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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!
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! 🙂