This is the best Vanilla Mug Cake recipe – you have to try it! Made super easy with boxed Funfetti cake mix and vanilla extract, this mug cake is bouncy, light, and tasty.
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Why You Will Love This Vanilla Mug Cake Recipe
For a quick, indulgent snack, you really can’t beat this vanilla mug cake. What’s not to love about a cute, colorful cake-in-a-cup?
- Quick & Effortless: This mug cake delivers a delightful single-serving dessert with no fuss! Using the microwave makes this individual-sized treat lightning-fast in just 5 minutes.
- Cute: The funfetti cake mix adds a burst of colorful sprinkles, to go with that smooth vanilla sweetness. It is as festive as it is tasty!
- Customizable: To make the mug cake uniquely yours, get creative with toppings. The sky’s the limit!
- Easy Cleanup: No need for multiple bowls or pans. This mug cake keeps the mess to a minimum.
If you love funfetti like I do, be sure to try these Soft Funfetti Sugar Cookies!
Ingredients Needed
A simple box of cake mix makes this recipe ridiculously easy and tasty. For full ingredient amounts and directions, scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Funfetti Cake Mix: Adds the classic colorful specks and flavor to the mug cake.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar, raw sugar, maple syrup – use what you love.
- Oil: Gives moisture and helps create a tender texture without heaviness. I usually go with vegetable oil, but any neutral-flavored oil will do.
- Egg White: For structure and fluffiness.
- Baking Powder: To help the cake rise well. Be sure to use baking powder, not baking soda.
- Milk: Whole milk will make this cake extra rich and flavorful, but reduced fat will also work.
- Vanilla: I always recommend pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
How to Make Vanilla Mug Cake
I have to warn you, this recipe is so easy that it’s almost dangerous! Whipping up a cake has never been so fun and quick.
- Mix the Ingredients. Take a big mug and mix all the ingredients together until you’ve got a smooth mixture.
- Heat. Pop it in the microwave for around 90 seconds to two minutes. You’re looking for the cake to puff up and seem cooked – no more raw look on top. If you stick a toothpick in and there are just a few crumbs, you’re good. If you see raw dough or too many crumbs, give it another 30 seconds.
- Top. Now comes the fun part – add your favorite toppings. Think icing, strawberries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Get creative!
- Enjoy! Don’t wait around – serve mug cake right away for the best taste.
Mug Cake Tips
With these helpful “baking” tips (does microwaving count as baking? In this case, I’m gonna say yes), you’ll create a perfect mug cake every time.
- Cake Mix Brand: You can use any brand of cake mix you like. I tested this recipe with 3 different cake mix brands and it worked perfectly with all of them.
- Baking Powder: Cake mixes already contain rising agents, so you could leave out the baking powder and it will still bake up. However, that extra baking powder really gave my cake an amazing light and airy texture. I feel most mug cakes are very dense, and this really helped with that!
- DIY Funfetti: You could make this cake with plain yellow or vanilla cake mix, and it will still be delicious. To DIY the funfetti look, just mix in a few sprinkles!
- Mix Gently: When combining the ingredients in the mug, mix until just smooth. Over-mixing can lead to a dense texture.
- Microwave Time: Microwave power can vary, so start with 90 seconds and check for doneness. If needed, microwave in additional 30-second intervals until the cake is fully cooked.
- Toothpick Test: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake to check for doneness. If it comes out with just a few crumbs, it’s ready. If it’s wet or gooey, give it a bit more time.
- Topping Ideas: Let your imagination run wild with toppings! Whether it’s a drizzle of icing, fresh fruits, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream, toppings add a burst of flavor and fun.
Easy Variations
These variations offer exciting ways to personalize your mug cake experience with different flavors and textures!
- Mix-Ins: Chocolate chips, nuts, mini marshmallows, extra sprinkles M&Ms, chopped-up candy bars, you name it!
- Toppings: Whipped cream, ice cream, or icing like this cream cheese frosting or chocolate buttercream would all be delicious on top.
- Chocolate-y Mug Cake: Swap the funfetti cake mix with chocolate cake mix. Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for an extra-rich flavor. Top with chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a truly decadent one-serving dessert.
- Berry Mug Cake: Replace the funfetti cake mix with vanilla cake mix, and throw in a handful of fresh or frozen strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries. The berries will burst as they cook, and infuse the cake with gorgeous color and flavor.
- Pecan Mug Cake: Use a yellow cake mix instead of funfetti. Stir in chopped pecans for added crunch and flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of salted caramel. Walnuts will also work!
What to Do with Leftover Mug Cake
Mug cake is best enjoyed fresh, preferably on the same day it’s made. If stored at room temperature in an airtight container, it can last for an additional day or two, but the texture and flavor may not be quite as fluffy and perfect. It will also keep in the fridge, tightly covered, for 3 to 4 days. To use up a little bit of leftover cake, you can make…
- A Parfait: Layer your cake crumbles with yogurt or whipped cream in a glass. Add fresh fruit, or whatever mix-ins you like.
- Truffles: Crumble any leftover mug cake, roll it into balls, and dip in melted chocolate. Let the chocolate set, and you’ve got a super-cute little treat.
- An Ice Cream Sundae: Top a bowl of your favorite ice cream with chunks or crumbs of cake. Add some whipped cream and hot fudge – yum!
Can I Freeze This Vanilla Cake In A Mug?
Yes, you can freeze mug cake, but don’t freeze it in the mug. Instead, scoop out the cake and pop it into a zip-top bag, or wrap it well with plastic wrap, foil, etc. Freeze for 1 to 2 months. The texture may change a bit after freezing and thawing, but it will still be tasty!
More Tempting Mug Cakes
Yield: 1
Vanilla Mug Cake
This is the best Vanilla Mug Cake recipe – you have to try it! Made super easy with boxed Funfetti cake mix and vanilla extract, this mug cake is bouncy, light, and tasty.
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons funfetti cake mix, or vanilla cake mix
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 egg white
- ½ tablespoon baking powder
- ½ tablespoon milk
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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Instructions
- In a large mug, mix together all ingredients until smooth, but do not over-mix.
- Microwave on high for 90 seconds and up to two minutes, until the cake rises and looks cooked through (no longer looks raw on top). You can also stick a toothpick in the center to check if the mug cake is done cooking. If only a few crumbs are on the toothpick, then it’s done. If a lot comes off or you see raw dough, microwave for 30 more seconds.
- Top with your favorite toppings such as your favorite icing, strawberries and whipped cream, or even vanilla ice cream. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
Storage: Mug cake is best enjoyed fresh, preferably on the same day it’s made. If stored at room temperature in an airtight container, it can last for an additional day or two, but the texture and flavor may not be quite as fluffy and perfect. It will also keep in the fridge, tightly covered, for 3 to 4 days.
Mix-Ins: Chocolate chips, nuts, mini marshmallows, extra sprinkles M&Ms, chopped-up candy bars, you name it!
Cake Mix Brand: You can use any brand of cake mix you like. I tested this recipe with 3 different cake mix brands and it worked perfectly with all of them.
Baking Powder: Cake mixes already contain rising agents, so you could leave out the baking powder and it will still bake up. However, that extra baking powder really gave my cake an amazing light and airy texture. I feel most mug cakes are very dense, and this really helped with that!
DIY Funfetti: You could make this cake with plain yellow or vanilla cake mix, and it will still be delicious. To DIY the funfetti look, just mix in a few sprinkles!
Microwave Time: Microwave power can vary, so start with 90 seconds and check for doneness. If needed, microwave in additional 30-second intervals until the cake is fully cooked.
Nutrition
Calories: 594kcal, Carbohydrates: 97g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 1260mg, Potassium: 63mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 70g, Vitamin A: 12IU, Calcium: 400mg, Iron: 2mg
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