One chilly Sunday morning, I craved the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon rolls—but didn’t have the patience to wait hours for dough to rise. That’s when I stumbled upon the magic of the Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake Recipe.
It’s become my go-to for a quick, sweet treat with all the nostalgic flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls. My twist? A splash of vanilla and a gooey swirl of cream cheese icing, right in the mug!
What Makes This Recipe Special
This Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake Recipe brings all the flavor of a cinnamon roll in under 5 minutes, without the mess or yeast!
Equipment List
- 1 standard microwave-safe mug (at least 12 oz)
- Measuring spoons
- Fork or small whisk
- Spoon or knife (for swirling)
- Small bowl (for icing)
- Microwave
Ingredients List
For the Mug Cake:
- 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp milk (any variety)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (or coconut oil)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Icing (optional but divine):
- 1 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp milk
Substitutions:
- Use almond or oat milk for dairy-free versions.
- Coconut sugar can replace brown sugar.
- Gluten-free flour blend works well as a substitute.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1:
Start by greasing your mug lightly with butter or oil. This makes cleanup easier and helps the cake rise evenly.
Step 2:
In the mug, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Mix with a fork to distribute everything evenly.
Step 3:
Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir until you get a smooth batter—don’t overmix or it may turn rubbery.
Step 4:
In a separate small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. This is your gooey cinnamon swirl.
Step 5:
Spoon the swirl mixture on top of the batter and gently swirl it using a knife or spoon. Make sure you don’t mix too much—those swirls are golden!
Step 6:
Microwave on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Check if it’s done by gently pressing the top; it should spring back. If not, add 10 more seconds.
Step 7:
While the mug cake cools slightly, mix your icing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Pour it over the warm cake and let it melt slightly.
Step 8:
Dig in and enjoy the rich cinnamon flavor and tender crumb. It’s cozy comfort food in a cup!
Chef’s Tips
- Use a wide mug for better rise and even cooking.
- Let butter cool before mixing to avoid cooking the batter.
- Add chopped pecans for a nutty crunch.
- Don’t overmix the batter—gentle mixing keeps it soft.
- Use full-fat milk for the richest flavor and texture.
Sides & Pairings Suggestions
Whether you’re enjoying this Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake Recipe solo or sharing the moment, here are perfect pairings to elevate your mug cake experience.
- Balances sweetness with a rich roasted bite.
- Enhances the cinnamon spice with extra warmth.
- Melts beautifully over the warm cake.
- Adds tartness and a colorful contrast.
- A savory breakfast combo if you want balance.
Store & Leftovers
This mug cake is best enjoyed fresh. If you must store it, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheat for 15–20 seconds in the microwave before eating. Leftovers can be crumbled over yogurt or ice cream for a tasty topping!
Nutritional Breakdown
Per serving:
- Calories: 380
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Sugar: 26g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary slightly based on ingredients used.
Encouragement to Share
If this Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake Recipe brought a little joy to your day, don’t keep it a secret! Share your mug cake photos on social media, tag our blog, and drop a comment with your favorite twist. Your kitchen creations inspire others, spread the cinnamon love!
Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 1 standard microwave-safe mug (at least 12 oz)
- Measuring Spoons
- Fork or small whisk
- Spoon or knife (for swirling)
- Small bowl (for icing)
- Microwave
Ingredients
For the Mug Cake:
- All-purpose flour 6 tbsp
- Baking powder 1/4 tsp
- Granulated sugar 1 tbsp
- Pinch of salt
- Milk any variety 3 tbsp
- Melted butter or coconut oil 1 tbsp
- Vanilla extract 1/4 tsp
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- Brown sugar 1 tbsp
- Ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp
- Butter softened 1/2 tsp
For the Cream Cheese Icing (optional but divine):
- Cream cheese softened 1 tbsp
- Powdered sugar 1 tbsp
- Vanilla extract 1/4 tsp
- Milk 1 tsp
Substitutions:
- Use almond or oat milk for dairy-free versions.
- Coconut sugar can replace brown sugar.
- Gluten-free flour blend works well as a substitute.
Instructions
- Start by greasing your mug lightly with butter or oil. This makes cleanup easier and helps the cake rise evenly.
- In the mug, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Mix with a fork to distribute everything evenly.
- Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir until you get a smooth batter—don’t overmix or it may turn rubbery.
- In a separate small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. This is your gooey cinnamon swirl.
- Spoon the swirl mixture on top of the batter and gently swirl it using a knife or spoon. Make sure you don’t mix too much—those swirls are golden!
- Microwave on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Check if it’s done by gently pressing the top; it should spring back. If not, add 10 more seconds.
- While the mug cake cools slightly, mix your icing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Pour it over the warm cake and let it melt slightly.
- Dig in and enjoy the rich cinnamon flavor and tender crumb. It’s cozy comfort food in a cup!
