This easy microwave mug cake (with cake mix) is the best way to satisfy your sweet tooth when it strikes late at night! In just 1 minute, you'll have a rich and decadent dessert. I've tested this recipe over 50 times, and used several cake mixes, and this is the winning recipe. Top this small batch dessert with vanilla ice cream, chocolate chips and/or sprinkles for a heavenly bite!
This post contains helpful tips and tricks! If you're in a rush, please use the "Jump to Recipe" below!
💭 Why you'll love this recipe
- Single-serve dessert. If you're looking for a quick dessert fix without busting out all the baking equipment, this is the recipe for you! This easy chocolate mug cake recipe is a single serving, no leftovers, and minimal dishes.
- Make it anytime. Perfect for your late night craving! This mug cake recipe uses only simple ingredients and takes two minutes to prepare and one minute to cook in the microwave! It doesn't get easier than that.
- Moist and fudgy. The best part about this recipe is that no matter what cake mix flavor you use, it will surely turn out moist, fudgy, and just delightful!
If you are interested in microwave cooking, check out microwave asparagus, microwave baked potato, microwave broccoli, and other microwave recipes!
📋 Ingredients and notes
To make this microwave mug cake, you'll need a few basic ingredients: cake mix, vegetable oil, milk, and an egg.
Notes and variations
- Vegetable oil. You can also use butter or coconut oil.
- Milk. You can substitute whole milk with skim milk and non-dairy milk options like soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
- Make it vegan. You can swap an egg with Just Egg or flax-egg, and use a non-dairy milk of your choice (almond works great typically!)
- Mug. Don't worry if you don't have a microwave-safe mug available! You can also use a small ramekin or microwave-safe bowl. I recommend a 10 oz mug.
What type of cake mix should I use?
You want to pick a cake mix that ideally has "light" or "fluffy" on the packaging. Some things to look for on cake mix packaging to get an idea of whether it will be light and fluffy or dense:
- Type of flour: Cake mixes that use cake flour will typically be lighter and fluffier than those that use all-purpose flour. Cake flour has a lower protein content, which results in a more tender crumb.
- Leavening agents: Look for cake mixes that contain baking powder or baking soda. These leavening agents help the cake to rise and become fluffy.
- Additional ingredients: Some cake mixes contain additional ingredients that can affect the texture of the cake. For example, cake mixes that contain pudding or sour cream will typically be more moist and denser.
In general, cake mixes that are marketed as "light" or "fluffy" are more likely to produce a light and airy cake!
When it comes to flavor, you can really use a flavor of your choice. I've used chocolate, vanilla, angel cake, confetti, red velvet, strawberry, butter pecan, and lemon. My favorite brands are Duncan Hines Signature Chocolate Lover's Cake Mix, Pillsbury Funfetti Cake Mix and Betty Crocker Super Moist White Cake Mix. This recipe uses Betty Crocker Super Moist Triple Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix, which is perfect for chocolate lovers.
📖 Make microwave mug cake with cake mix
In a microwave-safe mug, mix together the cake mix, vegetable oil, milk, egg, and salt until well combined. If you prefer you can first add the dry ingredients, mix it up and then add the oil, milk and egg.
Microwave the mug on high for about 1 minute and 30 seconds, or until the cake has risen and is cooked through. The cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Check doneness by touch or with a toothpick (it should come out clean) to avoid overcooking.
Let the cake cool for a few minutes before adding any toppings you like. Some popular toppings for this easy mug cake include whipped cream, chocolate chips, sprinkles, or a scoop of ice cream.
👩🏽🍳 Tips for the best microwave mug cake!
Make the best microwave mug cake recipe by following these expert tips!
- Use room temperature ingredients. This will help the batter to come together more easily. Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the cake tough and chewy. Just mix until the ingredients are combined. My trick? Use a hand-held milk frother like this one!
- This recipe uses the Betty Crocker Super Moist Triple Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix but you can use any "light" and "fluffy" cake mix (check for those words on the box)
- Use the right mug size. A mug that is too large will result in a cake that is not cooked through in the center, while a mug that is too small will cause the cake to overflow. A standard 10-ounce mug is great!
- Check doneness by touch or with a toothpick (it should come out clean) to avoid overcooking. But note that this might vary by microwaves. Adjust the cook time. Microwaves vary in power so you might need to adjust the cooking time (add or remove 25 seconds) to get it right.
- Let the cake cool for a minute before frosting or topping it. This will help to prevent the frosting or toppings from melting.
- Use add-ins in the batter. You can add chocolate chips, peanut butter, cocoa powder, or nuts to mix in the cake batter for a richer mug cake. You can also enhance the flavor of your mug cake by adding almond or vanilla extract. If you are adding chocolate chips or other add-ins, be sure to coat them in a little bit of flour before adding them to the batter. This will help to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
- Handle the mug safely. Be careful when removing the mug from the microwave after cooking, it might be very hot! Use an oven mitt for safety.
👩🏽🍳 Troubleshooting FAQs
This mug cake is a quick and easy chocolate dessert that you can make in a microwave using a coffee mug or microwave-safe bowl. It's a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth when you're short on time or don't want to bake a full-sized cake. Mug cakes have gained popularity because they can be prepared in a matter of minutes.
You can use any microwave-safe mug or bowl. For best results, use a coffee mug with straight sides to ensure that the cake bakes evenly.
Yes, absolutely! You can double or even triple the ingredients to make multiple servings in separate mugs. Cooking times may need to be adjusted, so check doneness by touch or with a toothpick to avoid overcooking.
A mug cake can turn out dry or rubbery if you cook them for too long in the microwave. To prevent this from happening, follow the recommended cooking times closely, and remember that the cake continues to cook a bit after being removed from the microwave. Adjust the cooking time based on your microwave's wattage.
🍴How to serve microwave mug cake
This microwave mug cake is best when served immediately. Chocolate cake, especially, is best when enjoyed fresh and warm, so eat it right away for the best texture and taste. Serve it with whipped cream, maple syrup, ice cream, chocolate sauce, or fresh fruit, for a sweet treat! If you're looking for a more decadent dessert, make sure to check out this chocolate ricotta cake.
🍴How to store microwave mug cake
Honestly, this takes just 3 minutes to make, and it never lasts beyond a serving. But, to store, cover the mug cake with a plastic wrap or airtight lid and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
When you're ready to serve the mug cake, let it thaw until room temperature and reheat it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until it's warm and moist.
🍴More easy dessert recipes
Here are my favorite easy desserts:
Or check out one of these amazing cookie recipes!
If you tried this recipe, don't forget to comment and rate! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📖 Recipe
Microwave Mug Cake with Cake Mix
Ingredients
- ¼ cup cake mix (any flavor)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 egg
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe mug, mix together the cake mix, vegetable oil, milk, egg, and salt until well combined.
- Microwave the mug on high for about 1 minute and 30 seconds, or until the cake has risen and is cooked through. The cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
- Let the cake cool for a few minutes before adding any toppings you like. Some popular toppings for mug cakes include whipped cream, chocolate chips, sprinkles, or ice cream.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients. This will help the batter to come together more easily. Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the cake tough and chewy. Just mix until the ingredients are combined.
- This recipe uses the Betty Crocker Super Moist Triple Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix but you can use any "light" and "fluffy" cake mix (check for those words on the box)
- Use the right mug size. A mug that is too large will result in a cake that is not cooked through in the center, while a mug that is too small will cause the cake to overflow. A standard 10-ounce mug is a good size!
- Check doneness by touch or with a toothpick (it should come out clean) to avoid overcooking. But note that this might vary by microwaves.
- Let the cake cool for a minute before frosting or topping it. This will help to prevent the frosting or toppings from melting.
- If you are adding chocolate chips or other add-ins, be sure to coat them in a little bit of flour before adding them to the batter. This will help to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
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