Easy Vanilla Mug Cake
This dairy-free microwave vanilla mug cake is the ultimate single-serve treat—quick, fluffy, and perfectly sweet! With just a few simple ingredients, you can satisfy your dessert cravings in about 5 minutes.
After I created my dairy-free chocolate mug cake, several followers asked me if I could come up with another version for those vanilla lovers out there. I was immediately all in because nothing beats being able to whip up an easy single-serving dessert in minutes.
We have more quick and easy vegan dessert recipes on this website like my chocolate chip edible vegan cookie dough, our easy dairy-free chocolate mousse, and these simple vegan chocolate balls.
Reasons you will love this easy dessert
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 5 minutes, making it the perfect dessert for when you’re short on time.
- Healthier Ingredients: This mug cake is vegan, dairy-free, and oil-free, so you can enjoy it guilt-free.
- Minimal Cleanup: Mix and cook in the same mug, making cleanup a breeze.
- Perfectly Portion-Controlled: A single-serve treat that’s ideal for satisfying a sweet craving without overindulging.
What are mug cakes?
Mug cakes are single-serving cakes mixed and cooked right in a mug, making them the ultimate quick and easy dessert! They’re perfect for those moments when you want a little treat without making a full batch.
This particular recipe is vegan and oil-free, so it’s not only indulgent but also made with healthful ingredients. With a soft, fluffy texture and rich vanilla flavor, this mug cake comes together in just minutes, offering a satisfying sweet treat that’s ready in no time.
Ingredients you will need
- Flour- I use whole wheat flour or spelt flour. To make it gluten-free, try using oat flour that you can make yourself.
- Baking powder- Baking soda can also be used.
- Sweetener- Maple syrup is my favorite but agave nectar is another good option.
- Applesauce- If you don’t have applesauce on hand, it’s really easy make your own homemade unsweetened applesauce.
- Vanilla- To give it that warm delicious flavor.
- Plant milk- My favorite is unsweetened vanilla almond milk or plain almond milk. Any plant milk will work well. If you are feeling creative, try making your own Almond Milk in about 10 minutes.
- Nuts- These are optional, but I really like the crunch they add. Walnut pieces are my favorite, and my husband’s is crushed pecans.
Tips & substitutions
Flour options- I use whole wheat flour, but you could use others. Oat flour would be my next favorite choice, and if your oats are certified, it will make this recipe gluten-free. You will just need to reduce the amount of plant milk used to 1.5 tablespoons. It’s easy to make oat flour in your blender using whole oats.
Sweetening- If you like desserts to be really sweet, consider adding a little more maple syrup. It is already plenty sweet to me, but some may prefer more sweetener.
Stir. Stir. Stir- Make sure to stir thoroughly to mix in all the flour at the bottom of the mug. It can be difficult to reach the edges.
Don’t overcook- The trick with cooking is to stop it a little before you think it is done to avoid overcooking which will dry it out.
How to make vanilla mug cake in 4 steps
The recipe card at the bottom of the page has the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions.
STEP #1: Add the dry ingredients–flour, powder, baking powder, and salt–to your coffee mug and whisk them together well.
STEP #2: Next, add the wet ingredients–applesauce, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract.
STEP #3: Mix all of the ingredients well using a small whisk or fork. Be sure to stir well to incorporate all of the flour in the bottom of the mug.
Toss in the walnuts and stir until they are folded into the batter well.
STEP #4: Place in the microwave and cook for about 1 minute. Some microwave cooking times may vary, but don’t overcook it because you want it soft and fluffy on the inside.
You might want to check the consistency after one minute and add additional time if needed.
Topping options
This dessert is perfect exactly as is and that’s the way we serve it at my house. However, if you want to really take it over the top, try these topping ideas.
- Vegan Date Caramel
- Non-dairy chocolate chips
- Homemade Powdered Sugar
- Vegan Whipped Cream Topping
- Vanilla Cashew Cream
- Chocolate Cashew Cream
- Vanilla Nice Cream (3-Ingredients)
If you decide to use chocolate chips, don’t add them until after the mug cake has cooked. Otherwise, it turns the batter dark when they melt. It’s not nearly as pretty though it still tastes terrific!
Frequently Asked Questions
Use a microwave-safe ceramic or glass mug that’s at least 12 ounces to prevent overflowing. A slightly taller mug works best to give the cake room to rise.
Be careful not to overcook the cake! Start with the recommended cooking time, usually around 60 seconds, and check for doneness. Adding a splash of plant-based milk or a teaspoon of applesauce can help keep it moist.
The cake should be set and springy to the touch on top. If the top still looks wet or jiggles, microwave in 10-second intervals until it’s fully cooked.
You don’t remove it. I simply use a fork or spoon to scoop out the cake bite-by-bite. No need to remove it from the mug.
If you try this recipe, please let us know how you like it by rating it and leaving a comment. We love to hear from you!
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Easy Vanilla Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons whole wheat flour heaping rounded tablespoons
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon applesauce
- 2 tablespoons plant milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon crushed walnuts optional
Instructions
- Add the dry ingredients–flour, baking powder, and salt–to your coffee mug and whisk them together well. I suggest heaping tablespoons instead of level.
- Next, add the wet ingredients–applesauce, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract.
- Mix all of the ingredients well using a small whisk or fork. Make sure to stir thoroughly to mix in all the flour at the bottom of the mug. It can be difficult to reach the edges. Toss in the walnuts and stir until they are folded into the batter well.
- Place in the microwave and cook for about 1 minute. Mine takes 1 minute and 5 seconds. Some microwave cooking times may vary. You might want to check the consistency after one minute and add additional time if needed.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer
To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Is it really one TABLESPOON of vanilla? That seams like a lot.
Thanks
Yes, it is. I love vanilla, but you can reduce it to a teaspoon if preferred.
I just finished eating this and it is delicious! A nice treat when your craving a baked goodie! Thankyou for the great recipe 🍰
Would this recipe work if a GF 1:1 flour is used? I’m unable to have all oats even if they are certified GF.
Gluten-free flour usually needs some adustments for substituting in recipes. The Minimalist Baker has a GF baking guide that might help. You should be able to Google and find it easily.
The instructions say to add Cocoa powder but the ingredients don’t say that.. I can’t wait to try this.
Oops! That was a typo carried over from the chocolate version of this cake. I have deleted it now. This vanilla version doesn’t use cocoa. Thanks for letting me know about the error.