5-Minute Vegan Vanilla Mug Cake

Need a sweet fix without all the hassle? This Vegan Vanilla Mug Cake gives you all the delicious texture and flavor of a classic vanilla cake but comes together in under 5 minutes with ease and little mess.

With just 7 simple pantry ingredients, 90 seconds of cooking time, and only a fork and a mug required, this single-serve microwavable dessert is as easy to whip up as it is to scarf down! Plus, it’s naturally vegan!

As a busy mom who appreciates gourmet flavors, mug cakes are truly like a dream come true! Easy and efficient. I mean, I don’t even have to turn on my oven!

Since finding the magic of the mug dessert, I’ve not only perfected cakes like this one, but also the Vegan Mug Brownie! Definitely check that one out next!

Vegan Vanilla Mug Cake Ingredient Highlights

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Coconut, vegetable, or canola oils are preferred, but grapeseed and peanut oil work, too!

Any pant-based milk works, preferably unsweetened. Unsweetened vanilla works great in this!

Optional Topping Ideas:

• Non-dairy whipped cream
• Sprinkles
• Dark chocolate chips, chunks, or shavings
• Fresh fruit
• Chocolate syrup or sauce
• Cinnamon or cinnamon & sugar
• Plant-based Ice cream or yogurt
• Peanut butter or other nut butter

Vegan Vanilla Mug Cake Tips and Tricks

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How to Make Single-Serve Vanilla Cake in a Mug

Start by adding the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to a standard 8- or 10-ounce mug. Avoid using a super tall and thin mug, as that may alter microwave time.

This is a great opportunity to get any lumps out of the sugar and flour. I like to use a fork to mix all the dry ingredients together, working to start with a smooth foundation for the batter.

Once you’ve combined all of your dry ingredients, add the oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Use the fork again to combine.

Make sure to scrape the sides with the fork, so that all of the dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed in. Your batter should be pretty loose, almost like pancake batter.

Microwave your single-serving vegan vanilla cake on high for 90 seconds. Then, leave it in the microwave for another minute to continue to cook.

If you take it out of the microwave and you notice it looks a little underdone in the center, you can microwave it again for an additional 10-20 seconds on high. Or you can choose to leave it slightly underdone for a super moist texture.

Pro tip: It’s always better to undercook than overcook when it comes to microwave cakes. Overcooking a mug cake tends to give it an almost “spongey” texture.

Microwave Times May Vary

Every microwave is a little different. My microwave is 900 watts, and on high, this vegan vanilla mug cake is perfect after 90 seconds of heating and 1 minute of sitting in there.

The average microwave is between 600-1200 watts. If you already know your microwave is 600 watts, you will probably need an extra 10 seconds. However, if you know your microwave is 1200 watts, start with 80 seconds.

If you’re not so sure about your microwave wattage, stick with 90 seconds. It will be safe to eat and totally delicious either way. Just make yourself a note for next time if you feel it was slightly over or under cooked.

Additionally, if you’re making more than one mug cake, it’s best to microwave them each separately.

Alternatively, you can bake this mug cake in the oven. Just make sure your mug is oven-safe. Place your oven-safe mug on a baking sheet and bake it at 350°F on the top rack for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

How I Store My Leftover Vanilla Mug Cake

This vegan mug dessert is single serving, and intended to enjoy right after microwaving when it will taste freshest. However, if you do have leftovers, cover your mug and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days.

You can enjoy your leftovers at room temperature or reheat for up to ten seconds to give it a little warmth. Reheating for more than 10 seconds may overcook it and give you a rubbery texture.

I do not advise freezing this mug cake or placing it in the refrigerator.

Pro tip: If you do want to prep to have some mug cake batter on hand to make it easier for when the craving hits, the best thing to do is mix all the dry ingredients together and store it in a reusable storage bag.

Then, when you want your vegan vanilla mug cake, all you have to do is add the prepped dry ingredients to a mug and mix in the oil, milk, and vanilla extract.