
All the single ladies, now put your hands up! I have a single serving recipe for you. For one. And it’s a good one.
My first red velvet recipe, and it is obviously a mug cake. Because I am obsessed, and I have a big sweet tooth.
But with Valentine’s day poking it’s ugly head at us at the end of the week, we all need a little treat to help us deal with the copious amounts of pink, red and white that are surrounding us at every turn.
May as well put all those colors into our own little mug treat.
This might be one of my favorite mug cakes yet. Not only is it oh so cute, it is also super delicious and soft, not spongy or dry like some of the mug cakes I have tried in my day.
The trick with mug cakes is to let them cool. I know that sounds like torture, but if you don’t want to burn the roof of your mouth (done it so many times) or have a tasteless mug cake, please wait around 15 minutes or more.
But how can you wait that long? Just make creamy cream cheese frosting! Or do a chore to take your mind off of it. Like the dishes. The best part about it is you will have your single-serving cake as a perfect dessert reward at the end.

Red Velvet Mug Cake Ingredients
You just need a handful of ingredients to make this red velvet mug cake recipe. All you need is:
For the cake batter:
- milk
- white vinegar
- all-purpose flour
- white sugar
- cocoa powder
- neutral oil (I like using either vegetable oil or coconut oil)
- red food coloring
For the quick cream cheese frosting:
- cream cheese
- butter
- icing sugar
- milk
- vanilla extract
- heart sprinkles

Tips & Variations
Make sure you are using a large microwave-safe mug! So many times, I have grabbed a coffee mug and realized (after making the mug cake) that it was not microwave safe! You also want to make sure that the mug is big enough. I recommend at least a 6-8 oz mug.
Use a more natural food colouring. Instead of using artificial food coloring, you can also use beet juice for a healthier option to get that red color. You will need to add a little bit more of this than store bought coloring however.
Switch up the frosting, and add some mix-ins! This recipe is so versatile, I love switching it up. Try making cream cheese icing instead of frosting, or mixing in some mini chocolate chips. Make it your own, it’s a day to celebrate you after all!
More Single Serving Dessert Recipes
Like this delicious Red Velvet Mug Cake? Then you will love these recipes for microwave mug cakes for an easy treat:
If you make this recipe, let me know how you liked it! Give it a star rating, leave a comment and tag me with #atasteofmadness on Instagram! I always love seeing what you are creating!

Red Velvet Mug Cake
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 Tbsp + 2 tsp milk, divided
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 Tbsp oil
- 1-2 drops red food color gel
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 oz butter, softened
- 3/4 cups icing sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp milk
- 1/4 Tbsp vanilla extract
- heart sprinkles
Instructions
- Mix together 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons of milk and the vinegar in a microwave safe mug. Let sit for 3-4 minutes.
- Mix in the remaining cake ingredients (including the other 1 tablespoon of milk) until fully combined.
- Microwave for around 1 minute, and let stand for around 15 minutes to allow cake to cool.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese frosting ingredients until smooth. Frost the cooled mug cake, and top with sprinkles!
We often have cake wars as my husband is not a cake fan whereas I am. this is perfect for my situation. to red velvet cake for myself this weekend.
Yes!! That’s amazing!
The rich and moist cake is bursting with classic red velvet flavor, and it’s so convenient to make in just a few minutes. It’s the perfect treat for any red velvet lover!
Yes, so good!!
Love this Red Velvet Mug Cake recipe, looks so delicious and is easy to make. Thanks for sharing 🙂
You’re welcome 🙂
My husband and I have recently become empty nesters. I love that we can make dessert for just the two of us 🙂 These mug cakes are SO delicious. Thanks for the tip about letting them cool. There is nothing worse than burning the roof of your mouth.
Agree!!!
Such an easy and fun way to make red velvet cake! Saving this recipe for Valentine’s Day 🙂
Yay! Let me know how it goes 😉
Oh my Cathleen another tasty treat and I love that it’s just enough for one!
Yeah. Celebrate YOU this Valentine’s day 🙂
Good heavens, these look and sound scrumptious. 🙂
Thank you so much Elizabeth 🙂
I dont know if you`re ever watched Spongebob, or seen Squidward say "hamana hamana" before… but those were my thoughts when I first laid my eyes on these precious cake!! (link to the hamana: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKXjk3JexSg)
Love how cute this looks!
Just put my email in again..:) to follow you..hope it works..Happy Valentine's weekend..we could have used you w/ Lucas' homework..Geesh..he is in grade 4..and had to learn congruent angles..etc..My husband is an engineer (was) and we had to refresh our memories..seems to me geometry was in high school..
Your ♥ adorned mug cake is adorable.
What an adorable red velvet V-Day dessert 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
This is gorgeous! I'm really enjoying your mug cake obsession — so much fun. You've outdone yourself with this one — thanks.
The mug cake looks yummy and that reminds me. I've never baked a mug cake before, must try! Thanks for the recipe.
What about married dudes? Can we make this mug cake, too? Because it looks awesome! I actually don't think I've ever made a mug cake…but I clearly need to fix this problem. And soon. This looks awesome…and perfect for Valentine's Day!!
RED VELVET mug cake…this is almost too easy given how addicted I am to red velvet!
What a fun dessert! Perfect for Valentine's Day or to whip up when you need (or want!) a quick dessert.