My roundup of mug cake recipes because so popular, I thought I’d do a vegan version since my partner loves these.
This cozy vegan gingerbread mug cake is my new favorite holiday treat for those days when I want something warm and festive but don’t feel like baking an entire cake.
It’s soft, fluffy, full of warm gingerbread spices, and comes together in literally one minute in the microwave.
I love topping it with a big spoonful of coconut whipped cream and Christmas sprinkles, it feels like a tiny personal dessert that instantly makes the whole season feel magical.
I’ve made this more times than I should admit—sometimes after a stressful workday, sometimes while watching Netflix, and sometimes just because the night felt like it needed something sweet and cozy.
This has no eggs, no dairy, no mess, just pure Christmas comfort in a mug. You stir everything together in one cup, microwave it, and boom! You’ll have yourself a mug cake!
Please note that this post includes affiliate links to tools I use in my kitchen. If you decide to click on a link and make a purchase, I may make a commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips to Make It Even More Delicious
• Use a wide microwave-safe mug — I love using stoneware mugs because they heat evenly.
• A tiny silicone spatula helps mix the batter cleanly in the mug.
• For perfect texture, microwave in 10-second increments after the 60-second mark; every microwave is different.
• Top with coconut whipped cream from a cream whipper can if you want it extra fluffy.
Vegan Gingerbread Mug Cake (Coconut Whipped Cream)
Course: DessertDifficulty: Medium1
Mug Cake3
minutes2
minutesIngredients
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp brown sugar
¼ tsp baking powder
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp cinnamon
1 pinch nutmeg
1 pinch salt
3 tbsp almond milk (or any plant milk)
1 tbsp neutral oil
1 tbsp molasses
½ tsp vanilla extract
Coconut whipped cream + sprinkles for topping (optional)
Directions
- In a microwave-safe mug, mix the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Add the almond milk, oil, molasses, and vanilla and stir until a smooth batter forms with no dry pockets. Microwave on high for 60–75 seconds until the top looks set and springs back when touched.
- Let it sit for 1 minute to finish cooking, then top with coconut whipped cream and festive sprinkles before serving warm.
- I personally love this after big savory meals – it really hits the spot!
Variations
Vegan Gingerbread Mug Cake (Coconut Whipped Cream)
Course: DessertDifficulty: Medium1
Mug Cake3
minutes2
minutesIngredients
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp brown sugar
¼ tsp baking powder
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp cinnamon
1 pinch nutmeg
1 pinch salt
3 tbsp almond milk (or any plant milk)
1 tbsp neutral oil
1 tbsp molasses
½ tsp vanilla extract
Coconut whipped cream + sprinkles for topping (optional)
Directions
- In a microwave-safe mug, mix the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Add the almond milk, oil, molasses, and vanilla and stir until a smooth batter forms with no dry pockets. Microwave on high for 60–75 seconds until the top looks set and springs back when touched.
- Let it sit for 1 minute to finish cooking, then top with coconut whipped cream and festive sprinkles before serving warm.
- I personally love this after big savory meals – it really hits the spot!
Variations & Substitutions
Add 1 tbsp mini chocolate chips for a chocolate-gingerbread twist.
Stir in a teaspoon of applesauce for extra moisture.
Top with maple syrup or a drizzle of vegan caramel.
Add a pinch of cloves for a stronger gingerbread spice profile.
Swap almond milk with oat milk or soy milk.
Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar.
Use avocado oil, melted coconut oil, or any neutral oil.
If you’re out of molasses, use maple syrup + a pinch of extra cinnamon (though flavor will be milder).
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest, share it with friends, or leave a review below!
Whether you’re craving a little self-care treat after a long day or just want to impress your friends with a “fancy” dessert that takes under 5 minutes, this mug cake never disappoints.
And trust me—it tastes even better eaten straight from the mug with a spoon in bed.
