Moist Vanilla Mug Cake with Sugar Glaze: A Sweet Hug in a Cup

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 the first time I made a mug cake. It was a rainy afternoon, and I wanted something sweet but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I grabbed my favourite vanilla essence, a few pantry staples, and microwaved a small bowl of happiness. That first bite of a moist vanilla mug cake with sugar glaze melted in my mouth, and I felt that warm, cozy feeling that only homemade desserts can bring. Ever since then, I’ve been perfecting this recipe, keeping it simple, comforting, and brimming with love. Today, I’m sharing my personal version with you, so you too can enjoy a sweet hug in a cup anytime you like.

Whenever I make this moist vanilla mug cake with sugar glaze, I think about the little moments it brings. Whether it’s a quiet evening with a cup of tea, or sneaking a late-night treat while my family watches a movie, it’s always about connection and joy. This recipe is perfect for those moments because it’s quick, requires minimal ingredients, and yet delivers maximum happiness.


Why I Love Making This Recipe

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity. You don’t need to fuss with complicated techniques or heavy baking equipment. All you need is a microwave-safe mug, a few pantry staples, and a few minutes of your time. And the result? A soft, fluffy, and utterly moist cake that practically melts in your mouth.

I love seeing the sugar glaze drip over the top it feels like icing on not just a cake, but on life itself. The sweet aroma of vanilla filling my kitchen always brings a sense of comfort. Cooking, for me, is about creating small moments of joy, and this mug cake does exactly that.


Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets

Here’s what you’ll need for my moist vanilla mug cake with sugar glaze:

  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 tbsp milk (whole or semi-skimmed)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the sugar glaze:

  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp milk
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Little kitchen secrets:

  • Always sift your flour and baking powder together; it keeps the cake light and airy.
  • Don’t overfill your mug. The cake will rise, and you don’t want it spilling over.
  • Let the cake rest for 1 minute after microwaving it continues to cook slightly, and the texture becomes perfectly moist.
  • For an extra touch, sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon into the batter it adds warmth without overpowering the vanilla.

How I Make It, Step by Step

  1. In a microwave-safe mug, I mix the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. I like to whisk them together with a fork to ensure even distribution.
  2. Next, I pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. I stir gently until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. The aroma of vanilla always makes me smile at this stage.
  3. I place the mug in the microwave and cook it on high for about 90 seconds. Every microwave is different, so I keep an eye on it. The cake should rise beautifully and look set but still moist on top.
  4. While the cake is cooking, I whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. It should be slightly thick but pourable.
  5. Once the cake is done, I let it sit for 1 minute to settle. Then, I drizzle the sugar glaze over the top, watching it slowly coat the surface. That little moment always makes me feel accomplished!

How I Serve It at Home

I usually serve this moist vanilla mug cake with sugar glaze straight in the mug. It feels cozy, informal, and inviting—like the cake is giving me a personal hug. Sometimes I add a few fresh berries on top or a tiny dollop of whipped cream. My family loves it when I serve it warm, with the glaze still glistening. It’s perfect for a quick dessert, an afternoon treat, or even a weekend indulgence.

I like to bring it to the living room with a cup of tea or hot chocolate. Sitting down and taking a quiet moment to enjoy the cake always makes the day feel special. Cooking, for me, isn’t just about following steps; it’s about creating a memory, and this mug cake does that beautifully.


Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

This cake is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, I have a few tips:

  • Storage: Cover the mug with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
  • Reheating: Microwave for 20–30 seconds to warm it back up. The cake will regain its soft, moist texture.
  • Make-Ahead: You can pre-mix the dry ingredients in a small jar. When you’re ready to bake, just add milk, oil, and vanilla, stir, and microwave.

100-Word Short Version

This moist vanilla mug cake with sugar glaze is a quick and cozy dessert perfect for any day. I mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt with milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla in a microwave-safe mug. After 90 seconds in the microwave, I let it rest briefly before drizzling a simple sugar glaze over the top. It’s soft, fluffy, and comforting—like a warm hug in a cup. Serve it straight in the mug with optional berries or whipped cream. Perfect for busy evenings, sweet cravings, or creating little kitchen memories with loved ones.


Recipe Card Section

⏱️ Time:

  • Prep: 5 minutes
  • Cook: 1.5 minutes
  • Total: 7 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Sugar glaze:

  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp milk
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients in a microwave-safe mug.
  2. Add milk, oil, and vanilla; stir until smooth.
  3. Microwave on high for 90 seconds.
  4. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for glaze.
  5. Let cake sit 1 minute, then drizzle glaze over top.

📝 Notes

  • Sift flour and baking powder for fluffier texture.
  • Adjust glaze thickness by adding more or less milk.
  • Best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and microwaved briefly to reheat.

🍽️ Nutrition

  • Serving size: 1 mug cake
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Cholesterol: 5mg
Print
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Moist Vanilla Mug Cake

Moist Vanilla Mug Cake with Sugar Glaze

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  • Author: Marilyn
  • 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

Enjoy a quick and comforting dessert with this moist vanilla mug cake with sugar glaze. Soft, fluffy, and ready in just 7 minutes, this cozy treat is perfect for sweet cravings or a quiet indulgent moment at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Sugar glaze: 2 tbsp powdered sugar, 1 tsp milk, 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients in a microwave-safe mug.
  2. Add milk, oil, and vanilla; stir until smooth.
  3. Microwave on high for 90 seconds.
  4. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for glaze.
  5. Let cake sit 1 minute, then drizzle glaze over top.

Notes

Sift flour and baking powder for fluffier texture. Adjust glaze thickness by adding more or less milk. Best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and microwaved briefly to reheat.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mug cake
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

Conclusion

Making this moist vanilla mug cake with sugar glaze always fills me with joy. It’s a little act of love, a moment of comfort, and a memory in the making. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Even a simple mug cake can bring warmth to a chilly day, a smile to a loved one, and a feeling of accomplishment. I hope when you try this recipe, you feel the same sense of coziness and connection that I feel every time I make it. Enjoy, savor, and remember that the sweetest moments are often the simplest ones.

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