3 Ingredient Mug Cake

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.

Substitutions and Variations

This is 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.

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!

1. Prepare the Mug: Lightly spray the inside of a microwave safe 12-ounce mug with baking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Ingredients: Pour the cake mix, water, and oil into the mug. Use a fork to stir everything together until well combined.
3. 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.
4. Cool and Enjoy: After microwaving, let the cake stand in the mug for one minute to cool slightly. Then it’s ready to enjoy!

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Mug cakes are meant to be a quick, single-serve treat—and this one’s no exception. It’s best enjoyed fresh right after cooking when it’s warm, fluffy, and at its peak.

• To Store (if you must): If you have leftovers, let the cake cool completely, then cover the mug with plastic wrap. You can keep it at room temp for up to 1 day or in the fridge for 2. Just know that the texture won’t be quite the same when reheated.
• Make-Ahead: Honestly? This isn’t a great make-ahead dessert. But if you want to prep a few for convenience, you can portion out the cake mix and oil into individual mugs or containers. Just add water and microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.

Pro Tip: Skip the batch prep and keep a box of cake mix nearby instead—because this treat comes together faster than you can find your missing Tupperware lid.

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