This Cake Mix Mug Cake recipe isn’t really a recipe. It’s directions for magic. With just three ingredients, you can make an individual cake in a mug in only one minute using the microwave! This fluffy treat is instantly ready whenever a snack attack hits. Customize your cup of cake with some candy, chips, or fruit bits and the mug cake variations are endless!
When the directions for this 321 cake appeared in the food section of our newspaper seven years ago, I had to give it a try. I was amazed by the results and shared the fun recipe here on The Monday Box in March 2013.
I thought microwave cakes would be a onetime novelty, but I was wrong! This post has been wildly popular and inspired many additional popular recipes like Molten Lava Mug Cake and Piña Colada Mug Cake.
Mug cake recipes on The Monday Box are unique because they are made with only shelf stable ingredients. That means the ingredients can be sent in a care package (or kept on your kitchen shelf) for whenever a snack craving hits!
They are the perfect care package treat for anyone with a sweet tooth and access to a microwave, in other words, most college students and deployed military service members. Many of the recipes use add-ins that are safe to mail, even to hot desert deployment locations.
The numbers in the 321 mug cake name come from the proportions of ingredients used. All that you need is mug cake mix (made with one box of angel food cake mix combined with one box of flavored cake mix) and water. Combine 3 tablespoons of the mix and 2 tablespoons of water, then microwave for 1 minute. 3-2-1! That’s all!
Directions
- Use a permanent marker to label a gallon size ziplock bag with the name of the mix and the simple 3-2-1 directions.
- To make the mug cake mix, pour one package of flavored cake mix and one package of Angel Food cake mix into the prepared ziplock bag. Seal the bag and then shake until the two mixes are completely combined.
- To make a cake, use either a microwave safe paper cup or a mug. If using a mug, lightly coat the inside with non-stick spray. The spray makes clean-up easier.
- Add 3 tablespoons of mug cake mix and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir to combine.
- Mix in 1 tablespoon of add-ins, such as syrup, chips, or jam.
- Microwave on high for about 1 minute. Each microwave is different. Watch your cake carefully so that it doesn’t over cook.
- Remove from the microwave and allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before adding frosting and sprinkles.
Mug cake tips
- Add-ins provide additional flavor and moisture. Follow the directions for one of the many mug cake recipes here on The Monday Box, or make up your own!
- When sending mug cake mix in a care package, I highly recommend sending paper cups/snack bowls. College students don’t like to wash dishes and aerosol cans of nonstick spray can’t be sent in airmail military care packages.
- Using nonstick spray on reusable mugs will make them much easier to clean after cooking a mug cake.
- Don't fill any mug more than half full to avoid overflowing. An 8 ounce cup is the smallest container for this recipe. Adding additional ingredients, like chips or syrup, increases the amount of batter and requires a bigger mug.
- Eliminate the spongy texture often found in microwave baking by adding extra moisture to your cake (and delicious flavor) with 1 tablespoon of syrup, jam or condensed milk.
- To make a cake more chocolaty add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup or a tablespoon of cocoa with an extra teaspoon of water.
- Watch your first mug cake carefully for doneness. Each microwave is different and your cake may take a bit more or less time than indicated on the recipe.
- Microwave cakes cook instantly and are meant to be eaten instantly. They are not meant to be stored and eaten later.
Care package tips
For a care package that is the answer to the midnight munchies, send a mug cake care package with these items.
- Bag of mug cake mix
- Measuring spoon
- Disposable paper cups and plastic spoons.
- Add-ins like candy, chocolate chips, and dried or canned fruit.
- Toppings like canned frosting, chocolate or caramel syrup, and sprinkles.
- Printed microwave mug cake recipes from The Monday Box.
Frequently asked questions
This recipe is made with cake mix and water. No egg is needed.
Add a tablespoon of syrup (chocolate, caramel, strawberry,etc.), condensed milk, or jam before cooking. Use additional syrup or frosting as a topping after cooking.
Mix in a tablespoon of chocolate syrup, or a tablespoon of baking cocoa with an extra teaspoon of water, before cooking.
Mix up some microwave magic! The ingredients for 3-2-1 cakes make a fabulous care package treat and a quick snack any time!
Mug Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Mug cake mix
- 1 box Angel Food Cake mix 16 ounces
- 1 box flavored cake mix 15.25 ounces
- Water
Extras
- Non-stick spray
- 1 can fudge frosting any flavor optional
- Add-ins optional such as chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, mini marshmallows, coconut, nuts, candy sprinkles
Instructions
To make the Mug Cake Mix
- In a gallon sized ziplock bag, combine the two boxes of cake mix. Shake the bag to mix thoroughly.
To make mug cakes
- Use either a microwave safe paper cup or a microwavable mug. If using a mug, lightly coat the inside with non-stick spray. The spray makes clean-up easier.
- Into the mug, add 3 tablespoons cake mix and 2 tablespoons water. Add 1-2 tablespoons of add-ins, such as a handful of chocolate chips. Stir to combine.
- Microwave the cake batter on high for 1 minute.
- If using frosting, allow your cake in a mug to cool for a few minutes before adding frosting.
Notes
- Add-ins are the perfect way to provide additional flavor and moisture to a chocolate or vanilla mug cake. Follow the directions for one of the many mug cake recipes here on The Monday Box, or make up your own version of the chocolate microwave mug cake !
- When sending mug cake mix in a care package, I highly recommend sending paper cups/snack bowls. College students don’t like to wash dishes and aerosol cans of nonstick spray can’t be sent in airmail military care packages.
- Using nonstick spray on a reusable coffee mug will make it much easier to clean after cooking a mug cake.
- Don’t fill any mug more than half full to avoid overflowing. An 8 ounce cup is the smallest container for this recipe. Adding additional ingredients, like chips or syrup, increases the amount of batter and requires a bigger mug.
- Eliminate the spongy texture often found in microwave baking by adding extra moisture to your cake in a mug (and delicious flavor) with 1 tablespoon of syrup, jam or condensed milk.
- To make a chocolate mug cake recipe more chocolaty add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup or a tablespoon of cocoa with an extra teaspoon of water.
- Watch your first mug cake carefully for doneness. Each microwave is different and vary in microwave wattage. Your cake may take a bit more or less time than indicated on the recipe.
- Microwave cakes cook instantly and are meant to be a sweet treat, in single servings, eaten instantly. Mug treats are not meant to be stored and eaten later.
- Store leftover cake mix in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for an easy, anytime indulgence.
- Use permanent marker to write the basic mug cake recipe on the bag/container of mix.
- Combine the two cake mixes in a labeled gallon-size zip lock bag.
- Include a measuring spoon and microwave safe paper cups or snack bowls. Write out directions on an index card.
- For a special touch include some canned frosting and add-ins.
- You can also include some mug recipes combining the easy mug cake mix and the add-ins to create individual servings of yummy dessert.
Amanda
To the person who complained about it being too fluffy…I disagree. I found it to be very very satisfying just the way it is with no mix ins. I did use a large mug probably 16 oz and I doubled it to be 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup + 2 T of the cake mix. I microwaved it for 1:30 and topped it with whipped cream. Very pleased, thank you for sharing this recipe!
Wendy Sondov
You're welcome! I'm so glad that you are enjoying making these fun mug cakes. Whip cream topping sounds delicious. Be sure to check out all of the seasonal variations for mug cakes, here on The Monday Box, for when you want to try something a little different but just as easy and satisfying. Thank you for leaving your five star review!
JoAnne
I’ve made this for many years.
I don’t add the angel food cake mix, I use just the regular cake mix. It’s always delicious.
Wendy Sondov
Angel Food Cake contains a lot of egg whites which regular cake mix doesn't have. By adding the angel food mix, you end up with a fluffier mug cake with more rise. Not necessarily better, but different than yours without the extra rise. I agree, this recipe has been around for a long time. It was originally published on The Monday Box in 2013.
Meg
As a single woman who loves cake, but don't need a whole cake, this is great stuff.
I've been making this recipe for some time, but I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all your helpful tips!
Wendy Sondov
Hi, Meg. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know that you are enjoying the cake and the tips! 🙂 I appreciate your support!!
Denise Parsons
I love this recipe. I love cake and could eat it several times a week. But with prices so high and a diabetic partner, buying or making a whole cake isn't cost efficient for 2 retirees. I tried quite a few mug cakes, but they all had eggs and oil in them and didn't turn out quite as fluffy as this recipe. Also, this one was way faster to make. I would like to use this recipe to make a quick tiramisu, but not in a mug. I was wondering if you tried this in a larger size for more servings, and what the ratios were? Thank you again for a brilliant idea for a quick cake any time.
Denise.
Wendy Sondov
It's wonderful to hear how useful this recipe has been for you and how much you are enjoying the mug cakes! I'm not sure about making this recipe in larger portions because I don't know if you could get the middle to cook without over cooking the edges. When I make mug cake for more than one person, I make multiple individual mugs. Unless you are cooking for a real crowd, making a few mug cakes only takes an extrafew minutes. Enjoy.
Ellen
Hi! Just made this tonight (I started WW so I’m fitting this in with my points) and it was awesome. I look forward to try variations. I added T of chocolate chips and it was perfect. Next time I’ll add nuts
Wendy Sondov
I'm glad you found a treat you can enjoy while on WW! Mug cakes are fun and nuts sound like a great addition.
Angie Miller
Do you have to use Angel Food cake mix or can you use any two flavors?
Wendy Sondov
Hi, Angie. The Angel Food cake adds the eggs to the mixture and is what helps the cake rise. That is why you don't need to add eggs (or any other perishable item) to make these mug cakes.
Pat Grainger
We love the cake and the convenience. Thank you.
Wendy Sondov
Hi, Pat. Thank you for letting me know that you are enjoying the convenience and flavor of Cake Mix Mug Cakes! I agree with you. It's so much fun and so easy to just throw a few things together and satisfy your sweet tooth. 🙂
Donna Dick
Ewe. Tried this a few minutes ago. What people SHOULD BE TOLD is that it tastes like a Chocolate Angel Good Cake.....too many holes and waaaaay too fluffy to be called a cake.
Wished I'd have tried mixing a couple tablespoons before WASTING TWO BOXS of cake mix...this stuff is nasty.
Wendy Sondov
Hi, Donna. Sorry you did not like your mug cake, however, if you would look at the photos and the blog post tips, you might have saved yourself some unhappiness. The photos clearly show all of the "holes" that occur from the rapid rise in the microwave and the Angel Food cake. I don't recommend eating the cake plain. This is just the basic mix. The many variations here on The Monday Box suggest how to add both liquids and solids to your basic mix. For example, I think you would find the cake less fluffy and moister if you add a tablespoon of syrup (chocolate, strawberry, caramel, etc) before baking. A little syrup on top after baking is good too. Then add-ins such as chips, nuts, and dried fruit make a big flavor and texture impact as well.
Kristen N Lewis
Hi! I love this idea of baking in the microwave, seeing how my kids are 12 and 15 and I am still a little nervous about them using the stove. But, the question I have is what can you do if you don't have angel food cake mix, and that sweet tooth kicks into high gear? I have a box of funfetti mix, and eggs if , and I am sure it is, necessary. QHow can I pull this off?!
Wendy Sondov
Hi, Kristen! Microwave cakes are great for teens in the kitchen and sweet tooth cravings. There are lots of mug cake recipes on the internet that use flour, eggs, etc. I haven't tried any of them though. My mug cake recipes are unique in that they use only shelf stable ingredients so that the ingredients can be sent in a care package (for college students and deployed military who don't have access to an oven). These recipes depend on the Angel food cake for rise. I have seen recipes that say you don't need the Angel Food mix, though. One box of cake mix makes a lot of cakes, so you could experiment. Try one with just your mix(3T) and water ( 2T). Try one mixing in an egg. Let your kids be microwave cake "mad scientists" and see what they come up with. Good luck! 🙂