This vanilla mug cake is a sweet and fluffy treat you can whip up in just minutes! Made with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for when you need a quick dessert fix.
What I love most is the ease of making it. Just mix, microwave, and enjoy! It’s a cozy hug in a mug that’s hard to resist. Plus, no leftovers to worry about! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our mug cake. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, which works well in most recipes!
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar gives the cake sweetness, but you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor or a sugar alternative like stevia or coconut sugar if you’re watching your intake.
Baking Powder: This ingredient helps the cake rise. If you don’t have baking powder, you can use baking soda (1/16 teaspoon) with a pinch of vinegar or lemon juice to activate it.
Milk: Any milk works here, including almond or soy milk for a dairy-free option. Some readers love using almond milk for a hint of nuttiness!
Vegetable Oil: You can switch this out for melted butter or coconut oil. Both add a lovely richness to the cake.
Vanilla Extract: The star flavor! If you want a twist, consider using almond extract instead for an interesting change.
How Do I Get My Mug Cake to Rise Perfectly?
Getting that fluffy rise is key to a great mug cake! Here are a few tips:
- Ensure your baking powder is fresh; old powder can lead to flat cakes.
- Mix the dry ingredients well before adding wet ones. Lumps can prevent rising.
- Don’t overmix! Stir just until everything is combined; overmixing can toughen the cake.
- Keep an eye on the microwave. Cooking times can vary a lot, so start with 1 minute and add time in small increments if needed.
Let your mug cake cool a bit before enjoying. It’ll finish cooking and be easier to eat warmer!
How to Make a Vanilla Mug Cake?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping (Optional):
- 1 tablespoon frosting
- Sprinkles (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy vanilla mug cake takes about 5 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s super quick and perfect for a little dessert fix anytime you crave something sweet!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
Grab a microwave-safe mug and add the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Use a fork or a small whisk to mix everything well, making sure there are no lumps in the mixture. It’s important to have a smooth base for your cake!
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
Next, pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into your mug filled with the dry ingredients. Give it a good stir until the batter is smooth and all the ingredients are well mixed. Make sure to scrape any flour from the bottom of the mug!
3. Microwave Your Mug Cake:
Now, it’s time to cook! Put your mug in the microwave and cook on high for about 1 minute and 30 seconds. Every microwave is a bit different, so keep a close eye on the cake as it cooks to make sure it doesn’t overflow or burn. The cake should rise nicely and look set in the middle when done.
4. Cool and Serve:
Let your mug cake cool for about a minute before adding a small dollop of frosting on top if you want a little extra sweetness. You can also finish it off with some fun sprinkles for decoration. Now it’s ready to dig in!
Enjoy your delicious and quick vanilla mug cake!
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour for All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it may make the cake denser. For a lighter texture, consider using a combination of 2 tablespoons of whole wheat flour and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Adjustments in liquid might be necessary as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
What if I Don’t Have Baking Powder?
If you don’t have baking powder, you can make a simple substitute by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Add this mixture along with the wet ingredients to help your mug cake rise!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to resist!), let the mug cake cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before enjoying again!
Can I Add Mix-Ins to the Mug Cake?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the batter before microwaving, about 1-2 tablespoons should do. Just be cautious not to overload it, or it might affect the cooking time!
