Food and Recipes Desserts Cakes Red Velvet Mug Cakes Be the first to rate & review! When you crave the flavors of red velvet cake, but you don't have the time or patience for the real thing. By Christine Fiorentino Christine Fiorentino Christine Fiorentino is becoming a force in the food media world as a food writer, recipe developer, culinary-centered content creator, and lifestyle and food television personality. She connects uniquely to others by fusing her passion for cooking, wellness and spirituality, and life as a working mom. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on December 22, 2023 Rate PRINT Share Close Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Active Time: 10 mins Servings: 2 These red velvet mug cakes have a melty candy center and are topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. They are a fun and whimsical dessert you can throw together in minutes for a small holiday party, Valentine's Day dinner, or just a dessert between girlfriends. Fully prepare the mug cakes in microwave-safe mugs with just a few ingredients, and simply pop them in the microwave. In under two minutes, you’ll have dessert for two, and while it cools on the countertop, you can prepare a silky, slightly tart cream cheese frosting that compliments the hints of cocoa in the cake beautifully. This recipe may be quick and simple to prepare, but it will smell and taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Ingredients Mug Cakes: 6 Tbsp. milk 1 tsp. white vinegar 24 drops red liquid food coloring 4 Tbsp. vegetable oil 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup granulated sugar 2 tsp. cocoa powder 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. kosher salt 2 white and milk chocolate candies (such as Hershey’s Hugs) Cream Cheese Frosting: 1/4 cup (2 oz.) cream cheese 3 Tbsp. powdered sugar 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract Directions Prepare the cake: In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, white vinegar, and food coloring. Add vegetable oil and vanilla, and whisk until combined. Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Add flour: Add flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Stir until a smooth batter forms. Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Pour batter into mugs, and cook: Divide batter in half. Pour half of the batter into 2 mugs, and then place the candies in the centers. Pour remaining batter evenly into the mugs. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute 45 seconds, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool 10 minutes, until mug is cool enough to handle safely. Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Prepare the frosting: Add cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to a medium bowl. Use a fork to whisk and combine until smooth. Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Spread over cooled cakes and serve immediately. Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Rate It Print