My partner and I were craving dessert the other day after a heavy meal.
Baking cookies is lovely, but it does require some cooling time, so I thought I’d whip up these mug cakes!
I think they might just be one of the greatest little inventions of our time.
You probably already know the basics. You take a few simple ingredients—most of which you likely already have in your cupboard—mix them together in a mug, pop it in the microwave for a minute or so, and just like that… dessert is served.
No mixers, no baking trays, no waiting around for things to cool.
Just quick, cozy, cakey goodness.
Over the years, I’ve tried more mug cake recipes than I can count. Some were brilliant. Some were weirdly rubbery. A few exploded in the microwave.
But after a lot of (delicious) trial and error, I’ve narrowed things down to a few trusty favourites that I come back to time and time again.
If you’re looking for something chocolatey, fruity, peanut buttery, or just plain comforting, there’s something here for you.
Let’s take a look at 9 of my favourite quick and easy mug cake recipes that you can make in just a few minutes…
1. Classic Chocolate Fudge Mug Cake
This one is my favorite, so I’m starting with my best recipe.
A warm, gooey chocolate cake that tastes way fancier than it actually is. This one’s perfect when you just need a little chocolate comfort—fast.
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp plain flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: chocolate chips or a square of chocolate in the middle
Instructions:
- Add the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt to a microwave-safe mug. Mix well with a fork.
- Stir in the milk, oil, and vanilla until you get a smooth batter.
- If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them in now.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute to 1 minute 20 seconds, depending on your microwave. It should rise and look set but still a little fudgy.
- Let it cool for a minute, then dig in (ice cream on top is chef’s kiss).
2. Banana Bread Mug Cake
Perfect for using up that one overripe banana you’ve been ignoring. This is soft, moist, and actually smells like real banana bread—without the oven.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana (medium)
- 3 tbsp plain flour
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, depending on how sweet your banana is)
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Optional: chopped walnuts or mini chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Mash the banana in a mug with a fork until mostly smooth.
- Add the flour, sugar (if using), baking powder, and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Stir in the milk and oil until you have a thick batter.
- Fold in any extras like walnuts or chocolate chips.
- Microwave for 1–1½ minutes until it’s risen and the top looks set.
- Let it cool for a moment, then enjoy straight from the mug.
3. Vanilla Sprinkle Mug Cake
Light, fluffy, and full of good vibes. This one’s basically cake-in-a-mug birthday energy, and it never fails to cheer me up.
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp plain flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp rainbow sprinkles (plus a few extra for the top)
Instructions:
- In a microwave-safe mug, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add in the milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Gently fold in the sprinkles—don’t overmix or the colours might bleed.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute. If it’s still gooey in the middle, give it another 10–15 seconds.
- Sprinkle a few more on top, let it cool for a minute, and enjoy with whipped cream if you’ve got it.
4. Oreo Mug Cake
Honestly?
This one feels like a bit of microwave magic. You only need two ingredients and zero baking skills. It’s soft, rich, and kinda like cookies ‘n’ cream pudding in cake form.
Ingredients:
- 4 Oreo cookies
- 3 tbsp milk (any kind)
Instructions:
- Place the Oreos in a mug and crush them up with a fork until they’re in small bits.
- Add the milk and stir everything together until you get a dark, smooth batter.
- Microwave on high for 1 to 1½ minutes, depending on your microwave strength.
- Let it sit for 30 seconds (it’s hot!), then enjoy. Add whipped cream or another crushed Oreo on top if you’re feeling fancy.
5. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Mug Cake
Sweet, salty, and packed with melty chocolate—this one is SO satisfying. It’s a little denser than the others (in a good way) and super comforting when you want something filling.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (smooth or crunchy both work)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp chocolate chips
Instructions:
- In your mug, mix the peanut butter, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla together until smooth.
- Add in the flour and milk, and stir until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Microwave for 45 seconds to 1 minute. The top should look set but still soft inside.
- Let it cool slightly, then dig in with a spoon. So good with a drizzle of extra peanut butter on top!
6. Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake
All the warm, spiced flavour of a cinnamon roll—but way easier and quicker. This one is perfect for cozy evenings (or a lazy weekend breakfast, not gonna lie).
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 4 tbsp plain flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the swirl:
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp melted butter (or use a drop of oil)
For the glaze (optional but worth it):
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp milk
Instructions:
- In a mug, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Stir in the milk, oil, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth batter.
- In a small bowl, mix the swirl ingredients, then drizzle over the top of the cake batter. Swirl it in lightly with a fork.
- Microwave for 1 minute to 1 minute 15 seconds until it’s risen and fluffy.
- Mix the glaze ingredients and drizzle over the warm cake. Cozy dessert perfection.
7. Lemon Mug Cake
If you’re after something sweet but not too rich, this lemon mug cake is lovely and light with a fresh zingy kick. I sometimes toss in a few frozen blueberries, and it feels like a proper little treat.
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp plain flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Zest from half a lemon
Instructions:
- Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to a mug and mix well.
- Stir in the milk, oil, vanilla, lemon juice, and zest. Mix until smooth.
- Microwave for 1 to 1½ minutes until the top is set and the cake has risen.
- Let it cool slightly before eating. Optional: dust with icing sugar or add a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream.
8. Salted Caramel Mug Cake
This one feels a little more indulgent. Soft, sweet cake swirled with gooey caramel and just a pinch of salt—basically dessert heaven in a cup.
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp plain flour
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp caramel sauce (plus a little more for drizzling)
- Optional: tiny pinch of sea salt on top
Instructions:
- Mix the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt in a mug.
- Stir in the milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drop in the caramel sauce and swirl it lightly into the batter with a spoon.
- Microwave for 1 minute to 1 minute 15 seconds. It should be cooked through but still soft.
- Drizzle more caramel on top and finish with a little sea salt if you like that sweet-salty contrast.
9. Protein Brownie Mug Cake
Great for when you want something chocolatey but also want to feel like you’re making a healthy-ish choice. It’s rich, filling, and super satisfying after a workout (or a nap—no judgment).
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder (about 25g)
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp almond flour or plain flour
- ½ mashed banana (or 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce)
- 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust to get a brownie-like batter)
- Optional: a few chocolate chips or nuts
Instructions:
- In a mug, mix the protein powder, cocoa powder, and flour.
- Stir in the mashed banana and 2 tbsp milk. Add a little more milk if it seems too dry.
- Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
- Microwave for 45–60 seconds. It should be soft in the middle like a brownie.
- Let it cool for a moment and enjoy as-is or with a spoonful of peanut butter on top.
Final thoughts
And there you have it—9 easy, comforting mug cake recipes to whip up anytime you’re craving a little sweetness (but don’t want to make a whole cake).
Whether it’s for a cosy night in, a quick afternoon treat, or a last-minute dessert fix, these are always a win.
If you try one—or all of them!—I’d love to hear which was your fave 💛
