Easiest 3 Ingredient Cake Mix Mug Cake (Gluten Free)

Satisfy your cake cravings in seconds with this easy Cake Mix Mug Cake recipe! It whips up with just 3 simple ingredients you already have in your pantry and the best part is, you can make it with your favorite cake mix so it's easily made gluten free & vegan friendly. With endless flavor options, this easy mug cake recipe is the perfect quick treat to enjoy anytime the craving strikes.

If you're someone like me who has a major sweet tooth cravings for desserts hit often, but you don't always want to bake a whole cake (or have enough people to share it with for that matter!) This easy, single-serving dessert is the perfect sweet treat that whips up right in your microwave with pantry staple ingredients and will instantly satisfy your sweet cravings!

Looking for more single serve desserts or mug cake recipes? Try this 3 Ingredient Chocolate Protein Mug Cake, 3 Ingredient Chocolate Banana Mug Cake, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Mug Cake or this easy Healthy Chocolate Mousse recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It is so easy! If you love cake but don't love baking, this simple recipe is perfect for you. It whips up in around 2 minutes and will satisfy the strongest of sweet cravings!

• It uses pantry staple ingredients. Chances are you have a can of pumpkin puree & a box of cake mix in your pantry and milk in your fridge. If not, check the ingredients & tested substitutions portion of the post where I offer you simple alternatives to swap in.

• It makes a single serving. Sometimes you just need a sweet treat quick and don't want to be bothered with making an entire cake, which makes this cake mix mug cake the perfect dessert!

Please note this post contains affiliate links.

Cake Mix Mug Cake Ingredients & Tested Substitutions

• Cake Mix. I used my favorite gluten free chocolate cake mix (it has chocolate chips right in the mix!) and vanilla cake mix from Modern Bread & Bagel, but the best part about this recipe is that you can literally use any cake mixes you like.

• Pumpkin Puree. I used organic pumpkin puree in lieu of canola oil keep the fat content down, but you can use canola oil or another neutral oil like avocado oil if you prefer. Additionally, applesauce can be used as a substitute. Opt for natural unsweetened applesauce to avoid added sugars.

• Milk. My preference is almond milk, but any kind of milk will work here. You can also use water instead or, if you're making chocolate cake, using cooled coffee or chocolate milk would be delicious!

Expert Tips, Tricks & Favorite Add Ins

• Always be sure to use a microwave-safe mug! If you don't have one, a small heat safe mug size ramekin will work.

• Pay close attention to cooking time. Depending on the wattage of your microwave, I find that 60-75 seconds is enough time for the cake batter to fully cook. You can always double check to ensure it's fully cooked by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the mug cake is done.

• Be careful not to microwave the mug cake for too long as it can become rubbery. I recommend the toothpick trick to check doneness and if it still needs a little time, microwave it in 5 second increments. If the toothpick comes out just about clean, I would avoid microwaving it anymore and just allow the cake to cool for a few minutes at room temperature as it will continue to cook itself in the mug.

• Allow the mug cake to cool before adding toppings like frosting to avoid the frosting melting completely.

• Play with different flavors! Add 1-2 tablespoons of strawberry powder to yellow cake mix if you don't have strawberry cake mix or use a spice cake mix and top it with cream cheese frosting.

• If you're using chocolate mug cake mix, try using cooled coffee or chocolate milk instead of regular milk to enhance the chocolate flavors.

• Top your chocolate mug cake with chocolate frosting, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows & crushed graham crackers to make a S'Mores mug cake!

• Make a funfetti mug cake by adding sprinkles to your vanilla mug cake when mixing the cake batter. Top it off with vanilla frosting and more sprinkles!

• Use angel food mix and top it off with whipped topping or vanilla ice cream and fresh fruit.

• Add a tablespoon of peanut butter powder and a handful of dark chocolate chips to the chocolate mug cake recipe for a double chocolate peanut butter treat!

• Add a few tablespoons of your favorite protein powder for a little extra protein boost.

• Top your mug cake with a scoop of Ninja Creami protein ice cream in Vanilla, Chocolate, Coffee or Mint Chip!

Cake Mix Mug Cake Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the cake batter. Lightly grease a microwave safe mug with olive oil or your favorite cooking spray. Add the box cake mix, pumpkin puree and milk to the mug and mix well using a fork until no clumps remain.

2. Microwave. Place the mug in the microwave & heat for 60 seconds. After 60 seconds, check for doneness using a toothpick inserted into the center of the mug cake. If it is not fully cooked, an easy way to avoid over cooking the mug cake is to reheat it in 5 second increments. 

3. Add toppings. Add toppings like frosting, sprinkles or chocolate chips & enjoy!

How to Store Cake Mix Mug Cakes

If you find yourself not finishing your decadent mug cake, first of all please tell me how you have such self control, and second no worries you can easily store it! Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or place an airtight lid on the mug and place in the fridge. It will be good for up to 2 days for max freshness.

Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a 5 star rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!