Name: Vegan Vanilla Mug Cake
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons organic granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 1 pinch salt; 2 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil; 4 tablespoons almond milk (or other non-dairy milk); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Let's make a delicious vegan vanilla mug cake! When you need a dessert in a hurry, this microwave mug cake is perfect.

Vanilla cake in a mug next to a spoon and raspberry compote.

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Ingredient tips
Step by step pictures
Handy mug cake tips!
Substitutions and variations
Serving
Storage
More quick vegan desserts
Recipe

This vanilla mug cake recipe is:

Vegan, dairy-free and eggless
Simple
Quick to make
Rich
Cozy
And comforting

Ingredient tips

You need just 7 simple pantry ingredients to make this quick dessert:

Vanilla mug cake ingredients: sugar, all purpose flour, almond milk, vanilla extract, oil, baking powder and salt.

Use real vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste, rather than an artificial vanilla flavoring, for the best flavor.

I used almond milk in this recipe, but other varieties of plant-based milk like soy milk or oat milk work fine too!

For the oil, choose a neutral flavored oil such as canola oil, vegetable oil, light olive oil, or melted refined coconut oil.

Step by step pictures

Here's how to make this vanilla cake in a mug. The full detailed recipe and quantities are in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Step 1 - Combine the dry ingredients in a measuring jug or small bowl.

Adding wet ingredients to dry ingredients in a jug.

Step 2 - Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.

Step 3 - Stir with a fork or small whisk to make a smooth batter.

Step 4 - Pour the batter into a mug and microwave for 1 ½ - 2 minutes until the batter is fully cooked.

Handy mug cake tips!

Mug size - Use a large enough microwave-safe mug to prevent the batter from overflowing!

Mug cakes rise and fall naturally as they cook and cool so they need extra space.

Measuring - Because you're working with such little amounts, it's easy to overmeasure, affecting the taste and texture.

For the best accuracy, use measuring spoons that have been leveled off or kitchen scales to precisely measure the ingredients.

Cooking time - The time your mug cake takes to cook will vary depending on the power of your microwave.

Begin with the shorter time given in the recipe, and if it still looks moist through the microwave window, increase the time in short intervals.

You can also use a toothpick to test that the batter is done.

Mixing - We recommend mixing in a jug or mixing bowl instead of directly in a mug.

It's much easier to mix the batter smoothly and avoid clumps of unmixed flour.

Substitutions and variations

Here's three yummy add ins to customize your mug cake:

Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of vegan sprinkles for a funfetti mug cake
Add 2 tablespoons of vegan chocolate chips (mini chips work best)
Add ¼ tsp cinnamon to the batter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for a snickerdoodle flavor cake

You can use coconut sugar in place of white sugar for a less refined option and more caramel-like flavor.

For a gluten-free mug cake, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 Gluten-free Baking Flour Blend which contains xantham gum.

Serving

There's heaps of delicious ways to serve this fluffy vanilla mug cake!

Why not pair it with:

A delicious raspberry compote (can also be made in the microwave)
This decadent vegan hot fudge sauce
Fresh strawberries and a dollop of vegan whipped cream
A swirl of vegan buttercream and sprinkles
A scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream

Storage

Mug cakes are best enjoyed fresh!

If you have leftover cake you can store it covered at room temperature for up to 1 day. Enjoy cold or reheat by placing it in the microwave for 15-30 seconds until warm.

More quick vegan desserts

Here's three more easy vegan dessert recipes you can make in under 10 minutes.

Lemon mug cake

Date caramel

Chocolate mousse with silken tofu

Recipe

Vegan Vanilla Mug Cake

Vegan Dessert Ideas

Let's make a delicious vegan vanilla mug cake! When you need a dessert in a hurry, this microwave mug cake is perfect. It's fluffy, moist and quick to make.

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Prep Time 3

Cook Time 2

Total Time 5

Servings 1 large mug cake

Category Cakes

Cuisine American

Equipment

Large Mug 12oz or 350ml
Measuring Spoons

Ingredients

5 tablespoons (38 g) all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (38 g) organic granulated sugar
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 pinch salt
2 ½ tablespoons (38 ml) vegetable oil
4 tablespoons (60 ml) almond milk or other non-dairy milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

In a measuring jug or small bowl, combine the dry ingredients.
5 tablespoons (38 g) all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons (38 g) organic granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon baking powder, 1 pinch salt
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.
2 ½ tablespoons (38 ml) vegetable oil, 4 tablespoons (60 ml) almond milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Stir with a fork or small whisk until the batter is smooth. Be sure to incorporate all the dry ingredients by scraping around the edges.
Pour the batter into a large mug and microwave for 90 seconds - 2 minutes until the batter is fully cooked.
Let cool for 2-3 minutes before eating.

Notes

Cooking time will vary depending on the power of your microwave.

Start with the shorter time listed in the recipe, and if it looks still moist through the window of the microwave, add on the extra time. If the edges are still looking a little moist, you can add up to 30 seconds more. You can also test it with a toothpick to make sure the batter is cooked.

Serving size

This makes one large mug cake and it can easily be shared between two people! You can also split the batter into two ramekins or smaller mugs for two smaller servings and reduce the cooking time to around 45-60 seconds.

Nutritional Estimate Per Serving

Leave a commentI hope you loved this recipe! Leave a ★★★★★ rating and share your ideas in the comments! Vicky x