch. Allow it to cool for a few minutes, then add any toppings you would like. Mug cakes are best enjoyed while still warm.

microwave mug cake recipe - photo of the No Bake Chocolate and Vanilla Mug Cakes
no bake cake - photo of how to avoid spillage when making mug cake

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Cooking tips: To make sure they cook properly, only microwave one mug cake in at a time. Mug cake recipes are not mean for even small batches.
  • How to avoid spillage: Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave strength. However, I recommend cooking on high for 45 seconds. If the mug cake still seems doughy, continue cooking in 15-30 second intervals. For first timers, placing a plate underneath your mug in the microwave just in case you get any spillage and until you figure out the right times.
  • Prepping the batter: While these should be enjoyed while still fresh and warm, the use of baking powder means that you can mix the batter up the day before you want to bake them.
  • Frosting ideas: I’ve included a recipe for frosting, but you can get creative with the toppings. Whipped cream, ice cream, sprinkles, or chocolate or caramel sauce are all great ways to top off your microwave mug cakes.
  • Mug cake recipe add-ins: Mix-ins are another way to make your mug cake unique! Chocolate chips, chopped candy bars, or nuts can take your mug cake to the next level.
microwave mug cake recipe - add Funfetti as a mixing idea

More Easy Cake Recipes

Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth even more? Check out a few of our favorite cake recipes from the archives below —

One Minute Microwave Mug Cake
photo of the vanilla mug cake recipe with sprinkles

Vanilla Mug Cake Recipe

Print Recipe
5 from 13 votes
An easy vanilla mug cake recipe that bakes in the microwave in just under 1 minute!
Prep Time9 minutes
Cook Time1 minute
Total Time10 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine Cakes

Equipment

  • Microwave safe mug

Ingredients

For the vanilla mug cake:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 5 tbsp all purpose flour
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 4 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp clear vanilla
  • 3 tsp Jimmie sprinkle optional if you want to make a Funfetti cake

Nutrition

Calories: 474kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 71mg | Potassium: 321mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 797IU | Calcium: 154mg | Iron: 2mg
Servings: 1
Calories: 474kcal

Instructions

  • Place the butter in a 12-14 oz. microwave-safe mug and melt it in the microwave.
  • Remove mug from microwave and add all the remaining ingredients: sugar, flour, salt, baking powder, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and you have a fairly thin batter. Add any mix-ins you want at this point.
  • Put the mug cake back in the microwave and cook on high for 45 seconds. Look and see if there are any wet or doughy spots, and if there are continue cooking in 15-30 second intervals until the mug cake looks completely baked.
  • Carefully remove the mug from the microwave and allow it to cool a few minutes before adding any toppings and eating. The cake will be best if you enjoy it while it’s warm.
KEYWORD: vanilla mug cake

chocolate mug cake - photo of the moist chocolate mug cake with vanilla frosting

Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe

Print Recipe
5 from 11 votes
An easy chocolate mug cake recipe that bakes in the microwave in just under 1 minute!
Prep Time9 minutes
Cook Time1 minute
Total Time10 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine Cakes

Equipment

  • Microwave safe mug

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 4 tbsp all purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 5 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Nutrition

Calories: 479kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 79mg | Potassium: 453mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 821IU | Calcium: 184mg | Iron: 3mg
Servings: 1
Calories: 479kcal

Instructions

  • Place the butter in a 12-14 oz. microwave-safe mug and melt it in the microwave.
  • Remove mug from microwave and add all the remaining ingredients: sugar, flour, salt, baking powder, milk, vanilla extract and cocoa powder. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and you have a fairly thin batter. Add any mix-ins you want at this point.
  • Put the mug cake back in the microwave and cook on high for 45 seconds. Look and see if there are any wet or doughy spots, and if there are continue cooking in 15-30 second intervals until the mug cake looks completely baked.
  • Carefully remove the mug from the microwave and allow it to cool a few minutes before adding any toppings and eating. The cake will be best if you enjoy it while it’s warm.
KEYWORD: chocolate mug cake

no bake cake - photo of how to avoid spillage when making mug cake

Vanilla Frosting Recipe

Print Recipe
5 from 9 votes
A quick and easy homemade vanilla frosting recipe
Total Time3 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine Frostings

Equipment

  • Microwave safe bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp butter melted
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla bean extract 
  • 1-2 tsp milk 1-2 tsp

Nutrition

Calories: 88kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 34mg | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 117IU
Servings: 3
Calories: 88kcal

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in a microwave-proof bowl.
  • Use a fork to stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
  • Add the milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it is a spreadable, frosting-like consistency.
  • Allow your mug cake to cool slightly before putting the frosting on top of it.
KEYWORD: vanilla frosting

Don’t forget to share your microwave mug cake with us on Instagram using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? Find them all right here!

Please note that we may earn a commission for some of the above affiliate links. However, products featured are independently selected and personally well-loved by us!

5 from 13 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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14 Comments

  1. That’s amazing. Would love to try it.
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  2. My Grandson is coming this weekend to watch his first Harry Potter Movie. We will make Magic Mug Cakes so he can be a kitchen wizard!!!5 stars