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 chilly evening, I was craving something sweet but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s when I rediscovered the magic of the Microwave Vanilla Cake with Frosting. Within minutes, I had a warm, fluffy cake, perfectly portioned for one, and topped with creamy frosting that made every bite feel like a hug. Since then, this mug cake has become my go-to comfort treat, and it’s something I love sharing with friends and family when they need a little pick-me-up.
This recipe is simple, cozy, and perfect for busy days or late-night cravings. The beauty of a mug cake is that it’s quick, minimal cleanup, and endlessly customizable. Today, I’ll walk you through my tried-and-true version of a vanilla mug cake topped with the most luscious frosting you can imagine.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I love this Microwave Vanilla Mug Cake with Frosting because it’s instant comfort in a cup. Unlike baking a full cake, which can feel intimidating or time-consuming, this mug cake takes literally five minutes from start to finish. The aroma of vanilla filling the kitchen as it microwaves is pure nostalgia it reminds me of cozy afternoons as a child, sneaking bites of batter and frosting from the bowl before it went into the oven.
The frosting adds a touch of indulgence that elevates this mug cake from simple to special. I often swirl it with a fork to create little peaks that look beautiful even if they’re just for me. Sharing this with my younger cousins or a friend in need of a sweet moment makes me feel connected. Cooking, even something as small as a mug cake, is about creating joy and sharing it with others.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need for my Microwave Vanilla Mug Cake with Frosting:
For the Mug Cake:
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Little Kitchen Secrets:
- Use a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 12 ounces to prevent overflow.
- For a fluffier texture, mix the dry ingredients thoroughly before adding the wet.
- Frosting can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- In your favorite microwave-safe mug, I combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. I whisk them together to make sure there are no lumps this keeps the cake light and airy.
- I add the milk, oil, and vanilla extract directly into the mug. Using a fork, I stir gently until everything is smooth and the batter is creamy. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so I take it slow.
- I microwave the mug on high for about 70–90 seconds. Keep an eye on it microwave power varies, and you want the cake to rise and set without overflowing. The top should spring back lightly when touched.
- While the cake is microwaving, I prepare the frosting. I mix cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a little milk. I stir until it reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency.
- Once the cake is done, I let it cool for a minute or two before spreading the frosting generously on top. Swirling with a fork gives it a homemade charm.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving this Microwave Vanilla Mug Cake with Frosting straight in the mug it’s the easiest and coziest way to enjoy it. Sometimes, I add a few chocolate chips on top of the frosting for extra indulgence. A warm cup of tea or coffee makes this dessert even more comforting. If I’m serving it to company, I’ll drizzle a little caramel sauce or sprinkle some rainbow sprinkles for a playful touch.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: The unfrosted mug cake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Frosting separately keeps it fresh longer.
- Reheating: Heat for 15–20 seconds in the microwave to revive warmth. Add frosting after reheating.
- Make-Ahead: You can pre-mix the dry ingredients in a small jar and store for a week. When ready, just add wet ingredients, microwave, and enjoy.
100-Word Short Version
This Microwave Vanilla Mug Cake with Frosting is the ultimate cozy treat! In just minutes, you’ll have a fluffy, sweet vanilla cake topped with creamy frosting, perfect for solo indulgence or sharing with loved ones. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, oil, and vanilla in a microwave-safe mug, then cook for 70–90 seconds. Whip together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk for the frosting. Spread over the warm cake, swirl, and enjoy! Minimal cleanup, fast, and utterly comforting this mug cake is my go-to for busy days or late-night sweet cravings.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 1.5 min | Total: 7 min
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp milk
👩🍳 Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a microwave-safe mug.
- Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Microwave on high for 70–90 seconds until cake springs back lightly.
- Mix frosting ingredients until creamy.
- Let cake cool slightly, then spread frosting on top and swirl.
- Enjoy warm straight from the mug!
📝 Notes
- Use a 12 oz mug to avoid overflow.
- Don’t overmix the batter.
- Frosting can be made in advance.
- Add chocolate chips or sprinkles for extra fun.
🍽️ Nutrition
Serving size: 1 mug cake 🍰
Calories: ~310 kcal
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 85mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated fat: 10g
Unsaturated fat: 8g
Trans fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Microwave Vanilla Mug Cake with Frosting
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 1.5 mins
- Total Time: 7 mins
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Microwave Vanilla Mug Cake with Frosting is a quick, cozy, and indulgent treat perfect for busy days or late-night cravings. Ready in just minutes, this fluffy vanilla mug cake topped with creamy frosting brings warmth and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp milk
Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a microwave-safe mug.
- Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Microwave on high for 70–90 seconds until cake springs back lightly.
- Mix frosting ingredients until creamy.
- Let cake cool slightly, then spread frosting on top and swirl.
- Enjoy warm straight from the mug!
Notes
Use a 12 oz mug to avoid overflow. Don’t overmix the batter. Frosting can be made in advance. Add chocolate chips or sprinkles for extra fun.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug cake
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Conclusion
There’s something magical about a simple mug cake. It reminds me that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be joyful. My Microwave Vanilla Mug Cake with Frosting is a tiny, sweet escape from the day a warm, comforting hug in dessert form. Whether it’s for yourself or to share a moment with a friend, this recipe proves that delicious memories can happen in just minutes. I hope it brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine!