This vanilla mug cake, made without eggs, is an easy dessert that you can quickly with just a coffee mug and a microwave!
A light and fluffy vanilla cake with a tender crumb, you’ll love that there is no oven needed. Just blend the ingredients together right in your mug and microwave. Top with powdered sugar, fruit, and vanilla ice cream for the most satisfying one piece cake.
I promise this vanilla mug cake will become a recipe you keep on hand to mix up when you have that craving for something sweet.
The best part? You don’t need eggs for this mug cake. Just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
What is a Mug Cake?
Mug cakes became popular for how quick they are, combined with just enough to satisfy a craving without being left with a whole cake.
You use basic cake ingredients, but instead of having to go through the whole process of combining everything in a large mixer, getting a bunch of dishes dirty, and waiting 30-40 minutes for it to bake, this cake recipe is ready in less than 5 minutes.
You don’t even need an oven - just a microwave! So it’s great for college kids or those doing home remodeling….I know, I’ve been there. Even as a new mom, I would crave just one cookie or one slice of cake but didn’t want to go through the effort of baking. This vanilla mug cake is my favorite recipe for those days!
Vanilla Mug Cake without Egg
This vanilla mug cake is one of my favorites for a few reasons:
- Easy to make
- Simple ingredients
- Can be made gluten free or dairy free for allergies
- No eggs needed!
I find that eggs in mug cakes make the texture very spongey and not quite as delicious as this version. Instead of eggs we use seed butter, like sunflower seed butter, or pumpkin seed butter. If you’re not in the elimination phase of a migraine diet you, peanut butter would be especially good here.
While it may sound crazy, the flavor isn’t strong, but does keep the cake texture moist.
Ingredients
- Flour - For this recipe you can use 4 tablespoons of all purpose flour or, for gluten free, use half brown rice flour and half oat flour. This combination provides the most cake-like texture and flavor, even though you could always use all of one or the other as well.
- Brown sugar - While white sugar does work in a pinch, brown sugar keeps the texture more moist and also adds a more caramelized flavor to the vanilla cake.
- Baking powder - This is needed to help the cake rise in the microwave.
- Vanilla - I use Trader Joe’s alcohol free vanilla, but you could use any kind you like best. Also real vanilla bean would be fantastic here.
- Sunflower seed butter - I recommend using sunbutter or pumpkin seed butter here, especially if nut sensitive. If not sensitive, peanut butter or other nut butters can be substituted.
- Milk - Any kind of milk you like will work here! I recommend whole milk or oat milk for the best flavor.
- Butter - Just a little bit of melted butter adds a great flavor. For those dairy sensitive, I recommend ghee or earth balance pressed oils, melted. Coconut oil would work as well.
Optional add ons - I recommend topping with fresh fruit like strawberries, blackberries, or even blueberries. Whipped cream, powdered sugar, or vanilla ice cream also pairs perfectly! My favorite brands are Haagen Dazs or Cosmic Bliss for dairy free.
That’s it! Just a few simple ingredients and you have a delicious and easy vanilla mug cake.
How to Make
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Microwave the butter or butter substitute for about 10-15 seconds until just melted. Measure out all the ingredients.
Step 2: Add dry ingredients
Stir in the flour, sugar, baking powder, whisking till fully combined.
Step 3: Add wet ingredients
Whisk in the vanilla, milk, and sunbutter until smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 4: Microwave to bake
Place the mug in the microwave, cover with a paper towel and heat for roughly 1 minute and 30 seconds depending on the power level of your microwave and how fast it typically cooks food.
Allow the microwaved mug cake to cool as it will be very hot for 2-3 minutes after cooking.
Step 5: Garnish with toppings
Add powdered sugar, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream and sprinkles to finish.
Recipe Tips
- It may take 1-2 attempts to really get the timing down as microwaves vary greatly in how they cook and heat levels.
- It’s best to shoot for a lower cook time at first so the cake doesn’t dry out.
- If the microwave mug cake does dry out - no worries! Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Or you can crumble the filling, mix with icing, and make into cake balls.
Serving Suggestions
Extra flavorings like ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon or dried ground ginger can be added to spice up the flavors, especially for a seasonal boost.
Some of my favorite toppings include:
- Ice cream
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
- A drizzle of melted white chocolate
- Cheesecake icing
- Sprinkles
Storage Options
Since this just makes one serving, you shouldn’t need to store it. However this vanilla mug cake can be frozen and reheated or stored in the fridge for 1 day.
Refrigerator - cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for up to one day. Microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm up.
Freezer - Leave at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to defrost and then microwave for 10 seconds to warm up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this mug cake is so easy to make gluten free by using 2 tablespoons of brown rice flour and 2 tablespoons of oat flour.
I would suggest using earth balance pressed oils, coconut oil, or ghee, if tolerated, as a butter substitute. For milk, use your favorite milk replacement. I’ve made this with oat milk before and it turned out well.
Good toppings I recommend are fresh fruit, ice cream, sprinkles, berries, or powdered sugar. Cinnamon would work as well.
Most likely your microwave is set at a very high power level. Reduce the microwave time by 30 seconds. Or turn down the power level using your microwave settings. If you’d like to salvage it, ice cream works wonders.
Easy Desserts
If this vanilla mug cake hits the spot, let me know in the comments! For more easy and quick desserts check out these recipes.
If you make this, tag me #thedizzycook or @thedizzycook on Facebook and Instagram. And if you love the recipe, please leave a review below! Follow along on my Pinterest for more great recipes.
Vanilla Mug Cake
Equipment
- 1 Microwave
Ingredients
- 1½ teaspoons melted butter *see notes for dairy free
- ¼ cup all purpose flour *see notes for gluten free
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or sweetener of choice)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter
- strawberries, ice cream, or whipped cream for toppings
Instructions
- Using an 8oz mug (or larger), microwave the butter or oil for about 15 seconds until just melted. Remove and whisk in the dry ingredients.
- Add vanilla, milk and seed butter, stirring till just combined.
- Microwave for around 1 minute and 30 seconds, depending on the power level of your microwave. Higher power requires less time. This may take a few tries to really test as microwaves vary greatly, but it's better to go with a lower cook time so the cake doesn't dry out.
- Allow the mug to cool (it will be very hot for a few minutes) and top with powered sugar, whipped cream, ice cream, or berries. Serve warm.
Notes
- For gluten free, use 2 tablespoons of brown rice flour and 2 tablespoons or oat flour or Bob's 1:1 all purpose flour.
- For dairy free, use coconut oil or earth balance pressed oils instead of butter. Use any milk you like.
- If you aren't sensitive to nuts, nut butters can be substituted for the seed butters.
Lisa says
I added a dash of cinnamon into the batter and topped with sliced strawberries and whipped cream after cooling. Yum!
Alicia says
That sounds amazing!
Megan says
Great! I also added a little cocoa powder because why not. Perfect for breakfast! 😂
Valerie says
Very delicious and easy. Mine wasn’t dry at all. Microwaved 1 min 20 to be on the safe side!
Anonymous says
Best microwave mug cake to date!!
Alicia says
Thank you so much!
Reagan says
This was so good I made it when I really wanted something sweet.It was a bit dry but had a amazing flavor.It reminded me of a pancake.
Anna says
Amazing ????????
Lisa says
We do not own a microwave. Can I heat this on the stove do you think? Bake it?
Alicia says
I wouldn't try this one in the stove, but there are other cake recipes on the site you can bake - this one is really easy.
Mandy says
I needed something sweet. This really hit the spot. Delicious!
Alicia says
Thanks for your review, Mandy! It's my favorite go to when I need something sweet too.