Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This red velvet mug cake is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. It takes just a few minutes in the microwave, so you don’t need to spend much time in the kitchen. The cake is perfectly soft, fluffy, and full of that signature red velvet taste, while the cream cheese icing adds a delightful tangy sweetness. Plus, you can customize the color of the cake to your liking with the red food coloring for a personalized touch.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Red food coloring For the icing:
- 1 ounce cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ tablespoons powdered sugar
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients (except for the red food coloring) and blend together until smooth.
- Add in the red food coloring and mix until the desired red hue is achieved.
- Grease a mug and pour the batter into it.
- Microwave the mug cake for 1 to 1 ½ minutes, or until the cake is done to your liking. If needed, cook for an additional 20 seconds.
- In a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar to make the icing.
- Once the cake is done, spread the cream cheese icing over the top before serving. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 1 mug cake
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 to 1 ½ minutes
Variations
- Flavor Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice kick to the cake batter.
- Chocolate Lovers: For a deeper chocolate flavor, increase the cocoa powder to 1 tablespoon.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the milk with plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the icing.
- Larger Batch: Multiply the ingredients by 2 or 3 and cook in larger mugs or bowls if you want to share with others.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Mug cakes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers (if any) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Reheating: If you need to reheat, microwave for 15-20 seconds until warm.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil with vegetable oil or melted butter for a different flavor, but olive oil adds a nice richness to the cake.
How do I get the perfect red color?
Add red food coloring a few drops at a time, mixing thoroughly, until you achieve the desired intensity of red.
Can I make this without the icing?
Yes, if you prefer a lighter version or don’t have cream cheese, the mug cake is still delicious on its own.
What if my cake is too runny after microwaving?
Microwaves vary in power, so try cooking it a bit longer, in 20-second increments. The cake should firm up when cooled slightly.
Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but reduce the baking powder to ⅛ teaspoon since self-rising flour already contains leavening agents.
How can I make the icing thicker?
If the icing is too runny, add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I use different food coloring?
Yes, you can use any color you like, but red food coloring is traditional for a red velvet mug cake.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option.
How do I prevent the cake from overflowing in the mug?
Be sure not to overfill the mug with batter. Half to two-thirds full is ideal for a good rise without overflowing.
Can I double this recipe?
While this recipe is designed for a single serving, you can double the ingredients and split the batter between two mugs if you’d like to make two cakes.
Conclusion
This Red Velvet Mug Cake is the ultimate quick dessert when you’re in the mood for something indulgent yet simple. With its rich, velvety texture and sweet cream cheese icing, it’s a treat you can whip up in no time. Perfect for a single serving, this mug cake lets you enjoy the goodness of red velvet without the fuss of baking a whole cake!
Print
Red Velvet Mug Cake
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 mug cake
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Red Velvet Mug Cake is a quick, indulgent dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings in just a few minutes. With its soft, moist texture and tangy cream cheese icing, this easy microwave treat offers the delicious flavors of red velvet without the hassle of baking. Enjoy a single serving of this rich, flavorful cake anytime!
Ingredients
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cocoa powder
3 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons milk
¼ teaspoon baking powder
⅛ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Red food coloring
For the icing:
1 ounce cream cheese, softened
1 ½ tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
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In a mixing bowl, combine all the cake ingredients (except the red food coloring) and mix until smooth.
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Add red food coloring to achieve your desired hue, and stir well.
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Grease a mug and pour the batter into it.
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Microwave for 1 to 1 ½ minutes or until the cake is done to your liking. Add 20 seconds if needed.
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In a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar to make the icing.
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Once the cake is done, spread the cream cheese icing over the top and serve.
Notes
Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Reheating: Microwave for 15-20 seconds if needed.
Variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. You can also use plant-based milk and dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 to 1 ½ minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
