Easy Moist Red Velvet Microwave Mug Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
A quick and easy red velvet mug cake made in the microwave, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a fast, moist dessert without the wait or mess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute 10 seconds
- Total Time: 6 minutes 10 seconds
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (about 30 grams)
- 3 tablespoons sugar (about 38 grams)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk powder (or substitute with 1 tablespoon plain yogurt mixed with 1 tablespoon milk)
- 3 tablespoons milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)
- 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon softened butter
- Optional: a drop of lemon juice or a pinch of cinnamon for frosting
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe mug, combine 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon buttermilk powder. Stir well until evenly blended.
- Add 3 tablespoons milk, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon red food coloring. Stir gently until smooth and thick with no lumps.
- Microwave on high for 60 to 70 seconds. The cake will rise and may look slightly wet on top.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If not, microwave for an additional 5 seconds and recheck.
- While the cake cooks, mix 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese, 1 tablespoon softened butter, and 2 tablespoons powdered sugar in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Add lemon juice or cinnamon if desired.
- Let the cake cool for about 2 minutes, then spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top. Serve warm.
Notes
Use gel food coloring for a more intense red color without altering batter texture. Start microwaving at 60 seconds and add time in 5-second increments to avoid overcooking. Let cake cool before frosting to prevent melting. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free baking blend. For vegan, use plant-based milk, vegan butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and a flax egg.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One mug cake (about
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
Keywords: red velvet, mug cake, microwave cake, quick dessert, cream cheese frosting, easy recipe, single serving