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 remember the first time I made a single-serve vanilla mug cake with milk. I was tired after a long day, craving something sweet but not wanting to spend hours baking. The microwave became my friend, and in just a few minutes, I had a warm, comforting treat. That tiny cake felt like a hug in a mug and from that day, I knew this recipe had to be in my collection.
The beauty of this single-serve vanilla mug cake with milk is its simplicity. You only need a few ingredients, most of which are pantry staples, and the cake is ready in under five minutes. It’s perfect for late-night cravings, a quick breakfast treat, or whenever you need a small dose of homemade sweetness without making a whole cake.
Every time I make this mug cake, I think about my childhood, standing on a stool in my tiny kitchen, helping my mom bake simple desserts that made our home smell like happiness. That’s why this recipe is more than just flour and sugar — it’s about comfort, joy, and the little moments that bring us together.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
There’s something magical about creating a dessert that’s just for you, yet still feels indulgent. I love making this single-serve vanilla mug cake with milk because:
- It’s incredibly fast. No preheating the oven, no waiting for layers to bake. Just mix, microwave, and enjoy.
- It’s endlessly adaptable. Add chocolate chips, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dollop of jam each variation feels personal and cozy.
- It’s comforting. A warm, fluffy cake in a mug feels like a tiny celebration, even on ordinary days.
- It brings people together. Sometimes I make two mugs and share with my partner or my kids. Sharing this simple treat sparks conversation and laughter.
Cooking, especially dessert, has always been my way of showing love. This mug cake is no exception it’s little, but it packs all the warmth and care I try to infuse in my kitchen.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need for one perfect single-serve vanilla mug cake with milk:
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp milk (whole milk gives the best flavor)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Optional: chocolate chips, sprinkles, or a pinch of cinnamon for extra love
Little kitchen secrets:
- Use fresh baking powder it makes the mug cake rise beautifully.
- Mix the ingredients gently; overmixing can make the cake dense.
- For extra fluffiness, let the batter sit for 30 seconds before microwaving.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Combine dry ingredients – In a small bowl, I whisk together 4 tablespoons of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This ensures the rising agent is evenly distributed.
- Add the wet ingredients – I pour in 3 tablespoons of milk, 1 tablespoon of oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. I mix gently with a fork until smooth and lump-free.
- Optional add-ins – Sometimes, I fold in a few chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon to give it a personal touch.
- Transfer to a mug – I use a 12-ounce microwave-safe mug and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Then, I pour in the batter, spreading it evenly.
- Microwave carefully – I microwave on high for 1 minute 20 seconds. Microwaves vary, so I check after 1 minute and add 10-second intervals if needed. The top should spring back when touched lightly.
- Cool slightly – I let the mug cake sit for 2 minutes before digging in. This prevents it from being too hot and allows the flavors to settle.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving this single-serve vanilla mug cake with milk in the same mug I baked it in. It feels cozy and effortless. Here are some of my favorite ways:
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup or caramel for an indulgent treat.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a dessert twist.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a simple, elegant look.
- Serve with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a perfect cozy afternoon.
No matter how I serve it, this mug cake always brings smiles and a little spark of happiness.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
Since this is a single-serve cake, leftovers are rare, but sometimes I make a few ahead. Here’s how I manage it:
- Storing – Cover the mug with plastic wrap and keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Reheating – Microwave for 20–30 seconds until warm.
- Make-ahead tip – Mix the dry ingredients in a small jar. When craving a cake, just add wet ingredients, stir, and microwave.
This flexibility is why I love this recipe it fits into any schedule, and you always have a little homemade comfort ready.
100-Word Short Version
This single-serve vanilla mug cake with milk is my go-to quick dessert. In just 5 minutes, you get a warm, fluffy cake that tastes like a hug in a mug. Combine 4 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, a pinch of salt, 3 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Microwave 1 minute 20 seconds, let cool 2 minutes, and enjoy! Top with chocolate chips, syrup, or ice cream if desired. Perfect for late-night cravings, a small indulgence, or sharing with a loved one. Cozy, fast, and full of love.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 2 minutes
- Cook: 1 minute 20 seconds
- Total: 5 minutes
🛒 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
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: chocolate chips or cinnamon
👩🍳 Instructions
- Whisk dry ingredients in a small bowl.
- Add wet ingredients and mix gently.
- Fold in optional add-ins.
- Pour batter into a greased 12-ounce mug.
- Microwave 1 minute 20 seconds, checking for doneness.
- Cool 2 minutes before serving.
📝 Notes
- Use fresh baking powder for better rise.
- Avoid overmixing to keep the cake fluffy.
- Add chocolate chips or syrup for extra indulgence.
🍽️ Nutrition (approximate)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Fat: 10g 🧈
- Carbs: 30g 🍞
- Protein: 4g 🥛
- Sugar: 12g 🍬
Single-Serve Vanilla Mug Cake with Milk
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute 20 seconds
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This single-serve vanilla mug cake with milk is my go-to quick dessert. Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s warm, fluffy, and full of love. Perfect for cozy nights, late-night cravings, or sharing a little homemade happiness.
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
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: chocolate chips or cinnamon
Instructions
- Whisk dry ingredients in a small bowl.
- Add wet ingredients and mix gently.
- Fold in optional add-ins.
- Pour batter into a greased 12-ounce mug.
- Microwave 1 minute 20 seconds, checking for doneness.
- Cool 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use fresh baking powder for better rise. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake fluffy. Add chocolate chips or syrup for extra indulgence. Store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours; reheat 20–30 seconds in microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug cake
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 70
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 5
Conclusion
Every time I make this single-serve vanilla mug cake with milk, I feel a little spark of joy. It’s simple, quick, and full of love the perfect reminder that baking doesn’t need to be complicated to be special. Sharing it, even in tiny moments, creates memories I treasure. Whether you’re baking for yourself or a loved one, this mug cake is proof that comfort, sweetness, and connection can happen in just five minutes. Cooking is about stories and love, and this recipe is my little chapter of happiness in a mug. 💛