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 turn on my oven. I had a sudden craving for cake the kind that’s soft, fluffy, and comforting. That’s when I discovered the magic of a Vanilla Mug Cake Without Oven. In just a few minutes, I had a warm, single-serving cake ready to enjoy. Today, I’m sharing my favorite version of this cozy treat it’s perfect for when you want dessert fast, without the fuss of baking an entire cake.

This Vanilla Mug Cake Without Oven has become my go-to recipe whenever I need a quick pick-me-up. It’s soft, moist, and packed with vanilla flavor, making it the perfect cozy snack. Whether you’re a busy teen, a parent sneaking a little treat, or anyone in between, this mug cake will bring instant joy.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I love this Vanilla Mug Cake Without Oven for so many reasons. First, it’s ridiculously fast you can go from craving to cake in under 5 minutes. Second, it’s forgiving. Even if you mix a little too fast or forget an ingredient, it still comes out soft and tasty. And finally, it’s personal. I love stirring the batter in my favorite mug, watching it rise in the microwave, and enjoying that first warm, vanilla-scented bite.
Cooking, for me, is about more than following recipes it’s about creating moments. This mug cake has given me so many little moments of joy: rainy afternoons, post-homework treats, and quiet evenings curled up with a book. Sharing it with family or friends makes it even more special because food always brings people together.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need for one cozy mug cake:
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons milk (whole or any plant-based milk)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: a few chocolate chips, sprinkles, or a drizzle of caramel
Kitchen Secrets:
- Make sure your mug is microwave-safe! I like a 12-ounce mug so the batter has room to rise.
- Mix the dry ingredients first to ensure even rising.
- Add chocolate chips or sprinkles at the end for a little surprise in every bite.
- Don’t overcook microwave in short bursts and check. It should be soft and springy, not rubbery.
How I Make It, Step by Step

- In your mug, combine 4 tablespoons of flour, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to mix.
- Add 3 tablespoons of milk, 1 tablespoon of oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and free of lumps.
- If you like, fold in a few chocolate chips or sprinkles for extra sweetness.
- Microwave on high for 60–90 seconds. Start with 60 seconds, then check. The top should look set but slightly springy. Avoid overcooking.
- Carefully remove the mug from the microwave (it will be hot!) and let it sit for 1 minute to finish setting.
- Enjoy straight from the mug or tip it onto a plate for a more “cake-like” experience.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving this Vanilla Mug Cake Without Oven warm, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Sometimes, I drizzle it with honey or chocolate sauce for an extra cozy touch. It pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon.
For little celebrations, I add sprinkles or fresh berries. Even just a sprinkle of powdered sugar can turn this quick mug cake into a special treat that feels like homemade luxury.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
This mug cake is best enjoyed immediately, but if you have leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds until warm.
- You can make the batter ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for a few hours. Microwave when ready.
The beauty of this recipe is its convenience even busy days can have a sweet ending with almost no prep.
100-Word Short Version
Craving cake but no oven? This Vanilla Mug Cake Without Oven is your answer! Soft, fluffy, and infused with pure vanilla, it’s ready in under 5 minutes. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a microwave-safe mug. Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract, stir until smooth, and microwave 60–90 seconds. Optional chocolate chips make it extra indulgent. Serve warm with whipped cream, ice cream, or berries. Perfect for solo desserts or a quick treat for family. Cozy, comforting, and incredibly easy, this mug cake is a little moment of homemade happiness anytime you need it.

Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 2 minutes
- Cook: 1–1.5 minutes
- Total: 3–4 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: chocolate chips, sprinkles, or caramel drizzle
👩🍳 Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients in a mug.
- Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract, stir until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips or sprinkles if desired.
- Microwave on high 60–90 seconds until cake is set.
- Let cool 1 minute, then enjoy warm.
📝 Notes
- Use a microwave-safe mug.
- Avoid overcooking cake should be soft and springy.
- Batter can be made ahead for a fast treat.
🍽️ Nutrition (approximate per serving)
Calories: 250
Sugar: 18g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbs: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g

Vanilla Mug Cake Without Oven
- 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 soft, fluffy Vanilla Mug Cake Without Oven in just 5 minutes! This cozy, single-serving dessert is perfect for busy days or quick sweet cravings. Mix, microwave, and savor every warm bite, customizable with chocolate chips, sprinkles, or caramel drizzle.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: chocolate chips, sprinkles, or caramel drizzle
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients in a mug.
- Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract, stir until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips or sprinkles if desired.
- Microwave on high 60–90 seconds until cake is set.
- Let cool 1 minute, then enjoy warm.
Notes
Use a microwave-safe mug. Avoid overcooking — cake should be soft and springy. Batter can be made ahead for a fast treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 10
Conclusion
This Vanilla Mug Cake Without Oven is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. In minutes, you can create a warm, sweet treat that feels like a hug in a mug. I love how easy it is to customize chocolate chips, sprinkles, or caramel all make it special. Every bite is a reminder that cooking is about joy, creativity, and sharing little moments. From my kitchen to yours, I hope this recipe brings a cozy, happy feeling whenever you need a quick sweet treat.
