Vanilla Mug Cake

This vanilla mug cake recipe is everything: moist, sweet, and perfect for toppings from sprinkles to fruit to ice cream!…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

This vanilla mug cake recipe is everything: moist, sweet, and perfect for toppings from sprinkles to fruit to ice cream!

Vanilla Mug Cake

Need a sweet treat that takes literally 5 minutes to make with ingredients you have on hand? Meet the ultimate Vanilla Mug Cake! This one is so moist, so sweetly vanilla-scented, it feels like it’s a fancy from-scratch baking project. Except it’s a cake made in the microwave. The mug cake is an internet trend that’s totally worth trying: because it really is that delicious. And easy.

Ingredients in this vanilla mug cake recipe

A mug cake is a single-serving cake mixed in a mug and cooked in the microwave. The microwave “bakes” the cake in under 2 minutes. It might sound like one of those Pinterest experiments doomed to fail…only it isn’t. This vanilla cake comes out surprisingly moist and fluffy, beautifully sweet and perfect for toppings of any kind! Even better: you probably have all the ingredients on hand in your pantry and fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Milk (oat milk or almond milk, for vegan)
  • Butter (coconut oil or neutral oil, for vegan)
  • Vanilla
Vanilla Mug Cake

Cook time varies based on microwave

All you’ve got to do is mix the ingredients together in a mug, then nuke it for about 1 ½ minutes! Now, here’s an important thing to note. Cook time for a mug cake varies based on the power of your microwave. Here’s how to make this vanilla mug cake recipe fit any microwave:

  • Cook 60 seconds on high, then check. It’s possible that your cake could be done now, if you have a high powered appliance.
  • When is it done? It looks cooked and springs back when you touch it. It will still look fairly moist on top. But if it’s super gooey, keep going.
  • Cook 20 seconds, then another 10 if not cooked. If it’s still gooey, go for another 10 second burst. You don’t want to overcook it, so air on the side of caution!
Vanilla Mug Cake

Make sure to cool before eating!

Here’s the other most important thing about this vanilla mug cake recipe. Make sure to cool it for 2 to 3 minutes before digging in. Why?

  • Cooling solidifies the texture. Take a bite too soon and it’s much too hot: the way that the microwave cooks it different from an oven. Don’t rush this part!
  • After 2 to 3 minutes, it’s solidified and still warm. Don’t worry: it will still be warm after a few minutes! Dig in and it has a beautifully fluffy, moist texture and sweet vanilla flavor.

Vanilla mug cake mix-ins!

The concept of vanilla mug cake is very loose: you can easily add mix-ins to customize it!

  • Dark chocolate chips: This is what we used! You can omit, but just 2 tablespoons chips makes a deliciously gooey texture.
  • Peanut butter: Add a dollop of peanut butter to the center of the batter.
  • Cookie dough: Add a ball of edible cookie dough to the center (room temp or frozen). Or try our chickpea cookie dough, a healthy-ish option.
  • Chocolate mint candies like Andes mints
Vanilla Mug Cake

Vanilla mug cake toppings

This vanilla mug cake is the ideal canvas for toppings of any kind! Make it as a birthday cake vanilla mug cake with sprinkles, or go for a fruity topping. Might we recommend this all-natural strawberry puree? It’s full of beautiful, pure berry flavor. Here are some of our other favorite toppings:

  1. Vanilla ice cream
  2. Homemade whipped cream: try classic or dairy free
  3. Strawberry sauce: try strawberry sauce or strawberry puree
  4. Raspberry sauce: opt for raspberry sauce or raspberry compote
  5. Fresh berries or cherries
  6. Chocolate sauce or caramel sauce

What would you add? Let us know in the comments below!

This mug cake recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based and dairy-free.

Vanilla mug cake
Print
Vanilla mug cake

Vanilla Mug Cake


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 3 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 large or 2 small
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This vanilla mug cake recipe is everything: moist, sweet, and perfect for toppings from sprinkles to fruit to ice cream!


Ingredients

  • ¼ cup all purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tablespoons sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 small pinch salt
  • 3 tablespoons milk (or non-dairy milk for vegan)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil or coconut oil for vegan)
  • ½ tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Mix: In an 8 or 12 ounce microwave-safe mug, mix dry ingredients. Stir in the melted butter, milk and vanilla. Mix well, until a smooth batter forms.
  2. Microwave: Place a paper towel under the mug in the microwave, then cook on High 60 seconds. Check for doneness: if it’s still gooey and wet on top, microwave another 20 seconds, then another 10 seconds. It is done when the top looks cooked and springs back when you touch it; if it’s still gooey, try another 10 second burst. The exact timing depends on the microwave: ours works well with 60 seconds, then another 30 seconds.
  3. Cool: Important: wait for about 5 minutes for the cake to cool down from piping hot to warm. Don’t taste right away: it doesn’t taste right. But cooling a few minutes does the trick! Top with whipped cream, ice cream, or strawberry puree and serve warm.
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Microwave
  • Cuisine: Cake

Keywords: Vanilla mug cake

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Buckeye Balls (Peanut Butter Balls)

Summer is winding to a close and believe it or not, it’s time to start thinking about the holidays, which
The post Buckeye Balls (Peanut Butter Balls) appeared first on Easy Side Dish Recipes.

Summer is winding to a close and believe it or not, it’s time to start thinking about the holidays, which

The post Buckeye Balls (Peanut Butter Balls) appeared first on Easy Side Dish Recipes.

Affogato

Affogato is an Italian dessert that drowns vanilla ice cream or gelato with a shot of espresso. It couldn’t be…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Affogato is an Italian dessert that drowns vanilla ice cream or gelato with a shot of espresso. It couldn’t be easier or more divine!

Affogato

Here’s a dessert that’s pure perfection in its simplicity: the classic Italian affogato! Two ingredients come together in the most exciting flavor pairing: sweet, creamy vanilla gelato and bitter, rich espresso. Poured at the table, you get to see the ingredients transform right before your eyes. Like you’d expect from Italian cuisine, it’s essentialism at its finest. This trick is one of our favorites for entertaining: especially to end a summer meal.

What is affogato?

Affogato, aka affogato al cafe, is an Italian dessert that drowns vanilla gelato or ice cream with a hot espresso shot. (Affogato means “drowned” in Italian.) Some recipes add a hint of amaretto or hazelnut liqueur, or serve the dessert with a cookie or biscotti. The dessert is traditionally served in Italian restaurants and cafes, and it’s become popular in Europe and around the world.

The affogato is our ideal dessert around here. Each spoonful of melty ice cream makes you want to burst out with an Italian chef’s kiss. It’s showy and impressive, but barely requires any time or effort. Ready to try this Italian masterpiece?

Affogato

Affogato ingredients

Affogato is such a simple concept that you’ll need the best ingredients to pull it off. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Vanilla gelato or high quality ice cream: Find the highest quality product you can. Vanilla is classic, though you can mix it up with other flavors like hazelnut.
  • Espresso: The best homemade espresso is with an espresso machine, but there are lots of other methods you can try (see below). Or, simply make double-strength coffee.
  • Amaretto: It’s totally optional, but if you have a bottle of amaretto on hand it adds a nice almond nuance.
  • Chocolate shavings: Another optional ingredient, but it’s nice to have a little garnish and texture to the top of the affogato.

The type of coffee to use

The type of coffee is everything in an affogato. Here’s what to note:

  • Use espresso roast coffee beans, or simply as dark roast coffee as possible. Light or medium roast simply will not do.
  • Use decaf if you’re worried about the caffeine. Worried about a jolt of caffeine in the evening? Use decaf coffee: it’s still absolutely delicious.
Affogato

How to make the espresso (or strong coffee)

  • Espresso machine: The top method for how to make espresso is with a machine: here’s how we do it.
  • Portable espresso maker: If you make lots of espresso drinks, this portable espresso maker is perfect: it approximates the flavor of the machine at a fraction of the price.
  • French press: French press espresso is a decent approximation of espresso for a coffee maker you might already have on hand.
  • Moka Pot: The Moka Pot (aka Bialetti) makes just the right strong coffee for an affogato.
  • Aeropress: You can make Aeropress espresso: but the flavor is more bitter and flat than the other methods.
  • Strong coffee: Or, simply use your favorite coffee making method but use half the amount of water to get double strength coffee.

The only part of affogato that requires any effort? Making the coffee. Espresso can be tricky at home. Here are all the best methods for how to make espresso at home, or you can simply make double strength coffee.

Tips for serving affogato

Once you’ve chosen your espresso making method, making affogato is a breeze! Here are a few tips for serving this easy dessert:

  • Serve in a small clear glass with a spoon. It’s best for watching the ice cream melt. Guests can scoop it up with long spoons.
  • Freeze the ice cream in the glass while you make the coffee. This prevents premature melting, though it’s not required.
  • If you’re serving for 4, make 2 doubleshots of espresso. That’s ½ cup strong coffee.
  • Place the coffee in a pitcher, or small individual pitchers. If you’re serving with amaretto, you can add it to the espresso. Then watch as the hot coffee melts the ice cream!
Affogato

Other topping ideas

You can get creative with your affogato recipe and add creative toppings that are outside of the traditional Italian method. Here are some ideas:

  • Crushed cookies or biscotti
  • Toasted nuts like almonds or pecans
  • Candied nuts
  • Chopped pistachios
  • Chocolate candies
  • Chocolate-covered espresso beans

You can also vary the ice cream or gelato flavors. Go wild! Let us know how you make your affogato in the comments below.

Coffee drinks that work as dessert

We solidly think of affogato as a dessert, but some people think of it as coffee drink. But sometimes there’s a blurred line! Here are a few related coffee drinks that also work as a dessert:

This affogato recipe is…

Vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan, dairy-free and plant-based, use dairy-free ice cream.

Print
Affogato

Classic Affogato Recipe


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Affogato is an Italian dessert that drowns vanilla ice cream or gelato with a shot of espresso. It couldn’t be easier or more divine!


Ingredients

  • 2 small scoops vanilla gelato or ice cream (or vegan ice cream of choice)
  • 1 shot espresso (or 2 tablespoons strong coffee), decaf if desired
  • 1 teaspoon amaretto, optional
  • Dark chocolate shavings, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Add the gelato or ice cream to a serving glass. Chill it in the freezer while preparing the coffee.
  2. Make the espresso, following the instructions in How to Make Espresso: 5 Ways. Or, make strong coffee with espresso (dark) roast beans using your normal method and half of the standard amount of water.
  3. To serve, remove the glass with the ice cream from the freezer and top with the chocolate shavings. If using the amaretto, add it to the espresso. At the table, pour the espresso over the ice cream and enjoy immediately.
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Poured
  • Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Affogato, affogato recipe, what is affogato

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

23 Must-Make Cakes to Bake Before Summer Ends

You know how some people have a summer bucket list? Picnic on the beach, run the full loop around the park, eat at least one whole tomato per day (grape tomatoes excluded), read a book a week, catch a sunrise or two?

I have that, too…only my list co…

You know how some people have a summer bucket list? Picnic on the beach, run the full loop around the park, eat at least one whole tomato per day (grape tomatoes excluded), read a book a week, catch a sunrise or two?

I have that, too...only my list consists exclusively of the cakes I want to bake while the summer's sweetest fruits are still here. Squidgy, buttery, lemony-bright, and good for wrapping in parchment and toting on the bus, these are the cakes I'll miss most once apple season's in full swing and we're flinging cinnamon, nutmeg, and cocoa like confetti.

Read More >>

How to Make Long-Lasting Whipped Cream

Don’t weep, whipped cream, it’s all going to be alright. Sure, you have a tendency to lose your spine as you sit out for a while (you fall, you run, and, no offense, you become a little unappetizing), but we’re about to fix that.

Chin up! There are lo…

Don't weep, whipped cream, it's all going to be alright. Sure, you have a tendency to lose your spine as you sit out for a while (you fall, you run, and, no offense, you become a little unappetizing), but we're about to fix that.

Chin up! There are lots of ways to make longer-lasting, more stable whipped cream that won't have a breakdown as it graces chocolate cake, strawberry ice, rhubarb buckle, or a pile of vegetables (yes, you read that right). That means more opportunity to prep in advance and less of an urge to rush through dinner to get to that cream-topped lemon custard pie (though, let's be real, I do that no matter what).

Read More >>

Grandma’s peach cobbler

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Popcorn Balls with Marshmallows

Halloween is just around the corner, and whether you’re preparing for a party or just want a fun activity for
The post Popcorn Balls with Marshmallows appeared first on Easy Side Dish Recipes.

Halloween is just around the corner, and whether you’re preparing for a party or just want a fun activity for

The post Popcorn Balls with Marshmallows appeared first on Easy Side Dish Recipes.

Peanut Butter and Strawberry Crumble.

This peanut butter jelly crumble has all of the flavors of your nostalgic PB&J. A strawberry filling mimics the jelly and the topping is loaded with creamy peanut butter flavor. Juicy berries and crisp peanut butter topping? Sign me up.  Today I have an essential fruity dessert for you that everyone goes wild over! This […]

The post Peanut Butter and Strawberry Crumble. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

This peanut butter jelly crumble has all of the flavors of your nostalgic PB&J. A strawberry filling mimics the jelly and the topping is loaded with creamy peanut butter flavor. Juicy berries and crisp peanut butter topping? Sign me up. 

Today I have an essential fruity dessert for you that everyone goes wild over!

peanut butter and strawberry crumble

This peanut butter strawberry crisp is essentially the perfect peanut butter jelly dessert that tastes delicious and may send you into a spin of nostalgia at the same time! 

I’m here for it.

strawberries in sugar

Important questions first: what flavor of jelly is your favorite when it comes to good old fashioned PB & J? 

I’m strictly a strawberry jelly/jam person and always have been. My brothers only loved grape jelly so that’s what my mom bought growing up, meaning I pretty much never ate PB&J. Unless I managed to sneak in a jar of strawberry!

These days I love to do a grown up version of peanut butter & jelly using all sorts of jam flavors (if you’re new here, american spoon is my favorite forever!), but strawberry would still be my number one.

peanut butter crumble

One of my favorite desserts to make is my strawberry cobbler. Or even my strawberry cobbler bars. Summer strawberries are just so sweet and candy-like, and while we enjoy them fresh nonstop, making a dessert out of them to serve with ice cream is one of the best seasonal treasures.

strawberry filling in a dish

While I adore cobblers, crisp is really fantastic because of the TEXTURE!! The crunchy, crispy bits that top the warm syrupy fruit are the best flavor crunch explosion ever. 

peanut butter and strawberry crumble

Now, there isn’t actually jelly in this crisp. The fruit cooks into a syrupy, almost jam-like mixture that mimics our jelly. You could add a few spoonfuls of your favorite jelly if you really wanted to! 

The crisp topping has peanut butter mixed in along with the butter and is so savory and delicious.

Then, you can add a little swirl of peanut butter on top to really take things over the edge!

peanut butter jelly crumble

While this is delicious on its own, the key is serving it warm with vanilla ice cream. 

Oh my gosh.

The peanut buttery crisp and the warm fruit all mixing into with melty vanilla ice cream? It’s seriously heaven in a dish. If you’re a fruit dessert person (you know the kind!) then you will freak over this.  (more…)

The post Peanut Butter and Strawberry Crumble. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Blueberry Peach Coffee Cake.

Blueberry peach coffee cake is perfect for summer! Like a giant blueberry muffin studded with peaches, topped with crumb and vanilla icing. Ideal for breakfast, dessert or an afternoon snack. Give me any excuse to have cake for breakfast!  Coffee cake is a dream, because it’s really just dessert for breakfast. I mean, who doesn’t […]

The post Blueberry Peach Coffee Cake. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Blueberry peach coffee cake is perfect for summer! Like a giant blueberry muffin studded with peaches, topped with crumb and vanilla icing. Ideal for breakfast, dessert or an afternoon snack.

Give me any excuse to have cake for breakfast! 

blueberry peach coffee cake

Coffee cake is a dream, because it’s really just dessert for breakfast. I mean, who doesn’t want a fluffy cake topped with streusel and icing first thing in the morning with a mug of piping hot coffee?

Set it all out on a patio while looking at the water in the cool morning air and summer is MADE.

Gotta make that happen. ASAP. 

blueberry peach coffee cake

This super summery coffee cake is lovely because it’s loaded with summer fruit. You can make it the night before and serve it the next morning for guests, or yourself, or your family – or even take it somewhere. It can also be real dessert, of course. Or an afternoon snack with coffee or tea!

cake batter with blueberries and peaches

I LOVE the blueberry peach combo. There is something about it that is just so summery, so delicious and also, so pretty!

In The Pretty Dish, I have a blueberry peach cobbler bar recipe that is just wonderful. One of my favorite things. The blueberries burst and get so juicy and the peaches taste like cobbler. So darn good.

cake batter with blueberries and peaches

This coffee cake is like that! Like a giant blueberry muffin studded with precious little peach chunks.

Summer in a cake! 

blueberry peach coffee cake

The cake is topped with my favorite crumb topping that I’ve used on coffee cakes in the past and that I use on all my muffins. Then, a classic icing over top for that extra sweetness that no one needs, but it completes the coffee cake!

blueberry peach coffee cake

I adore how fluffy and warming this cake is.

In a season where we are used to enjoying mostly ice cream or shakes or frosty treats, a cake like this is a welcome little change – comforting and perfect. (more…)

The post Blueberry Peach Coffee Cake. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.