This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
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!
Table of Contents
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
Video
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!
Just made this in the microwave. It was delicious. Thank you very much.
You are so welcome, Terri- Thanks so much for trying it out!
Hi. I’ve just made these. What’s the T measurement please for the coconut flour? I thought it was maybe tablespoons but my mixture was very wet so had to add more flour. Was still pretty delicious even if it was more coconutty than cinnamon
Hi Michele! It is tablespoons, but some coconut flours differ (along with protein powder) so you may like to add a little more 🙂
Cream Cheese has no carbs or sugar in it so if you use some cream cheese with a sugar sub and a little
vanilla this should be allowed for a small amount of frosting. Unlike yogurt which is full of sugar especially the
low fat. When it says low fat on anything to make up for taste they add sugar.
That is absolutely correct- Thanks, Judith!
This sounds do yummy! Please tell me what you use as your “granulated” sweetener!? Would Honey work even though it isn’t “granulated”?
Thank you sooo much! ?❄⛄☃?
Hi Christine! 🙂 I use a monk fruit sweetener, which is similar to stevia. I haven’t tried it with honey- It should work, but you’d need to adjust the liquids 🙂
This was awesome. Thank you for the recipe. I recently switched to a low to no carb diet and I often crave pastries. This hit the spot.
Hi Yolanda! Thank you so much for your feedback- Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Just made this and I have had some bad baking bouts with sweets so I was very doubtful this would be different (I am sure it’s me not you.. 😉 ) the mug cake part came out pretty good- I botched the glaze and put half/half in with coconut butter and then into the microwave- DOH! In My impatience to eat it I drizzled with sugar free caramel and added a dollop of whipped peanut butterrrrrr…. omg. you see where this is going? SO GOOD. My husband even came from the other side of the house to see what smelled so good… luckily he didn’t find me eating my precious in the corner like Gollum. Thanks for the recipe!
You are SO welcome, and you get bonus points because you ate it Gollum style 😀
Oh YUM. This definitely satisfied my sweet cravings… and even better since it was all stuff in my pantry! I didn’t have coconut butter for the drizzle, however, so I put a spoonful of nut butter on top – perfect!! Thank you!
😀 you are so welcome, Jess- Love the addition of nut butter 🙂
I love the gold spoon you have in your fabulous looking mug cake. What kind of critter is that on the top?
Hi Donna! Haha, I’m not sure sorry- I think it’s just the Persian design?
Where do you get coconut butter?!? Where is it found in a store?
Hi Donna! Most health food stores stock it, also supermarkets are now selling it too- If not, feel free to drizzle some full fat coconut cream mixed with a dash of sweetener 🙂
Hi, I’m probably THE only one who is confused what the ‘T’ in your recipe means, but is it Table spoon? I NEED to make them this weekend 🙂 thank you x
Hi Juste! It stands for tablespoon (15 mls)- Sorry for the confusion!
Looks great! Do know how many net carbs are in one serving? Thank you for sharing!
Hi Darla! Absolutely, if you add in your own protein powder you use into a calorie calculator, it will provide it for you 🙂 Enjoy!
Hi Arman! I have to admit that while making this I was really doubting that it would turn out anything like a mug cake but I was so pleasantly surprised! The consistency was truly cake-like. I had cinnamon roll mug cake for dinner and didn’t feel any guilt! Thank you! One little thing – I used Lakanto for all of the sweetener (a zero-glycemic sweetener made with Monk fruit extract and erithrytol for anyone unfamiliar with it) and I think that the next time I make it I will try using coconut sugar for half the sweetener. One question – I couldn’t finish the entire cake. Have you tried saving some and eating it the next day? Thanks for creating great recipes for those of us trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle while still sometimes hankering for those comfort foods!
Hi Michelle! Ohhh I love using Lakanto- It works just as ell as erythritol! You certainly can save whatever you don’t finish, I’d recommend drizzling some dairy free milk over it if it’s too firm and warm up.
This recipe sounds great. Cinnamon is one of my favorite seasonings and combined with the benefits of a protein powder, this is a winner. I have experimented with baking with protein powder and egg whites but have not yet found the right emulsifier to provide a good consistency.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Holly! I think it really does depend on the protein powder VS the actual protein powder and egg white combination- SO much trial and error haha! 🙂
Some of my family members don’t like cinnamon either–like what? Clearly they’ve never had it right. BUT, Cinnabon was always a favorite. I would LOVE to try making this mug cake sometime! Perfect for a snack!