Microwave Mug Cake

Featured in: Quick Snack Fixes

This mug cake offers a quick, satisfying dessert made in just a few minutes using common pantry ingredients. Simply combine dry and wet components in a microwave-safe mug, then cook briefly until fluffy and set. It’s perfect for when a fast, single portion sweet treat is desired, with optional cocoa for chocolate lovers and versatility for add-ins like berries or nuts. Cooling slightly before enjoying enhances texture and flavor.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:45:00 GMT
Warm, fluffy microwave mug cake, a quick dessert topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Pin it
Warm, fluffy microwave mug cake, a quick dessert topped with a dollop of whipped cream. | smartyskitchen.com

A super-easy, single-serving cake made in minutes with everyday pantry staples. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, using just your microwave.

On busy evenings, I often crave something sweet but don&t want to bake an entire cake. This mug cake recipe is my secret to satisfying dessert cravings in under five minutes with little cleanup required.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 4 tbsp
  • Granulated sugar: 2 tbsp
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, for chocolate version): 1 tbsp
  • Baking powder: 1/4 tsp
  • Salt: Pinch
  • Milk (dairy or plant-based): 3 tbsp
  • Neutral oil (e.g., vegetable or canola): 1 tbsp
  • Vanilla extract: 1/4 tsp

Instructions

Combine dry ingredients:
In a microwave-safe mug (minimum 10 oz (300 ml)), whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder (if using), baking powder, and salt.
Add wet ingredients:
Add the milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the mug. Mix thoroughly with a fork until smooth and no dry pockets remain.
Microwave:
Microwave on high for 60 to 75 seconds, until the cake has risen and is set in the center.
Let cool:
Let cool for 1 to 2 minutes before enjoying directly from the mug.
Chocolate microwave mug cake, steaming hot from the microwave, ready in under five minutes. Pin it
Chocolate microwave mug cake, steaming hot from the microwave, ready in under five minutes. | smartyskitchen.com

My family loves customizing their mug cakes by adding chocolate chips or berries right before popping them in the microwave. It&s a quick way to let everyone enjoy their favorite flavors in individual servings.

Required Tools

Use a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 10 oz (300 ml), plus a fork or small whisk for mixing.

Allergen Information

This cake contains gluten from flour and may contain dairy if using milk. Plant-based substitutions can help adapt for allergies.

Nutritional Information

Each mug cake contains about 230 calories, 7 g fat, 39 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein per serving.

Easy microwave mug cake made in a mug, perfect for a fast, delicious, single serving. Pin it
Easy microwave mug cake made in a mug, perfect for a fast, delicious, single serving. | smartyskitchen.com

Enjoy this quick mug cake straight from the mug, topped with your favorite add-ons. It&s perfect for a speedy treat at any time.

Microwave Mug Cake

Single-serving cake made fast in a mug using simple ingredients and a microwave.

Prep Time
3 min
Time to Cook
1 min
Overall Time
4 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Roots American

Makes 1 Portions

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
02 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)
04 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
05 Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

01 3 tablespoons milk (dairy or plant-based)
02 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
03 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 01

Combine dry ingredients: In a microwave-safe mug (minimum 10 oz), whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder if using, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.

Step 02

Incorporate wet ingredients: Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the mug and mix thoroughly with a fork until the batter is smooth and free of dry pockets.

Step 03

Microwave the batter: Cook on high power for 60 to 75 seconds until the cake has risen and is set in the center.

Step 04

Cool before serving: Allow the cake to cool for 1 to 2 minutes before enjoying directly from the mug.

Tools You'll Need

  • Microwave-safe mug (10 oz or larger)
  • Fork or small whisk
  • Microwave oven

Allergy Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and may contain dairy from milk.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 230
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Proteins: 4 g