Almond Flour Mug Cake

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Reader Rating
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings 1 serving

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My almond flour mug cake is incredibly moist, fluffy, and packed with rich chocolate flavor. It’s quick and easy to make, and naturally gluten-free. Microwave and oven cooking methods.

almond flour mug cake.

This almond flour mug cake is essentially a single-serve version of my family’s favorite almond flour chocolate cake. I was inspired to try it out after multiple requests one night to whip up the actual cake, but laziness prevailed (I’m human).

It has all the flavor of a classic chocolate mug cake, but using almond flour gives it a lighter and fluffier texture, with a subtle hint of nuttiness. I like to add a square of chocolate to the center to add a gorgeous pool of chocolate in the middle.

Why I love this recipe

Arman Liew
  • Quick and easy. In under 5 minutes, you’ll have this mug cake prepared, cooked, and ready to eat. 
  • Healthier. Thanks to the almond flour, this mug cake is naturally lower in net carbs and suitable for those who follow a gluten-free diet.
  • Best texture. It’s moist, rich, and fluffy.
  • Multiple cooking methods. I prefer to use the microwave, but I’ve tested it in the oven, too.

Key Ingredients

Find the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities below.

  • Almond Flour. I like using blanched or superfine almond flour. These are most similar to whole wheat or white flour (while remaining grain-free!).
  • Cocoa Powder. Dutch-processed cocoa or dark cocoa powder. Avoid cacao powder as it is a little too grainy. 
  • Baking powder. Gives the mug cake some rise and fluffiness. 
  • Maple syrup. Adds some sweetness. Agave or honey will also work. 
  • Almond Butter. Using nut butter instead of butter or coconut oil makes things a little healthier, but it also adds a subtle flavor. 
  • Milk. Any milk works, including almond milk, coconut milk, or whole milk. 
  • Chocolate Chips. Optional, but what is a chocolate-flavored mug cake without extra chocolate? 

How to make an almond flour mug cake

Step 1- Mix. In a small bowl, combine the dry ingredients and stir well.

dry ingredients in bowl.

Step 2- Finish batter. Add the almond butter milk and mix until a thick batter remains. Fold in your chocolate chips.

wet ingredients in bowl.

Step 3- Microwave. Place in the microwave and microwave for 1-2 minutes or until just set. Remove from the microwave and let sit for 1 minute before enjoying.

baked almond flour mug cake.

Recipe tips and variations

  • Use only smooth and drippy nut or seed butter. If you use a crunchy or homemade blend, it will not bake as well.
  • Choose the right mug size. I find a 12-ounce mug (around 350 mL) to be the ideal size for this recipe. Any bigger, and you risk the mug cake drying out; any smaller, and it will overflow.
  • If your cake batter is a little too thick, add an extra tablespoon or two of milk.
  • For a gooier and softer chocolate mug cake, you can reduce the baking time. The batter has no eggs, so it is safe to eat!
  • Add mix-ins. Pecans, walnuts, berries, and chocolate chips are all fabulous options. 
  • Frost it. Spread some chocolate frosting on the prepped mug cake for something truly decadent. 

Serving and storage tips

To serve: I typically enjoy this mug cake as is, but my family sometimes likes a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some extra chocolate syrup. You do you, baby!

To store: Mug cakes should be made fresh and enjoyed immediately. You can, however, store the dry ingredients mixed for up to 6 months. When ready to assemble, simply add your wet ingredients, and you are good to go! 

almond flour mug cake with a pool of melted chocolate on top.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use coconut flour?

No, this mug cake won’t work with coconut flour instead of almond flour. The former is too absorbent and will yield a dry mug cake. 

Can I make this mug cake in the oven? 

Yes, this mug cake can be made in the oven. Bake it for 7-8 minutes at 180C/350F.

More mug cake recipes

If you tried this Almond Flour Mug Cake recipe, please leave a star rating and comment. It helps others thinking of making this.

almond flour mug cake recipe.

Almond Flour Mug Cake

5 from 183 votes
This gluten-free almond flour mug cake makes the best single-serving dessert. It's moist, rich, and full of chocolate flavor. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
Servings: 1 serving
Prep: 1 minute
Cook: 1 minute
Total: 2 minutes

Video

Ingredients  

  • 2 tablespoons almond flour
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon almond butter
  • 2 tablespoons milk * See notes
  • 1 tablespoon chocolate chips

Instructions 

  • Grease a 12-ounce microwave-safe bowl or mug and set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, add the almond flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Add the almond butter, maple syrup, and milk and mix until a smooth batter remains. If it is too thick, add a little extra milk. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  • Transfer your mug cake batter into the greased mug and microwave for one minute.
  • Allow the mug cake to sit for one minute, before enjoying.

Notes

* Start with 2 tablespoons of milk. If the batter is too thick, add an extra tablespoon. 
  • Vanilla mug cake: Omit the cocoa powder and add one teaspoon vanilla.
  • Oven method: Bake the mug cake in a preheated oven at 180C/350F for 7-8 minutes. 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 212kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 7gFat: 17gSodium: 95mgPotassium: 212mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 0.2IUCalcium: 164mgIron: 2mgNET CARBS: 9g
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Originally updated July 2023, updated and republished July 2025

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, culinary school graduate, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

5 from 183 votes (153 ratings without comment)

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  1. 5 stars
    I liked It enough to eat it all quickly – had to use peanut butter vs the almond butter cause it’s all I had On hand. Used almond milk as my milk but I do Feel like the 2 tbs of milk was enough and next time I’m going to whisk it in vs add an extra splash of milk. It was not a baked enough consistency for me after I thinned it out with a splash of milk. Outside of that, it was perfect and loved the fact that it wasn’t as heavy as some of the other recipes. Thank you.