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.
One rainy afternoon, I remember being in my tiny kitchen, craving something sweet but not wanting to turn my whole day upside down by baking an entire cake. That’s when I discovered the magic of my Easy Vanilla Mug Cake Without Butter. The aroma filled my little kitchen instantly, wrapping me in comfort, and in just a few minutes, I had a warm, fluffy cake ready to enjoy. Since then, this recipe has become my go-to for quick sweet fixes, and I love how simple it is, yet so satisfying. Whether it’s a rainy day, a late-night craving, or a small celebration, this mug cake never fails to lift my spirits.
This recipe is not just a cake; it’s a tiny moment of joy you can create in your own kitchen. The Easy Vanilla Mug Cake Without Butter uses pantry staples, requires minimal effort, and is ready in under five minutes. I’ve made it countless times, and each time it reminds me why cooking is so much more than following a recipe it’s about creating comfort, love, and memories in small, delicious bites.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s forgiving, fast, and incredibly versatile. Unlike traditional cakes, I don’t need to worry about creaming butter or sifting flour for ages. This mug cake is perfect for those evenings when I just want a quick treat without the fuss.
Another reason I adore it is how it connects me with my family. My niece loves helping me stir the batter, even if it’s just in a mug! Watching her excitement as the cake puffs up in the microwave reminds me why I started cooking in the first place. Food has this magical ability to bring people together, even when it’s just a single portion for one.
Lastly, I love the lightness of this cake. Without butter, it’s soft, moist, and slightly spongy, making every spoonful feel like a little hug.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need for this Easy Vanilla Mug Cake Without Butter:
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tbsp chocolate chips or sprinkles
Little kitchen secrets:
- Use a fresh pinch of baking powder to get maximum fluffiness.
- Stir gently; overmixing can make the cake dense.
- If you like, sprinkle a tiny bit of sugar on top before microwaving to create a subtle caramelized crust.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- In a small mixing bowl or directly in a microwave-safe mug, I combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. I like to whisk them together lightly to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
- Next, I add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. I stir until smooth, scraping the edges to make sure there’s no dry flour hiding.
- If I’m feeling indulgent, I fold in a tablespoon of chocolate chips. Sometimes sprinkles find their way in too why not add a little fun?
- I microwave the mug on high for 90 seconds. Timing may vary depending on your microwave, so I check at 80 seconds the first time I try a new appliance. The cake should rise nicely and look set but still moist.
- I let the mug cake cool for 1-2 minutes before digging in. This brief wait keeps it from being too hot but still wonderfully warm.
How I Serve It at Home
I often enjoy my mug cake straight from the mug with a teaspoon, but sometimes I like to get fancy:
- A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top.
- A drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce for extra sweetness.
- Fresh berries or a sprinkle of cinnamon to elevate it.
I love sitting with my mug of cake, wrapped in a cozy blanket, sipping tea on the side. It’s these small rituals that turn a simple dessert into a little moment of joy.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
Because this is a single-serving cake, storage isn’t usually needed, but if I make a few for later:
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Microwave for 20-30 seconds to revive warmth and softness.
- Make-Ahead: Mix dry ingredients in a small jar. When the craving hits, just add milk, oil, and vanilla, stir, and microwave!
100-Word Short Version
This Easy Vanilla Mug Cake Without Butter is my go-to quick dessert. With just flour, sugar, milk, oil, and vanilla, I can whip up a warm, fluffy cake in 5 minutes. No butter, no fuss, no oven required! I love adding chocolate chips or sprinkles to make it extra fun. It’s perfect for late-night cravings or a comforting solo treat. Just mix the ingredients in a mug, microwave, and enjoy. Soft, moist, and lightly sweet, this mug cake is proof that simple ingredients can create big smiles. Every bite is a little hug from my kitchen to yours.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
Prep: 2 minutes
Cook: 1.5 minutes
Total: 3.5 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tbsp chocolate chips or sprinkles
👩🍳 Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a mug.
- Add milk, oil, and vanilla; stir until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips or sprinkles if desired.
- Microwave on high for 90 seconds.
- Let cool 1-2 minutes and enjoy warm.
📝 Notes
- Adjust microwave time depending on your appliance.
- Use plant-based milk for a vegan option.
- Top with ice cream, whipped cream, or fruit for extra indulgence.
🍽️ Nutrition (per mug cake)
Calories: 220 kcal
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Easy Vanilla Mug Cake Without Butter
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 minutes
- Total Time: 3.5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy vanilla mug cake without butter is a quick, comforting treat you can make in just 5 minutes. Soft, fluffy, and full of warmth, it’s perfect for solo indulgence or cozy dessert moments. Made with pantry staples, it’s simple, sweet, and utterly satisfying — a little hug from my kitchen to yours.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tbsp chocolate chips or sprinkles
Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a mug.
- Add milk, oil, and vanilla; stir until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips or sprinkles if desired.
- Microwave on high for 90 seconds.
- Let cool 1-2 minutes and enjoy warm.
Notes
Adjust microwave time depending on your appliance. Use plant-based milk for a vegan option. Top with ice cream, whipped cream, or fruit for extra indulgence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug cake
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 5
Conclusion
Every time I make this Easy Vanilla Mug Cake Without Butter, I feel a warm sense of satisfaction. Cooking isn’t just about the end result; it’s about the process, the smells, and the smiles it brings. I love sharing these little recipes with friends and family because they’re more than just food they’re moments of love in edible form. Next time you want something quick, cozy, and utterly comforting, remember this little mug cake. From my kitchen to yours, enjoy every sweet, simple bite.