Learn how to make a mug cake with our easy tutorial including extra tips and tricks! Choose from 7 of the best mug cake recipes and you are only 3 minutes away from the ultimate single-serving dessert! All mug cake recipes are gluten-free with dairy-free options!
When it comes to single-serving desserts, mug cake recipes are QUEEN, KING, and everything in between. There is nothing better than combining a handful of ingredients in a mug, popping it into the microwave for just 2 to 3 minutes and winding up with a mini cake just for you!
While many mug cake recipes are made with flour, sugar, and butter, I have put together a collection of gluten-free mug cakes that are made with either almond flour or coconut flour and have tested options using pastured butter, Ghee, or coconut oil!
HOW TO MAKE A MUG CAKE
- Combine dry ingredients in a microwave-safe mug. Use a fork or mini whisk to mix until combined and any lumps are dissolved.
- Crack an egg in a small glass or measuring cup. Use a fork to beat until foamy.
- Add liquid ingredients to the beaten egg. Stir to combine.
- Pour egg mixture into the mug with dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
- Place in the microwave and cook for allotted time!
MUG CAKE TIPS
- Mug cake recipes are often also called Microwave Cake, Minute Cake OR Muffin in a Mug.
- Microwave ovens vary and can significantly impact the cooking time. For reference, our microwave is 1000 Watts and 2 minutes, 30 seconds is just about perfect for a mug cake. I recommend starting slow and adding time in 15-second increments to figure out the perfect formula for your microwave.
- The type of mug you use will also impact the cooking time as material and thickness determine the transfer of heat. So, once you find the “perfect mug”, stick with it so you can ensure consistent results every time!
- These mug cake recipes are all formulated to be cooked in the microwave. If you don’t use a microwave, you can transfer the batter to an oven-safe ramekin and play around with baking it (I recommend 350F). I haven’t personally tested them all in the oven so can’t give you exact directions.
- These single-serving desserts are made in just minutes and are best when served immediately after cooking! If you want to save even more time, you can premix the dry ingredients until ready to combine with wet ingredients. I recommend beating the eggs right before mixing though!
MUG CAKE SUBSTITUTIONS
- I have tested all of the mug cake recipes listed below that call for non-dairy milk with a variety of non-dairy milk (coconut milk, almond milk, hemp milk, oat milk, rice milk, soy milk, and even macadamia nut milk) and they all work with minimally noticeable texture differences. They do change the flavor so note that when testing!
- Honey can be substituted for pure Maple syrup in most recipes (just note that you lose the beneficial qualities of honey when you heat it).
- I have many readers who have used low carb sweeteners like monk fruit sweetener, stevia, and erythritol successfully in every recipe below.
- Almost any other finely ground Nut flour can be subbed for the blanched almond flour. I have also had success with gluten-free flour but it needs to be sifted and well incorporated so that you don’t wind up with flour pockets.
- Almond flour and coconut flour are NOT interchangeable as coconut flour absorbs liquid and therefore requires more moisture or egg.
- All of these recipes use egg as a binder, for structure and to include protein in the mug cake. I have had a few readers sub mashed banana with success but can’t guarantee it will work (if you want to experiment).
- If you are having trouble finding a high-quality gluten-free baking powder or need to avoid grains, try making homemade paleo baking powder.
Ok, now we are ready for some healthy sweet treats!
Let’s get to it and explore all 7 Mug Cake Recipes:
Chocolate Mug Cake
Click here for the Chocolate Mug Cake recipe
Rich and chocolatey, this Chocolate Mug Cake is made with an almond flour base. It’s made with just a handful of easy to find ingredients and sweetened with 1 Tablespoon of pure maple syrup. Gluten-free and Grain-free with a tested Dairy-free option.
Vanilla Mug Cake
Click here for the Vanilla Mug Cake recipe
This vanilla mug cake is a play on classic vanilla cake. It is made with a base of coconut flour for a nut-free option and is also Gluten-free and Grain-free. Sweetened with only 1 Tablespoon of pure maple syrup with a tested Dairy-free option.
Blueberry Muffin Mug Cake
Click here for the Blueberry Muffin Mug Cake recipe
This Blueberry Muffin Mug Cake is made with a base of coconut flour for a nut-free option. You can make it with either fresh OR frozen blueberries depending on what you have available! Gluten-free and Grain-free with a tested Dairy-free option.
Maple Microwave Cake
Click here for the Maple Microwave Cake recipe
Craving the rich taste of pure Maple syrup? This Maple Mug Cake with Chocolate Bar Shavings is the ultimate single-serving treat. Made with a coconut flour base for a nut-free option, this naturally sweetened mug cake is Gluten-free, Grain-free and has a tested Dairy-free option.
Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake
Click here for the Pumpkin Mug Cake recipe
This Pumpkin Mug Cake is a healthy dessert that tastes decadent! Made with an almond flour base and loaded with pumpkin puree and pumpkin spices, you will feel like you are transported to a crisp Fall day. Gluten-free and Grain-free with a tested Dairy-free option.
Matcha Mug Cake
Click here for the Matcha Mug Cake recipe
If you are a fan of Matcha Green Tea, you are going to FREAK for this Matcha Mug Cake. Made with a coconut-flour base and monk fruit sweetener for a nut-free and Low Carb option, this is an easy and tasty healthy treat! Gluten-free and Grain-free with a tested Dairy-free option.
Peanut Butter Mug Cake
Click here for the Peanut Butter Mug Cake recipe
A play on Peanut Butter and Jelly, this Peanut Butter Mug Cake with jelly or jam topping is a fun healthy dessert that serves one! Made with creamy peanut butter as the base, you could easily substitute almond butter, walnut butter or pecan butter to mix it up! Gluten-free, Grain-free, and Dairy-free.
I can’t wait to hear which one is your favorite! Enjoy!
Will these mug cakes work using Egg Replacer, like Bob’s Red Mill? My youngest is vegan, and I’ve been working on finding and testing mug muffin recipes for the vegan diet.
Also, I’ve been looking for them for my eldest, who has tree nut and coconut allergies, so are there versions of these that just use wheat flour? She has no gluten issues, but cannot have any nut milks or flours, or any coconut flour or oil, so none of these will work as written for her.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Aunt M Kitchen
Hey Aunt M, I haven’t experimented with egg replacer as an egg is one of the main ingredients that give these cakes rise. These recipes are most definitely meant to be made with a whole egg! Good Luck 🙂
I would love to try all these! They all look delicious!
Oh wow, they look fantastic! I would love to try these recipes, so yummy!
Go for it Melanie!
I’m addicted to all things mug cake right now. This is right up my alley. They look so good!
Perfect! So glad you found this!
These all look absolutely amazing! Can’t wait to make every single one of them!
Yay! hope you love them all Steph!
These all look so delicious, it’s hard to pick where to start! Looking forward to giving these a try!
I would start with PBJ or Chocolate!
I need all 7!!!
Done!
A great roundup! I really should try making mug cakes more often.
Sooo easy Chrissie!
This is amazing! We have been making your mug cakes for years and all love them. The kids always ask for the PBJ and sometimes we make it with macadamia butter for an incredible flavor.
Hi Susan! I love hearing that and I am absolutely going to be making a mac-nut butter version pronto!