Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
I still remember one rainy afternoon when I was craving something sweet but didn’t want to wait or make a mess in the kitchen. That’s when I discovered the magic of a Quick Vanilla Mug Cake with Vanilla Extract. I remember mixing a few simple ingredients in a mug, popping it in the microwave, and within minutes, I had a warm, fluffy cake ready to enjoy. That moment felt so cozy like a little hug in a cup. Over time, I’ve made this mug cake my go-to comfort dessert, and it’s become a favorite for friends, family, and even solo indulgences. Today, I’ll share my secrets so you can recreate this Quick Vanilla Mug Cake with Vanilla Extract anytime you want a sweet, comforting treat.

Why I Love Making This Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dessert that comes together in minutes. I love making this Quick Vanilla Mug Cake with Vanilla Extract because it’s simple, fast, and always delivers that cozy, homey feeling. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want a little indulgence without turning your kitchen upside down.
I also love that this recipe is adaptable. Sometimes I sprinkle a little cinnamon on top, other times I swirl in chocolate chips or berries. But the heart of the recipe the soft, moist cake infused with real vanilla extract always remains the star. Sharing this with my nieces and nephews or even my friends during a casual coffee catch-up brings everyone together. Food, especially dessert, really does have a magical way of connecting people.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you need for a single-serving Quick Vanilla Mug Cake with Vanilla Extract:
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp milk (any kind works)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or melted butter for extra richness)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (the real stuff, not imitation!)
- Optional toppings: chocolate chips, berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar
Little Kitchen Secrets:
- Always use fresh baking powder; it’s the secret to a fluffy mug cake.
- Don’t overfill your mug the cake rises quickly in the microwave.
- Let it rest for a minute or two after microwaving. It finishes cooking from residual heat and becomes even more tender.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Combine dry ingredients – In a microwave-safe mug, I whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed for a perfect rise.
- Add wet ingredients – I pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. I mix everything until smooth. A few tiny lumps are okay, but no flour pockets should remain.
- Optional mix-ins – Sometimes I fold in a few chocolate chips or fresh berries. They make each bite feel a little extra special.
- Microwave carefully – I place the mug in the microwave and cook for 70–90 seconds. Every microwave is different, so I check at 70 seconds the cake should be firm but springy. Overcooking makes it dry.
- Rest and enjoy – I let the cake rest for 1–2 minutes. This gives it a chance to finish cooking and cool slightly for safe, cozy bites.

How I Serve It at Home
I usually serve this Quick Vanilla Mug Cake with Vanilla Extract right in the mug. It’s perfect for a personal treat without dirtying extra dishes. Sometimes I add a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a few fresh berries on top. On special cozy nights, I pair it with a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate.
It’s amazing how such a simple dessert can create smiles and bring a sense of comfort. Watching my family enjoy this mug cake reminds me that small, sweet moments in the kitchen are really the memories we carry forward.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
Because this mug cake is designed for a single serving, I usually make it fresh. But if I want to prep a few for later:
- Storage: Store the batter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Reheating: If made in advance, microwave for 30–40 seconds until warm.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can double or triple the recipe to make multiple servings. I like keeping extra mugs ready for spontaneous dessert cravings.
100-Word Short Version
My Quick Vanilla Mug Cake with Vanilla Extract is the perfect cozy dessert. I mix flour, sugar, baking powder, a pinch of salt, milk, oil, and real vanilla extract directly in a mug. Optional chocolate chips or berries make it extra special. I microwave for 70–90 seconds, let it rest, and enjoy warm, fluffy cake in minutes. It’s comforting, simple, and personal a hug in a mug. Ideal for solo treats or small family indulgences, this recipe brings sweetness and warmth into the kitchen with minimal effort. Quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious!

Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
Prep: 2 minutes | Cook: 1–1.5 minutes | Total: 3–4 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: chocolate chips, berries, whipped cream, powdered sugar
👩🍳 Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a microwave-safe mug.
- Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract; stir until smooth.
- Fold in optional chocolate chips or berries.
- Microwave for 70–90 seconds until cake is firm and springy.
- Let rest 1–2 minutes before enjoying.
📝 Notes
- Use fresh baking powder for the fluffiest cake.
- Adjust microwave time depending on your appliance.
- Best served immediately but can be stored and reheated gently.
🍽️ Nutrition
Calories: ~220 kcal 🍰 | Fat: 9g 🧈 | Carbs: 32g 🌾 | Protein: 3g 🥛 | Sugar: 14g 🍬 | Fiber: 1g 🌱

Quick Vanilla Mug Cake with Vanilla Extract
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 1–1.5 minutes
- Total Time: 3–4 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a warm, cozy dessert in minutes with this Quick Vanilla Mug Cake with Vanilla Extract. Perfect for solo treats or a small family indulgence, this soft and fluffy cake is made in a single mug using simple ingredients. Easy, comforting, and full of love!
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: chocolate chips, berries, whipped cream, powdered sugar
Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a microwave-safe mug.
- Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract; stir until smooth.
- Fold in optional chocolate chips or berries.
- Microwave for 70–90 seconds until cake is firm and springy.
- Let rest 1–2 minutes before enjoying.
Notes
Use fresh baking powder for the fluffiest cake. Adjust microwave time depending on your appliance. Best served immediately but can be stored and reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Conclusion
I can’t tell you how many times this Quick Vanilla Mug Cake with Vanilla Extract has saved me from a dessert craving. It’s warm, comforting, and simple a reminder that even small moments in the kitchen can bring joy. I hope when you try this recipe, it becomes your little cozy ritual too. Whether it’s a solo treat, an afternoon snack, or a spontaneous dessert for someone you love, this mug cake carries a little bit of love in every bite. Cooking is about sharing memories, and this recipe is one of my favorites to share.
