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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!
Tried this this morning since I’m sick of eggs for breakfast. Haha! Amazing flavor. I didn’t have Camilla protein powder so just used unflavored and adjusted to taste. I did learn the hard way this didn’t fit in my ramekin; it overflowed in the microwave. Lesson learned and it still tastes great. Thanks!
I made this tonight and it did not disappoint! I reduced the cooking time to 50 seconds for my microwave. Thanks for the recipe!
You are so welcome, Brandi!
I didn’t have protein powder on hand so I doubled coconut flour and added a little more sweetener. It was yummy.
Can I sub coconut flour for almond flour?
Not for this recipe!
This is really good… I’ve made this twice and the second time I added a pinch a salt, maybe 1/8 tsp, a definite improvement. Thanks for a great recipe!!!
How awesome that you take the time to answer all these questions! I started to scroll thru to see if I could find my answer but there is just too many. So, does it have to be strictly coconut flour or can it be regular gluten free flour? I know what I’m having for breakfast!
I haven’t tried- You can experiment and see 🙂
I don’t have anything to compare it to, but just made it with regular GF flours (I use Jules brand) and it is wonderful!! What a great!
OK, it’s official, you’re my new hero. Love the Cinnamon Roll, made it in just a few minutes and OH so tasty. I didn’t have coconut butter so I used cream cheese with a touch of sucralose and almond milk and just spread it over the cake when done. Amazing!! Thanks for the recipe!
What a nice stand-in for the real deal to help satiate a guilty craving! I only had vanilla chai protein powder at the moment, so I used that…and was on the last dregs of milk so used golden milk I whipped up yesterday to add to my daily coffee. Kept everything else the same. Not only was it a delicious twist, it came out a pretty color too! Thanks so much for the recipe!
😀 You are so welcome, Kristen!
Just had this for breakfast, and it was lovely! I subbed water for milk since I didn’t have alternative milk on hand, and didn’t bother with the icing. I did microwave for 90 seconds since it didn’t seem set at 60 seconds. Can’t wait to try other recipes! I love that you also have a sweet tooth, and are realistic about balancing sweets with healthier eating.
What size ramekin is used for these mug cakes?
a 6 inch one, but a bigger one would be best to ensure it doesn’t overflow!
I didn’t have vanilla protein powder and I’m vegan so I followed the notes to omit both items. The result was just a mushy, bubbly mess so those notes should probably be revised. 🙁
Jillian, with all due respect, it only says leave out the eggs, not the protein powder. The protein powder is necessary for this recipe!
Can i substitute vanilla protein for cappuccino protein ? , thank you.
I don’t see why not!
This recipe looks like it has some typos-cinnamon is listed twice, as is granulated sweetener
Not a typo at all 🙂 It’s needed, as per the instructions. Enjoy!
Hello, I just tried your cinnamon mug cake and I love it, thank you! Do you happen to know how many carbs are in it?
Kay
I don’t, but feel free to calculate it using an online calculator 🙂
I just made this, and it was so good! Great recipe. Do you happen to have the nutritional info for it?
Thanks, Katie! For sure, check out myfitnesspal 🙂