This Easy Air Fryer Vanilla Mug Cake is soft, fluffy, and ready in just minutes with simple pantry staples. It’s the perfect single-serve dessert when you want something sweet fast without turning on the oven.
When a dessert craving hits and you don’t feel like baking a full cake, this Easy Air Fryer Vanilla Mug Cake saves the day.
It’s soft, fluffy, and made with simple pantry ingredients, coming together in just minutes right in your favorite mug.
No oven, no fuss, and no leftovers staring at you from the counter, just a warm, perfectly portioned treat ready to enjoy.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Ready in Minutes: No long bake times here. You’ll have a warm, fluffy dessert in about 10 minutes from start to finish.
- Single-Serve Perfection: No leftovers tempting you all night. It’s just the right amount when you want something sweet without baking a whole cake.
- Simple Pantry Ingredients: Nothing fancy, nothing hard to find. If you’ve got flour, sugar, milk, and vanilla, you’re basically there.
- No Oven Needed: The air fryer does all the work, which means less heat in the kitchen and less cleanup.
- Totally Customizable: Add chocolate chips, sprinkles, berries, or a drizzle of glaze. It’s a blank canvas for whatever you’re craving.
Ingredients Needed
- Vanilla cake mix: Pre-measured dry cake mix for quick single-serve baking.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture naturally without extra sugar or fat.
- Optional: Frosting or whipped cream: Sweet topping to finish and enhance your mug cake.
Recipe Variations
- Berry Delight: Add fresh or frozen berries for a fruity burst in every bite.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped nuts or a sprinkle of nut butter for extra texture and flavor.
- Spiced Up: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice for a warm, cozy flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix to keep it allergy-friendly.
- Topping Fun: Top with a drizzle of caramel, chocolate sauce, or a dollop of ice cream for indulgence.
How to Make Easy Air Fryer Vanilla Mug Cake
Step One: In a microwave, or oven-safe mug, stir together the vanilla cake mix and applesauce until smooth.
Step Two: Stir well to make sure no dry cake mix remains at the bottom. Place the mug in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until set.
Step Three: Allow the mug cake to cool slightly before adding any toppings. Top with your favorite frosting, whipped cream, or other sweet toppings.
Easy Air Fryer Vanilla Mug Cake Recipe Tips
- Don’t overmix – Stir just until the cake mix and applesauce are combined to keep the mug cake light and fluffy.
- Check doneness early – Air fryer models vary; start checking at 5 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Customize your mug cake – Add chocolate chips, sprinkles, or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Use an oven-safe mug – Ensure your mug can handle the air fryer’s heat without cracking.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
- To store – Cover the cooled mug cake with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container; keep at room temperature for up to 1 day.
- To reheat – Warm in the air fryer at 325°F for 2–3 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds until heated through.
- Tip – Avoid over-reheating, which can dry out the cake; a quick warm-up keeps it soft and fluffy.
Easy Air Fryer Vanilla Mug Cake Recipe Faqs
Can I make this mug cake without an air fryer? Yes! You can microwave it on high for 60-90 seconds or bake in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes. Adjust timing as needed for your appliance.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor? Absolutely! Chocolate, funfetti, or any boxed cake mix works—just keep the same ratio with applesauce.
How do I know when the mug cake is done? The cake is set when the center springs back slightly to the touch and there’s no wet batter on top.
Can I add mix-ins? Yes—chocolate chips, berries, or nuts can be folded into the batter for extra flavor and texture.
Can I make it dairy-free? Yes, swap milk for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free frosting or toppings.
Can I make a larger batch? For multiple servings, make individual mug cakes separately for even cooking, or scale up in a small ovenproof dish—but cooking times may vary.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- air fryer two-ingredient ice cream bread
- air fryer caesar chicken
- air fryer low carb mozzarella sticks
- air fryer low-carb tortilla chips
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Easy Air Fryer Vanilla Mug Cake
Description
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons vanilla cake mix
- 2-3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
Optional: Frosting or whipped cream
Instructions
- In an ovenproof mug, mix the 6 tablespoons vanilla cake mix and 2-3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce.
- Mix until there is no more dry cake mix on the bottom.
- Set into the air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 350 degree F (air fryer setting)
- Let cool before serving.
- Top with your favorite frosting or whipped cream
Equipment
- Mug or Ramekin, both oven safe, size will not matter it will cook in about the same time.
Nutrition
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