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 Sunday afternoon when I wanted something sweet but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s when I discovered the magic of the Soft Vanilla Mug Cake in 2 Minutes. Just a few ingredients, a mug, and my microwave, and suddenly I had a warm, fluffy cake ready to enjoy. This recipe has since become my go-to comfort treat whenever I need a little sweetness without the fuss. And honestly, it’s amazing how such a small cake can bring such joy!

Whether it’s a solo treat while reading a book, a quick dessert after dinner, or a surprise for someone you love, this mug cake is perfect. I love how versatile it is, too you can top it with chocolate chips, berries, or a dollop of whipped cream. Every time I make it, I feel like I’m sharing a tiny piece of happiness.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s fast, foolproof, and comforting. The texture is soft and spongy, almost like a little hug in a mug. It’s also perfect for busy days when I crave something sweet but don’t want to bake a full cake. Every time I pour the batter into my mug and see it rise in the microwave, I smile. And the best part? It’s ready in under two minutes!
This recipe is also great for teaching younger family members how to bake. No heavy mixing bowls, no oven preheating, just simple ingredients and a microwave. Watching their eyes light up when the cake puffs up is priceless.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Kitchen Secrets:
- For extra softness, make sure your milk is at room temperature. Cold milk can make the batter a bit lumpy.
- Use a microwave-safe mug with at least 300ml capacity to avoid overflow.
- Optional: sprinkle chocolate chips, cinnamon, or berries before microwaving for a fun twist.
How I Make It, Step by Step

- In a microwave-safe mug, I whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.
- I add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, then stir gently until smooth.
- I give the batter a quick swirl to make sure there are no dry pockets of flour.
- I microwave the mug on high for 90–120 seconds. Timing may vary depending on your microwave wattage. The cake should rise and feel springy to the touch.
- I let it cool for 30–60 seconds. It’s tempting, but letting it rest helps the texture set perfectly.
How I Serve It at Home
I usually enjoy this mug cake straight from the mug because it’s warm and comforting. But sometimes, I like to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle it with chocolate sauce. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar make it feel extra special. I also love sharing it with my nieces and nephews they think it’s magic how such a tiny cake can taste so indulgent.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- This mug cake is best enjoyed fresh. Microwave for 20–30 seconds if it cools down and you want it warm again.
- You can prep the dry ingredients in a small container ahead of time. When craving a quick dessert, just add milk, oil, and vanilla.
- Not ideal for long-term storage, but if needed, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently in the microwave.
100-Word Short Version
Craving something sweet but short on time? This Soft Vanilla Mug Cake in 2 Minutes is your answer! I’m MARILYN from the UK, and I love how this recipe transforms a few pantry staples into a fluffy, comforting dessert in just 2 minutes. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, milk, oil, and vanilla in a mug, microwave, and voila a warm, soft vanilla cake ready to enjoy. Perfect for solo treats, quick desserts, or teaching kids to bake. Add chocolate chips, berries, or ice cream for extra indulgence. Cozy, fast, and full of love, it’s my ultimate kitchen hug.

Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 2 minutes
- Cook: 2 minutes
- Total: 4 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a microwave-safe mug.
- Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract; stir until smooth.
- Microwave on high for 90–120 seconds until cake rises and feels springy.
- Cool for 30–60 seconds before enjoying.
📝 Notes
- Room-temperature milk ensures a smooth batter.
- Microwave times vary start with 90 seconds and adjust as needed.
- Optional toppings: chocolate chips, berries, or powdered sugar.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g

Soft Vanilla Mug Cake in 2 Minutes
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 4 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make a soft, fluffy vanilla mug cake in just 2 minutes! This cozy, quick dessert is perfect for solo treats or last-minute cravings. Whisk a few simple ingredients, microwave, and enjoy a warm, comforting cake in no time.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a microwave-safe mug.
- Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract; stir until smooth.
- Microwave on high for 90–120 seconds until cake rises and feels springy.
- Cool for 30–60 seconds before enjoying.
Notes
Room-temperature milk ensures a smooth batter. Microwave times may vary; start with 90 seconds. Optional toppings: chocolate chips, berries, or powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Conclusion
I love how this tiny mug cake brings so much happiness in just 2 minutes. It’s simple, sweet, and perfect for any day that needs a little comfort. Every time I make it, I’m reminded that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be special it’s about enjoying the process, sharing with loved ones, and savoring the small moments. I hope this Soft Vanilla Mug Cake in 2 Minutes brings you the same warmth and joy it brings me. Happy baking, friends! 💛
