3 Ingredient Mug Cake
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You are going to want to bookmark this 3-Ingredient Mug Cake recipe! Perfect for late-night cravings or a speedy treat, this recipe turns basic pantry staples into a scrumptious snack in just minutes. Whether you’re new to baking or just want a hassle-free sweet, this mug cake is your ticket to a delightful treat without the wait.
This recipe was inspired by our popular 2 Ingredient brownie recipe– be sure you check that out! Try serving with ice cream, fresh fruit, or your favorite frosting!
Why You’ll Love This 3 Ingredient Mug Cake
- Convenience: With only three ingredients, these mug cakes are incredibly easy to make. They’re ideal for those times when you want a quick treat without a trip to the store or a long prep time.
- Versatility: Even with just three ingredients, you can experiment with different flavors based on what you have at home. Swap out ingredients and add toppings to customize your mug cake each time.
- Comfort: There’s something incredibly comforting about enjoying a warm, freshly made cake that you can curl up with almost immediately after you make it.
Did you know that you can make cake in a mug using cake mix? I didn’t, but I thought I’d give it a try. Turns out it is SO simple and makes for the perfect single serve treat! We tested this recipe over 26 times using SO MANY different cake mix options and measurements, which is why I am confident when I say this is the best mug cake.
Each version we made turned out incredible light, super moist, and packed with that classic cake mix flavor. My teenager even volunteered to give it a try and has quickly become an addict. Serve with mix-in’s, frosting, ice cream or enjoy plain. Any way you serve it you are going to LOVE the recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
So I have you hooked and you’re ready to know the ingredients, right? Here is what you will need to get started:
- Cake Mix: Pick your favorite brand for this cake mix mug cake. I will mention that we did not test this with gluten free options or keto, so I cannot be sure if those will work well.
- Water: Water is essential in cake mixes as it hydrates the dry ingredients, activates gluten and leavening agents for structure and rise, and helps achieve the right batter consistency. We did test this with milk but it didn’t produce the same light and moist texture.
- Oil: Add testing this mug cake with both oil and butter to our list. We tried them both and were shocked when oil won out in the blind taste test. The cakes made with oil were lighter and had a more enjoyable texture.
3 Ingredient Mug Cake Using Cake Mix
Ready to get rolling? Here’s the broken down step by step to make your first mug cake!
- Prepare the Mug: Lightly spray the inside of a microwave safe 12-ounce mug with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: Pour the cake mix, water, and oil into the mug. Use a fork to stir everything together until well combined.
- Microwave the Cake: Cook in the microwave for about 1 minute and 15 seconds. Check if the cake is done—it should look set and dry on top. Note: Cooking time can vary based on your microwave’s power, so it might need slightly less or more time.
- Cool and Enjoy: After microwaving, let the cake stand in the mug for one minute to cool slightly. Then it’s ready to enjoy!
Helpful Tools
Microwave cake is wonderfully simple, but having the right tools can make the process even smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some helpful tools to consider:
- Microwave-Safe Mug: (affiliate) The most essential tool — ensure your mug is microwave-safe to avoid any mishaps.
- Measuring Spoons: (affiliate) Accurate measurements are key to baking success, even with something as simple as a mug cake.
- Baking Spray: (affiliate) To prevent sticking, a good non-stick cooking spray is useful. Alternatively, a little butter or oil rubbed inside the mug can also do the trick.
- Toppings and Add-ins: Have some fun toppings or mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, whipped cream, or fruit ready to enhance your mug cake.
Recipe Variations:
incredibly versatile, allowing for a plethora of flavor variations to suit any taste. Here are some delightful ideas to switch up your basic mug cake recipe:
- Chocolate Chip: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips before cooking for a gooey, melty texture.
- Red Velvet: Use red velvet cake mix and top the finished cake with a dollop of cream cheese frosting for a classic treat.
- Birthday Cake: Mix in some rainbow sprinkles into vanilla cake mix, and add more on top after cooking for a festive, colorful treat.
- Lemon Blueberry: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest and a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries to a vanilla cake mix for a refreshing twist.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate: Swirl in a tablespoon of peanut butter into a chocolate cake mix for a rich, nutty flavor.
- Cinnamon Roll: Stir a dash of cinnamon into vanilla cake mix, and top with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk after microwaving.
- Mocha: Mix a teaspoon of instant coffee into your chocolate cake mix for a deep, rich coffee flavor.
- Coconut: Add a tablespoon of shredded coconut into the mix, and consider using coconut milk instead of water for added flavor.
Helpful FAQs
A 12 to 15-ounce microwave-safe mug is ideal. It allows enough space for the cake to rise without spilling over.
A rubbery texture often results from overcooking. Try reducing the microwave time by 10-20 seconds, or check your microwave’s wattage and adjust accordingly.
I don’t recommend baking this recipe. If you’re looking for a baked cake I suggest following the instructions on the back of the box for a full cake and freezing slices for later.
The top should look set and dry. If it’s still gooey, microwave it in 10-second bursts until it’s done. Be careful not to overcook, as the cake continues to cook slightly from residual heat after it’s removed from the microwave.
More Fan Favorite Mug Recipes
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Cake Mix Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons cake mix (dry)
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon oil (we like canola oil)
Instructions
- Lightly spray the inside of a microwave safe 12 to 15-ounce mug with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pour the cake mix, water, and oil into the mug. Use a fork to stir everything together until well combined.
- Cook in the microwave for about 1 minute and 15 seconds. Check if the cake is done—it should look set and dry on top.
- Note: Cooking time can vary based on your microwave’s power, so it might need slightly less or more time. I suggest checking around 1 minute and cooking more time as needed.
- After microwaving, let the cake stand in the mug for one minute to cool slightly. Then it’s ready to enjoy!
Notes
A rubbery texture often results from overcooking. Try reducing the microwave time by 10-20 seconds, or check your microwave’s wattage and adjust accordingly. How do I know when the mug cake is done?
The top should look set and dry. If it’s still gooey, microwave it in 10-second bursts until it’s done. Be careful not to overcook, as the cake continues to cook slightly from residual heat after it’s removed from the microwave.
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
