Air Fryer Vanilla Mug Cake — Are mug cakes just for chocolate lovers? Think again! This air fryer vanilla mug cake is light, fluffy, and perfectly sweetened. The best part? It’s ready in just a few minutes!

Air Fryer Vanilla Mug Cake
Save This Recipe Form

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & I will send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from me on occasion!

This is so easy, and it makes a unique and tasty dessert. Today, I made a simple Air Fryer Vanilla Iced Mug Cake, which was good.

The preparation time is like 2 minutes, and you place the mug (which needs to be oven safe, check the bottom, please) into the air fryer basket or tray and then set the time. Come back to find yourself a tasty dessert. I love these in the afternoon when I sit down to check my email with my coffee cup. My kids will sit down and do their schoolwork, but they get a glass of milk or hot chocolate.

Air Fryer Vanilla Iced Mug Cake

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the most straightforward recipes are the best, and this air fryer vanilla mug cake is proof. This one-minute cake is perfect for when you’re short on time or want a quick snack. Best of all, it’s healthy and low-calorie! Give this recipe a try today. Your taste buds will thank you.

Air Fryer Vanilla Iced Mug Cake

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Quick and Convenient: This mug cake comes together in minutes, offering a delicious dessert option when you need a sweet treat without the fuss.
  • Perfectly Moist and Fluffy: The combination of vanilla cake mix and unsweetened applesauce creates a moist and fluffy texture that will satisfy your cravings for a delectable dessert.
  • Customizable: Whether you prefer it plain or with a drizzle of icing, this mug cake is highly versatile and can be tailored to suit your taste preferences with various toppings or mix-ins.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Vanilla Iced Mug Cake

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Vanilla Iced Mug Cake:

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Chocolate Bundt Cake

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

  • Vanilla Cake Mix: Provides the base for the cake, delivering a classic vanilla flavor that pairs perfectly with the icing—homemade or store-bought.
  • Unsweetened Applesauce: Acts as a healthier alternative to oil, adding moisture to the cake while keeping it lower in fat.
  • Water: Enhances the texture of the batter, ensuring a tender and moist cake.
  • Vanilla Icing: Adds a sweet and creamy finishing touch to the mug cake, elevating its flavor and presentation.

How To Make Air Fryer Vanilla Iced Mug Cake

To make an Air Fryer Vanilla Iced Mug Cake, follow these simple steps:

How To Make Air Fryer Vanilla Iced Mug Cake

Mix the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cream, flour, and baking powder in a small mixing bowl. Mix well.

Air Fryer Vanilla Iced Mug Cake

Spray either a ramekin or a mug with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the batter into the mug, filling it about 2/3 of the way full.

Air Fryer Vanilla Iced Mug Cake

Set the mug into the air fryer basket, set the temperature to 350 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 4 to 5 minutes.

Let it cool slightly before icing the cake.

Air Fryer Vanilla Iced Mug Cake

Recipe Variations

Recipe Variations for Air Fryer Vanilla Iced Mug Cake:

  • Fruity Twist: Add a handful of fresh or frozen berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to the batter for a fruity flavor. Top with vanilla icing and additional berries for a colorful and refreshing treat.
  • Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Mix in a tablespoon of chocolate chips or chunks into the batter for a chocolatey surprise in every bite. Drizzle with melted chocolate or chocolate syrup over the vanilla icing for a decadent twist.
  • Nutty Indulgence: Stir in chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts into the batter for added texture and nutty flavor. Sprinkle chopped nuts over the vanilla icing for a crunchy topping.
  • Caramel Drizzle: Swirl a tablespoon of caramel sauce or dulce de leche into the batter before cooking for a sweet and gooey caramel flavor. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the vanilla icing for an extra indulgent finish.
  • Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter for a bright and citrusy flavor. Top with vanilla icing and a sprinkle of zest for a refreshing twist.
  • Spiced Variation: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm and cozy flavor. Dust the vanilla icing with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a spiced finish.
  • Coconut Paradise: Fold in shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical flair. Top with vanilla icing and toasted coconut flakes for a delightful coconut treat.
  • Almond Joy Inspired: Mix in chopped almonds and coconut flakes into the batter for a reminiscent flavor of an Almond Joy candy bar. Top with vanilla icing and a sprinkle of additional almonds and coconut for an irresistible finish.
  • Cookie Dough Crumble: Add chunks of cookie dough into the batter for a fun and indulgent twist. Top with vanilla icing and crumbled cookie pieces for a delightful dessert reminiscent of cookie dough ice cream.
  • Coffee Infusion: Mix in a teaspoon of instant coffee granules or espresso powder into the batter for a subtle coffee flavor. Top with vanilla icing and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a mocha-inspired treat.
Air Fryer Vanilla Iced Mug Cake

Pro Tips

  • Ensure Proper Mixing: Mix the batter thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined, but avoid overmixing, as it can result in a dense cake.
  • Choose the Right Mug: Select a microwave-safe mug that is slightly larger than the amount of batter to prevent overflow during cooking.
  • Adjust Cooking Time: Air fryers can vary in temperature, so keep an eye on the mug cake as it cooks. Start with the recommended cooking time and adjust as needed based on your air fryer’s settings.
  • Grease the Mug: To prevent sticking, lightly grease the inside of your mug with cooking spray or butter before adding the batter.
  • Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake to check for doneness. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
  • Let it Cool: Allow the mug cake to cool for a minute or two before adding the vanilla icing. This prevents the icing from melting too quickly and ensures a more even distribution.
  • Personalize Your Icing: Customize the vanilla icing by adding a drop of food coloring for a pop of color or a splash of flavored extract for added depth of flavor.
  • Garnish Creatively: Get creative with your toppings! Whether it’s sprinkles, chopped nuts, or fruit, toppings can add visual appeal and extra flavor to your mug cake.
  • Serve Warm: Mug cakes are best enjoyed warm, so serve immediately after adding the vanilla icing for the ultimate indulgent experience.
  • Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to enjoy them warm and moist.

Faq’s

Can I use a different type of cake mix? Yes, you can experiment with different cake mixes such as chocolate, lemon, or strawberry to create various flavors of mug cakes.

Can I make this mug cake without unsweetened applesauce? While unsweetened applesauce adds moisture to the cake, you can substitute it with an equal amount of oil or melted butter for a richer texture.

How long does the mug cake stay fresh with the vanilla icing? Mug cakes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Can I double or triple the recipe to make more servings? Yes, you can easily scale up the recipe to make multiple mug cakes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and use separate mugs for each cake.

Can I use a different type of icing? Absolutely! Feel free to customize your mug cake with different types of icing such as chocolate, cream cheese, or caramel for a unique flavor experience.

Can I omit the icing or use a different topping? Of course! The vanilla icing is optional, and you can skip it or use a different topping such as whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or fresh fruit according to your preference.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make this mug cake in a microwave or oven. Simply follow the same instructions but adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Can I make this mug cake vegan or gluten-free? Yes, you can make adjustments to accommodate dietary preferences. Use a vegan cake mix and dairy-free substitutes for the icing for a vegan version. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix.

Air Fryer Vanilla Iced Mug Cake

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Don’t Forget To Pin!

Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!​

Air Fryer Vanilla Mug Cake

Air Fryer Vanilla Iced Mug Cake

5 from 5 votes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings

Description

Do you have an air fryer? If not, what are you waiting for? It's one of the most versatile appliances in my kitchen. I use it to make quick and easy meals, snacks, and desserts. Today, I'm going to show you how to make an Air Fryer Vanilla Iced Mug Cake. This dessert is simple to make and only requires a few ingredients. You'll need eggs, sugar, flour, baking powder, milk, vanilla extract, and ice cream. Let's get started!

Ingredients 

Cake Ingredients;

  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon light cream
  • 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Icing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon water

Optional: Sprinkles

    Instructions

    • In a small mixing bowl, mix the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cream, flour, and baking powder.
    • Mix well.
    • Spray either a ramekin or a mug with non-stick cooking spray.
    • Pour the batter into the mug, filling about 2/3 the way full.
    • Set the mug into the air fryer basket, set the temperature to 350 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 4 to 5 minutes.
    • Let cool slightly. Then icing the mug cake.
    • Plate, serve, and enjoy!

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer
    • Mug or Ramekin, oven safe
    • Cooking Spray

    Notes

    Simple Icing Directions:

    1. In a small mixing bowl, mix the powdered sugar and water, mix until smooth.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ServingCalories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 5gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 116mgSodium: 299mgPotassium: 83mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 386IUVitamin C: 0.04mgCalcium: 152mgIron: 2mg

    Share this recipe

    We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!