Sometimes I just need dessert right now, and this red velvet mug cake recipe is my go-to fix. Soft, tender, and rich with that classic cocoa-vanilla flavor, this single-serving red velvet cake is ready in 6 minutes thanks to my microwave!
Microwave Red Velvet Cake for One
I’ve been known to indulge in a mug cake pretty much any time I get a night alone, and this red velvet mug cake is my latest obsession. I first made this flavor for a Valentine’s Day treat, but red velvet is perfect any time of year if you ask me! Loaded with white chocolate chips and just the right amount of cocoa, this red velvet cake is so quick and easy to make in my microwave. I just throw some ingredients in my mug and cook for 1 minute. When my kids catch me making one of these, they always ask for one with sprinkles on top!
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Don’t Overfill the Mug!
If the cake batter fills up too much of the mug, it will likely overflow in the microwave. So I recommend using a large (12-16 oz), wide mug for this red velvet cake. And of course, make sure it’s microwave-safe!
Red Velvet Mug Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 12-ounce Mug
Ingredients
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder *
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup milk **
- 2½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 drop red gel food coloring
- 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips ***
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder together.¼ cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder, ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- In a separate small bowl, stir the milk, sugar and vegetable oil together.¼ cup milk, 2½ tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Spray a large mug (at least 12 ounces) with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add the wet ingredients to the mug.
- Stir the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients in the mug. Do not overmix.
- Add the food coloring and stir just until mixed.1 drop red gel food coloring
- Fold in the white chocolate chips. Don’t overmix.2 tablespoons white chocolate chips
- Place the mug in the microwave on high heat for 60-80 seconds, or until the top looks set.
- Remove the mug from the microwave carefully – the mug will be extremely hot! Let cool a few minutes before eating.
Notes
- Be sure not to overmix the batter. Too much stirring of the flour mixture could lead to a spongy cake.
- Mug cakes most often explode or overflow due to being overfilled. Be sure not to overfill your mug, and opt for a low, wide mug rather than a tall, narrow one.
- Mug cakes most often turn out rubbery from being overcooked. All microwaves are different, so it may take some experimentation to find the perfect cook time for your mug cake!
- Every microwave is different, so baking times can vary. Start testing the cake for doneness at 60 seconds, then continue to check at 5-10 second intervals until the top looks slightly wet but set.
Adjust Mug Cake Cooking Time for Your Microwave
Microwave wattage plays a big role in mug cake texture. Most recipes assume a 1000-watt microwave, but if yours runs higher or lower, your cake could overcook or stay underdone. Check the wattage (usually on a sticker inside the door) and adjust the cook time accordingly. I recommend reducing by 5-10 seconds for every 100 watts above 1000, or increasing for lower wattages. This small adjustment ensures your red velvet mug cake stays soft and fluffy every time.
How to Store
This red velvet mug cake is best enjoyed right after microwaving. But you can cover any leftovers with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind it will become quite dry the longer it sits.
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