Gluten-Free Mug Cake (Ready in 5 Min!) – Gluten-Free Palate (2024)

Indulge in the sweetness of a gluten-free mug cake that's not only tender but also ready in just under five minutes. Why fuss with kneading and baking an entire batch of cinnamon rolls when you can savor the delightful flavors of a quick and easy cinnamon roll mug cake?

These recipes are all about delicious gluten-free creations that are quick and easy, from mouthwatering gluten-free microwave desserts to these scrumptious mug cake recipes starting off with this gluten-free coffee mug cake or this chocolatey gluten-free chocolate mug cake. You must make this delectable gluten-free vegan brownie sundae. Plus, discover the best gluten-free cake mix for all your baking adventures. Give them all a try, they're so worth it!

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake Recipe

How many times have you craved gluten-free cinnamon rolls only to realize it takes time to make, knead, and bake them? I LOVE cinnamon rolls, but sometimes I'm what you call a lazy baker.

This Gluten-Free Mug Cake is for avid bakers and lazy bakers, and you are going to love how simple it is to make. No bowls are required (unless you want to double the recipe), and you don't have to turn on your oven.

I make my mug recipe, like this cinnamon roll mug cake, in ramekins or coffee mugs. I usually devour the whole thing alone, but it can be shared, or you can double the recipe.

The only cleanup after is the ramekin, some measuring utensils, and a spoon. Please tell me you love that this is a minimal cleanup recipe.

When the girls have a birthday party to attend, I'll sometimes make a mug cake and send it with them (if I don't have a cupcake in the freezer for them).

Why You’re Going to Love This Gluten-Free Cinnamon Mug Cake

Quick and Easy - You'll adore this Gluten-Free Mug Cake because it whips up in just a few minutes, making it perfect for those sweet cravings that strike suddenly.

Minimal Ingredients - With only a handful of common pantry staples, this recipe keeps things delightfully uncomplicated.

Irresistible Flavor - Despite its simplicity, this mug cake boasts a rich, indulgent flavor that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients in Gluten-Free Mug Cake

Oil of Choice - The oil adds moisture and fat to the gluten-free mug cake, contributing to its tenderness and preventing it from becoming too dry during cooking.

Granulated Sugar - Sugar provides sweetness to the cake and helps with browning and caramelization, enhancing the overall flavor and texture. Use coconut sugar if you don't want to use granulated sugar. Just note that this gluten-free cinnamon roll mug cake will be more of a caramel color if you use coconut sugar.

Egg Yolk (or Whole Egg) - The egg yolk (or whole egg) acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the cake together. It also adds moisture and richness to the cake. Use the whole egg if making more than 1. I haven't personally tried making this with flax egg yet, but when I do, I'll update the post. Also, be sure to check the comments to see if anyone has made it with an egg replacer.

Milk of Choice (or Dairy-Free Milk) - Milk adds liquid to the batter, creating the desired cake-like consistency. You can use dairy or dairy-free milk based on dietary preferences.

All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour Blend - The gluten-free flour blend is the primary dry ingredient and is essential for creating the cake's structure.

I've only tested this with Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 flour, but you should be able to use most blends that combine potato, tapioca, and rice.

Most of the gluten-free flour blends out there have a combination of those three.

Gluten-Free Baking Powder - Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy. The gluten-free version ensures the cake remains gluten-free.

Cinnamon - Cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cake, giving it a delicious, cinnamon roll-inspired taste. You can add extra cinnamon if you like loads of cinnamon like me.

Powdered Sugar - Powdered sugar makes the glaze sweet and smooth. It provides a glossy finish to the cake when drizzled on top. You can enjoy it plain if you don't want to add the icing.

Milk - The milk in the glaze helps achieve the desired consistency and ensures the powdered sugar blends smoothly, creating a sweet and creamy topping.

Gluten-Free Vanilla Extract - Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the glaze, adding a pleasant, aromatic note to the cake.

Equipment Needed for This Gluten-Free Microwave Mug Cake

Microwaveable Coffee Mug or Ramekin - You'll need a microwave-safe mug or ramekin to cook the gluten-free mug cake. Make sure it's of an appropriate size for the recipe.

If you have any questions about making a Gluten-Free Mug Cake, please leave a comment, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

How to Make A Gluten-Free Mug Cake

1. Place oil, sugar, and egg yolk in a medium-sized microwaveable coffee mug or ramekin. Mix with a fork until combined. Add in milk, flour, cinnamon, and baking powder. Mix until just combined.
2. Microwave for 1 minute to 1 minute and 30 seconds until the desired consistency is reached. If you like your cake on the softer side, I would only microwave your mug cake for 1 minute. Remember that it will continue to cook a little after you remove it from the microwave.
3. For the glaze, in a separate small bowl, mix together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
4. Spoon over warm cinnamon roll mug cake and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free Mug Cake

Measure Ingredients Accurately - Precision matters in baking, so use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you add the right amount of each ingredient.

Mix Thoroughly - Ensure all the ingredients are well combined for a uniform texture. Pay special attention to mixing in the dry ingredients to avoid lumps.

Adjust Cooking Time - Microwave cooking times can vary, so start with the minimum recommended time and adjust as needed to avoid overcooking, which can dry the cake.

Don't Overmix - Once your ingredients are combined, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a tougher cake.

Use a Microwave-Safe Mug or Ramekin - Ensure the container you use is microwave-safe to avoid any accidents or damage to your dish.

Add Glaze After Cooking - Drizzle the glaze over the mug cake after it's cooked and still warm for the best taste and presentation.

Customize Your Toppings - Feel free to add your favorite toppings like whipped cream, berries, or chopped nuts to enhance the flavor and texture of your mug cake.

Experiment with Flavors - Don't be afraid to try different flavor variations by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, extracts, or spices to create unique microwave cakes.

Enjoy It Warm - Mug cakes are best enjoyed when they're still warm and fresh out of the microwave, so dig in quickly for the ultimate taste experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Store This Gluten-Free Cake In A Mug?

Store the leftover gluten-free mug cake in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic to prevent it from drying out. Keep it at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. If you want to store it longer, refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Can I Freeze Gluten-Free Mug Cake?

Yes, you can freeze gluten-free mug cake for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. Label it with the date to keep track of freshness. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. To enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator and warm it in the microwave briefly to regain its softness.

Can You Make This Gluten-Free Mug Cake Ahead of Time?

Mug cakes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the dry ingredients in advance and store them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. When ready to make, add the wet ingredients and microwave.

What Substitutions/Replacements Can I Make in This Gluten-Free Mug Cake?

Here are a few substitutions and replacement suggestions:

Sugar - Adjust the sweetness level by using more or less sugar or using a sugar substitute.

Egg - If you're vegan, use a flax egg or a commercial egg replacer.

Milk - Choose any milk or milk alternative that suits your dietary preferences.

Cinnamon - Customize the flavor by using other spices like nutmeg or cardamom.

Glaze - Modify the glaze by adding flavored extracts or using alternative sweeteners for a different taste.

Can I Bake This GF Mug Cake In The Oven?

You can bake this in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes if you don't have a microwave, but otherwise, it's ready in less than 5 minutes.

This gluten-free cinnamon roll mug cake is going to be your next go-to breakfast treat, trust me. The texture is perfect and so similar to a cinnamon roll.

What Size Mug Should I Use?

The mug size you should use is typically around 8 to 12 ounces (240 to 350 milliliters) in capacity. Using a mug of this size ensures the cake has enough space to rise and cook evenly without overflowing or spilling over the sides during microwaving.

Remember that the exact size may not be critical, but using a mug within this capacity range should work well for most mug cake recipes. If you have a smaller or larger microwave-safe container, you can adjust the cooking time accordingly, as smaller mugs may require less time, and larger ones may require more.

What’s The Best Flour To Use For Gluten-free Mug Cake?

The best mug cake flour to use for a gluten-free mug cake is an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend that is specifically formulated for baking. These blends are designed to mimic the texture and functionality of traditional wheat flour, making them a suitable replacement in gluten-free recipes.

For USA readers, we like Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour. If you are in the UK, use Doves Farm Gluten-Free Plain White Flour or Freee by Doves Farm Gluten-Free Plain White Flour.

Can You Make This Recipe Without An Egg?

You can make a gluten-free mug cake without an egg by using an egg substitute or egg replacement. I have not tried it yet.

Why Is My Gluten-Free Mug Cake So Dense?

A gluten-free mug cake can turn out dense due to factors like the choice of flour, overmixing, incorrect liquid ratios, overcooking in the microwave, or the use of egg replacements that may yield a denser texture.

To avoid this, use a quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, mix the batter until combined, ensure the right balance of wet and dry ingredients, and be cautious with microwave cooking times.

Why Is My GF Mug Cake So Dry?

Your gluten-free mug cake may turn out dry due to factors such as the choice of flour, overcooking in the microwave, incorrect proportions of wet-to-dry ingredients, or the use of egg replacements that don't provide enough moisture.

To avoid dryness, use a moisture-retaining flour blend, follow the suggested cooking time, and ensure the proper balance of liquids.

Why Is My Gluten-Free Cake In A Cup Gummy?

A gluten-free mug cake can turn gummy due to overmixing the batter, using a flour blend with excessive starch content, incorrect wet-to-dry ingredient proportions, overcooking in the microwave, or certain egg replacements.

To avoid gumminess, mix the batter gently, opt for a suitable flour blend, follow the recommended ingredient ratios, and ensure you don't overcook the cake.

What Are The Different Variations Or Flavors Of Mug Cakes?

There are quite a few different variations and flavors for mug cakes; these are some of our go-to mug cake recipes:

• Gluten-free Chocolate Chip Mug Cookie
• Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Chip Mug Cookie
• Gluten-Free Vegan Mug Brownie - this is a great vegan mug cake.
• Gluten-Free Mug Coffee Cake
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Mug Cake

Which one of these mug cake recipes will you make next?

What Toppings Can I Add To My Mug Cake?

The options of topping you can add to your mug cake are endless, but here are a few to get you started:

• Whipped Cream - A classic choice that goes well with almost any mug cake flavor. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
• Ice Cream - Vanilla, chocolate, or any favorite ice cream flavor adds a delightful contrast to the warm cake. Don't forget the sprinkles or chocolate chips!
• Fresh Berries - Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries not only add color but also a burst of fruity goodness.
• Nuts - Chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans add crunch and a nutty flavor. Toast them for extra depth of taste.
• Chocolate Sauce - Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over your mug cake for an indulgent touch. You can also use caramel or berry sauce.
• Sprinkles - For a fun and colorful topping, sprinkle on some rainbow or chocolate sprinkles.

If you want a more traditional cinnamon roll, you'll love these Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls.

If you make this gluten-free mug cake, please stop by and let me know what you think. You can leave a starred review and a comment below.