March 21, 2023
Review RecipeCupcake in a Mug

Table of Contents
This sweet and fluffy cupcake in a mug is the newest dessert taking center stage in the one-cup universe. This delicious single-serve sensation is made with just a few simple ingredients and is ready in mere minutes, so get ready to indulge your sweet tooth!

Cupcake in a Mug Ingredients

You’ll need:
- 5 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons self-rising flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons colorful sprinkles (divided 1½ tablespoons for the cake and ½ tablespoon for garnish)
- ¼ cup premade whipped vanilla frosting
- 2 drops red food color gel (optional)
SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS
WHIPPED TOPPING: You can substitute whipped topping for the frosting on this sweet treat.
TOPPINGS: Add chocolate chips to this delicious treat for an extra fun chocolatey twist.
FROSTING: You can customize the flavor of the frosting on top of your small cake. Try chocolate frosting or add flavored extract to the vanilla frosting for a fun twist.
How to Make This Cupcake in a Mug Recipe
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
Double the recipe to share this rich cake with a friend. Microwave cakes one at a time if you are making more than one.
STEP ONE: Add the flour and granulated sugar to a 12-ounce microwave-safe mug. Whisk to combine.
PRO TIP:
Using a wider and shorter cup works best and makes it easier to scoop out your cake.
STEP TWO: Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the mug to combine thoroughly.

STEP THREE: Fold in the sprinkles.

STEP FOUR: Microwave cupcake in a mug for 1 minute 30 seconds (depending on your microwave, you may need to add an extra 5 seconds). Allow the cake to rest for 20 to 30 seconds.
PRO TIP:
Keep a close eye on the cake while it’s in the microwave and cook it until the center is just set.

STEP FIVE: Add the premade frosting to a small bowl. Add 1 to 2 drops of red food coloring gel. Stir well until the color is uniform. Spoon the tinted frosting into either a disposable piping bag or a quart-size ziplock bag with a corner snipped off. Evenly squeeze the frosting over the top center of the cake. Sprinkle the remaining sprinkles over the frosting.

How To Serve
This funfetti mug cake is a seriously decadent dessert cake that is sure to satisfy your cupcake cravings. Add a scoop of ice cream on top for even more decadence and a cold refreshing iced tea to wash it down.
If you love the idea of these fun little desserts, check out our coffee cake in a mug and chocolate mug cake for two more yummy flavors.
Storage
IN THE FRIDGE/FREEZER: This easy dessert does not reheat well and is meant to be enjoyed immediately, so we don’t recommend storing leftovers in the fridge or freezer.

For those who love the fluffy texture and decadent flavor of a classic cupcake but don’t want to go to all the trouble of baking one – this cupcake in a mug is for you! The easy and delicious cupcakes can be made in minutes using just a microwave oven.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This decadent dessert does not reheat well, and we don’t recommend storing it in the fridge or freezer for any length of time.
A 12-ounce microwave-safe mug is just the right size for this great recipe.
The cook time will depend on the wattage of your microwave, but we find a cooking time of somewhere between 90 to 95 seconds is about right for your single-serving cake. Keep an eye on your cake near the end of cooking, and watch for the center to be just set. Don’t overcook it, or you will end up with a dry cake.
While we haven’t tried it, we think this fluffy cake recipe would be just as delicious using oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Chocolate Pie
- Chocolate Dump Cake
- Chocolate Delight
- Chocolate Cheesecake Bites
- Vanilla Trifle
- Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Blueberry Cupcakes

Cupcake in a Mug
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons self-rising flour
- 2 teaspoons self-rising flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons colorful sprinkles, divided 1½ tablespoons for the cake and ½ tablespoon for garnish
- ¼ cup premade whipped vanilla frosting
- 2 drops red food color gel, optional
Instructions
- Add the flour and granulated sugar to a 12-ounce microwave-safe mug. Whisk to combine.
- Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the mug to combine thoroughly.
- Fold in the sprinkles.
- Microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds (depending on your microwave, you may need to add an extra 5 seconds). Allow the cake to rest for 20 to 30 seconds.
- Add the premade frosting to a small bowl. Add 1 to 2 drops of red food coloring gel. Stir well until the color is uniform. Spoon the tinted frosting into either a disposable piping bag or a quart-size ziplock bag with a corner snipped off. Evenly squeeze the frosting over the top center of the cake. Sprinkle the remaining sprinkles over the frosting.
Notes
- Double the recipe to share this rich cake with a friend. Microwave cakes one at a time if you are making more than one.
- Using a wider and shorter cup works best and makes it easier to scoop out your cake.
- Keep a close eye on the cake while it’s in the microwave and cook it until the center is just set.
Comments
Carol A Clendenen says
Love it with chocolate icing!!
Maureen says
Just perfect for two people. These would be perfect for Valentins Day with pink icing and some whits chocolate chips. Defintely have to have with the ice tea. We drink it everyday.
Julie Haynie says
I think I would add chocolate chips to this. They would melt and be delicious.
Meg says
I would top this with chocolate chips.
Barb says
I love cupcake in a mug. I think it would be great with chocolate chips and mini m&m’s mixed with the cake mix, then top it with chocolate chips as soon as it comes out. spread that and have with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
Tracy says
I made this and it was yummy! I did add some dark chocolate shavings and whipped cream on top.
Karen says
I would add fresh add fruit to this recipe and play with the sugar to get right flavor. I would then put a powder sugar/milk as topping
cathy hennessee says
Yes I would add chocolate chips . Any flavor of frosting is fine with me. I haven’t tried ice tea in a cake.
Patricia says
I would use a cream cheese frosting to top this delicious cupcake!