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Close up of the Original Wacky Mug Cake topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, chocolate chips, and a dusting of powdered sugar in a clear glass mug.
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The Original Wacky Mug Cake Recipe — No Eggs, Milk, or Butter!

This original Wacky Mug Cake is a simple, single-serving spin on the vintage Chocolate Crazy Cake (Depression Cake). It’s super moist, naturally vegan, made with pantry staples—no eggs, milk, or butter—and budget-friendly, with dessert ready in minutes. It’s darn good cake!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword budget-friendly, chocolate crazy cake, Crazy Cake in a Mug, Crazy Mug Cake, dairy free, Depression Mug Cake, egg free, microwave cake, no eggs no milk no butter, single serving, vegan, Wacky Mug Cake
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Servings 1

Ingredients

DRY INGREDIENTS

  • 5 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 ½ Tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cocoa (unsweetened)
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • pinch of salt

WET INGREDIENTS

  • ½ teaspoon white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (or canola oil)
  • 4 ½ Tablespoons water

Instructions

  • Prep the Mug: Using a large microwave-safe mug (16-ounce size), lightly spray the inside with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the first 5 dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt) to the mug and mix well.
  • Create Wells: After mixing the dry ingredients, use a spoon to make three separate depressions (small wells) in the dry mix.
  • Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the vinegar into one depression, the vanilla extract into another, and the vegetable oil into the third. Pour the water directly over the top of all ingredients.
  • Mix and Bake: Mix well until the batter is smooth, using a fork to scrape the bottom and sides. Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 2 minutes uncovered.
    IMPORTANT TIP: Since microwaves vary widely, start checking your cake at 1 minute 30 seconds to ensure it does not overbake and dry out!
  • Check for Doneness: Check the cake with a toothpick to ensure it comes out clean. Be sure not to over bake!
  • Serve: Top with whatever you like—frosting, powdered sugar, chocolate chips, ice cream, caramel sauce, whipped cream, peanut butter, and more. Enjoy the mug cake hot or cold.

Notes

Tips & Notes for the Perfect Mug Cake

  • Microwaves Vary! Remember, every microwave cooks differently. Cooking times will vary based on your microwave. Adjust the time accordingly—one reader needed 1 minute 20 seconds, while another needed 1 minute 40 seconds.
  • Fresh Ingredients are Key: Always ensure your baking soda and vinegar are fresh! The chemical reaction between these two ingredients is solely responsible for making this egg-free cake rise.
  • For a Neater Appearance: If you prefer a cleaner mug, mix the cake batter in a separate small bowl first, then pour the finished batter into your mug before microwaving.
  • Mix-ins: For an extra rich chocolate cake, stir in a few mini chocolate chips before cooking. And for a quick topping, throw some chips on top immediately after microwaving while the cake is still warm! Mmm, mmm good!