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 Saturday afternoon when I craved something sweet but didn’t want to turn on the oven for an hour. That’s when I first tried making a Gluten-Free Vanilla Mug Cake. It was warm, soft, and perfectly sweet, ready in under five minutes. Since that day, this recipe has become my go-to comfort treat, whether I’m alone with a book or sharing it with friends over tea. Every time I make it, I feel like I’m giving myself a little hug in a mug. Today, I’m excited to share this cozy recipe with you.
I’ve made this Gluten-Free Vanilla Mug Cake countless times, tweaking the ingredients until it’s soft, fluffy, and full of comforting vanilla flavor. And the best part? It’s naturally gluten-free, so anyone can enjoy it without missing out on indulgence.

Why I Love Making This Recipe
There’s something magical about a mug cake. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s like a mini celebration in your kitchen. I love making this Gluten-Free Vanilla Mug Cake because it’s fuss-free and perfect for any occasion a lazy afternoon, a last-minute dessert, or even a breakfast treat when you feel like spoiling yourself. Plus, watching it rise in the microwave always brings a smile to my face. It’s simple, heartwarming, and instantly satisfying.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you need for a single serving of this Gluten-Free Vanilla Mug Cake:
- 4 tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp milk (dairy or any plant-based milk)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tbsp chocolate chips or sprinkles
Kitchen Secrets:
- Make sure your mug is microwave-safe and about 300ml in size.
- Use a fork to mix gently; overmixing can make the cake dense.
- If you like a slightly gooey center, microwave for 60–70 seconds. For a more firm cake, go up to 80–90 seconds.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- In your mug, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until smooth.
- Optional: fold in chocolate chips or sprinkles.
- Microwave on high for 60–90 seconds, depending on your microwave’s power. The cake should rise and look set on top.
- Let it cool for 1–2 minutes. This helps it firm up slightly and prevents burns.
- Enjoy straight from the mug or tip it onto a plate for a fancier presentation.

How I Serve It at Home
I often top my Gluten-Free Vanilla Mug Cake with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or fresh berries. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little powdered sugar for a café-style touch. Pair it with a hot cup of tea or coffee, and you’ve got the perfect cozy treat.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
Since this is a single-serving mug cake, it’s best enjoyed fresh. But if you want to prep in advance:
- Store the batter in a small airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Reheat a pre-cooked mug cake in the microwave for 15–20 seconds if it’s cooled down.
- You can double the recipe to make two mugs at once just increase the microwave time slightly.
100-Word Short Version
This Gluten-Free Vanilla Mug Cake is the ultimate cozy treat in minutes! I love it for its simplicity, soft texture, and comforting vanilla flavor. You only need a few ingredients gluten-free flour, sugar, milk, oil, and vanilla extract all mixed in a mug and microwaved for under two minutes. Top it with whipped cream, berries, or chocolate chips for extra indulgence. Perfect for solo snacks, last-minute desserts, or breakfast treats, this mug cake is a warm, sweet hug in a cup. Quick, easy, and naturally gluten-free!

Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
Prep: 3 minutes
Cook: 1–1.5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tbsp chocolate chips or sprinkles
👩🍳 Instructions
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a microwave-safe mug.
- Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract; mix gently until smooth.
- Optional: fold in chocolate chips or sprinkles.
- Microwave on high for 60–90 seconds.
- Let cool for 1–2 minutes before enjoying.
📝 Notes
- Use a 300ml microwave-safe mug.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep it fluffy.
- Adjust microwave time for gooey or firm texture.
- Store batter in fridge for up to 24 hours.
🍽️ Nutrition
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 12g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 120mg
Cholesterol: 10mg

Gluten-Free Vanilla Mug Cake
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-1.5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: British
Description
This Gluten-Free Vanilla Mug Cake is the ultimate cozy treat you can make in minutes! Soft, fluffy, and packed with comforting vanilla flavor, it’s perfect for solo snacks, last-minute desserts, or even breakfast treats. Quick, easy, and naturally gluten-free, this mug cake warms your heart and your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tbsp chocolate chips or sprinkles
Instructions
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a microwave-safe mug.
- Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract; mix gently until smooth.
- Optional: fold in chocolate chips or sprinkles.
- Microwave on high for 60–90 seconds.
- Let cool for 1–2 minutes before enjoying.
Notes
Use a 300ml microwave-safe mug. Don’t overmix the batter to keep it fluffy. Adjust microwave time for gooey or firm texture. Store batter in fridge for up to 24 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Conclusion
Making this Gluten-Free Vanilla Mug Cake always fills my kitchen with warmth and happiness. It’s quick, comforting, and reminds me that even the simplest desserts can bring joy and connection. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or sharing with friends, it’s a small, sweet moment that makes life feel cozy. Give it a try I promise it’ll become one of your go-to recipes too!
