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Vanilla Mug Cake Recipe

Vanilla Mug Cake Recipe

5.2 from 21 reviews

This Vanilla Mug Cake recipe offers a quick and delightful single-serving dessert, combining a soft, fluffy cake infused with vanilla flavors and topped with a creamy buttercream frosting. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings in just minutes using common pantry ingredients and a microwave.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
  • 2 tablespoons (25 g) sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ cup (30 g) all purpose flour
  • 12 teaspoons sprinkles, plus more for topping

Frosting Ingredients

  • 23 tablespoons (1523 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 12 teaspoons (510 ml) milk, as needed
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract for vanilla buttercream or ½ teaspoon cocoa powder for chocolate frosting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep: Grab your favorite mug, ideally one that can hold at least 10 to 12 ounces (300 to 360 ml) of liquid to ensure the batter has space to rise while cooking.
  2. Melt Butter: Place the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the mug and microwave it for about 30 seconds, until fully melted.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir or whisk the melted butter with milk, sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), salt, and baking powder until smooth and well combined.
  4. Add Flour and Sprinkles: Stir in the all-purpose flour thoroughly to create a smooth batter. Fold in 1 to 2 teaspoons of sprinkles for extra color and fun if desired. Top the batter with additional sprinkles for decoration.
  5. Microwave Cake: Cook the mug cake in the microwave for 90 to 120 seconds (1.5 to 2 minutes). The cake should puff up and look cooked through. If the cake seems underdone or liquid remains, continue microwaving in 20-second intervals until fully cooked to your liking.
  6. Prepare Frosting: While the cake cools slightly, prepare the buttercream by mixing room temperature butter in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk while stirring until the frosting is creamy and well combined. Flavor with vanilla extract for vanilla buttercream or cocoa powder for chocolate variation.
  7. Serve: Once the mug cake has cooled sufficiently, spread the buttercream frosting on top and garnish with extra sprinkles as desired. Enjoy your quick and delightful vanilla mug cake!

Notes

  • Make sure to use a microwave-safe mug that can hold at least 10-12 ounces to allow the cake to rise without spilling.
  • Adjust microwave times as wattages vary; start with 90 seconds and add time in 20-second increments if needed.
  • The almond extract is optional but adds a subtle depth of flavor to the cake.
  • Let the cake cool a bit before adding frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
  • For a chocolate version, add cocoa powder to the frosting or mix it into the batter.
  • Use room temperature butter for smoother, easier-to-mix frosting.

Nutrition

Keywords: vanilla mug cake, quick dessert, microwave cake, single serving cake, easy cake recipe, vanilla cake, buttercream frosting