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Warm vanilla mug cake in a white mug topped with powdered sugar, on a wooden board with soft morning light

Easy Microwave Vanilla Mug Cake, Ready in 5 Minutes

A single-serving vanilla mug cake mixed and baked in the same mug, ready in under 5 minutes with no eggs or oven.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 324
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (24 g); spooned and leveled
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar (25 g)
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder make sure it's fresh
  • 1 pinch fine salt
  • 3 tbsp whole milk (45 ml); oat milk works as a dairy-free swap
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil (28 g); vegetable or canola, melted butter also works
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp mini chocolate chips optional topping

Method
 

  1. Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to a 12 oz / 350 ml microwave-safe mug. Whisk with a fork until no lumps remain.
  2. Pour in the milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk again for about 30 seconds until the batter is smooth with no dry streaks.
  3. Scrape down the sides of the mug with a rubber spatula so every bit of batter cooks evenly.
  4. If using, drop the chocolate chips on top of the batter and give one light stir to settle them in.
  5. Microwave on high (1000 W) for 60 to 90 seconds. Check at 60 seconds, the cake is done when the top looks just set and springs back when touched lightly.
  6. Let the mug cake rest for 1 minute on the counter, it keeps cooking from residual heat and firms up as it sits.
  7. Serve warm, straight from the mug, with a small spoon.

Notes

  • Use a microwave-safe mug, no metal, no metallic trim.
  • Whisk dry ingredients first to avoid pockets of baking powder.
  • Check the cake at 60 seconds before adding more time.
  • Let the cake rest 1 minute, it keeps cooking from residual heat.