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 Vanilla Sponge Cake in Microwave. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was craving something sweet but didn’t want to wait for a whole cake to bake in the oven. I thought, “Why not try something tiny, quick, and personal?” That first bite of soft, warm sponge, infused with vanilla, instantly reminded me of cozy afternoons with my mum, sitting by the kitchen window with a cup of tea and a freshly baked treat. From that day, this recipe became my go-to for instant comfort and little celebrations in my kitchen. I’ve made this Mug Vanilla Sponge Cake in Microwave hundreds of times since, and each time it brings that same nostalgic, heartwarming feeling.

Why I Love Making This Recipe
What I adore most about this Mug Vanilla Sponge Cake in Microwave is how effortlessly it comes together. Life can get busy, but we all deserve a little indulgence, right? This recipe takes less than five minutes from start to finish, yet the result is soft, fluffy, and deeply comforting. I also love that it’s completely customizable. Add chocolate chips, a swirl of jam, or a pinch of cinnamon, and you’ve got a whole new treat in moments.
This recipe has become my little secret for days when I need instant happiness. It’s perfect for solo baking sessions, unexpected guests, or even sharing a quick moment of joy with someone you love. I love that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be magical.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need for one generous mug serving:
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour (sifted for extra fluffiness)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp milk (whole or your favorite plant-based milk works fine)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Optional: chocolate chips, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar for topping
Little secrets:
- Sifting the flour and baking powder ensures your sponge rises evenly and stays light.
- Don’t overmix a few gentle stirs are enough to combine everything. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
- Use a microwave-safe mug at least 250 ml in size. Smaller mugs can overflow.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- In your mug, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until smooth.
- Optional: fold in a few chocolate chips or sprinkles.
- Microwave on high for 70–90 seconds. Start checking at 70 seconds microwaves vary, and you want a soft, spongy center.
- Let it cool for 1–2 minutes. It will sink slightly but remain fluffy and moist.

How I Serve It at Home
I usually enjoy this Mug Vanilla Sponge Cake in Microwave straight from the mug, topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. Sometimes I pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an instant dessert treat. It’s also lovely served alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee for a quick afternoon pick-me-up.
If I’m feeling extra cozy, I drizzle a little melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top it transforms this simple mug cake into a decadent moment in under two minutes.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
This mug cake is best eaten immediately, but you can store leftovers (if microwaving for two mugs) in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to bring back the warmth.
You can also prep the dry ingredients ahead of time in a small jar. When the craving strikes, just add milk, oil, and vanilla, and your cake is ready in under two minutes. Perfect for busy mornings or unexpected dessert cravings!
100-Word Short Version
Craving a quick, comforting dessert? My Mug Vanilla Sponge Cake in Microwave is ready in under five minutes. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, oil, and vanilla in a microwave-safe mug. Microwave for 70–90 seconds until soft and fluffy. Enjoy it plain, with chocolate chips, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of ice cream. Ideal for solo indulgence or instant dessert when guests arrive. Light, airy, and sweetly vanilla-flavored, this mug cake is my go-to comfort treat, perfect for rainy afternoons, cozy evenings, or any time you need a warm hug in a mug.

Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 2 min
- Cook: 1–2 min
- Total: 5 min
🛒 Ingredients <ul> <li>4 tbsp all-purpose flour, sifted</li> <li>2 tbsp granulated sugar</li> <li>1/4 tsp baking powder</li> <li>1 pinch salt</li> <li>3 tbsp milk</li> <li>1 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter</li> <li>1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract</li> <li>Optional: chocolate chips, sprinkles, or powdered sugar</li> </ul>
👩🍳 Instructions <ol> <li>Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a microwave-safe mug.</li> <li>Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until smooth.</li> <li>Optional: fold in chocolate chips or sprinkles.</li> <li>Microwave on high for 70–90 seconds until soft and spongy.</li> <li>Allow to cool for 1–2 minutes. Serve warm.</li> </ol>
📝 Notes
- Sift flour and baking powder for a lighter sponge.
- Don’t overmix to keep it airy.
- Start checking microwave time at 70 seconds to avoid overcooking.
- Best enjoyed immediately.
🍽️ Nutrition (per mug)
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 80 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 10 mg

Mug Vanilla Sponge Cake in Microwave
- Prep Time: 2 mins
- Cook Time: 1–2 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 1 mug 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a soft and fluffy Mug Vanilla Sponge Cake in Microwave, ready in just 5 minutes. Perfect for solo indulgence or a quick dessert, this vanilla-flavored treat is cozy, comforting, and irresistible.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Optional: chocolate chips, sprinkles, or powdered sugar
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a microwave-safe mug.
- Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until smooth.
- Optional: fold in chocolate chips or sprinkles.
- Microwave on high for 70–90 seconds until soft and spongy.
- Allow to cool for 1–2 minutes. Serve warm.
Notes
Sift flour and baking powder for a lighter sponge. Don’t overmix to keep it airy. Start checking microwave time at 70 seconds to avoid overcooking. Best enjoyed immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Conclusion
This Mug Vanilla Sponge Cake in Microwave has become one of my kitchen staples. It’s simple, comforting, and a little hug in a mug. Every time I make it, I’m reminded that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. It’s about sharing moments, creating memories, and enjoying a sweet treat when you need it most. Give it a try I promise it will bring warmth and happiness to your kitchen, just like it does in mine.
