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My easy vanilla mug cake is light, fluffy, and is secretly healthy. It’s the perfect 1-minute single-serving cake my family absolutely loves!
Need more mug cake recipes? Try my peanut butter mug cake, lemon mug cake, or pumpkin spice mug cake next.
Table of Contents
I love baking when we have friends and family over, but if I’m ever by myself, I like to keep things easy and quick. That’s where mug cakes come into play.
As much as I love chocolate mug cakes, I find myself making this vanilla mug cake recipe even more. They’re the perfect light and fluffy dessert I can make on a whim whenever the cravings strike!
Why I love this recipe
- High in protein. Like my protein mug cake, I decided to add protein powder, plus a few high-protein ingredients, to make this cake even more satiating and nutritious.
- Ready in 2 minutes. When I need a sweet treat (and fast), mug cakes are the only way to go.
- Best texture. The mug cake is super moist and fluffy with a tender crumb.
Key ingredients
- Vanilla protein powder. To bulk up the mug cake, add some protein, and give it a lovely vanilla flavor. I prefer whey protein or brown rice protein powder, but use whatever kind you prefer.
- Coconut flour. This is my preferred flour alternative because it’s high in protein and fiber, and it gives the cake a chewy texture.
- Milk. I used unsweetened almond milk.
- Baking powder. Helps the mug cake rise.
- Egg. Gives the cake some rise and adds moisture.
- Maple syrup. For sweetness. Honey or agave also works.
- Vanilla extract. To enhance the vanilla flavor.
- Chocolate chips. Optional, but what’s the harm in a few chocolate chips?
How to make vanilla mug cake
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Prep. Grease a microwave-safe mug with cooking spray.
Step 2- Assemble. Add all dry and wet ingredients to a small bowl and stir to combine. Pour the cake batter into the greased mug.
Step 3- Microwave. Top the cake with chocolate chips and microwave until cooked in the center.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Start with 70 seconds. Everyone’s microwave differs, so I suggest starting with 70 seconds. If the mug cake is still undercooked, continue microwaving in 15-second increments until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the mug cake rest. It’ll continue to cook briefly as it cools, so even if there are still a few moist crumbs on the toothpick, I’ll set it aside for a minute or so, and it usually firms up.
- Enjoy them fresh. Mug cakes are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the microwave. If they’re left out, they’ll become firm and chewy.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can make this mug cake without protein powder, but you’ll want to substitute it for coconut flour to achieve the proper 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.
I don’t recommend substituting the coconut flour as it will throw off the ratio of the other ingredients. If you’d rather use almond flour, make my almond flour mug cake. If you’d prefer all-purpose flour, make my healthy mug cake.
More single-serving desserts
Vanilla Mug Cake
Video
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 maple syrup, egg, milk, and vanilla and mix until combined. .
- Top with chocolate chips and microwave for 60 seconds, or until just cooked in the centre.
Notes
- Vegan. Swap the eggs with one of my egg substitutes and use vegan chocolate chips.
- Dairy-free. Use dairy-free milk and plant-based protein powder.
- Birthday cake. Swap the vanilla extract for almond extract and swap the chocolate chips for funfetti sprinkles.
- Add a pinch of salt to amplify the other flavors.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a more decadent treat.
- To store: While this mug cake is meant to be eaten immediately, you can store the leftover cake in the fridge for up to 1 day. Keep it covered with food wrap and reheat it in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds before eating.
Nutrition
Originally updated July 2023, updated and republished December 2024
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!
As a queer person who uses strange ingredients often, this was the best vanilla mug cake ever.
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!