This easy vanilla mug cake is made in the microwave and ready in minutes! It’s moist, with a delicious vanilla flavor and tons of sprinkles. 
**This recipe was originally published September 7, 2018 and updated January 2nd, 2020 with new recipe tips**
When the craving hits for a delicious treat and you need it pronto, this vanilla mug cake is here for you. It’s moist and tender, filled with vanilla goodness, and ready in minutes. Plus – it tastes delicious with a scoop of ice cream and or a dollop of frosting on top. It’s the perfect vanilla version of my favorite chocolate mug cake or peanut butter mug cake recipes.
What’s a mug cake, you ask???
A mug cake is a single serving cake baked in the microwave. All the ingredients are mixed together inside of a mug, and then it cooks in the microwave for about 1 minute.
There are really endless varieties and flavors – but today we’re making a vanilla mug cake. 
The Most Delicious Vanilla Mug Cake
Ok – let’s talk specifics. What I love about this recipe is that it’s moist, flavorful and definitely still tastes like cake even despite the fact it’s made in the microwave.
We’re using real butter for lots of flavor, and vanilla extract for the perfect vanilla taste. Then milk keeps in moist (dairy-free milk works too) and juuust the right amount of flour so that it doesn’t taste dry.
You can also add a few sprinkles to your vanilla mug cake and turn it into a delicious funfetti creation. 
It bakes in the microwave for about 1 minute. The cake will rise quite a bit as it bakes, so make sure your mug isn’t too small. Just be careful not to overbake, otherwise, it can turn a bit dry.
I typically eat mine straight from the mug (just make sure to let it cool for a minute or two first), or you can also gently scoop it out of the mug and serve on a plate. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is super delicious, or you can also add just a little frosting. Note that if you add the frosting on top while the cake is still hot – it will melt a little bit.
Making a Mug Cake With or Without Eggs
Note that this recipe uses 1 large egg yolk (you’ll discard the egg white). The egg yolk makes the mug cake moist, tender and deliciously springy in texture. The egg yolk will bake in the microwave. But if you prefer to make this mug cake without egg, you can substitute the egg yolk for 1 extra tablespoon of milk.
This vanilla mug cake is such a delicious treat when you’re home alone, or craving something sweet in a jiffy.
For more easy, single-serving desserts – try these other favorites:
- Double Chocolate Cookie for One
- Edible Cookie Dough
- Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie for One
- Nutella Mug Cake
Or for or more vanilla cake recipes – try these favorites:
Vanilla Mug Cake
Ingredients
Vanilla Mug Cake
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk* do not add in the egg white
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sprinkles optional
Frosting (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon milk
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 & sugar with a fork.
- Then whisk in the flour and baking powder. Stir in the sprinkles.
- Microwave for 60-90 seconds on medium power. The top should look set when it's done.
- Cool for at least 1 minute before enjoying.
Vanilla Frosting
- Beat the butter using an electric mixer or whisk with a fork until smooth.
- Beat/whisk in the powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time until the desired sweetness is reached. Then beat/whisk in the milk.
- Spread/pipe on top of the cake.
Do you have any suggestions to reduce the calorie count? 783 calories seems very high for a cup or am I figuring this wrong?
I swapped out Almond flour and granulated monk fruit!!! Delicious!!!
This is very good but a suggestion for the frosting is to add a dash of vanilla extract to make it not so plain
Amazing
Used chickpea flour and coconut flour as a gluten free replacement and it was delicious! Best mug cake recipe ever!!
I have never succeeded for a mug cake recipe but this was awesome it is so fluffy, i did not use the iceing but still the mug cake was amazing
Curious why not add egg white?
For the amount of flour and butter – it will be too much liquid and end up tasting too much like eggs
Ok the mug cake was delist, but the frosting was waaaay too sweet!
What a delicious & satisfying dessert for one!!! I did swap out white flour for almond flour and sugar for granulated Monkfruit ( I cut out 1/2 a tablespoon) . Also I used evaporated milk instead of regular milk because I was out!
So yummy!!! Will definitely make again!!
Awesome! I tried this mug cake recipe a long time ago and it has become my favorite treat, especially during breakfast. I substituted maple syrup instead of vanilla extract. Also, I used roasted almonds instead of sprinkles. So far, I will make a vanilla mug cake again and again.