Strawberry Shortcake Mug Cake Recipe

Some recipes just feel like a warm hug. For me, this Strawberry Shortcake Mug Cake is one of them. It’s the taste of a summer afternoon, all packed into a single, warm mug. If you love easy strawberry desserts, you might also enjoy our fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow for a fun, shareable treat.

It takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen. She’d make a big shortcake for the family, but sometimes, you just need a little treat for yourself. This is that treat, ready in minutes.

It’s the perfect quick fix for a late-night craving or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. No fuss, no big mess, just pure, simple comfort.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American
• Category: Dessert
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 minute 30 seconds
• Total Time: 6 minutes 30 seconds
• Servings: 1

The Story Behind This Classic Recipe

I think we all have that one dessert that whispers of home. For me, it’s strawberry shortcake. My grandma made hers with tender biscuits and berries she’d macerate with a little sugar until they were juicy and perfect.

But life gets busy. Sometimes, you don’t have time to bake a whole cake or even a tray of biscuits. That’s where this mug cake comes in. It captures that same spirit—the soft cake, the sweet berries, the creamy topping—in a way that fits right into a modern, hectic day. It’s a little nod to tradition, made just for you.

What Makes This the *Traditional* Way

This isn’t about fancy techniques. It’s about honoring the simple, honest flavors of the original. A real strawberry shortcake is about the berries first and foremost.

That’s why we start with real, chopped strawberries right in the batter. They soften and burst as the cake cooks, creating little pockets of jammy fruit. We also use buttermilk powder or a touch of real buttermilk if you have it. That tang is the secret ingredient that gives the cake its classic, old-fashioned taste. For another dessert that celebrates the strawberry and chocolate combination, try our decadent Strawberry Chocolate Cake.

The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)

Gather your simple staples. You likely have most of these in your pantry right now, which is part of the magic.

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon buttermilk powder (or use 3 tbsp buttermilk instead of regular milk)
• 2-3 medium strawberries, finely chopped
• For serving: whipped cream and extra sliced strawberries

How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did

Making this is as easy as remembering the recipe. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect little cake.

1. In a standard 12-ounce microwave-safe mug, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and buttermilk powder.
2. Add the milk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Stir with a fork or small whisk until just combined and no dry pockets remain.
3. Gently fold in your finely chopped strawberries. This is key for those juicy bursts of flavor.
4. Microwave on high for about 1 minute and 30 seconds. Start checking at 1 minute 15 seconds. The cake is done when the top looks dry and springs back lightly to the touch.
5. Let it cool in the mug for just a minute or two. It will be very hot!
6. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh strawberry slices. Dig in while it’s warm.

My Tips for Perfecting This Classic

A couple of small tricks can make a big difference. They help you get that perfect, tender crumb every single time.

First, do not overmix the batter. Stir until it just comes together. A few small lumps are just fine. Overmixing makes the cake tough.

Second, microwaves vary in power. If yours runs hot, start with 1 minute 15 seconds. The cake should be moist but not wet. It’s better to check early and add 10-second bursts if needed.

How to Store and Enjoy Later

Mug cakes are truly best enjoyed fresh and warm, right after you make them. The cake can get a bit dense if it sits.

If you must save it, let it cool completely in the mug, then cover the top tightly with plastic wrap. You can keep it at room temperature for a few hours. For the best experience, I really recommend making it fresh each time. It only takes minutes!

Nutrition Notes

This is a treat, pure and simple. Here’s a basic look at what’s in your cozy mug cake, without the whipped cream topping.

• Calories: ~350
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 32g
• Protein: 5g

Your Questions About This Classic Recipe

Here are answers to a couple of common questions I get about this single-serve dessert.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

You can, but make sure to thaw and drain them very well first. Chop them small. Excess liquid from frozen berries can throw off the batter and make it soggy.

What if I don’t have buttermilk powder?

No problem! The easiest swap is to use 3 tablespoons of real buttermilk instead of the regular milk. If you don’t have that, add 1/4 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to your 3 tablespoons of milk, let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly, then use it in the recipe.

Can I make this without a microwave?

You can bake it! Prepare the batter in a small, greased oven-safe ramekin. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

I hope this little recipe finds its way into your kitchen on one of those nights when you need something sweet, fast, and full of heart. It’s a small tradition you can make anytime. And if you’re looking for more baked treats that combine fruit flavors, our Pumpkin Banana Muffins with Strawberry Lemon Glaze are a wonderful choice.

It proves that a taste of comfort doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as a mug, a few ingredients, and a minute in the microwave.

I’d love to hear if this brings back memories for you, or if it becomes your new favorite microwave dessert. Let me know how yours turned out in the comments below, and please give it a rating if you loved it!