Microwave Mug Cake

Featured in: Sweet Desserts

This quick dessert comes together in minutes with common ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa, and milk, all mixed in a mug and cooked in a microwave. The result is a moist, tender cake perfect for an instant sweet treat. Optional cocoa adds chocolate depth, and toppings like berries or nut butter enhance flavor. Suitable for vegetarian diets and ideal when time is short.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 09:20:00 GMT
Warm, freshly baked microwave mug cake, a quick and easy dessert for one person, ready to enjoy. Pin
Warm, freshly baked microwave mug cake, a quick and easy dessert for one person, ready to enjoy. | forkandbloom.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.

The first time I made this mug cake, I was amazed by how quickly it came together. It's become my go-to treat when I want something warm and sweet without any fuss.

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 (vegetable or canola): 1 tbsp
  • Vanilla extract: 1/4 tsp

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a microwave-safe mug (minimum 10 oz, 300 ml), whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder (if using), baking powder, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients:
Add 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.
Cool and Serve:
Let cool for one to two minutes before enjoying directly from the mug.
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This quick cake is a favorite for cozy evenings in our house. My kids especially love to personalize theirs with chocolate chips or fresh berries.

Flavor Upgrades

Try stirring in extra chocolate chips, berries, or a spoonful of nut butter before microwaving. Each variation adds a fun twist.

Serving Suggestions

Top your mug cake with ice cream, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a special treat.

Troubleshooting

If your cake seems dry, reduce cooking time by ten seconds or try a splash more milk next time.

A fluffy chocolate microwave mug cake, served warm in a mug, perfect for a fast treat or snack. Pin
A fluffy chocolate microwave mug cake, served warm in a mug, perfect for a fast treat or snack. | forkandbloom.com

Enjoy this microwave mug cake whenever you crave something sweet and fast. It's an effortless way to treat yourself any time of day.

Recipe Q&A

Can I use plant-based milk?

Yes, plant-based milks like almond or soy work well without affecting texture.

What if I omit the cocoa powder?

Omitting cocoa yields a vanilla-flavored cake; add a little extra flour for balance.

How do I prevent overcooking?

Microwave times vary; start with 60 seconds and add short intervals until set but moist.

Can I add mix-ins before cooking?

Yes, small additions like chocolate chips or berries add extra flavor and texture.

What size mug is best?

Use a microwave-safe mug of at least 10 oz (300 ml) to allow batter expansion without spilling.

Microwave Mug Cake

Easy single-serving chocolate cake made quickly in a microwave using pantry staples.

Prep duration
3 min
Cooking duration
1 min
Complete duration
4 min

Category Sweet Desserts

Skill level Easy

Origin American

Yield 1 Portions

Dietary specifications Vegetarian

Components

Dry Ingredients

01 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
02 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (optional for chocolate variation)
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 capacity), whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder if using, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.

Step 02

Add wet ingredients and mix: Pour milk, oil, and vanilla extract into the mug. Blend thoroughly with a fork or small whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Cooling and serving: Allow the cake to cool in the mug for 1 to 2 minutes before consuming directly from the mug.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about anything.
  • Contains gluten (wheat) and may contain dairy; verify plant-based milk alternatives for allergens.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calories: 230
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbs: 39 g
  • Protein: 4 g