This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, read my disclosure policy.
Vanilla Mug Cake to the rescue! This soft and fluffy single-serve cake is full of colorful sprinkles – mix in 1 minute and cook in 1 minute! It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without baking an entire cake.
This easy Vanilla Mug Cake Recipe is pure deliciousness in a mug – one of my favorite single-serving desserts. It’s light, airy, and has that classic vanilla cupcake flavor we all know and love. Plus, the sprinkles add a fun and festive touch that makes it perfect to enjoy without frosting.
And let’s be honest, sometimes you just want a little bit of cake without all the fuss. This recipe is quick, easy, and requires minimal cleanup – perfect for those nights when you need a sweet treat ASAP! I know I crave yellow cake often but I don’t want to make a whole batch – and that’s when this recipe is perfect.
How to make Vanilla Mug Cake
I cut this recipe down from my traditional birthday cake recipe – all the math is done for you! If you love a single serving cake (like my chocolate mug cake) this one is perfect for you.
- Egg Yolk: You only need half an egg, which I compensated for by using one large egg yolk. I tried it with the white and it didn’t turn out, so the fat in the yolk is needed for a soft and moist cake recipe.
- Flour: While I used all-purpose flour, you can also use gluten-free flour (the 1:1 AP flour). You’ll also need a pinch of salt and some baking powder.
- Butter: Like my cake recipe, this one starts with melted unsalted butter, although you can substitute vegetable oil to make it dairy-free.
- Milk: You can use any kind of milk (regular, fat free, low fat) or non-dairy milk (like almond milk).
- While it might be easier to make the cake in the mug you’re cooking it in, I prefer to use a separate bowl.
- You’ll need a microwave-safe mug or ramekin that is at least 7 ounces. The batter will rise as it cooks, so be sure that your vessel is big enough.
Click to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions and below the recipe card for process shots.
SAVE THIS RECIPE
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Expert Tips
- All microwaves cook differently so you might need less or more time. Once you make it a few times you’ll get to know how yours cooks.
- How do I know when it’s done? The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Be careful not to overfill the mug! The batter will rise as it cooks, so leave some room at the top.
- The cake won’t fill a regular size coffee mug all the way to the top.
- The texture is as close to the real thing as you’re going to get with a microwave cake, but know it won’t be exactly like the real thing.
- Can you bake this cake in an oven? Yes, at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Vanilla Mug Cake Recipe
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons (21g) granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tablespoons (3/4 ounce) milk (any kind)
- 1 teaspoon (5g) rainbow sprinkles , optional
Instructions
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.2 Tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon baking powder, ⅛ teaspoon salt
- Whisk melted butter with sugar, then whisk in egg yolk and vanilla.1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, melted, 2 tablespoons (21g) granulated sugar, 1 egg yolk, ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Stir in flour mixture and milk, then stir in rainbow sprinkles.1 ½ tablespoons (3/4 ounce) milk, 1 teaspoon (5g) rainbow sprinkles
- Spray a mug or ramekin (at least 7oz size) with nonstick cooking spray. Add the cake batter.
- Cook for approximately 1 minute on high in the microwave, or until a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs.
- Cool before eating.
Recipe Notes
- All microwaves cook differently so your cake might take a little less time or a little more time depending on how it cooks.
Recipe Nutrition
