If you’re craving a quick, sweet treat without the fuss of baking an entire cake, this Irresistibly Easy Glazed Donut Mug Cake Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine indulging in a warm, fluffy donut with a silky glaze, all made right in your mug in just minutes. It’s perfect for a spontaneous dessert, a cozy snack, or whenever you need a little comfort without the wait. The magic lies in how simple ingredients come together to create a moist, flavorful cake topped with a luscious glaze that genuinely feels like a mini celebration in a cup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this mug cake is delightfully straightforward. Every ingredient is chosen to bring texture, sweetness, and that classic donut vibe into your mug with minimal effort.
- 4 tbsp (30g) all-purpose flour: Provides the base and structure, making your cake light yet tender.
- 1 tbsp (12g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with slight caramelization.
- ¼ tsp baking powder: Ensures a gentle rise so your mug cake is fluffy, not dense.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors without being noticeable.
- 3 tbsp (45ml) milk: Keeps the batter moist and smooth, lending softness to the cake.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) vegetable oil or melted butter: Adds richness and tenderness to every bite.
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract: Brings that warm, comforting aroma associated with classic donuts.
- 3 tbsp (24g) powdered sugar: For the glaze, providing sweetness and that shiny, irresistible finish.
- ½ tsp milk (adjust as needed for drizzling): Helps achieve the perfect glaze consistency.
- Optional: a drop of vanilla extract for glaze: A little extra warmth to your glaze flavor.
How to Make Irresistibly Easy Glazed Donut Mug Cake Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab your favorite microwave-safe mug—choose one that holds at least 10 ounces to avoid spills—and whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This step is crucial because mixing all your dry ingredients evenly helps your mug cake rise perfectly and develop the right crumb texture.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the milk, vegetable oil (or melted butter if you prefer richer flavor), and vanilla extract. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly until the batter looks smooth and a bit glossy. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the texture tough rather than tender.
Step 3: Microwave the Cake
Place your mug in the microwave and cook on high for 60 seconds to start. Check your cake; it should be set but still soft and springy on top. If it needs more time, continue microwaving in 10-second bursts to avoid overcooking. The result will be a warm, delightful cake that’s more donut-like than dense.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
While your mug cake cools just enough to handle, mix powdered sugar with about half a teaspoon of milk, adding a drop of vanilla if you like. Stir until the glaze is smooth and pourable—if it’s too thick, add a little more milk, but do it gradually for the perfect drizzle consistency.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the glaze generously over your warm mug cake. Let it sit for about 30 seconds so the glaze slightly sets, then enjoy immediately. This simple finish transforms the cake into something truly special, imitating the sweet topping of a classic glazed donut.
How to Serve Irresistibly Easy Glazed Donut Mug Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Irresistibly Easy Glazed Donut Mug Cake Recipe up a notch, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or colored nonpareils on top of the glaze. Fresh berries or a dusting of cocoa powder can also add flavor and visual appeal, turning your quick treat into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Side Dishes
This mug cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate to create a café-style moment at home. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can make it extra indulgent—perfect for those self-care evenings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your mug cake in a clear glass mug so you can enjoy the layers of cake and glaze visually. Or, add a little edible gold dust on top for an elegant twist. If sharing, place small spoons beside each mug for a cozy, practical dessert experience that’s cute and fuss-free.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s rare!), cover your mug tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the cake to an airtight container in the fridge. Keep it fresh for up to 2 days to enjoy later.
Freezing
Because this cake is designed to be quick and fresh, freezing isn’t ideal—it can affect the texture and glaze. However, if needed, remove the glaze first, wrap the plain cake well, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh glaze.
Reheating
Warm your mug cake gently in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or it can dry out. After warming, drizzle fresh glaze or a small spoonful of honey for renewed sweetness and moisture.
FAQs
Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
Absolutely! Almond milk or any other plant-based milk works wonderfully in this recipe and adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the glaze well.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?
Powdered sugar is ideal for a smooth glaze, but you can make a simple glaze using granulated sugar dissolved in a little warm milk, though it won’t be quite as silky.
How do I make sure the mug cake doesn’t overflow in the microwave?
Use a mug that’s at least 10 ounces in volume and don’t fill it more than two-thirds full. Cooking time may also vary depending on your microwave, so keep an eye on it the first time you try this.
Can I add flavors like chocolate or cinnamon to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder or a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients is a fantastic way to customize the flavor to your liking.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, this is a kid-friendly treat, especially since it cooks quickly and has no raw eggs. Just supervise the microwave step and make sure the mug isn’t too hot before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Irresistibly Easy Glazed Donut Mug Cake Recipe is an absolute game-changer for anyone who loves a sweet indulgence but craves convenience. It’s fast, satisfying, and full of classic donut charm without all the waiting and fuss. Give it a whirl next time you want a special little dessert — you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Irresistibly Easy Glazed Donut Mug Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Irresistibly Easy Glazed Donut Mug Cake is a quick and delightful single-serving dessert that can be whipped up in just a few minutes using a microwave. Combining a soft, fluffy cake base with a sweet powdered sugar glaze, it’s perfect for satisfying donut cravings without the deep frying or long preparation time.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 tbsp (30g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp (12g) granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 tbsp (45ml) milk
- 1 tbsp (15ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Glaze
- 3 tbsp (24g) powdered sugar
- ½ tsp milk (adjust as needed for drizzling)
- Optional: a drop of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a microwave-safe mug (with at least a 10 oz capacity), whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the milk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth, being careful not to overmix to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Microwave the Cake: Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 60 to 90 seconds. Start with 60 seconds and then add time in 10-second intervals if the cake is not fully set. The cake should be firm but moist.
- Make the Glaze: While the cake cools briefly, mix powdered sugar with milk and the optional vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk quantity if necessary to achieve the right consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm mug cake and let it sit for about 30 seconds to allow the glaze to set slightly before enjoying your quick and delicious treat.
Notes
- Use a microwave-safe mug that can hold at least 10 ounces to prevent overflow during cooking.
- The cooking time may vary depending on your microwave’s wattage; adjust accordingly to prevent overcooking.
- For a richer flavor, substitute vegetable oil with melted butter.
- Adjust the glaze thickness by adding milk a few drops at a time to reach desired consistency.
- For variations, add a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder to the batter or top with sprinkles before microwaving.
