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.
It was my very first mug cake. Made it withiout the icing.. Taste so good made more with the kids they loved it. Thanks for sharing..
It’s good MY VerY FIRST MUG CAKE but it tasted like sand a little but acceptable.
This is the BEST mug cake I ever made!!! I made 2 of these, and they tasted so good! I would recommend trying it.
I agree! it is so very good. Love it so much that I could eat it anytime and make it anytime because the instructions are so easy!
OMG I JUST MADE THIS IT IS AMAZING. I really wasn’t expecting it because all the other recipes fail and they are terrible but this is amazing and i think i am goign to be making another one right after this finishes
Why do you leave out the egg white?
Yup – you’ll only use the egg yolk.
I made it without egg,sprinkles,fr-osting but with extra tbsp of milk,it was so tasty,i baked it in two muffin pans,was the first time i had baked a cake which was done,parents & brothers enjoyed it except it was very sweet.Thanks alot
This is the only vinnilla mug cake recipe you’ll ever need to try. I was utterly blown away by the result.
I’ve made a lot of mug cake recipes, but this is definitely my favorite!
Made this Mug cake with my daughter last night for my husband’s birthday song at midnight. Well this was the best tasting recipe for a Mug cake I have tasted. Everyone loved it. it was moist and my daughter was all smiles making this simple recipe for her dad.
this was so good!! definitely recommend with your fav ice cream on top and put more sprinkles on top when your mug cake is cooling!!
This vanilla mug cake is amazing! I made it with icing it was sooooooooo good!
best thing ever