Easy Cake in a Mug Recipe with 3 Ingredients

Learn how to make an easy 3 ingredient mug cake in less than two minutes. This easy cake in a mug recipe only contains three ingredients, and one of the ingredients is water. Would you believe you can make mug cake with cake mix and water? It’s perfect for when you need just a little sweet treat and don’t have much time. This warm, delicious microwave mug cake recipe (some call it easy cake in a cup) will satisfy your dessert cravings and can be made in a variety of flavors. How do you bake a cake in a mug? Learn how to make easy mug cakes by following this simple 3-2-1 cake in a mug recipe. Get a variety of 3-2-1 cake variations as well when you read on, and you will also learn why this cake in a mug from cake mix is called by the name 3-2-1 cake in a mug.

The 3 Ingredient Easy Mug Cake Recipe Backstory

This easy cake in a mug recipe was shared with me this past summer by one of my aunts, who had learned it from another one of my aunts. I love my family! They always give me terrific ideas. I’ve written this before: One of the best places to obtain excellent recipes is at family gatherings. If you are looking for a quick, warm treat, you are in the right place. This easy microwave cake in a mug recipe is for you!

How to Make a super simple mug cake Pinterest image chocolate mug cake with a cherry on top


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In Praise of Cake Mixes for Easy Cake Recipes

Before proceeding to the cake in a mug recipe, I would like to put in a good word for cake mixes. They are versatile, inexpensive, and many amazing things may be made from them. They are not just for making cake. One of my favorite recipe books gives some incredible ideas about baking with cake mixes. If you feel like trying some delicious cake mix experiments, this book is for you!

Easy 3-Ingredient Mug Cake: Just Remember 3-2-1

Ready for one of the shortest recipes ever? This easy mug cake recipe is truly simple. The recipe requires few ingredients, and the directions are as easy as 1-2-3. You just have to count backward, 3-2-1, to remember the ingredients and directions. Take 3 tablespoons of the easy mix, mix with 2 tablespoons of water, then cook for 1 minute in the microwave. As long as one of the ingredients is an angel food cake mix, you can make any flavor you want for a multitude of 3-2-1 cake variations.

Easy cake in a mug, a warm, delicious dessert, can be ready for you in as little as one minute. Choose your flavor: chocolate, lemon, strawberry, vanilla and more. Satisfy your desire for something sweet and yummy with this easy dessert. #recipe #easyrecipe #microwave #chocolate #easy #angelfood #fun #simple #yummy #quick #cake #cakeinamug #mini #best #recipes #easydessert

3-2-1 Easy Cake In a Mug Recipe Ingredients

Since the ingredients in this quick and easy cake in a mug recipe are so simple, certain problem ingredients are left out. Some people search for a mug cake recipe with no egg. Since you don’t need to add any eggs to this mug cake recipe, this technically qualifies. Depending on what you are looking for, this mug cake recipe technically contains no milk. Some people prefer to avoid cocoa powder, and this recipe does not call for that either. Read on for the basic, fabulously short list of ingredients!

1 box angel food cake mix

1 box any other flavor cake mix

2 tablespoons water

Whipped cream, ice cream or berries for topping (optional)

Isn’t that a super short list? This will be a very quick read!

3-2-1 Easy Cake In a Mug Recipe Directions

Mix the two boxes of cake mix together. I felt like chocolate, so I used a Devil’s Food cake mix. (Kind of ironic: Angel Food and Devil’s Food together. Silly, I know!) You may combine the mixes in a large bowl or a large zippered storage bag. If you combine the cake mixes in a bowl, store the combination in a sealed container.

cake in a mug cake mixes
Angel Food cake mix and Devil’s Food cake mixes combined

In a mug or small, round dessert dish, mix 3 tablespoons of cake mix with tablespoons of water.

cake in a mug ready for microwave
The mixture is ready for the microwave.

Bake in the microwave for 1 minute.

cake in a mug completed
The finished product!

Easy Cake in a Mug Toppings

Now that you know how to make easy angel food cake in a mug, how do you make a mug cake better? Top your delicious cake in a mug with whipped cream, ice cream, or berries. You may top your easy cake in a mug with whipped cream and berries, or ice cream and berries. Other creative toppings for this easy cake in a mug recipe (hot fudge might be nice) may be added as well. The choice is yours! I topped mine with raspberries from the freezer and hot fudge. If you have some homemade raspberry syrup on hand, that might be even better. Delicious!

cake in a mug with toppings

How to Store the Easy Mug Cake Mix

I like to store my angel food mug cake mix in Mason jars in a cupboard. This 3 ingredient cake in a mug recipe makes over 1 quart of the mix, so I usually use 2 quart-sized jars. When I need to make a mug cake, I just get out my tablespoon, my mug, and mix the simple ingredients together. I love that I don’t need to dirty a lot of dishes for this easy mug cake recipe.

Easy Mug Cake Recipe Variations

I really appreciate the versatility of this recipe. The recipe variations for this easy cake in a mug recipe are many and delicious. Simply switch out the flavor of the cake mix you add to the angel food cake mix and you have a different creation. Here are some of the most delicious ideas.

Chocolate Cake in a Mug:

Just use Devil’s Food or any other chocolate cake mix. You can mix in some chocolate chips or sprinkle chocolate chips on top after baking. You can also add some chocolate syrup for an even more decadent treat.

Vanilla Cake in a Mug:

Just use a vanilla cake mix with the angel food cake mix. If you are a fan of white chocolate, you could also sprinkle the top of the vanilla cake in a mug with white chocolate chips.

Strawberry Cake in a Mug:

You could use strawberry cake mix for strawberry cake in a mug. If you have any strawberry jam on hand, you could top the finished cake with a bit of strawberry jam. I often have dried strawberries in my freezer, and there is sometimes a fine “strawberry powder” in the freezer bag as well. Adding dried strawberries or strawberry powder to the cooked strawberry mug cake would be delicious!

Lemon Cake in a Mug:

Oh, lemon cake in a mug would be a wonderful treat. Just add a lemon cake mix to the angel food cake mix and cook as directed. If you happen to have some lemon zest on hand (I often have some in my freezer), you could sprinkle some on top after baking. A few fresh raspberries or blueberries would also go well with this variation.

Pumpkin Cake in a Mug:

Yes, you guessed it! For a pumpkin variation, just add a pumpkin-flavored cake mix to the ingredients and you are all set for a sweet fall treat. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an amazing taste experience.

Carrot Cake in a Mug:

If you are a carrot cake fan, just take a box of carrot cake mix and mix it with the angel food cake mix. Sprinkle some raisins on top of the mug cake after cooking, if you like. A touch of cream cheese frosting would not be amiss!

Caramel Cake in a Mug:

Did you know you can buy caramel cake mix? Yes, and it would be delicious in this recipe. After cooking, you could add some caramel syrup or some caramel-flavored candy corn.

Coffee Cake in a Mug:

For an easy coffee cake in a mug, add a coffee cake mix to the recipe. After baking in the microwave, top the coffee cake with butter and cinnamon, if you like. Mmmmm…amazing!

easy cake in a mug recipe Pinterest image

How Can I Make My Cake in a Mug More Gooey?

After baking your easy cake in a mug, you might find that you want to add something to make it a gooey treat. Topping with syrup of any kind will increase the gooey-factor, and you can also add a bit of flavored creamer to the mug cake. I added caramel flavor to my chocolate mug cake the other night and it was the perfect way to increase the rich goodness. If you add chocolate chips to the mug cake when it is hot, the chocolate chips will melt into an oozy, gooey sauce.

Can You Double This Easy Mug Cake Recipe?

Yes, this recipe may be doubled. In that case, it would be a 6-4-1 recipe, with 6 tablespoons of mug cake mix, 4 tablespoons of water, and still only 1 minute in the microwave. If the basic recipe for this mug cake isn’t quite enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, then this option is for you!

How to make easy cake in a mug recipe with a chocolate mug cake with a cherry on top

Can You Eat Mug Cakes Cold? 

You can eat mug cakes cold if you wish. That might be a refreshing treat on a hot day. Topped with fresh berries and whipped cream, it could be a warm-weather delight.

Super simple mug cake featured image chocolate mug cake with cherry on top

Easy Cake in a Mug Recipe

This easy cake in a mug recipe contains only 3 simple ingredients and bakes in 1 minute.
5 from 9 votes
Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 2 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 124 kcal

Equipment

  • mug
  • tablespoon

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box angel food cake mix
  • 1 box devil's food cake mix or any other flavor
  • water
  • whipped cream, berries or other toppings optional

Instructions
 

  • Mix the two boxes of cake mix together.
  • In a mug or small, round dessert dish, mixĀ 3Ā tablespoons of cake mix withĀ 2Ā tablespoons of water.
  • Bake in the microwave forĀ 1Ā minute.
  • Top your delicious cake in a mug with whipped cream, ice cream, or berries. (optional)
Keyword cake, desserts, easy recipes, microwave

 

What Are Your Favorite Easy Cake in a Mug Variations?

Have you experimented with making mug cakes? Have you created some delicious masterpieces? If you have concocted some fabulous creations, it would be fun to know what has turned out to be amazing. If you share a photo, I’d be happy to share it in my Instagram story.

Looking for Other Easy Treat Ideas?

If you are searching for easy recipes for kids, simple treat recipes are a great place to start. This easy cake in a mug recipe would make any beginning baker feel successful. You might also like to try making chocolate scotcheroos, which are great for camping or for parties. Add some fun to movie night with cashew caramel corn. Bake up some easy cookies with a 3-ingredient, versatile recipe.

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Enjoy making this 321 cake in a mug from cake mix, and may all of your microwave cake mix cooking endeavors meet with great success!

First Name Signature Conclusion

 

 

Lisa Mitchell is a wife, mom, and school librarian who likes to create and share recipes, often using fresh ingredients from her familyā€™s small Pacific Northwest farm. To get more easy recipes, click on over to the Food page.

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36 thoughts on “Easy Cake in a Mug Recipe with 3 Ingredients”

  1. This looks so amazing! I will have to try it out the next time my sweet tooth strikes!

    Reply
    • Oh, yes, it’s perfect for those sweet tooth cravings. Enjoy!

      Reply
  2. My daughter had been asking for me how to make a mug cake. Went shopping yesterday and picked up the store brand angel food mix and the confetti cake. “Best cake ever!” from both my girls. They love the idea they can make this themselves in less than a minute.

    Reply
    • Fabulous! I’m so glad the girls liked the mug cake. It really is easy. Thank you for taking the time to let me know.=)

      Reply
  3. 5 stars
    Off course I LOVE your idea!
    Thanks

    Reply
  4. 5 stars
    This sounds like an experiment my kid would love to try with friends! I have to buy the mixes for them:)

    Reply
    • It would be a great experiment! I’d love to know how their mug cakes turn out.

      Reply
  5. 5 stars
    I think I would love to try the caramel cake in a mug. This is a great idea for a quick dessert at night.

    Reply
    • Yes, it’s the perfect quick dessert! I am a fan of the caramel variety as well.

      Reply
  6. 5 stars
    Thank you for giving me something to do with all of my wifeā€™s coffee mugs. I never would have guessed cake in a mug. Great idea.

    Reply
  7. 5 stars
    I’m a big fan of cake in a mug. It allows me to satisfy that craving for something sweet without committing a long time to bake a full-sized cake. I’m going to give this recipe a try next time I’m craving a bit of cake.

    Reply
    • Oh, excellent! I hope you find this cake in a mug satisfying.

      Reply
  8. 5 stars
    This will be so perfect for my college-bound daughter! 3 ingredients, even a teenager cannot mess this up šŸ™‚ Thank you for the idea!

    Reply
    • You are most welcome! I’d be interested to learn what your teenager thinks.=)

      Reply
  9. 5 stars
    Thanks for sharing. I had cake in a mug once as a gift. I enjoyed it. That was different.

    Reply
    • Oooh, that’s a great idea. You could give Mason jars full of the cake in a mug mix as a Christmas present. Thanks for the idea!

      Reply
  10. 5 stars
    Love this easy cake in a mug recipe with 3 Ingredients! It is so simple and sounds so delicious! Thanks also for the tips on how to make different variations.

    Reply
  11. 5 stars
    You had me at 2 minutes! I love this simple quick idea of making cake in a mug, and I love how there are so many options. Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • You are very welcome! I have fun making this little treat.

      Reply
  12. Wow Lisa! šŸ˜Š I’ve never heard of cake in a mug but I bet it will be delicious from the look of the pictures. I’m pinning this for later.

    Reply
    • Betty,

      Awesome! Since I wrote the post, I think I’ve become addicted to having it with a little bit of vanilla ice cream on top. It might be just a little too easy to make! Thanks for your comment. I hope you get to try it sometime.

      Lisa

      Reply
  13. Now I need to find that cake mix.
    Is there any substitute?

    Reply
    • Tiara,

      My aunt told me that at least one of the cake mixes has to be angel food, and I’m not sure if there is a substitute for that. Here’s a link to a recipe for a homemade angel food cake mix, and maybe you could try substituting a few of the ingredients. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/270849365061821611/ Then the other cake mix in my recipe may be any other flavor of cake mix you like. Hope this helps! Thanks for commenting!

      Lisa

      Reply
  14. I’ve tried this before and completely forgot about it! Thank you so much for the reminder! It’s a perfect way to have your cake without having to make the mess! Great post!

    Reply
    • Beth,

      I’m glad I reminded you of it. It was completely new to me. Have fun refreshing your memory and making this delicious treat once again!

      Lisa

      Reply
  15. I love quick, easy recipes. And this is inexpensive compared to the single serve portions available in stores. My kids will love this (who am I kidding, I’ll love it.) Thanks for sharing the family wealth šŸ˜‰

    Reply
    • Ana,

      I know what you mean about loving it yourself. Since I wrote the post, I’ve become addicted to making it and adding a bit of vanilla ice cream on top. It’s seriously habit-forming! Thanks for your positive words, and have fun treating your kids and yourself to this delicious dessert.

      Lisa

      Reply
    • Jessie,

      Thank you for your enthusiastic response. It really is fun to make (and eat). I hope you get to try it!

      Lisa

      Reply
  16. I love cake, definitely going to have to try this! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Michelle,

      I’m so glad this recipe is one you want to try. I think you will really enjoy it. Thanks for your positive words!

      Lisa

      Reply
  17. I was just looking for something quick and delicious and here it is! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Mona,

      Yes, this is definitely quick and delicious! I have been enjoying it topped with vanilla ice cream lately. It’s wonderful! Thanks for commenting, and have fun trying it out.

      Lisa

      Reply

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