Strawberry shortcake mug cake is everything you love about the traditional dessert soft vanilla cake, sweet strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream but made in just one mug and under 10 minutes. Whether you’re craving a quick summer treat or need a last-minute dessert, this microwave-friendly version hits the mark. In this article, we’ll share Rita’s inspiration behind the recipe, the easy step-by-step method, ways to customize your mug cake, and answers to common strawberry mug cake questions.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
A Strawberry Shortcake Memory, Reimagined in a Mug
When Summer Desserts Meet Small-Kitchen Magic
The idea for this strawberry shortcake mug cake came to Rita while flipping through her old family recipe cards stained with vanilla, strawberry juice, and sweet memories. Growing up, strawberry shortcake was a summer staple. A soft sponge layered with berries and whipped cream, served on breezy porches and pastel plates.
But in her cozy Oregon kitchen, where time is short and her oven’s more storage than appliance, she needed something faster. So she turned to what she knows best: a strawberry shortcake mug cake.
She melted butter in a mug, whisked in flour, sugar, and vanilla, then folded in just enough diced strawberries for pockets of fruit. A quick microwave later, she had a golden, spongy cake pulling away from the sides of the mug perfect.
To finish, Rita spooned on a quick strawberry whipped cream made from sweetened chopped berries and store-bought whipped topping. One bite of the warm, fluffy strawberry shortcake mug cake, and the nostalgia hit like sunshine soft cake, juicy fruit, creamy topping. It was summer in a spoonful.
Like she reminds readers in her Strawberry Mug Cake, “You don’t need a holiday or a party to celebrate dessert. You just need five minutes and a mug.”
Now, this strawberry shortcake mug cake has become one of her most-loved creations sweet, familiar, and totally doable on any day of the week.
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Strawberry Shortcake Mug Cake – A Soft, Sweet Microwave Classic in Minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 1 mug cake
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This strawberry shortcake mug cake is a quick and irresistible dessert made with butter, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream ready in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients
1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 teaspoons white sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
1 small strawberry, diced
⅔ cup whipped cream
4 strawberries, quartered
2 teaspoons white sugar
Instructions
Place butter in a large, microwave-safe mug and swirl it around the bottom and sides to coat.
Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until evenly combined.
Add the sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until a smooth batter forms.
Fold in the diced strawberry and gently press pieces into the batter.
Microwave on high for 1 minute and 15 seconds. If still wet, microwave in 10-second intervals until fully cooked.
Let cake cool slightly while preparing the whipped topping.
In a small bowl, sprinkle sugar over quartered strawberries. Stir and let sit for 2–3 minutes.
Gently fold strawberries into whipped cream, being careful not to crush them.
Top the mug cake with a generous spoonful of strawberry whipped cream and serve immediately.
Notes
Use a 10 oz or larger mug to avoid overflow.
You can substitute vegan butter and non-dairy milk for a dairy-free version.
To make the cake extra fancy, slice it in half and layer with strawberry whipped cream.
Frozen strawberries can be used if fully thawed and drained.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Mug Cakes
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
How to Make the Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Mug Cake
Step-by-Step Mug Cake in Under 10 Minutes
Creating your own strawberry shortcake mug cake is as easy as whisk, microwave, and top. With just one mug and a few ingredients, you’ll have a warm, fluffy vanilla cake bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and it takes less time than making toast.
Step 1: Start with the butter.
Melt 1 ½ tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large, microwave-safe mug. Swirl it around the base and sides to coat. This keeps your cake from sticking and adds that rich shortcake flavor.
Step 2: Mix the dry and wet ingredients.
Add ¼ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt directly to the mug. Stir. Then add 4 teaspoons sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk gently until smooth.
Step 3: Add the strawberries.
Dice 1 small strawberry and fold it into the batter. You can press a few chunks into the top for extra color and flavor. The result? A batter that’s ready to rise in the microwave into the perfect mini sponge.
Step 4: Microwave magic.
Microwave your strawberry shortcake mug cake for 1 minute and 15 seconds. If the top still looks wet, continue in 10-second intervals. When done, the cake should puff slightly, pull away from the edges, and bounce to the touch.
Let it cool slightly before topping this helps the whipped cream melt just enough to blend but not sink.
How to Make Quick Strawberry Whipped Cream
This homemade topping is what turns your strawberry shortcake mug cake into the real deal.
Step 1: In a bowl, toss 4 quartered strawberries with 2 teaspoons white sugar. Let sit while your cake cooks the sugar will macerate the fruit, making it juicy and sweet.
Step 2: After the cake is done, gently fold the macerated strawberries into ⅔ cup whipped cream. Don’t overmix a few pink streaks are fine (even beautiful).
Step 3: Spoon a dollop over the warm cake and serve immediately.
Want to try a slightly simpler version? Rita’s pineapple upside down mug cake is another quick favorite built for dessert emergencies.
Microwave Tips for Fluffy Results
- Use a mug that holds at least 10 oz to avoid overflow.
- Don’t overmix stir gently to combine.
- If your cake is too dense, reduce microwave time by 5–10 seconds.
- Let the mug cake cool for 30–60 seconds after cooking it finishes setting as it cools.
With these steps, you’ll have a strawberry shortcake mug cake that’s soft, sweet, and Instagram-worthy in just minutes.
Flavor Twists and Smart Swaps for Strawberry Shortcake Mug Cake
Make It Your Own: Flavor Variations to Try
One of the best parts about a strawberry shortcake mug cake is how easily it welcomes creativity. The classic combo of vanilla, strawberry, and cream is just the beginning.
Want to elevate the flavor? Try these simple twists:
- Lemon zest: Add 1/4 teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy twist that complements the strawberries.
- White chocolate chips: Stir in a teaspoon of vegan or dairy white chocolate chips to bring a creamy, melty surprise.
- Almond extract: Swap half the vanilla extract for almond extract to give your shortcake a subtle nutty undertone.
- Crushed graham crackers: Sprinkle on top of the whipped cream for texture like a strawberry pie meets shortcake hybrid.
- Extra berries: Mix in chopped raspberries or blueberries with the strawberries for a berry burst in every bite.
If you’ve tried Rita’s snickerdoodle mug cake, you’ll know how one small twist can transform a simple mug cake into a whole new experience.
Ingredient Swaps and Diet-Friendly Adjustments
Need to adjust the recipe to match your pantry or preferences? No problem this strawberry shortcake mug cake is flexible and forgiving.
Butter Substitutes: Use vegan butter or melted coconut oil in place of unsalted butter to make it dairy-free. The flavor will be slightly different but still rich and satisfying.
Milk Options: Any plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy, or coconut) works just as well as dairy milk in this recipe. Just keep the measurement at 3 tablespoons.
Flour Swaps: A gluten-free 1:1 flour blend can replace all-purpose flour. Avoid almond or coconut flour unless the ratio is specifically adjusted, as they absorb liquid differently.
Strawberries: If you’re out of fresh berries, thawed frozen strawberries will work. Just make sure to pat them dry thoroughly to avoid soggy spots.
No whipped cream? Use dairy-free whipped topping or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
With these customizations, your strawberry shortcake mug cake becomes endlessly adaptable ideal for weeknights, guests, or whatever cravings strike.
How to Serve, Store, and Savor Strawberry Shortcake Mug Cake
Serving Tips That Take It to the Next Level
The beauty of a strawberry shortcake mug cake is that it’s just as delightful eaten with a spoon straight from the mug as it is dressed up on a plate. If you’re serving guests or just feeling fancy, try this:
Carefully loosen the cake from the mug by running a knife around the edges. Gently invert it onto a small dessert plate. Then slice it in half horizontally to create two mini layers.
Spread half the strawberry whipped cream between the layers, stack them like a personal shortcake, and top with more cream and berries. It looks like something from a bakery but you made it in under 10 minutes.
For casual nights, go classic: microwave, dollop whipped cream on top, and dig in. Add a drizzle of honey or sprinkle of crushed cookies if you’re feeling extra.
Pair with herbal tea, cold brew, or lemonade for a sweet, refreshing combo that celebrates the season.
Can You Store Strawberry Shortcake Mug Cake?
Ideally? No. A strawberry shortcake mug cake is at its best fresh from the microwave, when the crumb is warm and soft and the whipped cream just begins to melt.
But if you must store it:
- Unassembled: Store the cake in the mug (or inverted on a plate) covered at room temperature for up to 4 hours. Reheat for 10–15 seconds in the microwave before serving.
- Assembled with whipped cream: Refrigerate in a covered container for up to 12 hours, but note that texture will soften and berries may weep slightly.
The best move? Just make it fresh it takes under 10 minutes, and the result is worth it every single time.
Conclusion: A Mug Cake That Feels Like Summer in Every Bite
In the end, a strawberry shortcake mug cake is more than a quick dessert. It’s a moment of joy, a taste of summer, and a memory made sweeter with every spoonful.
Rita created this recipe for those days when life moves too fast for layer cakes and piping bags but your heart still craves something soft, sweet, and nostalgic. With just a mug, a microwave, and a handful of strawberries, you can turn an ordinary day into something special.
Because dessert isn’t about perfection. It’s about pause, pleasure, and pouring a little love into the simple things.
Looking for more sweet inspiration?
👉 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram” for even more easy, cozy recipes made with love.
FAQ about Strawberry Shortcake Mug Cake
Can you make strawberry shortcake in the microwave?
Yes! This strawberry shortcake mug cake is designed for the microwave and takes just about 1 minute and 15 seconds to cook. It’s the fastest way to enjoy a classic flavor without turning on the oven.
What type of whipped cream is best for mug cakes?
You can use store-bought whipped cream, homemade whipped cream, or even dairy-free alternatives. For extra flavor, stir in macerated strawberries like this recipe does.
Can I use frozen strawberries in strawberry shortcake mug cake?
Yes, but make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry. Too much moisture can affect the cake’s texture and lead to soggy spots.
How do you keep mug cakes moist and fluffy?
Avoid overmixing the batter and don’t overcook it. Let the cake rest 30–60 seconds after microwaving so the heat distributes and finishes setting the crumb.