This cinnamon roll in a mug is the perfect single serving dessert recipe when you are craving a fluffy cinnamon roll.
Single serving desserts are truly in a group of their own.
They are perfect when you want something sweet but don’t want to whip up a full blown recipe for it.
As someone who loves cinnamon rolls (have you tried our vegan, gluten-free, keto, and 2-ingredient versions?), I had to make a version in a mug!
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Why you’ll love this cinnamon roll mug cake recipe
Now, this recipe is a little different from our cinnamon roll for one. There is no rolling of dough and no butter, but you’d never tell!
- Quick and easy. This mug cake takes minutes to prep and even less time to make.
- Single serving sweet treat. This is the kind of dessert you make when sharing is NOT an option!
- Secretly healthy. Unlike other mug cakes, this one is actually packed with protein, and fiber, and is lower in sugar. You’d never tell, though. The texture is moist and fluffy and
- Microwave or oven option. I like to use the microwave because it’s super fast, but this dessert can be baked in the oven too..or even the air fryer (have you tried our air fryer mug cake yet?).
Ingredients needed
- Vanilla protein powder. The base of this mug cake is actually packed with protein! Opt for casein or brown rice protein powder, as these bake best.
- Baking powder. Gives the mug cake some rise and fluffiness.
- Coconut flour. When mixed with the wet ingredients, coconut flour acts like a sponge and, in turn, yields a super cakey and fluffy cake.
- Cinnamon. What is a cinnamon roll-esque recipe without the cinnamon?
- Maple syrup. Adds sweetness and moisture.
- Egg. Room temperature.
- Vanilla extract.
- Sugar. I like brown sugar but white or coconut sugar works.
For the glaze
- Confectioners sugar.
- Water or milk.
How to make a cinnamon roll in a mug
- Make the batter. In a small bowl, mix together the dry ingredients, followed by the wet ingredients until combined. Transfer the batter to a small mug and top with the extra cinnamon and sugar to make a cinnamon swirl through it.
- Microwave. Place the mug in the microwave and microwave the mug cake for 60 seconds, or until just firm on top.
- Glaze and serve. Let the mug cake cool slightly. Stir together the powdered sugar with water then frost it over the top of the cinnamon roll.
Tips and tricks
- Use the Right Mug. Choose a mug that is at least twice the size of the batter, as the mug cake will expand and double in size.
- Mix the ingredients well. Some of the dry ingredients are prone to clumping. To ensure this doesn’t happen, ensure the batter is smooth.
- Adjust the liquid. If you find the batter to be too thick, add a little more milk.
- Microwave in intervals. Not all microwaves are created equal. Those that have a lower watt setting might need to be cooked longer. I recommend 20-second intervals until done.
- Customize the filling. While delicious as is, this mug cake can be elevated with mix-ins such as walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips.
- Add a cream cheese frosting. Swap out the glaze for a thick layer of cream cheese.
Storage instructions
Mug cakes are best enjoyed fresh, and this is no exception. If you can’t finish it in one go, cover it with saran wrap and refrigerate it for up to two days. When ready to enjoy, at a splash of milk and microwave for 20 seconds.
Recommended tools to make this recipe
- Mixing bowls. To make the cake batter.
- Spatula. To mix everything together.
- Microwave safe mug. My go-to mug which yields the most perfect mug cake.
More mug cake recipes to try
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this mug cake can be baked instead of microwaved. Simply bake it in the oven at 180C/350F for 8-10 minutes, or until firm on top.
Yes, to make this recipe eggless, swap out the eggs for a prepared flax egg or any other egg substitute.
Cooking times can vary depending on the wattage of your microwave. Typically, they cook in about 60 seconds. Start with shorter intervals (around 30 seconds) and continue microwaving in 10-15 second increments until the dough is fully cooked.
Cinnamon Roll In A Mug
Ingredients
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 32-34 grams
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon coconut flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the glaze
- 2 teaspoons confectioners sugar melted
- 1 teaspoon milk
- 1 pinch cinnamon
Instructions
- Grease a microwave safe bowl with cooking spray. In a small bowl, add the protein powder, baking powder, coconut flour, cinnamon, and mix well.
- In a small bowl, add the protein powder, baking powder, coconut flour and cinnamon, and mix well. Add the maple syrup, egg, milk, and vanilla extrac. If the batter is too crumbly, continue adding milk of choice until a very thick batter is formed.
- Transfer the mixture to a microwave safe mug and sprinkle the brown sugar and extra cinnamon and swirl over the top.
- Microwave for 60 seconds, or until just cooked in the centre. Top with glaze and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
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I love how simple this looks so I’ll have to give it a try especially since the ingredients are sitting happily in my pantry. I love cinnamon and cinnamon rolls but making them can definitely be a project!
Totally, it’s my mum’s excuse to not make them- But, she did this weekend 😀
What i can replese of i don’t want to use protein powder?
Hi Sabina, the protein powder is necessary for this recipe. You could try subbing it with oat flour, but I can’t vouch for the end result 🙂
Do you mean oat fiber?
Nope, oat flour! 🙂
Cinnamon rolls are my jam (okay, anything with cinnamon. AKA any food). YUM.
😀 Thank you! Hope you enjoy it!
I love how easy and quickly this comes together, and you added a touch of coconut flour. 🙂 Cinnamon is one of my favorite spices.
🙂 Me too, I love the Saigon version from Costco!
I was having a craving for something sweet, but I’m trying to be healthier with my choices. This recipe was the best of both worlds; it soothed my sweet tooth and I don’t have to feel guilty about consuming it. Thank you, it really was quite delicious!
You are SO welcome, Jessica- Thanks for your kind words and hope you enjoy more recipes!
I’ve decided that I’m the brother you never had. I mean how does Niki not like cinnamon rolls? I think I could eat cinnamon rolls for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And then have another one for dessert! Love the easy 1-minute version here!
Haha, right? I once put cinnamon on her oatmeal and she refused to eat it!
Haha, I love cinnamon rolls too! This looks SO good – I’ll be making it for dessert tonight…?
Please do! 🙂
tested oven option…? but what temperature? 350F?
Hi Monika, it’s in the instructions! 🙂
Love this easy coconut flour mug cake– I have made cinnamon rolls (although a long time ago!), but I have NEVER made a mug cake 🙂 Bad healthy food blogger!
Hope you try this out, it’s a winner!
Nice!! My four year old cannot eat anything w gluten n unfortunately backing is not my forte but this is super easy n im going to try it today for her. Thank you!!
🙂 You are so welcome, Maria! 🙂
Do you think I could sub the protein powder for a sweetened meal shake powder? Or anything else in mind that could be subbed for the protein powder? This looks so good! I really want to try it out 🙂
Hi Jessica- I don’t see why not- Meal shakes often have protein powder in them so let me know how it turns out 🙂
So it didn’t turn out very well, very flabby and not fluffy… so I don’t know if it was the meal shake powder or not. When adding the milk however, I did add the 1/4 cup all at once… so I probably needed to add just until a thickened batter. I was just really excited to make it 🙂 will retry again!
Be sure to replace your old baking powder often. I finally figured that out after a few failed attempts at various recipes.
Kathy
Would it be too much flour in the recipe if I substituted just almond flour for the protein powder? I don’t really use protein powder for anything and I’d love to give this a go!
Hi Victoria! I do think it would be- I’d recommend you try my vanilla mug cake recipe which uses no protein powder 🙂
Hi!!, can I replace coconut flour for oatmeal? thankss!!
Hi Daniela! Absolutely- I’d increase it to at least 2 tablespoons and watch the milk of choice- You’ll find you’ll need a little less!
Wish I would have read the reply comment hahahahahaha I didn’t have coconut flower so I used steel cut oats and didn’t use less milk BUT I microwaved it 30 secs longer and it turned out! Next question… didn’t have coconut butter for the glaze what else could you possibly use?
Hi Holly! You could use slightly melted cream cheese with a dash of sweetener of choice 🙂
This is so good! I have had it for breakfast three times this week. I would proudly serve this as a desert for company!
Thanks SO much for your kind words, Anne- Glad to hear it has been a hit!
It looks absolutely delish…and, where did you get the spoon??? It’s adorable. Cherie
Hahaha thanks, Cherie- I stole it from my mum 😀
Hiya, just discovered your website through Pinterest. Good stuff!
Welcome, Emem!