Craving a cinnamon roll but short on time (and patience)? This Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake gives you all the swirls, spice, and buttery icing of the classic—no yeast, no rise, no fuss. Mix it in the mug, microwave it, and spoon into a soft, gooey, cinnamon-sugar center minutes later. It’s the coziest single-serve dessert for late-night cravings, study breaks, or a sweet breakfast-for-one.
Why You’ll Love It
- Fast: From mixing to munching in about 5 minutes.
- Minimal cleanup: One mug, one spoon, zero dishes.
- Cinnamon-roll vibes: Brown sugar swirl + creamy icing.
- Customizable: Egg-free base with GF/vegan options below.
Ingredients
Mug Cake Batter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (25 g)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (12 g)
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- Pinch fine salt
- 3 tbsp milk (45 ml; dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tbsp neutral oil or melted butter (15 ml)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon in the batter
Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl
- 1½ tbsp light brown sugar (18 g)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp melted butter (or oil)
Quick Cream Cheese Icing (or Vanilla Glaze)
- 1 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 2–3 tbsp powdered sugar (15–25 g), to taste
- ½–1 tsp milk, to thin
- Drop of vanilla + tiny pinch of salt
No cream cheese? Mix 3 tbsp powdered sugar with 1–1½ tsp milk + ⅛ tsp vanilla for a simple glaze.
Equipment
- 12–14 oz (350–415 ml) microwave-safe mug
- Microwave (700–1200W)
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep: 3–4 minutes
- Cook: 60–90 seconds
- Total: ~5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
Instructions
1) Make the Batter
- In the mug, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk, oil/butter, vanilla (and optional cinnamon). Stir until just smooth—don’t overmix.
2) Swirl the Cinnamon
- In a small cup, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
- Spoon dollops over the batter. Use a toothpick/knife to gently swirl (2–3 figure-eights). Don’t blend fully—visible ribbons bake up gooey.
3) Microwave
- Microwave 60–90 seconds until the top looks set and springs back lightly.
- Start with 70 seconds at 1000W.
- If your microwave is lower wattage (700–800W), expect 85–100 seconds.
- If the center is still wet, heat in 10-second bursts. Avoid overcooking (it firms as it stands).
4) Ice and Serve
- Stir icing ingredients until smooth. Let cake stand 30–60 seconds, then drizzle generously. Enjoy warm.
Nutritional Info
- Calories: ~360
- Fat: 16 g
- Carbs: 50 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
(Varies with milk, oil/butter choice, and icing.)
Flavor Boosts & Fun Twists
- Sticky Pecan: Sprinkle 1 tbsp chopped pecans over the swirl.
- Caramel Drip: Finish with a ribbon of caramel sauce.
- Apple Pie Vibe: Tuck in 1–2 tbsp finely diced apple before microwaving.
- Extra Cinnabon: Add a second mini swirl after 30 seconds of cooking; return to microwave to finish.
- Protein-ish: Replace 1 tbsp flour with vanilla protein powder; add 1 tsp milk if batter is thick.
Dietary Swaps
- Egg-Free (as written): Keeps crumb tender and prevents rubbery texture in the microwave.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 GF baking blend; add 1 tsp extra milk if thick.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use plant milk + oil; for icing, use powdered sugar + plant milk and a drop of vanilla.
Pro Tips for Bakery-Soft Texture
- Mug size matters: Too-small mugs overflow; too-wide mugs overcook edges. Aim for 12–14 oz.
- Don’t overmix: Stir just to combine for a tender crumb.
- Under > over: Slightly underdone = gooey and perfect; it sets as it cools.
- Rest a beat: 30–60 seconds post-microwave evens the crumb and keeps it moist.
- Swirl lightly: Over-swirling blends sugars into the batter and dulls that cinnamon-roll look.
Troubleshooting
- Rubbery/dry: Overcooked. Reduce time by 10–15 seconds next round, or add 1 tsp milk.
- Gummy center: Needs 10 more seconds; also check that baking powder is fresh.
- Sinks after cooking: That’s normal with gooey swirls; a brief rest helps it level.
Make-Ahead Mini Mix (Giftable!)
Stir together 6 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp sugar, ¾ tsp baking powder, pinch salt in a jar. Label:
“Add 6 tbsp milk, 1 tbsp oil, ¼ tsp vanilla. Swirl 1½ tbsp brown sugar + ½ tsp cinnamon + 1 tsp butter. Microwave 70–90 sec.”
Why It’s a Keeper
All the cozy cinnamon-roll magic, none of the waiting. In five minutes you’ve got a tender, warm, icing-drizzled treat that hits every craving—from breakfast to midnight snack. Spoon in and enjoy that gooey, buttery swirl!