What ingredients do you need for a vegan mug cake?

A vegan mug cake uses simple pantry ingredients that don’t require eggs or dairy. The basics include flour, sugar, cocoa powder (if making chocolate), baking powder, a pinch of salt, non-dairy milk, a neutral oil like vegetable or coconut, and vanilla extract. For extra indulgence, many people like to add dairy-free chocolate chips or nut butter. These staples create a soft, fluffy cake in just minutes, without the need for animal products.

Can I make vegan mug cake without oil?

Yes. If you prefer an oil-free version, you can replace the oil with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. These options provide moisture and natural sweetness while keeping the cake soft. The texture will be slightly denser than when using oil, but it’s still delicious. Some bakers also like to use peanut butter or almond butter instead of oil, which adds richness and protein.

How do I make my vegan mug cake extra gooey?

For a gooey texture, the trick is slightly undercooking the cake. Microwave for 60–65 seconds instead of the full 90. The center should look shiny and soft while the edges are set. Adding a square of dairy-free chocolate, a spoonful of Nutella-style spread, or a drizzle of peanut butter into the batter before microwaving creates a molten pocket of goodness. Toppings like ice cream or whipped coconut cream also enhance the gooey factor.

Can I make vegan mug cake gluten-free?

Absolutely. You can replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture remains fluffy, and the cake still rises well. Almond flour also works but produces a denser, nutty result. If you’re experimenting, start with small adjustments and note how your microwave cooks it. Mug cakes are forgiving, so you can try different flours until you find the texture you love.

Why did my vegan mug cake turn out dry?

Dry mug cakes usually mean overcooking or too much flour. Since microwaves cook quickly, even an extra 15 seconds can dry out the cake. Always start with the lower end of the cooking time and add in short bursts if needed. To avoid excess flour, spoon it into your measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag. A splash more non-dairy milk can also help restore moisture.

Vegan Mug Cake – 5-Minute Quick & Gooey Dairy-Free Treat

Vegan Mug Cake – Easy, Gooey, and Dairy-Free Dessert in Minutes

Print Recipe

A soft, fluffy vegan mug cake made in minutes with pantry-friendly ingredients.

Author: Casey Morgan
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Microwave
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

4 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp cocoa powder

1/4 tsp baking powder

Pinch of salt

3 tbsp almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)

2 tbsp vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Optional: 1 tbsp dairy-free chocolate chips

Instructions

1. In a microwave-safe mug, mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.

2. Stir in almond milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.

3. Fold in chocolate chips if using.

4. Microwave on high for 70–90 seconds until the top is set but center is soft.

5. Cool for 1 minute before eating.

Notes

Cooking time may vary depending on your microwave.

Use a 12 oz mug for best results.

Add peanut butter, berries, or extra chocolate for fun variations.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 mug cake
Calories: 360
Sugar: 26g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: vegan mug cake, dairy-free cake, quick vegan dessert

Find it online: https://dailycake.net/vegan-mug-cake/