Imagine the flavors of a warm, freshly glazed donut but in a fraction of the time. That’s exactly what this Glazed Donut Mug Cake delivers—delicious, moist, and tender cake topped with a sweet glaze, ready in just a few minutes. There’s no need to head out to the bakery or break out your mixer for this treat. You’ll be enjoying the soft, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of a classic donut in a matter of minutes, all with the help of a microwave and a mug.
Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday treat, this recipe is for anyone who loves the comforting taste of a glazed donut but doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of making dough, frying, or even waiting for the oven to preheat. The result? A satisfying mug of donut goodness that’ll become your new favorite quick-fix dessert.
Let’s break down exactly how to make this mug cake masterpiece, plus tips, variations, and all the info you need to get it just right every time.
Ingredients for Glazed Donut Mug Cake
This Glazed Donut Mug Cake comes together with everyday pantry ingredients. It’s perfect for when you need something sweet in a hurry, and the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Mug Cake:
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons milk (you can use any milk or non-dairy alternative)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ tablespoon milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make a Glazed Donut Mug Cake
Follow these simple steps to whip up your own glazed donut in a mug. With minimal prep and cooking time, you’ll be enjoying your sweet treat before you know it!
Step 1: Choose Your Mug
Start by selecting a microwave-safe mug. Ideally, use one that holds at least 8-12 ounces to give the cake room to rise without overflowing. A deep mug will ensure the cake stays neat and contained while cooking.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In your mug, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix the ingredients well to ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed. This will give the cake its lift and help achieve that fluffy, donut-like texture.
Step 3: Stir in the Wet Ingredients
Now, pour in the milk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until you have a smooth batter. Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the mug to incorporate all the dry ingredients into the wet for a consistent, lump-free batter.
Step 4: Microwave to Perfection
Place your mug in the microwave and cook on high for about 60 to 90 seconds. The time will depend on the power of your microwave, but you’ll know it’s ready when the cake has risen, the surface looks set, and it’s slightly springy to the touch. Avoid overcooking as this could make the cake dry.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
While the cake cools slightly, prepare your simple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thin enough to drizzle, but thick enough to coat the cake nicely.
Step 6: Glaze Your Cake
Once the cake has cooled for about a minute, pour the glaze over the top. It will seep into the warm cake, mimicking the delicious coating of a classic glazed donut. For an extra special touch, let some glaze drip down the sides for a messy, irresistible look.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Dig in while the cake is still warm, and enjoy the soft, sweet, donut-like goodness. This Glazed Donut Mug Cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it’s so quick and easy you can make another anytime you want!
Pro Tips for the Best Mug Cake
- Don’t Overfill the Mug: Make sure to leave room at the top of the mug for the cake to rise. If your mug is too small, the batter could overflow during cooking, making a mess.
- Microwave Times Vary: All microwaves are different, so the cooking time may vary slightly. Start by cooking for 60 seconds and check if the cake is set. If it still looks undercooked, microwave in 10-second increments.
- Glaze Consistency: Adjust the glaze to your liking. If it’s too thick, add a few more drops of milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Make It Vegan: Swap out the milk for a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and use a vegan butter substitute for a completely dairy-free version.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
While this cake is undoubtedly a sweet treat, it’s great to know the nutritional breakdown. Here’s a rough estimate for the Glazed Donut Mug Cake:
- Calories: 330
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Sugar: 23g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
Keep in mind that additional toppings, like extra glaze or ice cream, will change these values slightly.
Flavor Profile
This Glazed Donut Mug Cake is a delicious balance of sweetness and simplicity. The cake itself has a light vanilla flavor with just the right amount of sweetness, mimicking a traditional donut in both taste and texture. The glaze adds a sweet, sugary coating, with the subtle warmth of vanilla tying everything together. The result is a warm, comforting treat that tastes like it came straight from a bakery, but with none of the hassle.
Recipe Variations
One of the great things about this mug cake is how easily it can be customized. If you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few variations to change things up:
- Cinnamon-Sugar Donut Mug Cake: Mix ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the batter for a classic cinnamon-sugar flavor. Top with a cinnamon-sugar mixture instead of glaze for a bakery-style twist.
- Chocolate Glaze Donut Mug Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the glaze and stir until smooth for a rich, chocolate glaze that complements the light vanilla cake beautifully.
- Lemon Glazed Mug Cake: Swap the vanilla extract for lemon extract and add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter. Then, replace the vanilla in the glaze with lemon juice for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Jam-Filled Donut Mug Cake: For a jelly donut-inspired version, spoon a tablespoon of your favorite fruit jam into the center of the batter before microwaving. The jam will melt into the cake, creating a delicious surprise with each bite.
- Maple Glazed Mug Cake: For a fall-inspired treat, use maple syrup in place of vanilla extract in the glaze and sprinkle a little cinnamon on top.
How to Store Leftovers
This Glazed Donut Mug Cake is best enjoyed fresh, straight out of the microwave, but if you happen to have leftovers (or if you want to make it ahead), it can be stored. Cover the cake and keep it at room temperature for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat it, simply microwave it for about 10-15 seconds to reheat and soften it.
Keep in mind that because of its quick cooking time, this recipe is perfect for single servings. It’s so easy to make that you can whip up a fresh one whenever the craving strikes!
Serving Suggestions
While this mug cake is delightful on its own, you can take it to the next level with a few simple serving ideas:
- Top with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the warm mug cake creates a hot-and-cold contrast that’s hard to resist. The melting ice cream mixes with the glaze for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Add Fresh Fruit: A handful of fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries, pairs beautifully with the sweet vanilla flavor and adds a refreshing contrast.
- Sprinkles: For a fun, colorful twist, add rainbow sprinkles on top of the glaze before it sets for a festive, donut-shop look.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a light, airy contrast to the dense, moist cake.
Seasonal Suggestions
This Glazed Donut Mug Cake can be enjoyed any time of the year, but you can tweak the recipe for seasonal variations:
- Spring: Incorporate fresh fruit flavors like lemon or strawberry into the cake or glaze for a bright, fresh treat.
- Summer: Serve the cake with a scoop of fruity ice cream or sorbet, like raspberry or mango, to add a summery vibe.
- Fall: Add warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the batter for a fall-flavored donut cake. Pair with a maple or apple cider glaze.
- Winter: Incorporate peppermint extract into the glaze and top with crushed candy canes for a festive holiday mug cake.
Ingredient Cost Estimate
This Glazed Donut Mug Cake is not only quick and easy, but it’s also budget-friendly. Here’s a rough breakdown of the cost for each ingredient (prices may vary based on location):
- Flour (4 tbsp): $0.05
- Sugar (2 tbsp): $0.03
- Baking Powder (½ tsp): $0.02
- Milk (3 tbsp): $0.05
- Vegetable Oil (2 tbsp): $0.10
- Vanilla Extract (¼ tsp): $0.05
- Powdered Sugar (2 tbsp): $0.03
Total estimated cost per serving: $0.33
