Go Back

One-Bowl Keto Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake

Craving the warm, gooey goodness of a cinnamon roll without the carbs or complicated prep? This recipe is your answer. It brilliantly captures the essence of a classic cinnamon roll in a keto-friendly cake that materializes in a single mug. From mixing to "frosting," every step happens in one vessel for ultimate convenience and minimal cleanup.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Servings: 3
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 355

Ingredients
  

Dry Goods & Spices
  • ½ cup 56 g Superfine Almond Flour
  • 1 ½ tsp Baking Powder
  • 3 tbsp Granular Monk Fruit Sweetener
  • ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon plus more for the swirl
  • ¼ tsp Ground Nutmeg
  • Pinch of Fine Sea Salt
Fats, Eggs & Flavor
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 3 Large Eggs
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 2 tbsp Full-Fat Cream Cheese softened
  • 2 tbsp Powdered Monk Fruit Sweetener
  • 1 tbsp Golden Monk Fruit Sweetener or brown sugar substitute
  • 1 tsp Heavy Cream optional, for a thinner glaze

Equipment

  • Three microwave-safe mugs (12-oz / 350 ml or larger)
  • Small whisk or fork
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Mug: For each cake, place 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter into its designated mug. Microwave for 20-30 seconds, or just until melted. Swirl the butter to coat the inside walls of the mug.
  2. Whisk the Batter: Into the mug with the melted butter, add one egg, one-third of the almond flour (just under 3 tbsp), ½ teaspoon of baking powder, 1 tablespoon of granular sweetener, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of the nutmeg. Whisk vigorously with a fork directly in the mug until the batter is completely smooth and aerated, about 45 seconds.
  3. Create the Cinnamon Layer: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the golden monk fruit sweetener evenly over the surface of the batter. Follow with a generous dusting of ground cinnamon. Do not stir it in; this creates the swirl effect after cooking.
  4. The Microwave Bake: Cook one mug at a time in the microwave on high power for 90 to 105 seconds. The cake is done when the top is set and springs back when lightly touched. Be mindful that overbaking will result in a tough texture.
  5. Melt-In-Place Glaze: Remove the mug carefully—it will be very hot. Immediately drop the softened cream cheese (about ⅔ tbsp), remaining butter (about ⅓ tbsp), and powdered sweetener (about ⅔ tbsp) directly onto the center of the hot cake. Add the splash of optional heavy cream. Let it all sit for 60 seconds to soften and melt from the cake’s residual heat.
  6. Final Swirl & Serve: Using the tip of a spoon or a toothpick, gently swirl the melted glaze ingredients together to create a marbled frosting over the cake's surface. The cake is best enjoyed immediately while it is still warm and fragrant. Repeat the process for the remaining two cakes.

Notes

👨‍🍳 Chef Notes

Storage:

These mug cakes are designed for immediate consumption and do not store or reheat well.

Ingredient Swaps:

For a dairy-free alternative, you can substitute the butter with a neutral coconut oil or plant-based butter and use a dairy-free cream cheese product. The heavy cream can be swapped for full-fat coconut milk.

Troubleshooting:

If your cake turns out dense or rubbery, it was likely overcooked. All microwaves vary; reduce your cook time by 15-second increments on your next attempt to find the perfect timing for your appliance.

Nutrition (per serving, approx.):

  • Calories: 355 kcal
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fat: 33 g (Saturated Fat: 14 g)
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Net Carbs: 2 g
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 486 mg
  • Cholesterol: 235 mg
  • Potassium: 227 mg