When following a keto or low-carb diet, cravings for familiar sweets like cinnamon rolls can sometimes strike unexpectedly. This quick and easy 90-second keto cinnamon roll mug cake recipe is the perfect solution to satisfy those cravings without derailing your dietary goals. This single-serving dessert can be ready in just a few minutes.
Why This Recipe Works
Traditional cinnamon rolls are typically loaded with carbs due to the use of flour and sugar. This keto-friendly version replaces those ingredients with low-carb alternatives, allowing you to enjoy the flavors you love without the guilt. This recipe tastes like homemade cinnamon rolls and will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth! All the flavors of your favorite cinnamon roll in one easy 1-minute keto mug cake.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Almond Flour: This recipe uses almond flour as the base instead of wheat or white flour. Almond flour is low in carbs and provides a slightly nutty flavor. If you've never used Swerve before, it is basically a sugar alcohol that's almost as sweet as sugar. Not only is it super affordable, but it ONLY HAS 2g NET CARBS per serving.
Granulated Sugar Substitute: A variety of sugar substitutes can be used, including allulose, Swerve, monk fruit, erythritol, or xylitol. The choice depends on personal preference. Allulose is a no-calorie, no-carb sweetener that doesn't have the cooling effect. Today, we're actually using 2 different kinds of it - Confectioners Swerve and Brown Swerve. The confectioners kind is to sweeten up the roll itself, and the icing. Just so you know, Monk Fruit - like this one by Lankanto - could also be used to sweeten up these keto cinnamon rolls. By the way, do not, I repeat, DO NOT SUBSTITUTE SWERVE WITH STEVIA. They have different levels of sweetness and cannot be substituted equally for one another.
Coconut Flour (Alternative): While almond flour is preferred, coconut flour can be used. However, coconut flour is super absorbent, so you may need to add up to 1 tablespoon of almond or coconut milk to the batter to achieve the desired consistency. And it's important that you actually use almond flour for this recipe. I know that it seems silly to say that, but you wouldn't believe how many people try to replace it with coconut flour. And that's basically the worst thing you can do. So, let me explain why this doesn't work in this keto cinnamon rolls recipe. Having said that, if you use coconut flour instead of almond flour you'll either end up with a crumbly mess, or super dry cinnamon rolls. And I don't want either of those two things to happen to you.
Read also: The Coffee Loophole
Powdered Sweetener: Powdered erythritol or Swerve is recommended for the cream cheese frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here's how to make your 90-second keto cinnamon roll mug cake:
Prepare the Mug: Spray or rub the inside of a microwave-safe mug (at least 10 oz) with cooking oil.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In the mug, mix together the almond flour and baking powder.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add melted (but not hot) butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the mug. Stir with a fork until well combined, forming a smooth batter. The batter should have the consistency of regular cake batter.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cake
Create the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sweetener and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the batter in the mug. Use a chopstick or knife to swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter without completely mixing it in.
Microwave: Put the mug in the microwave for 60-90 seconds on high power. Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave's wattage. If the cake is not fully cooked (still wet on top), microwave for another 10 seconds.
Prepare the Glaze: While the cake is cooking, make the glaze by mixing softened cream cheese, powdered sweetener (like erythritol or Swerve), and melted butter until smooth. Microwave for 10 seconds to heat it.
Frost and Serve: Once the cake is cooked, let it cool slightly, then top with the cream cheese glaze. Enjoy immediately!
Detailed Recipe
Yields: 1 servingPrep time: 2 minutesCook time: 90 seconds
Read also: Is the Rice Diet Right for You?
Ingredients
For the Mug Cake:
- 2 tablespoons almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (unsalted)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar substitute (allulose, Swerve, monk fruit, erythritol, or xylitol)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 1 ounce softened cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1-2 tablespoons powdered sweetener (erythritol or Swerve)
Equipment
- Microwave-safe mug (at least 10 oz)
- Small bowl
- Fork or whisk
- Chopstick or knife (optional, for swirling)
Instructions
Spray a microwave-safe mug with cooking oil.
In the mug, combine almond flour and baking powder.
Add melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined, forming a smooth batter.
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sweetener and cinnamon.
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter in the mug. Swirl it in gently with a chopstick or knife.
Microwave on high for 60-90 seconds, or until the cake is springy and cooked through.
While the cake is cooking, prepare the glaze by mixing softened cream cheese, melted butter, and powdered sweetener until smooth.
Once the cake is cooked, let it cool slightly, then top with the cream cheese glaze.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Microwave Wattage: Microwaves vary in power, so adjust cooking times accordingly. If you have a high-powered microwave, start with 60 seconds and add more time as needed.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooking can result in a dry cake. The cake should be springy to the touch when done.
- Consistency: If using coconut flour, add almond or coconut milk to achieve the right batter consistency.
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sweetener to your preference.
- Serving Size: This recipe is for a single serving. It's rich, so you may not be able to eat the whole thing in one sitting.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in a few sugar-free chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
- Extracts: Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or maple, to enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This keto cinnamon roll mug cake is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with:
- A dollop of whipped cream
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
- A drizzle of sugar-free caramel sauce
- A cup of coffee or tea
Health Benefits
This keto cinnamon roll mug cake offers several potential health benefits:
- Low in Carbs: Suitable for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
- Sugar-Free: Uses sugar substitutes to avoid added sugar.
- Gluten-Free: Made with almond flour, making it gluten-free.
- Satisfies Cravings: Helps to satisfy sweet cravings without derailing your diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake this in the oven?Yes, you can bake this cinnamon roll in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes.
Can I use a different sweetener? Yes if you don’t want to use brown Swerve, you can swap with monk fruit sweetener or vanilla liquid stevia.
Can I make this ahead of time?These are BEST the day that you make them.