Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake
This quick Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake transforms basic pantry ingredients into a warm, swirled treat with all the comfort of traditional cinnamon rolls in just 5 minutes. Topped with tangy cream cheese glaze for an authentic finish.
Ingredients
For the cake
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons milk
- ½ tablespoon vegetable oil
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cinnamon swirl
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the glaze
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese softened (or 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Few drops of milk to thin if needed
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the mug and dry ingredients. Choose a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 12 ounces. In it, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and salt with a fork until well mixed.
- Add wet ingredients to form the batter. Pour in the milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir with your fork until the batter is smooth with no flour pockets. Make sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the mug.
- Create the cinnamon swirl mixture. In a separate small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Stir until it forms a thick, syrupy paste.
- Add the cinnamon swirl to the batter. Spoon the cinnamon mixture on top of your cake batter, then use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl it throughout the batter. Don’t overmix—you want distinct ribbons of cinnamon.
- Microwave the cake. Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 60-70 seconds. The cake should be set but still slightly moist on top. If it looks too wet, microwave for additional 10-second intervals.
- Prepare the cream cheese glaze. While the cake cools slightly, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a small bowl. Add a few drops of milk if needed to reach a pourable consistency.
- Finish and serve immediately. Pour the glaze over the warm cake and enjoy while still warm, when the texture and flavors are at their best.
Notes
- Mugs expand differently in microwaves, so the first time you make this, watch carefully to prevent overflow.
- For extra decadence, add a few chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- The cake is best enjoyed immediately, as mug cakes tend to become rubbery as they cool.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar in the cake batter to 1 tablespoon.
- To make this dairy-free, use plant-based milk and substitute coconut oil for butter.