This easy vanilla mug cake is made in the microwave and ready in minutes. It’s moist, tender, and packed with vanilla flavor—sprinkles are optional. Top it with frosting or a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat.
It really tastes like a classic homemade vanilla cake and can be made with or without an egg. Preparation and cook time total about 5–10 minutes. 
Originally published September 7, 2018. Updated February 5, 2024 with new photos and tips.
When you want a quick, satisfying dessert, this vanilla mug cake delivers. It stays moist and cake-like despite being cooked in the microwave. For a funfetti version, stir in sprinkles before cooking.
What’s a mug cake?
A mug cake is a single-serving cake mixed and cooked directly in a microwave-safe mug. Ingredients are combined in the mug and microwaved for 1–2 minutes until set.
There are many flavor variations—from chocolate and peanut butter to Nutella—but this recipe focuses on a simple vanilla mug cake that can include sprinkles if you like. 
Making a Vanilla Cake in a Mug
This recipe yields a moist, flavorful cake that still tastes like a traditional vanilla cake even though it’s made in the microwave. Here’s a simple step-by-step:
- Place the butter in your mug and microwave on medium power for about 20–30 seconds, until melted. Butter adds more flavor than oil.
- Whisk the sugar, egg yolk (only the yolk), vanilla extract, and milk into the melted butter with a fork. Make sure the butter is warm, not piping hot.
- Add the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt—then whisk until no dry streaks remain.
- Stir in sprinkles if desired. Use jimmies rather than nonpareils to avoid color bleeding.
- Microwave on medium power for 60 seconds, then continue in 30-second intervals on medium power until the top looks set. Go slowly to prevent overcooking—the cake should rise and feel slightly firm on top when done.
Pro tip: Choose a wide, not tall, mug so the cake bakes evenly. The cake will rise considerably while cooking.
With or Without Egg
This recipe uses one large egg yolk (discard the white). The yolk gives the cake a moist, tender texture. To make it egg-free, replace the yolk with one extra tablespoon of milk.
Serving & topping ideas
Enjoy the cake directly from the mug after letting it cool a minute, or gently remove it to a plate. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a little frosting makes it extra indulgent—note that frosting will soften if placed on a hot cake. 
This vanilla mug cake is perfect for a solo treat or a quick dessert fix.
For other single-serving desserts, try recipes like double chocolate cookie for one, edible cookie dough, or a giant chocolate chip cookie for one. If you want more vanilla desserts, explore funfetti cupcakes, vanilla cupcakes with chocolate frosting, or a perfect white cake.
Vanilla Mug Cake
Ingredients
Vanilla Mug Cake
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 grams)
- 2 tablespoons milk (30 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk* (do not add the white)
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour (39 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon sprinkles (optional)
Frosting (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 grams)
- 2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar (14–21 grams)
- 1 teaspoon milk
- Drop food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Vanilla Mug Cake
- Add the butter to your mug and microwave until melted (about 30 seconds).
- Whisk in the milk, vanilla extract, egg yolk, and sugar with a fork.
- Whisk in the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- Optionally stir in the sprinkles.
- Microwave for 60 seconds on medium power. If it still looks gooey, microwave an additional 30 seconds, repeating as needed in 30-second intervals until the top is set and slightly firm. Cool for at least 1 minute before enjoying.
Vanilla Frosting
- Beat the butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired sweetness, then add the milk and mix.
- Spread or pipe on the cooled cake.
Notes
- Egg yolk: Use only the yolk. To skip the yolk, substitute with 1 extra tablespoon of milk.
- Milk: 1%, 2%, or dairy-free milks (such as almond) work fine.
- Nutrition: Nutrition details are estimates and assume consuming the entire mug cake including frosting.