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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!
Hi, thanks for sharing so many tasty and healthy recipes! I saw that some other people subbed something for the flour, and I wanted to ask if something like arrowroot starch might work. I don’t have any coconut flour. (I’m not actually keto – i was just craving cinnamon rolls and searched for a healthy, fast recipe. ^^)
I haven’t tried sorry!
Hello, this recipe sounds good. All I have is pristine whey protein powder. Can that be used?
I haven’t tried but feel free to experiment and see!
OMG this is amazing! I love this recipe SO MUCH!!!
Could you use hemp protein powder?
I’ve only tried this recipe as written- Feel free to experiment and see 🙂
How much fiber is in this recipe?
About 5 grams.
I will be trying this today! I just found your site on Pinterest. I was hoping you could tell me where you got that cute camel spoon!!! I want them!!
Hi! I stole it from my mum haha! She got it from a market in Iran 🙂
I’m looking at the nutritional info posted for it. Not sure how that number was ever achieved. Makes it hard to know true carbs.
Sooooo… what’s up with the nutritional info, expressly, the fiber???
Nutritional information is being slowly updated in the coming months, feel free to use myfitnesspal to calculate it in the meantime!
Good recipe. I made the recipe twice without the protein powder and used more almond milk instead of the egg and both times turned out perfect. The third time I decided to try the flax egg mix..big mistake.. it came out like pudding and in spite of adding more flour and baking powder didn’t correct… So lesson learned..no flax egg and more almond milk.
Looks Amazing – but where do I get vanilla protein powder? can you link one you recommend? Are we allowed to substitute it for something else?
Hi! sure, I use the ones mentioned here- thebigmansworld.com/shop 🙂 Enjoy!
Thanks for putting conventional oven instructions. Almost didn’t read recipe because I haven’t
Had a microwave for 9 years and don’t believe anyone should be using them. Will try this using the new Sola sweetener.
It’s personal preference, enjoy 🙂
This was really good! I’m so curious to try out your other mug cake recipes!
I didn’t have any protein powder so I subbed a T of Oat Fiber as an experiment and it came out light and fluffy and very delicious! Without the cinnamon, it makes a great base to add lots of other flavors, which I will certainly be trying!
Oh my gosh this is amazing. I used chocolate protein powder as it’s what I had. It tasted so close to the real thing! It filled the craving I had for years since the rest of my family has tube style ones and I’m gluten free. Thank you!
You are so welcome!