Red Velvet Mug Cake

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Treat yourself to a delicious and easy-to-make red velvet mug cake with only a few ingredients. Enjoy this decadent dessert in minutes without turning on the oven.

Frosted red velvet mug cake with spoon and cocoa.

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You will love the rich, velvety texture and vibrant red hue of this easy-to-make mug cake. It's a dessert perfect for anyone who wants to satisfy their sweet tooth without having to bake an entire cake.

The best thing about mug cakes is how quick they are to prepare. Mix everything in a microwave-safe mug, pop it in the microwave for a minute or so. Top it with a simple cream cheese frosting, and voila! You have yourself a delicious single-serving treat.

Ingredients

To make this red velvet mug cake, you'll need basic ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and some red food coloring.

Here's the complete list of ingredients for the cake and frosting.

all-purpose flour
cocoa powder
oil
vanilla extract
sugar
milk
baking powder
salt
apple cider vinegar
red food coloring
cream cheese
powdered sugar

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Follow these easy step-by-step directions to make this quick single-serving cake.

Adding vinegar to other batter ingredients in mixing bowl.

Blend together all ingredients except for the red food coloring in a mixing bowl until smooth.

Adding red food coloring to batter mixture.

Add in red food coloring until you reach your desired color of red.

Pour the batter into a well greased mug or ramekin.

Microwave on high for 1 minute to 90 seconds or until done to your liking.

Adding sugar to cream cheese in mixing bowl.

Blend together the cream cheese and powdered sugar.

Cream cheese frosting added to red velvet mug cake.

Spread the icing over the mug cake before serving.

Variations

There are several ways to add your personal touch to this classic dessert.

Instead of topping the cake with cream cheese frosting, you can add whipped cream to give it a touch of sweetness and decadence.

Add fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries on top of the cake for a lighter option. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the cake and provides a refreshing contrast in flavors. Air fryer strawberries are a suitable topping too.

You can also substitute some ingredients for healthier options like using almond flour instead of regular flour or coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar.

Tips

Use high-quality ingredients: To make the perfect red velvet mug cake, it's crucial to use good-quality ingredients.
Don't over-mix the batter: Over-mixing can make your cake tough and chewy, so mix until everything is combined. A few lumps are okay; they will disappear while cooking.
Adjust cooking time: Every microwave has different wattage settings so the ideal cooking time may vary. Start with one minute of cook time on high power and adjust accordingly.
Add some texture: You can add some crunch to your red velvet mug cake by adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans or chocolate chips to the batter before microwaving.
Top it off: Once your red velvet mug cake is cooked, top it off with whipped cream or frosting of your choice for an extra indulgent treat!

Serving suggestions

Instead of frosting, try serving your cake with a dollop of vegan whipped cream and fresh berries. Another idea is to serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle caramel sauce over the top, adding a rich and decadent touch to the dish. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top can enhance the aroma and taste even further.

The red velvet mug cake goes well with a cup of coffee. Combining sweet cake with bitter coffee creates an unbeatable flavor pairing that will satisfy any sweet tooth and provide warmth.

Storage

The best way to store the cake is in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Once it’s cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.

If you won’t be eating it within 3 days, you can freeze the mug cake for up to 1 month. To do so, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container before freezing. When you’re ready to eat the cake, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQ

Can I make the red velvet mug cake without vinegar?

Vinegar is used to help the cake rise and give it a tangy flavor. A simple substitute is to use lemon juice instead. You can also add more baking powder or baking soda to help with the leavening process. Another option is to use buttermilk instead of vinegar but you may need to adjust the liquid since it's thicker.

How can I make it a healthier treat?

To reduce calories, you can use applesauce or mashed banana instead of oil. Using a zero-calorie sugar substitute and low-fat milk can lower the calories even more.

Can I make this mug cake with a box mix?

You can turn any box cake mix into a mug cake by following our cake mix mug cake recipe.

Red velvet mug cake with spoonful taken out.

Related Recipes

Mug cakes are the perfect dessert for one or two. Here are a few more recipes you may want to try.

Peanut butter chocolate mug cake is sure to satisfy.
Nutella mug cake combines the flavor of chocolate with hazelnut.
Chocolate chip mug cake tastes like a fresh soft baked cookie.
Carrot mug cake is an indulgent treat made in minutes.
Hot cocoa mug cake is made with a hot chocolate mix.

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