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Red Velvet Mug Cake

A rich, fluffy, and perfectly portioned single-serving red velvet cake that cooks entirely in the microwave in just under 2 minutes. Perfect for late-night sweet cravings!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Modern
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Mug Cake Batter
  • 4 tbsp All-purpose flour Spoon and leveled
  • 2 tbsp Granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp Baking powder
  • 1/8 tsp Salt Just a pinch
  • 3 tbsp Milk Any type (whole, 2%, or plant-based)
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable oil Canola, melted coconut, or sunflower oil
  • 1/4 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp White vinegar Apple cider vinegar works too
  • 1/4 tsp Red food coloring Liquid or gel (use less if gel)
Quick Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)
  • 1 oz Cream cheese Softened to room temp
  • 1 tbsp Butter Softened
  • 3 tbsp Powdered sugar More to taste if needed
  • 1/8 tsp Vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Microwave
  • 12oz Microwave-safe mug
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. In a 12-ounce or larger microwave-safe mug, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until completely blended.
  2. Add the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring to the mug. Stir vigorously with a fork until the batter is smooth and uniformly red. Be sure to scrape the bottom edges to mix in any trapped dry flour.
  3. Microwave on high for 60 to 90 seconds. The exact time depends on your microwave's wattage. The cake is done when the top looks set and springs back when lightly touched.
  4. Carefully remove the mug from the microwave (it will be hot) and let it cool for at least 2 minutes.
  5. While the cake cools, mash the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla together in a small bowl until smooth.
  6. Spoon the frosting over the warm mug cake and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Microwave Wattages: If you have a high-powered microwave (1000W+), check the cake at 60 seconds to avoid a rubbery texture.