Gluten Free Vanilla Mug Cake

A simple and delicious gluten-free vanilla mug cake, prepped and ready to enjoy in just 2 minutes! The easiest individual dessert made using just a mug, a microwave and 6 basic ingredients.

Ever wondered what exactly is a mug cake?

It's simply a single-serving cake that uses a very small amount of ingredients and is microwaved in a mug to keep it oh-so moist and delicious!

By using gluten-free flour and baking powder, it's the perfect individual treat that anyone can enjoy in just minutes!

With no need to turn on the oven, you'll be enjoying my gluten-free vanilla mug cake (or my gluten-free chocolate mug cake!) without any fuss.

Looking for more gluten-free cakes and desserts?

Browse my collection of gluten-free recipes here!

Jump to:

• Why You're Going To Love This Recipe
• What You Need
• Equipment Required
• Step By Step Instructions
• Expert Tips
• FAQs
• Related Recipes
• Gluten Free Vanilla Mug Cake

Why You're Going To Love This Recipe

It's impossible to resist a warm and moist vanilla cake packed with sprinkles and served with a scoop of ice cream melting over the top!

• Single-serve - this is the perfect solution when you want a little dessert just for one person - there's absolutely no need to make a whole cake anymore!
• Ready in 2 minutes - by the time the movie starts, your mug cake will be ready... talk about a quick dessert! This is such an easy recipe (perfect for beginners and kids too!).
• Sweet craving - are you a sweet tooth? This fluffy vanilla mug cake is the perfect treeat.
• 6 basic ingredients - and completely egg-free.
• Microwaving keeps it moist - the way a microwave works on this mug cake is almost like 'steaming' it, so it stays ultra moist rather than drying out in the oven.
• No oven required - great for young beginner bakers.
• And hardly any washing up! Always a bonus, just a mug and a spoon!

What You Need

The best part about this microwave mug cake is that you only need a little bit of each ingredient to make this dessert for one!

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

• Butter - use real butter, salted or unsalted, rather than a butter substitute.
• Milk - I recommend using full-fat milk for the best result, but you could use a 'light' version if you prefer.
• Vanilla extract - use a good quality pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste, rather than an imitation vanilla essence, the difference in taste is noticeable.
• Gluten-free plain flour - also known as gluten-free all purpose flour. I like to use White Wings gluten free plain flour in this recipe, it's a trusted and reliable brand that gives great results.
• Gluten-free baking powder - this is the raising agent for your cake in a mug. Many brands of baking powder, such as Mckenzies Baking Powder, are now made gluten-free by using ingredients such as potato starch, corn starch or rice flour rather than being wheat-based.
• Caster sugar - this superfine white sugar dissolves with ease.
• Sprinkles - for the mix, plus reserve some extra for on top!

Equipment Required

No other equipment is needed for this gluten-free vanilla mug cake except a large mug (or ramekin), a spoon and a microwave - that's it!

Step By Step Instructions

Grab a mug, add a few ingredients, mix and microwave - this gluten free vanilla mug cake recipe couldn't be any easier!

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

Step 1 - Melt The Butter

Make sure to use a large microwave-safe mug, small bowl or ramekin.

Place the butter into the mug and microwave for 30 seconds (or until melted).

Step 2 - Add All Other Ingredients

Add the milk and vanilla extract to the melted butter and stir to combine.

Next, add the dry ingredients (gluten-free plain flour, gluten-free baking powder and caster sugar) to the mug and stir to combine.

Finally, add the sprinkles and stir them through.

Step 3 - Bake

Microwave the cake batter for 1 minute on full power.

Your mug cake should be cooked on the top, coming away from the edges a little while staying slightly soft in the middle.

If you think it's still a little undercooked (all microwaves vary in their power levels), then microwave for a further 10 - 20 seconds on medium, in 10-second bursts.

Serve your gluten-free vanilla mug cake while warm with extra sprinkles or a handful of chocolate chips on top and a scoop of vanilla ice cream (optional but highly recommended!)

Expert Tips

Great for when you just want a little sweet treat - and don't want to be tempted by an entire cake!

• Gluten-free plain flour - you can use any brand of gluten-free flour you like. Personally, I like White Wings brand.
• Gluten-free baking powder - check that your baking powder is gluten-free (most are these days). I use McKenzie's brand, which is gluten-free.
• Cooking time - all microwaves vary greatly with how long they will take to cook this mug cake. I recommend cooking it for 1 minute on full power to start and then for another 10-20 seconds on medium power if needed.
• Don't overcook the mug cake! -  you want a fluffy cake that's still slightly moist inside. Stop cooking once the cake is set on top.
• If you think it's still a little undercooked (all microwaves have different power levels), then cook for a further 10 - 20 seconds on medium, in 10-second bursts.
• Watch the cake - watch it carefully in the microwave to make sure it doesn't overflow.
• Make 2 portions - if you want to share your gluten free vanilla mug cake, you can make this in 2 smaller mugs or ramekins rather than 1 large one. Split the batter into 2 mugs, and slightly decrease the microwave cooking time.

FAQs

Related Recipes

These gluten-free recipes are just as delicious as the regular versions and work with everything from pizza bases to fudgy brownies!

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