This red velvet mug cake is the perfect way to enjoy a much faster version than its classic, oven-baked counterpart. Moist, chocolatey cake cooks up in your microwave in around 1 minute! Even with the cream cheese frosting, it’s ready to enjoy in less than 10 minutes total!
Mug cakes really shine for their quick preparation and convenience. You save a ton of time compared to a traditional baked cake, and still get to enjoy the rich, moist dessert.
Is the texture the same? Not quite. However, the speed in which you can enjoy it will more than make up for the lacking texture. Mug cakes are also great for 1 or 2 people, so you can enjoy just the portion you want without baking an entire cake.
Red velvet cake is perfect for Valentine’s Day, date night, or even the Fourth of July due to the color, but the rich chocolate and flavors make it perfect year round.
2 Tbsp powdered confectioners sugar (or more to taste)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can swap in buttermilk for the milk and vinegar. Sour cream or yogurt are also good substitutes here
Either liquid or gel food coloring works, though gel tends to give a richer color overall. You can also omit it, but your cake will look like a more traditional chocolate cake then
Mix ins are optional, but adding in 1 Tbsp of chocolate chips or cream cheese chips to your batter are a fun addition
If you don’t like cream cheese frosting, vanilla frosting or whipped cream are other great substitutions. Feel free to use pre-made frosting (in the tub) instead of making your own as well!
Step By Step Instructions
To a microwave safe mug, add the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, then mix well
Add the milk, vinegar, oil, vanilla, and 2 drops of red food coloring. Stir until just combined (do not overmix). You can adjust the coloring here if you need to by adding more one drop at a time, until desired shade is achieved
Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 1 minute. Add additional time in 15-second increments if needed, until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (wet crumbs are fine, just not raw batter)
Allow the cake to cool slightly while you mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar together in a small bowl. If it isn’t spreadable consistency, adjust with a little bit of milk as needed
A red velvet mug cake is a single-serving dessert cooked in the microwave that captures the essence of traditional red velvet cake in an individual, mug-sized portion.
It’s typically made with cocoa powder, buttermilk, and red food coloring for its distinctive flavor and color.
What Makes a Red Velvet Mug Cake Moist?
The moisture and tenderness in a red velvet mug cake come from ingredients like milk or buttermilk and butter or oil. Sour cream and yogurt may also be added or substituted for milk to add moisture.
To ensure your mug cake turns out perfectly, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately and avoid overcooking it in the microwave.
Are There Variations of Red Velvet Mug Cake That I Can Try for Different Flavors or Textures?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or even cream cheese frosting swirls to create unique flavors and textures.
Top it with ice cream for an a la mode option for a contrast of warm and cold.
How Long Should I Microwave a Red Velvet Mug Cake?
The microwave time for a red velvet mug cake typically ranges from 1 to 2 minutes, depending on your microwave’s wattage and the size of your mug.
It’s done when it’s risen slightly and set (not raw batter) in the center. The top may still have a slightly wet sheen to it.
Can I Make a Red Velvet Mug Cake in Advance and Reheat It Later?
A red velvet mug cake is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can make it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two.
Simply reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds before serving, though this will dry it out slightly. The cake may also be enjoyed cold, directly from the refrigerator.
What Type of Mug Is Best for Making a Red Velvet Mug Cake?
Any microwave-safe mug will work for making a red velvet mug cake. Generally, 8 ounce capacity should be considered the minimum, with 10-12 ounces being ideal. However, larger is always fine as well.
You can lightly grease the mug with cooking spray or butter before adding the batter to prevent sticking.
Can I Double or Triple the Recipe to Make Multiple Red Velvet Mug Cakes at Once?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make multiple red velvet mug cakes at once. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and divide the batter evenly among the mugs before microwaving.
For best results, microwave each mug separately. This ensures the most even cooking and keeps times consistent. Since it only takes about 1 minute, this isn’t too tedious of a process.
What Toppings or Garnishes Pair Well with a Red Velvet Mug Cake?
Popular toppings or garnishes for a red velvet mug cake include cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Get creative and add your favorite toppings!
Recipe Pro Tips
You can double (or more) this recipe to make multiple mugs for entertaining. I highly recommend cooking them one at a time, though, for best results. This is also great to give them a few minutes to cool as you work through the batch!
My mugs are very large (18 ounces), but any microwave safe mug in the 8-12 ounce range is perfect for this recipe
I made this mug cake in a 1000W microwave and it was cooked in 1 minute and 15 seconds. Other wattages and mug sizes can affect cooking times. Adjust in small (15-second) increments as needed
Storage and Serving Tips
Mug cakes are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can make them in advance and store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. If you plan to heat them up later, do not frost in advance
You can enjoy your leftover red velvet mug cake cold directly from the refrigerator, or feel free to microwave for 20-30 seconds to take the chill off (but note that it will dry the cake out slightly). Frost after heating just before serving
It’s easiest to eat mug cake right from the mug (with a spoon). However, you can turn it out onto a plate if preferred. You will want to grease your mugs with butter or nonstick spray to aid in release if this is your plan
Red velvet mug cake is the perfect option when you want a rich, moist, chocolatey cake without having to bake! This mug portion is perfect for 1-2 people, but you can also conveniently make a bunch of them for a crowd.
Due to the color, this simple dessert is of course perfect for Valentine’s Day and date night, but it’s truly something that can be enjoyed any time of year. After all, no time is bad for chocolate cake.
Finish it with some sweet cream cheese frosting, or go a la mode with some vanilla ice cream instead! Since mug cakes “bake” up in just a little over 1 minute, you can enjoy one anytime you need to satisfy your sweet tooth fast.
Easy Red Velvet Mug Cake (No Egg)
This eggless red velvet mug cake features cream cheese frosting for a decadent dessert ready in under 10 minutes. It’s perfect for Valentine’s day or any time you want a sweet treat!
2Tbsppowdered confectioners sugar(or more to taste)
Instructions
To a microwave safe mug, add the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, then mix well
4 Tbsp all purpose flour, 2 Tsp cocoa powder, 2 Tbsp granulated sugar, ½ Tsp baking powder, ⅛ Tsp salt
Add the milk, vinegar, oil, vanilla, and 2 drops of red food coloring. Stir until just combined (do not overmix). You can adjust the coloring here if you need to by adding more one drop at a time, until desired shade is achieved
4 Tbsp milk, ½ Tbsp white vinegar, 2 Tbsp oil, ½ Tsp vanilla extract, 2 Drops red food coloring
Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 1 minute. Add additional time in 15-second increments if needed, until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (wet crumbs are fine, just not raw batter)
Allow the cake to cool slightly while you mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar together in a small bowl. If it isn’t spreadable consistency, adjust with a little bit of milk as needed
You can swap in buttermilk for the milk and vinegar. Sour cream or yogurt are also good substitutes here
Either liquid or gel food coloring works, though gel tends to give a richer color overall. You can also omit it, but your cake will look like a more traditional chocolate cake then
Mix ins are optional, but adding in 1 Tbsp of chocolate chips or cream cheese chips to your batter are a fun addition
If you don’t like cream cheese frosting, vanilla frosting or whipped cream are other great substitutions. Feel free to use pre-made frosting (in the tub) instead of making your own as well!
You can double (or more) this recipe to make multiple mugs for entertaining. I highly recommend cooking them one at a time, though, for best results. This is also great to give them a few minutes to cool before frosting as you work through the batch!
I made this mug cake in a 1000W microwave and it was cooked in 1 minute and 15 seconds. Other wattages and mug sizes can affect cooking times. Adjust in small (15-second) increments as needed
Mug cakes are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can make them in advance and store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. If you plan to heat them up later, do not frost them
You can enjoy your leftover red velvet mug cake cold directly from the refrigerator, or feel free to microwave for 20-30 seconds to take the chill off (but note that it will dry the cake out slightly). Frost after heating just before serving
It’s easiest to eat mug cake right from the mug (with a spoon). However, you can turn it out onto a plate if preferred. You will want to grease your mugs with butter or nonstick spray to aid in release if this is your plan
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any toppings or decorations, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Keyword chocolate mug cake recipes, dessert for one, microwave desserts, microwave red velvet cake, red velvet cake in a cup, red velvet mug cake, red velvet mug cake with cream cheese frosting, single serve red velvet cake
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
