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.
Today, I’m excited to share my Dairy-Free Vanilla Mug Cake recipe. This little treat is a personal favorite of mine for those moments when I crave something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made this mug cake it was a rainy afternoon, and I was feeling nostalgic for desserts my mom used to bake when I was a kid. I wanted something warm, comforting, and quick. The result? A fluffy, moist, and perfectly sweet mug cake that felt like a hug in a cup.
I’ve made this recipe countless times, tweaking it until it became just right soft, airy, and with a rich vanilla aroma that fills your kitchen. Whether you’re new to dairy-free baking or a seasoned pro, this mug cake is so simple that it almost feels magical. I love that I can make it in under five minutes and enjoy a warm dessert without fuss. And yes, I often find myself making two one for me and one for my partner or a friend!
In this article, I’ll share all my tips and tricks for making the ultimate Dairy-Free Vanilla Mug Cake. From ingredient secrets to step-by-step instructions, and even how I serve it and store leftovers, you’ll have everything you need to make this treat a household favorite.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, single-serving dessert. I love that this Dairy-Free Vanilla Mug Cake is not only quick but also adaptable. I can add chocolate chips, a swirl of peanut butter, or even fresh berries to make it extra special.
What I adore most is the nostalgia it brings. It reminds me of quiet afternoons baking with my mom, measuring flour with careful hands, and sneaking tastes of vanilla extract. It’s a simple recipe, but it’s full of love, warmth, and those little moments that make life cozy.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need for one mug cake:
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar (or any granulated sugar you prefer)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like sunflower or light olive oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tablespoon dairy-free chocolate chips or fruit for extra indulgence
Little kitchen secrets:
- Use room temperature almond milk for a fluffier texture.
- Make sure to mix your dry ingredients well before adding wet ingredients — it helps the mug cake rise evenly.
- Don’t overfill your mug! Leave about 1/4 of the cup empty for the cake to expand.
- Coconut sugar gives a subtle caramel note, but regular sugar works perfectly too.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps.
- Add the almond milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable.
- If desired, fold in chocolate chips or small fruit pieces.
- Pour the batter into a microwave-safe mug, leaving at least 1/4 of the mug empty.
- Microwave on high for 60–90 seconds. Start checking at 60 seconds the top should spring back when lightly touched.
- Let it cool for a minute or two before digging in. Be careful, it will be hot!
How I Serve It at Home
I usually enjoy this Dairy-Free Vanilla Mug Cake right in the mug. Sometimes, I add a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent treat. Sprinkling a little cinnamon or powdered sugar on top makes it feel extra special.
It’s also perfect for an afternoon snack when friends drop by unexpectedly. I just mix the batter, microwave it, and within minutes, we’re all sharing a warm, comforting dessert together.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Mug cakes are best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for 1–2 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to bring it back to warm perfection.
- For make-ahead, prepare the dry mix in a small jar. When dessert cravings hit, just add wet ingredients, stir, and microwave. It’s a lifesaver on busy days.
100-Word Short Version
This Dairy-Free Vanilla Mug Cake is the ultimate quick dessert! I love making it on rainy afternoons when I need something warm and comforting. With just a few ingredients flour, sugar, almond milk, oil, and vanilla you get a fluffy, moist mug cake in under two minutes. I often add chocolate chips or berries for extra indulgence. Serve it straight from the mug, or top with dairy-free ice cream. Quick, cozy, and full of love, this mug cake is perfect for solo treats or sharing with friends. You’ll never skip dessert again!
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 3 minutes
- Cook: 1–2 minutes
- Total: 5 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tablespoon dairy-free chocolate chips or fruit
👩🍳 Instructions
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add almond milk, oil, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips or fruit if desired.
- Pour batter into a microwave-safe mug, leaving space for rising.
- Microwave 60–90 seconds until the top springs back.
- Cool slightly and enjoy warm.
📝 Notes
- Use room temperature almond milk for better texture.
- Don’t overfill the mug; leave space for rising.
- Coconut sugar adds subtle caramel flavor, but regular sugar works too.
- Reheat leftovers for 15–20 seconds in the microwave.
🍽️ Nutrition
- Calories: ~220 per serving
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
Dairy-Free Vanilla Mug Cake
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Dairy-Free Vanilla Mug Cake is the ultimate quick dessert! Soft, fluffy, and full of warm vanilla flavor, it’s ready in under 5 minutes and perfect for cozy afternoons or a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tablespoon dairy-free chocolate chips or fruit
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add almond milk, oil, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips or fruit if desired.
- Pour batter into a microwave-safe mug, leaving space for rising.
- Microwave 60–90 seconds until the top springs back.
- Cool slightly and enjoy warm.
Notes
Use room temperature almond milk for better texture. Don’t overfill the mug; leave space for rising. Coconut sugar adds subtle caramel flavor, but regular sugar works too. Reheat leftovers for 15–20 seconds in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug cake
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Conclusion
I hope this Dairy-Free Vanilla Mug Cake brings as much warmth and joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. It’s simple, comforting, and quick perfect for cozy afternoons or when dessert cravings strike. Remember, cooking isn’t just about food; it’s about creating memories, sharing stories, and adding a little love to every bite. Enjoy every spoonful and make it your own with little tweaks or toppings. Happy baking, my friends!