Name: Red Velvet Mug Cake Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup All-purpose flour; 2 tsp Cocoa powder; 1/4 tsp Baking powder; 1/8 tsp Salt; 3 tbsp Olive oil; 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract; 2 1/2 tbsp Sugar; 3 tbsp Milk; 1/2 tsp Apple cider vinegar; Red food coloring; 1 oz Cream cheese, softened; 1 1/2 tbsp Powdered sugar

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If you’re craving the rich, tangy-sweet magic of red velvet but don’t have time for a full-blown cake, a Red Velvet Mug Cake is the answer you’ve been waiting for. In just 10 minutes, you get all the luscious cocoa flavor, mild cream cheese frosting, and signature red hue of the classic treat — all packed into a single-serve dessert you’ll want to cozy up with instantly. This is that indulgent little secret you’ll come back to on rainy nights, late study sessions, or those “I-need-something-special-now” moments!

Red Velvet Mug Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe is its simplicity — each ingredient is a superstar, working together to create that iconic Red Velvet Mug Cake flavor and texture. Don’t be tempted to skip or swap much, as each element brings moisture, rise, color, or that beloved tangy bite.

All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives your mug cake its tender structure and crumb.
Cocoa powder: Just enough to lend a soft chocolate note without taking center stage.
Olive oil: Adds essential moisture and keeps the crumb soft and rich — you can sub in another neutral oil if you prefer.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth to the flavor and balances the cocoa beautifully.
Sugar: Touches your Red Velvet Mug Cake with the perfect level of sweetness.
Milk: Binds everything together, making the batter smooth and luscious.
Baking powder: Gives your cake that lovely lift while microwaving.
Salt: A pinch wakes up all the flavors and ensures it’s never bland.
Apple cider vinegar: The not-so-secret star for that classic red velvet tang and helps activate the baking powder.
Red food coloring: Gives your mug cake its brilliant crimson color — adjust for more or less intensity.
Cream cheese (softened): The creamy element for that signature icing topper.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens your icing to smooth, dreamy perfection.

How to Make Red Velvet Mug Cake

Step 1: Create the Batter Base

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, olive oil, vanilla extract, sugar, milk, baking powder, salt, and apple cider vinegar. At this point, you want a smooth, lump-free batter; the vinegar will start to react and add airiness, so don’t wait too long before moving on.

Step 2: Add the Red Coloring

Now comes the fun part: add red food coloring to the batter, a few drops at a time, until you hit your favorite shade of red. Whether you crave a deep ruby color or a more subtle blush, this is where you can make your Red Velvet Mug Cake your own. Stir well so the color is fully mixed in!

Step 3: Grease and Pour

Generously grease your favorite microwave-safe mug with a touch of oil or nonstick spray — trust me, this step makes cleanup a breeze. Pour your batter into the mug, leaving space at the top (the cake will rise as it cooks!).

Step 4: Microwave to Perfection

Place the mug in the microwave and cook for 1 minute to 90 seconds. Keep an eye on it! Every microwave is different, so start checking at 1 minute. The cake should look set but moist; don’t overbake, or it can dry out. Let it cool for a minute or two before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While your mug cake is cooling, stir together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until completely smooth and creamy. This luscious topping turns your Red Velvet Mug Cake into pure comfort food bliss.

Step 6: Frost and Enjoy

Spoon or spread the cream cheese icing right onto the warm cake in the mug. Grab a spoon and dive into your freshly made masterpiece!

How to Serve Red Velvet Mug Cake

Garnishes

You can keep things simple with just the cream cheese icing, but a little extra flourish goes a long way: try a dusting of cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or even red velvet cake crumbs if you have them from another dessert. A single fresh berry on top instantly turns your Red Velvet Mug Cake into something irresistibly Instagram-worthy.

Side Dishes

While this mug cake is lovely on its own, pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a medley of fresh berries takes the experience up a notch. If you love coffee or tea, the gentle bitterness is the perfect sip to balance the cake’s sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving in a clear glass mug shows off those beautiful red layers and creamy topping. Feeling fancy? Layer bits of mug cake and icing like a parfait, or serve with a mini spoon for a fun, café-style treat. It’s also adorable to make a few at once — just line up several mugs on a tray for a pop-up dessert bar at home!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you miraculously don’t finish your Red Velvet Mug Cake, cover the mug tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. The texture holds up beautifully, and the flavor deepens a little overnight.

Freezing

While this cake is best fresh, you can freeze an unfrosted mug cake for up to one month. Wrap the cooled cake (remove it from the mug first) in plastic, then pop it in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge, and frost just before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave the mug cake (without icing) for 15-20 seconds until just warmed through. Add the cream cheese icing afterward, so it doesn’t melt and slide away!

FAQs

Can I use a different oil instead of olive oil?

Absolutely! If you prefer a more neutral flavor, swap olive oil for vegetable oil, canola, or even melted butter. Each will keep your Red Velvet Mug Cake deliciously moist.

What kind of cocoa powder works best?

Regular unsweetened cocoa powder is all you need — Dutch-process will work, but the flavor may be richer and slightly less “tangy.” Use what you have on hand, and don’t worry too much.

How do I know when the mug cake is done cooking?

The cake should look puffed up and mostly set in the center. If you gently touch the top, it should bounce back. If it looks wet, microwave in 10-second increments until just cooked through.

Do I have to use food coloring?

Nope! While the color is classic, your Red Velvet Mug Cake will still taste wonderful if you skip the coloring. It just won’t have that dramatic red hue, but it’ll still satisfy your craving.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can! Just divide the batter between two mugs. Don’t overfill, and microwave each separately to be sure they cook evenly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for instant comfort and a touch of magic in just 10 minutes, you simply have to try this Red Velvet Mug Cake. From the gorgeous color to the tangy cream cheese finish, every bite feels like a celebration. Go ahead — treat yourself, and let this delightful little recipe become your next weeknight obsession!