This Cake Mix Mug Cake calls for minimal ingredients but delivers maximum enjoyment!
When my niece first started college, she lived in a typical dorm room. Cinderblock walls, not very much space, no personal bathroom, and she shared a small fridge and microwave with her roommate. While there were many options for treats on campus, sometimes she didn’t want to leave her room if she was cozy. Like many campuses, there were Grubhub robots available to deliver when the cravings hit, but ordering this way all the time added up, and she was on a tight budget.
Cake mix mug cakes came in handy. She could easily store cake mix (in a resealable bag once the box was opened), a small container of oil, milk, and whatever mix-ins or toppings she wanted. Cake mix mug cakes are not just for space-challenged, penny-pinching college students, though; they are an easy way to enjoy a treat with simple pantry ingredients anytime you want something sweet and homemade.
You will love making cake mix mug cakes because they use simple, on-hand ingredients, and you get gratification very quickly. Meaning that the time from “I want something sweet” to “Mmm, this is so good” is less than 10 minutes total. You get a personal-sized sweet treat, so there’s portion control and no leftovers to worry about.
Avoiding common mug cake pitfalls
While mug cakes are easy to make, there are a few things to avoid when making one. The first one is the mug size. Always use an oversized mug so the ingredients don’t overflow in the microwave. Secondly, don’t use too big a whisk or spatula when mixing the ingredients in the mug. You need something that will incorporate everything, even down in the bottom of the mug, like a mini-whisk or small spatula. That way, there is no powdery texture in part of the finished cake. Finally, go easy when cooking! Overcooking will result in a tough texture and dense cake.
How do I store leftovers?
Mug cakes are easy, quick to make, and best enjoyed fresh. If you do have leftovers, just cover the cooled mug cake with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Serving suggestions
The possibilities are endless when it comes to flavors, mix-ins, and toppings. Chocolate cake mix is always a good choice; topped with mini chocolate chips and nuts (walnuts or pistachios work great), this is a very satisfying treat! If chocolate is not your thing, consider a vanilla cake mix and top with the make-ahead Strawberry Whipped Cream or Strawberry Syrup for a summery, fresh treat. In the fall months, you can use a spice cake mix and top it with toasted nuts or Salted Spiced Caramel Sauce for the ultimate cozy indulgence. Since mug cakes are great to make with little ones in the kitchen, a kid-friendly option would be to use Funfetti cake mix and top it with Vanilla Ice Cream and rainbow sprinkles. Have fun figuring out your favorite combo, and enjoy this easy, breezy treat anytime the mood strikes!
Cake Mix Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons cake mix any flavor
- A pinch of salt
- 3 1/2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 3/4 teaspoons vegetable oil
- Toppings such as chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles for serving
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe mug, combine the cake mix, salt, milk, and vegetable oil. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute. Check if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. If not, microwave in additional 10-second intervals until done.
- Allow the mug cake to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as is, or garnish with your favorite toppings.
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