Make a single serving mug cake with this cake mix mug cake recipe. Perfect for a fast late night snack or celebratory treat! Made with two ingredients and in just a minute, this is a recipe you'll memorize in no time.
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This 2 ingredient cake mix mug cake recipe is perfect for those days when you're craving something sweet but want a recipe that is quick and easy to make. You can even turn it into Microwave Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes, if you want something with a little crunch.
Baking a whole cake requires several ingredients and time commitment, not to mention all the cake you'll have to eat within a few days. Making a cake in a cup with cake mix requires almost no time commitment, no leftovers, and it literally just needs cake mix and water to complete.
For more single serving treats you'll love, check out my Rice Krispie Treat in a Mug, Peanut Butter Banana Mug Cake, and Pancakes in a Mug.
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💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's adaptable. Add sprinkles, chocolate chips, a dollop of frosting, or a dusting of powdered sugar, and you'll always have a perfect sweet treat for any occasion.
- You can use any boxed cake mix. Use Betty Crocker, Walmart brand, Kodiak, or Duncan Heins and the recipe turns out great every time. Side note- brownie mix works great too! For more Recipes with Boxed Cake Mixes, check out my Devil's Food Cake Mix Brownies and Cake Mix Blueberry Muffins.
- It can be allergen friendly. Make this mug cake recipe with cake mix that's gluten free, egg free, or dairy free and this recipe can easily be made allergen-friendly.
🛒 Ingredients
Boxed Cake Mix- Use a box of your favorite boxed cake mix, and you'll always love the results. I like to use devil's food cake, red velvet, and yellow cake mixes because I keep them on hand and they're great on their own or with add-ins.
Note that I do not recommend an angel food cake mix as that will have different finished results. You can however use angel food cake in these 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
🥣 Recipe Add-Ins
If desired, you can add in 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate chips, sprinkles, shredded coconut, carrots, or even zucchini.
Topping the mug cake with anything is optional, but I usually keep it simple with a little whipped cream or powdered sugar.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Use partial cake mixes. Don't bake the whole box! Scoop out what you need for a mug cake and store the rest in a sealed jar or bag for future single servings.
Buy store-brand cake mixes. They cost less and taste just as delicious once you add your favorite mix-ins or toppings.
Stretch one mix across weeks. A single box of cake mix can make 8-10 mug cakes, a huge savings compared to store-bought desserts.
🥄 Instructions for Cake Mix Mug Cakes
Step 1: Open a box of your favorite cake mix (any flavor).
Step 2: Add the measured cake mix to a microwave safe mug and place the remaining mix in an airtight container and store it for future use.
Step 3: Add your water to the mug with the cake mix.
Step 4: Mix together with a fork, just until no dry mix remains. Do not overmix.
Step 5: If desired, add in chocolate chips or sprinkles.
Step 6: Microwave for 1 minute. The top will appear a little wet in the center but the edges should look set.
Step 7: Allow the cake to rest for 1-2 minutes to finish cooking and cooling.
Serve warm and enjoy!
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- You can easily halve this recipe! Just use ¼ cup of cake mix and 2 tablespoons of water for a smaller portion of cake. Microwave it for about 30 seconds due to the reduced quantity.
- Don't worry if the top center of the cake looks a bit wet, that's normal. As the cake cools, the small wet spot will evaporate. This is common even with from-scratch mug cakes like Blueberry Muffin in a Mug or Lemon Mug Cake.
🥗 Side Dishes or Pairing Ideas
Enjoy your mug cake with a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas. Pair it with coffee, hot cocoa, or a glass of milk for a cozy treat. Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, or sprinkle crushed cookies or candy on top for extra flavor.
- Peanut Butter Banana Mug CakeRecipe $0.63 / Serving $0.32
- Lemon Mug Cake With Lemon CurdRecipe $0.82
- Pancakes in a MugRecipe $0.33 / Serving $0.08
- Microwave Ice Cream Cone CupcakesRecipe $0.17
❓ Recipe FAQs
Different microwaves and mug sizes can play an important role in getting the cakes just right. Overcooking the cakes is usually the main culprit as they don't take very long to cook at all.
Yes. Using any liquid with the cake mix can add more flavor in every bite. Adding coffee can make chocolate cake mix taste richer and give a nice mocha flavor.
If you overmix your mug cake ingredients you will get a rubbery cake. The same can happen if they're overcooked too.
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🐝 If you tried this cake mix mug cakes, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Cake Mix Mug Cakes
Instructions
- Add cake mix. Measure cake mix into a microwave-safe mug. Store remaining mix in an airtight container for later use.
- Add water. Pour water into the mug and mix with a fork just until no dry mix remains. Do not overmix.
- Add extras. Stir in chocolate chips, sprinkles, or other add-ins if using.
- Microwave. Microwave for 1 minute, until edges are set and the center looks slightly wet.
- Rest. Let the cake rest 1 to 2 minutes to finish cooking and cool slightly.
- Serve. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Flavor Options. Any boxed cake mix works, including chocolate, yellow, white, red velvet, spice, lemon, or strawberry. Avoid angel food cake.
- Portion Tip. For a smaller mug cake, use ¼ cup cake mix and 2 tablespoons water. Microwave about 30 seconds.
- Add-Ins. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons chocolate chips, sprinkles, shredded coconut, carrots, or zucchini.
- Toppings. Whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar are optional.
Nutritional Information
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La says
Good but i cannot see this recipe until i fill this in
Nicole Durham says
Thank you for your feedback and for giving the recipe a try! 😊 The full recipe card is located at the bottom of the post, and there’s also a “Jump to Recipe” button at the very top that will take you straight there next time. I’m glad you were able to find it, and I’ll keep working to make sure everything is as easy to navigate as possible.
I hope you enjoyed the recipe, and thank you again for taking the time to leave a review! 💛🐝