Vegan Vanilla Mug Cake Recipe

This Vegan Vanilla Mug Cake Recipe is an easy single-serving, sugar-free dessert that’s ready to eat in less than ten minutes. Enjoy it plain, or add your favorite mix-ins and toppings! Since this is cake in a mug, you know it will be quick and easy to make.

What Is a Mug Cake?

A mug cake is just what it sounds like – a cake made in a mug! As a result of their small size, they’re usually enjoyed as a single-serve or two-person dessert. 

In addition, they come together very quickly with minimal prep time and a total time of just a few minutes. The only caveat is that you need to make sure you use a large, microwave-safe bowl. 

What’s in a Vanilla Mug Cake?

You’ll find that most mug cake recipes contain similar ingredients you’d expect to see in a vanilla cake. However, in true Cotter Crunch fashion, we took the opportunity to spruce ours up a bit. 

Of course, it’s gluten-free, but it’s also made without eggs, dairy-free, nut-free, sugar-free, and high-protein, too! Here are the ingredients you need: 

• Gluten-Free Oat Flour – This forms the base of the cake batter while adding more fiber than your standard all-purpose flour. You can find it in the baking section of your local grocery store, or make your own homemade gluten-free oat flour with certified gluten-free oats! 
• Plant-Based Protein Powder – We love KOS protein powder, but any vanilla-flavored protein can be used. 

Note: If you don’t have protein powder, you can use 30 grams of oat flour instead. 

• Sugar-Free Sweetener – Raw sugar and xylitol also work great. 
• Oil – Use a neutral oil like avocado oil or melted refined coconut oil to help create a tender, fluffy vanilla mug cake without impacting the flavor. 
• Vinegar – Use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to help the cake rise. 
• Non-Dairy Milk – Any plain milk will work. Adjust the amount used as needed. (See the notes in the recipe card below.)
• Baking Essentials – Baking powder, salt, and pure vanilla extract are also used to create the best texture and a rich vanilla flavor. 

What Kind of Mug Should I Use for a Microwave Mug Cake?

Before you begin, you’ll want to make sure you have a large, microwave-safe mug. You want to leave at least ⅓ of the space empty so the batter has plenty of room to rise. We love to use an 8-ounce ramekin! 

Mix, Microwave, and Eat: How to Make the Best Vanilla Mug Cake

Once you learn how easy and delicious mug cakes are, you may never go back to baking a full cake again! 

1. Combine the dry ingredients. Whisk the oat flour, protein powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt together in a small bowl. 
2. Add the wet ingredients. Pour the oil, vinegar, and vanilla in three different spots on top of the dry mix. (Watch the video below to see how it’s done!) Pour the milk on top, and gently stir. 

Note: You will see a few bubbles form. You aren’t doing anything wrong. They’re supposed to! 

3. Microwave. Pour the batter into a greased mug, and microwave on HIGH in intervals of 30 seconds until the top of the cake is firm. 
4. Enjoy! Allow the cake to cool slightly, and dig in while it’s warm. 

Tips for Success

This vegan vanilla mug cake recipe is virtually failproof as is, but we’ve got a few extra steps to make sure it turns out perfect every single time! 

• Use Fresh Ingredients. You’ll want to make sure all of the ingredients are fresh, especially the baking powder. Otherwise, the taste and texture might not be as great! 
• Don’t Overmix. Combine the ingredients just until they’re smooth and no streaks remain. Continuing to mix will only result in a dense, tough cake. 
• Avoid Overcooking. Check on your vanilla mug cake every 30 seconds, gently pressing the top. You’ll know it’s done when it’s solid yet still slightly spongy to the touch. 

Optional Mix-Ins and Toppings

We kept this vanilla mug cake recipe plain, letting the flavor of the batter speak for itself. But that doesn’t mean you can’t switch it up! Try adding even more flavor with add-ins like: 

• Vegan Chocolate Chips
• Peanut Butter Baking Chips
• Berries
• Dye-Free Sprinkles for a funfetti mug cake
• Coconut Flakes
• Cocoa Powder

Then, top it off with a dollop of whipped cream or coconut whip frosting, a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream, coconut yogurt, or extra sprinkles! 

Common Questions About This Easy Vanilla Mug Cake Recipe

More Gluten-Free Vegan Dessert Recipes

Looking for more vegan recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth? Try out more of our gluten-free favorites below to satisfy any craving! 

• Dark Chocolate Vegan Muffins
• Dark Chocolate Caramel Vegan Brownies 
• Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Vegan Chocolate Protein Cookies

Vegan Vanilla Mug Cake Recipe

---

★★★★

3.4 from 5 reviews

• Author: Lindsay Cotter
• Total Time: 6-7 minutes
• Yield: 1 mug cake 1x
• Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Satisfy your sweet tooth, and learn how to make an easy vegan vanilla mug cake recipe with a handful of ingredients and two minutes or less!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 Tablespoons (30 grams) gluten-free oat flour
• Optional: 2 Tablespoons plant-based protein powder (see notes)
• 2 Tablespoons raw sugar or sugar-free sweetener of choice (xylitol for sugar-free may be substituted)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon neutral oil or melted refined coconut oil
• ½ teaspoon vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 Tablespoons non-dairy milk (if adding plant-based protein use an additional 1 Tablespoon milk)
• Optional Add-ins: vegan chocolate chips, peanut butter baking chips, berries
• Optional Toppings: sprinkles, coconut whip, coconut yogurt, etc

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a small bowl whisk together the oat flour (and protein powder if using), sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined.
2. Pour the oil, vinegar, and vanilla in three different spots on top of the dry mix. (see video in post)
3. Pour milk over the top and gently stir.If desired, mix in any add-ins.
4. Pour the batter into a greased tall/deep mug or 8-ounce ramekin. (If adding plant-based protein powder, the batter will be thicker. If needed, use the back of a spoon to gently press the mixture down into the mug. 
5. Microwave on HIGH in 3 intervals of 30 seconds each time, check to see if the cake is firm. The top should be firm to the touch once cooked. If not, cook for 15-20 seconds longer (the total time depends on microwave power). Remove from the microwave and let it cool a minute.
6. Top mug cake with optional toppings and dig in with a spoon or, if desired, flip over onto a plate and add toppings.

Notes

Prep Tips – For an extra protein boost, use 3 Tablespoons oat flour, 2 Tablespoons (or 15 grams) protein powder, and 1 Tablespoon extra milk (4 Tablespoons total). Cooking time and texture will vary.

Baking Tips – Be sure to use a tall/deep mug or 8-ounce ramekin otherwise the batter might overflow. 

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 1-2 minutes
• Category: desserts
• Method: microwave
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cake with monk fruit sweetener
• Calories: 234
• Sugar: 0.8 g
• Sodium: 346.9 mg
• Fat: 16.3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.9 g
• Carbohydrates: 16.4 g
• Fiber: 1.3 g
• Protein: 3.3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: vanilla mug cake, microwave mug cake, microwave cake