
There’s nothing like waking up to a warm sweet treat but you don’t always want to bake a whole batch of donuts This mug cake brings that iconic glazed donut goodness right to your kitchen in a few quick minutes thanks to your microwave It’s cozy and super low effort
When I first made this mug cake I had a donut craving before heading to work I was shocked at how much this mug cake tasted like the donuts I grew up loving And best of all barely any mess
Dreamy Ingredients
- AllPurpose Flour: the base that gives your cake a soft bounce Regular unbleached flour works best If you can give it a sift for a nicer crumb
- Sugar: that sweet classic taste Fine cane sugar gives the smoothest bite
- Baking Powder: this makes the cake puff up light and cook evenly Use fresh baking powder for fluffiest results
- Milk: adds moisture and flavor Whole milk gives extra richness but any type is fine
- Melted Butter: makes the mug cake rich and tender Choose real butter if you can skip the margarine
- Vanilla Extract: brings cozy bakery vibes Pure vanilla really boosts the flavor
- Powdered Sugar: the magic ingredient for the shiny sweet glaze Sifting keeps things smooth
- Extra Milk: loosens up the glaze Pick whatever milk you used before
- Extra Vanilla: ties the glaze together with that bakery scent Pure extract tastes the best
Step-by-Step Directions
- Make Your Glaze:
- In a tiny bowl stir a tablespoon of powdered sugar with a teaspoon of milk plus a splash of vanilla until nice and smooth Pour the glaze however you like onto the warm cake so it really soaks in
- Cook in Microwave:
- Put the mug in the microwave on high power Start with a minute and a half Watch as it cooks The top should look set but feel moist to the touch Need longer Go in ten second bursts
- Fill the Mug:
- Pour your mixed batter into a mug big enough to hold at least twelve ounces Leave some space at the top so there’s no overflow
- Add Your Dry Ingredients:
- Tip in a quarter cup of all purpose flour plus a quarter teaspoon baking powder Gently mix till you get a smooth batter Don’t stir too much or the cake will turn dense
- Mix Liquid Stuff:
- Whisk three tablespoons of milk three tablespoons melted butter two tablespoons sugar and half a teaspoon vanilla in a small bowl Mix till creamy and the sugar’s starting to blend in This helps keep it moist and flavorful

I especially love swirling the glaze around while my mug cake’s still warm It soaks in just like the donuts at my favorite bakery My kid always wants to clean out the bowl afterward
Storing Leftovers
This treat is best hot right out of the microwave Let it cool cover it with plastic and pop it in the fridge if you’ve got some left Try to eat it within a day Just toss it back in the microwave for a few seconds and drizzle over some extra glaze
Switch Things Up
No butter Handy coconut oil or just use mild veggie oil to skip dairy Almond milk or oat milk work perfectly too If you can grab real vanilla it adds way more flavor than the fake stuff
Fun Ways to Serve
Want to dress it up Sprinkle on some cinnamon sugar or fun sprinkles before you glaze If it’s dessert time scoop in some vanilla ice cream or add strawberries on the side

Background
This mug cake is a speedy take on the traditional American donut with yeast It has those cozy vanilla vibes and that sweet glaze but skips the oil bath making it a new go-to for fast homemade mornings
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I prevent the mug cake from overflowing?
Don’t fill your mug all the way up—give the batter some space to climb as it cooks so it won’t spill out in your microwave.
- → What texture should I expect from the mug cake?
This treat should turn out soft and airy, kinda like a fluffy donut, and the glaze makes a sweet, sticky topping.
- → Can I substitute the all-purpose flour?
Sure thing, whole wheat or gluten-free flour will work too, but expect a slightly different result in texture.
- → How do I know when the mug cake is done?
The top shouldn’t look wet and should bounce back if tapped. If the middle’s not cooked, pop it back in for a bit.
- → Can I add toppings to this mug cake?
Totally! After microwaving, toss on some cinnamon, rainbow sprinkles, or a bit more glaze to jazz it up.