
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Fast and Easy: Ready in just minutes using your microwave.
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Minimal Ingredients: Uses pre-made cake mix plus a few simple add-ins.
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Customizable: Use any flavor of cake mix and add your favorite toppings.
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Perfect Portion: Single serving with no leftovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1/4 cup cake mix (any flavor)
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3 tablespoons milk
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
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Optional toppings: frosting, sprinkles, chocolate chips, fruit
Directions
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Mix Ingredients: In a microwave-safe mug, combine cake mix, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth with no lumps.
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Microwave: Cook on high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, or until the cake has risen and is set in the middle. Microwave times vary, so check at 1 minute.
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Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for a minute or two. Add desired toppings before enjoying.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 1
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Preparation Time: 2 minutes
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Cooking Time: 1-2 minutes
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Total Time: 5 minutes
Variations
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Different Flavors: Use chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, or funfetti cake mix.
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Add Mix-Ins: Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit.
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Top It Off: Add frosting, whipped cream, or fresh berries.
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Make It Healthier: Use low-fat milk and oil alternatives.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Best eaten immediately. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 1 day.
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Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving.
FAQs
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use two mugs and cook separately.
What if my cake is undercooked?
Microwave for additional 10-15 second intervals until done.
Can I use water instead of milk?
Milk improves texture and flavor but water can be used in a pinch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Depends on the cake mix; use gluten-free cake mix to ensure.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk and oil substitutes.
How do I prevent the cake from overflowing?
Use a large enough mug and don’t fill more than halfway.
Can I add frosting inside the cake?
Yes, swirl in frosting before microwaving for a gooey center.
Can I make this in an oven?
Yes, bake at 350°F (175°C) in a small ramekin for 15-20 minutes.
Are these mug cakes kid-friendly?
Yes, quick and fun for kids to make and enjoy.
Can I add spices?
Yes, cinnamon or nutmeg can add warm flavor.
Conclusion
Cake Mix Mug Cake is the ultimate quick dessert solution for when you want cake in minutes with minimal effort. With endless flavor options and easy customization, it’s a perfect single-serving treat anytime you crave something sweet.

Cake Mix Mug Cake
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- Author: Ava
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cake Mix Mug Cake is a quick and easy single-serving dessert made using store-bought cake mix, perfect for instant cake cravings with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cake mix (any flavor)
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Optional toppings: frosting, sprinkles, chocolate chips, fruit
Instructions
In a microwave-safe mug, combine cake mix, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and lump-free.
- Microwave on high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, or until cake has risen and is set in the center. Check at 1 minute and adjust time as needed.
- Let cake cool for a minute or two before adding desired toppings and serving.
Notes
- Use any flavor cake mix like chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, or funfetti.
- Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit for added texture.
- Top with frosting, whipped cream, or fresh berries.
- Use low-fat milk and oil alternatives to make it healthier.
- Best eaten immediately; store leftovers in fridge for 1 day.
- Reheat in microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving.
- Use a large mug and fill no more than halfway to prevent overflow.
- Swirl in frosting before microwaving for a gooey center.
- Can bake in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes in a ramekin.
- Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warm flavor.
- Double recipe by making two mugs and cooking separately.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug cake
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg