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My cinnamon mug cake recipe is ready in under a minute, and my family swears it tastes just like a warm, fluffy cinnamon roll–glaze and everything!
If you’re looking for more single serve dessert recipes, try my muffin in a mug, single serve chocolate chip cookie, or single serve oatmeal cookie next.
Table of Contents
When someone in the house has a sweet craving, but we’re fresh out of cakes and brownies, I make a round of mug cakes so there isn’t a riot.
That means if we’re craving banana bread, I make banana mug cakes, and if we’re craving brownies, I make brownies in a mug. If we’re craving cinnamon rolls (I think you see where I’m going with this…), I make cinnamon mug cakes!
Why I love this recipe
- Low-key healthy. Unlike actual cinnamon rolls, my cinnamon roll mug cake is filled with protein, fiber, and is low in sugar–though you’d never be able to tell.
- No all purpose flour. This means it’s gluten-free, and you don’t have to deal with heat-treating raw flour!
- The perfect texture. They’re pillowy soft, moist, and topped with a delicate cinnamon glaze.
- Instant gratification. When I have a sweet tooth craving, time is of the essence, which is why we make mug cakes at least once a week.
Key ingredients
- Vanilla protein powder. This is the base of the cake ingredients. Make sure to use a powder you enjoy the flavor of.
- 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. A must for cinnamon flavor! I prefer Saigon cinnamon as it has a more authentic, warm cinnamon taste.
- Maple syrup. Adds sweetness and moisture.
- Egg. Room temperature eggs are best.
- Vanilla extract. For flavor.
- Sugar. I like brown sugar, but you can use coconut sugar, white sugar, or a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol.
- Powdered sugar, water or milk, and cinnamon. For the glaze.
How to make a cinnamon mug cake
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Prepare. Grease a microwave-safe mug with melted butter and set aside.
Step 2- Mix. Combine the dry ingredients (except the sugar) and stir in the wet ingredients until smooth. In a separate small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.
Step 3- Microwave. Pour the cake batter into the greased mug, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top, and microwave for 1 minute.
Step 4- Add the glaze. Combine the glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over the top of the cake.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Use a large mug or cereal bowl. The cake will expand at least twice the size of the batter, so pick a mug that won’t overflow.
- Adjust the liquid. Depending on the type of protein I’m using and the coconut flour brand, sometimes I need to add more almond milk or flour to get the proper consistency. The mug cake should be smooth but pourable–slightly thicker than pancake batter.
- Microwave in intervals. Everyone’s microwave wattage differs, so I suggest heating the cake in 20-second intervals until it’s firm around the edges and a bit soft in the center.
Frequently asked questions
I don’t recommend swapping flours as this can affect the cake’s texture. If you’d prefer to use almond flour, try my almond flour mug cake recipe.
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.
Cinnamon Mug Cake
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!
Notes
Nutrition
More mug cake recipes
Originally updated July 2023, updated and republished January 2025
I only have unsweetned protein powder, do you think i could just up the vanilla to help it taste close to your recipe?
Absolutely 🙂
What quantity does T represent for the coconut flour and sweetener? Thanks
Hi Vikki! It stands for tablespoon- It’s 15 mls 🙂
Looks and sounds wonderful! I’m new to LC and your blog. Do you happen to have nutrition info available?
Hi Sara! Welcome! It depends on what protein powder you use, so best to double check using an online calculator 🙂
When you say “protein powder” do you mean as in “protein shake powder” or is that different?
Hi Nicole 🙂 Protein shake powder should be the same as protein powder, unless it’s an actual meal replacement shake 🙂
I just made this low carb cinnamon role cake! OMG! Words cannot describe the delight my tastebuds are experiencing right now! Thank you to whoever thought up this recipe.
🙂 Thanks so much, Cheryl!
Hi, this was really tasty and easy to make. I track my foods on an online tracker. I see your nutritional information lists this having 26g of protein. My protein powder only has 11. Should I list MY protein on the tracker? Also, I used maltodextrin/sucralose powder. Would the sugar content and carbs still be the same? Thank you!
Hi there, you should do it to fit your own protein powder you have on hand 🙂 Different brands provide different macronutrients 🙂
I used Isopure Zero Carb Cookies and Cream protein powder. Nirvana! Great recipe!
Thank you! 🙂
What are sweeteners of your choice? If I want it to be keto what would I use?
I love using monk fruit sweetener- It’s similar to stevia 🙂 Enjoy!
These are amazing…. so rich and flavorful…..and satisfying….
I cut back a little on the sweetener…. they were just perfect for me….
Thank you !
You are SO welcome, Carol 🙂
Just made this…. Oh. My. Goodness! So good! I even accidentally over cooked mine and it was still yummy as!
Can’t wait to have it again and to try your other ones ❤
😀 Thanks so much, Rachel- Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
What can you substitute for the coconut flour. My husband is highly allergic to coconut.
Hi there! I haven’t tried this recipe replacing coconut flour- You could try another mug cake recipe I have which omits it, like this one- https://thebigmansworld.com/2016/12/21/healthy-3-ingredient-1-minute-flourless-brownie/
This was amazing! I’m wondering though what brands did you use? When i plugged it into mfp my macros were not quite the same. Mine ended up having more carbs and calories. I’m not sure what happened as I’m using low carb brands. I’d love to be able to make the one you did. Either way very good.
Hi Jaimee! I use the three protein powders included in the post 🙂
It may also be so different because the Nutritional Info that pulls up is for the Vanilla Mug Cake NOT the Cinnamon Roll. My total Net Carbs (using 2% milk which upped my carb count) was 9. Cant wait to try this!
True! Enjoy! 🙂