Craving a quick dessert? This 3-ingredient mug cake is the easiest way to satisfy your sweet tooth in under 5 minutes! With cake mix, milk, and oil, you can make a single-serve treat in any flavor you like - no baking skills needed.
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❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe
- With just 3 readily-available ingredients, you can have an easy and delicious dessert in under 5 minutes!
- No cooking or baking skill required - if you can stir ingredients together, you can make this sweet treat.
- This recipe is super versatile. You can use any flavor cake mix you'd like!
🥣 Ingredients & Variations
- 6 tablespoons cake mix - Choose any flavor you'd like for this recipe. The most popular ones I've seen are chocolate and strawberry, but you could make a really unique dessert by using lemon, banana, pineapple, or even red velvet cake mix.
- 4 tablespoons milk - In a pinch, you can use water instead...the cake just won't be as rich.
- 2 tablespoons oil - I prefer vegetable oil for this recipe, but any cooking oil is fine. Feel free to use canola oil, olive oil, or melted butter.
Optional Additions
- Mix in fun add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles. About 2 tablespoons of any add-in will do!
- Top your completed mug cake with whipped cream or ice cream. This is also amazing with a few fresh berries sprinkled over the top!
I love using cake mix in recipes - it's such a versatile ingredient! If you do too, you'll want to try my Red Velvet Cake Mix Waffles or this Lemon Dump Cake. 🍰
☕️ How to Make a 3-Ingredient Mug Cake
- In a microwave-safe mug, add 6 tablespoons cake mix, 4 tablespoons milk, and 2 tablespoons oil. Mix with a spoon until blended.
- Microwave cake batter for about a minute. If you microwave for a minute and the top still looks wet, microwave for another 15 seconds or so.
🎥 Step-by-Step Recipe Video
🍨 How to Serve & Store
SERVING: I recommend letting this cool for about a minute before serving. When you're ready to enjoy it, top with ice cream, whipped cream, fresh fruit, chocolate/caramel sauce or sprinkles. There are no limits to toppings - go crazy!
LEFTOVERS: I don't recommend storing leftovers. It tends to get really rubbery if you re-microwave later. Just make another one from scratch!
💡Helpful Tips & Tricks
- Because all microwaves are different, microwave times are going to vary for this recipe. One minute is a good suggestion, but please know it could vary by as much as 15 seconds depending on the strength of your microwave.
- If your cake comes out rubbery, that means you over-microwaved. Try again with 15 seconds less cook time.
- Make sure there are no lumps when you mix the batter. Nobody wants to find a pocket of dry cake mix in their dessert!
So, what's your favorite flavor of cake mix to use in this recipe? Let me know in the comments!
3-Ingredient Mug Cake
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Ingredients
- 6 tablespoon dry cake mix (any flavor)
- 4 tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe mug, combine 6 tablespoons of cake mix, 4 tablespoons of milk, and 2 tablespoons of oil. Stir until smooth.
- Microwave for about 1 minute. If the top still looks wet, heat for another 15 seconds.
- Let it cool for a minute, then add whipped cream or ice cream if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- If your cake turns out rubbery, it’s overcooked! Reduce the time by 15 seconds and try again.
- Microwave times vary: If it looks wet, add 15 more seconds; if rubbery, reduce time next round.
- Best served fresh: Leftovers don’t store well, so make a fresh one each time.
- Mix well! Ensure no lumps for the perfect bite.
Nutrition Facts
Leslie Lambert is a lifestyle writer and content creator specializing in home organization, family recipes, and intentional living. With 16 years of experience in blogging and digital storytelling, she helps busy women create calm, purposeful homes they love.
