This vanilla mug cake is the fastest way to make a delicious single-serving dessert. Rich in protein, this mug cake is also good for days when you are craving a cake for breakfast.
I enjoy baking cakes when I have friends and family over. But when I am by myself, I like to keep things easy and quick. This is when mug cakes come into play. These 1-minute single-serving cakes are just as good as regular cakes and can be customized to fit any diet.
This vanilla mug cake recipe features a classic cake flavor. It’s the perfect dessert when you want something sweet with minimal cooking time!
Table of Contents
Why you’ll love this vanilla cake in a mug
- It’s high in protein. Like a protein mug cake, the protein powder, coconut flour, and egg enrich this mug cake with enough protein to keep you full for a good few hours.
- It takes a couple of minutes to make. Made in the microwave, this is the quickest vanilla cake you could ever make.
- It’s gluten-free and dairy-free. Similar to our chocolate mug cake, no wheat flour is used in this mug cake recipe. All ingredients are healthy and carefully chosen.
- The best texture. It’s moist, fluffy, and so delicious!
Ingredients needed
- Vanilla protein powder. A scoop of vanilla protein powder makes this mug cake nutritious and filling and gives it a hint of vanilla flavor.
- Coconut flour. This is a high-protein flour with high absorbency. It provides the perfect cakelike texture for the mug cake. It also adds a mild coconut flavor to this vanilla cake.
- Almond milk. I prefer using unsweetened almond milk for this recipe. You can swap it for soy milk.
- Baking powder. Gives the mug cake a rise.
- Egg. Adding an egg to the batter provides moisture and helps the mug cake rise.
Make it vegan
If you want to make this recipe vegan (or dairy-free), leave out the egg and add more milk instead. Add the milk tablespoon by tablespoon until you achieve the needed batter consistency.
- Maple syrup. To sweeten this mug cake.
- Vanilla extract. A dash of vanilla extract helps further enhance the vanilla flavor of the mug cake.
Ingredient swap
For a more intense vanilla flavor, add some vanilla bean paste.
- Chocolate chips. They add extra flavor and texture to the mug cake. You can use any chocolate chips you like.
How to make a vanilla mug cake
1. Make the batter. Add all wet ingredients to a small bowl and stir until fully combined. Add the dry ingredients and mix until the protein powder and the coconut flour are fully incorporated.
2. Make the mug cake. Fill up a microwave-safe mug about halfway and microwave for 90 seconds. Allow the mug cake to rest for 30 to 60 seconds before eating it.
Tips to make the best recipe
- Choose your protein powder wisely. If you are grabbing your sibling’s protein powder just to make this mug cake, make sure it fits your diet. Protein powders may contain dairy and added sugar.
- Don’t overmix. Mix the ingredients just enough to get them fully combined. Overmixing the batter will result in a rubbery mug cake.
- Start at 70 seconds. While the recipe tells you to microwave the mug cake for 90 seconds, we recommend you start with 70 considering the differences the microwaves have. If the mug cake is undercooked, add 10-second increments as needed.
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream. When having this mug cake for dessert, it is a good idea to top it with some whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Add sprinkles or frosting. If you need a quick celebration cake, add some colorful sprinkles to this mug cake batter.
Storage instructions
While this mug cake is meant to be eaten immediately, you can store the leftover cake in the fridge for up to a day. Keep it covered with food wrap and reheat it in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds before eating.
Recommended tools to make this recipe
- Mixing bowl. To make the batter.
- Spatula. For mixing everything together.
- Microwave safe mug. This is my preferred mug as it microwaves well and cooks the mug cake evenly.
More mug cake recipes to try
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can make this mug cake without protein powder. As protein powder has thickening properties, you may need to add a tad bit more coconut flour to achieve the needed batter consistency.
In addition to overmixing the batter, overcooking the mug cake or adding too much baking powder are two other reasons that result in a rubbery mug cake.
Yes! For a baked vanilla mug cake, simply prep it as instructed and bake at 180C/350F for 6-7 minutes. You can also use the air fryer.
Mug cakes should be served warm for the best texture and flavor. Once you remove the mug cake from the oven, let it rest for a minute to finish cooking and dive right in.
Vanilla Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 32-34 grams
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon coconut flour
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Grease a microwave safe mug with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a small bowl, add the protein powder, baking powder, and coconut flour and mix well. Add the remaining ingredients and mix until combined. .
- Top with chocolate chips and microwave for 60 seconds, or until just cooked in the centre.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Super Yummy! Thank you so much for this recipe!
Je to výborný recept, určite to budem robiť často. Ďakujem
Will try it! Can’t wait for morning!
Any of your recipes call for protein powder but I don’t like the taste of that if we left it out, will the recipe still turn out good?
I used coconut milk and Nutricost vanilla whey and topped it with Halo Top cookies and cream ice cream. So good!
Can we use baking soda instead?
Also how do you feel it taste against the protein powder? Id be using veagan protein powder…do u think the flavor would be affected? Have u tried it?
This is the best keto treat EVER! Simple and delicious. Thank you!
Absolutely delicious!
This mug cake is my daily breakfast since the first time I made it. I have a sleeve stomach and eating enough protein per day is a big task for me as a vegetarian. Thanks for the recipe, which I shared with family and friends, it is a great start in the day!
This was so good! Far better than expected!
Omg this made me very happy. Came out perfect.
I don’t know why but my batter does not thicken!!
I tried to add a little more protein powder and a tad more coconut flour to thicken it but doesn’t work. And the mix isn’t crumbly either
Tierney, it could be the brand of protein powder you are using.
I’ve made a lot of mug cakes in my day, but this is by far the best and super simple. Thanks for pointing out the importance of using casein vs whey protein. It makes a huge differences!! My suggestion: mix some sprinkles in. Tastes and looks like birthday cake 🙂
can I replace the whole egg with just egg whites?
Thank you for the recipe! I’ve been meaning to make a Keto mug cake for ages but always forget! I need to try this in the run up to Christmas for a treat! Sim x
🙂 Enjoy, Sim!
By far the best protein mug cake I’ve tried! All other ones are too dry or need banana/applesauce (which I don’t always have) but this is one is so easy and amazing! I even used water instead of milk and it’s still so fluffy and soft 🙂 thanks Arman!