Marble Mug Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Rajani (@thegourmetschoice)

A soft, swirled, bakery-style Marble Mug Cake made right in the microwave! Fluffy vanilla batter meets rich chocolate batter, topped with creamy homemade frosting and chocolate shreds. Quick, cozy, and perfect when you can’t decide between chocolate or vanilla.

Marble Mug Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe

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Prep Time
5min
Cook Time
2min
Total Time
7min

Ingredients

1 Servings
(1 serving = 1 mug cake)

For the Vanilla Batter

  • all-purpose flour
    all-purpose flour
    3tbsp
  • sugar
    sugar
    1 1/2tbsp
  • baking powder
    baking powder
    1/4tsp
  • salt
    salt
    1pinch
  • milk
    milk
    2tbsp
  • oil
    oil
    1tbsp
  • vanilla extract
    vanilla extract
    1/4tsp

For the Chocolate Batter

  • all-purpose flour
    all-purpose flour
    2tbsp
  • sugar
    sugar
    1tbsp
  • unsweetened cocoa powder
    unsweetened cocoa powder
    1tbsp
  • baking powder
    baking powder
    1/4tsp
  • salt
    salt
    1pinch
  • milk
    milk
    2tbsp
  • oil
    oil
    1tbsp
  • vanilla extract
    vanilla extract
    1/4tsp

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • softened cream cheese
    softened cream cheese
    2tbsp
  • butter
    butter
    1tsp
  • powdered sugar
    powdered sugar
    2tbsp
  • vanilla essence
    vanilla essence
    1/4tsp

For Garnish (optional)

  • shredded chocolate or chocolate curls
    shredded chocolate or chocolate curls
    1dash

How to make Marble Mug Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Make the Vanilla Batter

  1. Step 1

    In a small bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

  2. Step 2

    Add milk, oil (or butter), and vanilla; mix until smooth.

Make the Chocolate Batter

  1. Step 1

    In another bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

  2. Step 2

    Add milk, oil (or butter), and vanilla; mix until smooth.

Layer and Swirl

  1. Step 1

    Lightly grease a large microwave-safe mug.

  2. Step 2

    Drop alternating spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batter, then swirl gently with a toothpick.

    Step 3.1: Drop alternating spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batter, then swirl gently with a toothpick

Microwave

  1. Step 1

    Cook for 80–90 seconds, until the top looks set but the center is still soft.

    Step 4.1: Cook for 80–90 seconds, until the top looks set but the center is still soft
  2. Step 2

    Let rest for 1 minute.

Make Frosting

  1. Step 1

    Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla essence until creamy.

Frost & Garnish

  1. Step 1

    Spread frosting over cooled cake and top with shredded chocolate.

    Step 6.1: Spread frosting over cooled cake and top with shredded chocolate
  2. Step 2

    Enjoy!

    Step 6.1: Enjoy!

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

0.0kcal

Protein

0.0g

Carbs

0.0g

Sugars

0.0g

Healthy Fat

0.0g

Unhealthy Fat

0.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

  2. Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk.

  3. Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for extra flavor.

  4. Use oat flour for a gluten-free option.

  5. Cook time may vary based on microwave wattage; adjust accordingly.

FAQS

  1. Can I make this recipe vegan?

    Yes, use dairy-free milk, vegan butter, and vegan cream cheese to make it vegan.

  2. What should I do if the cake turns out dry?

    Reduce the cooking time by 10 seconds to prevent dryness.

  3. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

    – Absolutely! The cream cheese frosting can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just let it soften at room temp before spreading.

  4. Can I substitute the flour for a gluten-free option?

    Yes, you can use oat flour as a gluten-free alternative.

  5. Why does the chocolate part sometimes cook faster than the vanilla part?

    – Cocoa absorbs more microwave energy, so it heats slightly quicker. A gentle swirl helps even out cooking.

  6. How do I prevent a rubbery texture?

    Avoid overmixing the batter and ensure you don't overcook the cake.

  7. Can I make the marble effect without a toothpick?

    – Yes! You can use the tip of a butter knife, a chopstick, or even the handle of a spoon.

  8. Why does my mug cake feel rubbery if I reheat it?

    – Mug cakes dry out fast in the microwave. If you must reheat, cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 10-second bursts.

  9. Can I store the mug cake for later?

    It is best eaten fresh, but if frosted, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.

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thegourmetschoice's profile picture

Rajani

(@thegourmetschoice)

I’m Rajani, a passionate cook with over 15 years of experience creating delicious, approachable dishes. My love for food began in childhood, inspired by watching...

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