Boston Cream Pie Mug Cake Recipe

Boston Cream Pie Mug Cake is a quick microwave dessert inspired by the classic Boston cream pie. Despite the name, Boston cream pie is really a cake, and this single-serving version keeps the same irresistible combination: soft vanilla sponge cake, creamy vanilla pudding, and a warm chocolate topping. It is rich, comforting, and ready in about a minute, making it perfect for a fast dessert when you want something sweet without baking a full cake.

Boston Cream Pie Mug Cake on a plate behind a spoon full of cake covered in melted chocolate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Boston Cream Pie Mug Cake is made for anyone who loves easy microwave desserts. You do not need an oven, special equipment, or a long list of ingredients. If you have a microwave, a mug or microwave-safe paper cup, and a few pantry items, you can make a soft, warm cake with a creamy center and melted chocolate on top.

The base of this mug cake uses a simple mixture of vanilla cake mix and angel food cake mix. The angel food cake mix helps create a light, fluffy texture, while the vanilla cake mix adds the familiar flavor of sponge cake. Once the dry mixes are combined, the mug cake is made with just three tablespoons of the mixture and two tablespoons of water.

To give the dessert its Boston cream pie flavor, two chocolate squares and a spoonful of shelf-stable vanilla pudding are added to the center of the batter before microwaving. As the cake cooks, the pudding warms into a creamy custard-like filling, and the chocolate melts into a glossy topping that can be spread over the cake.

This recipe is especially convenient because the prepared cake mix can be stored and used whenever a craving strikes. It is also a practical treat for care packages, dorm rooms, office kitchens, or any place where a quick microwave dessert is welcome. Just remember that this particular mug cake cooks faster than many other mug cakes, so it is important to watch the timing carefully.

Ingredients

For the dry cake mixture, you will need one box of angel food cake mix and one box of vanilla cake mix. These two mixes are combined and stored together, then measured out as needed for each individual mug cake.

For each Boston Cream Pie Mug Cake, you will need three tablespoons of the prepared cake mix, two tablespoons of water, two chocolate squares, and one tablespoon of shelf-stable vanilla pudding. If you are using a mug, non-stick spray is recommended so the cake can be removed more easily. If you prefer easy cleanup, use a microwave-safe paper cup instead.

Instructions

In a gallon-size zip-top bag, combine the angel food cake mix and the vanilla cake mix. Seal the bag and shake well until the two mixes are thoroughly blended.
If using a microwave-safe mug, lightly coat the inside with non-stick spray. This helps the cake release from the mug and makes cleanup easier. If using a microwave-safe paper cup, no spray is needed.
Add 3 tablespoons of the prepared cake mix and 2 tablespoons of water to the mug or paper cup. Stir until the batter is smooth and no dry mix remains.
Place two chocolate squares in the center of the batter, then add 1 tablespoon of vanilla pudding on top of the chocolate. Try to keep the pudding near the center so it warms inside the cake.
Microwave on high for 40 seconds to 1 minute. The exact time depends on your microwave, but this cake can cook very quickly. In some microwaves, 40 seconds is enough.
Let the mug cake cool slightly before eating because the pudding can be very hot. Enjoy it directly from the mug or paper cup, or loosen the edges with a knife and turn it out onto a plate.
If serving on a plate, spread the melted chocolate over the top of the cake with a knife to give it the look of a mini Boston cream pie.

Spoon scooping up cake out of purple paper cup.

Tips

This Boston Cream Pie Mug Cake is easiest to enjoy straight from the mug or paper cup. It can be turned out onto a plate, but because it is soft and filled with warm pudding, it may not always hold together perfectly.
If you plan to remove the cake from a mug, do not skip the non-stick spray. Without it, the cake is likely to stick to the sides and may break when you try to unmold it.
Microwave-safe paper cups are a good choice when you want simple cleanup. They are also useful for college care packages, office treats, or situations where washing dishes is not convenient.
For care package use, combine the two cake mixes in a labeled gallon-size zip-top bag. Include written directions, chocolate squares, shelf-stable vanilla pudding snack packs, a measuring spoon, and either microwave-safe paper cups or non-stick spray.
Aerosol cans are not allowed in international care packages. For international mailing, microwave-safe paper cups are the better option.
Important baking note: This mug cake may take less than one minute to cook. The pudding heats quickly, and if it becomes too hot, steam can push the cake upward and cause it to pop.
Start with 40 seconds on high power, then check the cake. If the top looks set and the cake is cooked, stop there. If it needs more time, microwave in very short intervals and watch carefully.
Allow the cake to rest briefly before taking a bite. The pudding filling can be much hotter than the cake itself.

Spoonful of chocolate covered Boston Cream Pie Mug Cake with the cake in the background.

More Microwave Mug Cakes

Orange Mug Cake is a bright vanilla cake with sweet-tart marmalade flavor.

Hot Chocolate Mug Cake is a cozy microwave dessert for chocolate lovers.

Pineapple Mug Cake combines fluffy yellow cake with pineapple topping for a moist and fruity treat.

4th of July Mug Cake is a red, white, and blue funfetti-style dessert with cherry and blueberry pie filling.

Pineapple Upside Down Mug Cake has the flavor of the classic baked dessert, with vanilla cake, pineapple, and maraschino cherries.

Boston Cream Pie Cake in a Mug

A quick microwave mug cake with vanilla sponge cake, warm vanilla pudding, and melted chocolate. This single-serving dessert is inspired by classic Boston cream pie and is ready in minutes.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 1 minute

Total Time: 3 minutes

Servings: 24

Calories: 165 kcal

Author: Wendy Sondov

Ingredients

1 box angel food cake mix
1 box vanilla cake mix
Non-stick spray, if using a mug
Water
48 chocolate squares 2 per mug cake
8 shelf-stable vanilla pudding snack packs 1 snack pack makes about 3 mug cakes

Instructions

Combine the angel food cake mix and vanilla cake mix in a gallon-size zip-top bag. Seal and shake until evenly mixed.
Lightly spray a microwave-safe mug with non-stick spray, or use a microwave-safe paper cup for easier cleanup.
Add 3 tablespoons of the prepared cake mix and 2 tablespoons of water to the mug or cup. Stir until smooth.
Place two chocolate squares in the center of the batter, then add 1 tablespoon of vanilla pudding.
Microwave on high for 40 seconds to 1 minute. Begin checking at 40 seconds because the pudding can overheat and cause the cake to pop.
Let the cake cool slightly before eating. Serve in the mug or turn it out onto a plate and spread the melted chocolate over the top.

Notes

Packing tips
For a care package, combine the two cake mixes in a labeled gallon-size zip-top bag and include directions. Add chocolate squares, shelf-stable vanilla pudding snack packs, a measuring spoon, and microwave-safe paper cups or non-stick spray. For international packages, choose paper cups instead of aerosol spray.

Nutrition