When I first started experimenting with cinnamon mug cake recipes, I wasn’t chasing perfection I was craving peace. One chilly Oregon morning, I wanted something sweet and comforting but didn’t want to bake a whole cake. I had flour, milk, a pinch of cinnamon, and an empty coffee mug. That was the beginning of my obsession with single-serve desserts.
This cinnamon mug cake is everything I love in a dessert soft, spiced, and ready in under five minutes. It tastes like the inside of a warm cinnamon roll but without the wait. The scent alone that swirl of brown sugar and spice rising from the microwave feels like a hug in a cup.
The best part? You don’t need eggs, fancy tools, or a mixer. Just a mug, a fork, and a microwave. A drizzle of maple syrup and a hint of vanilla bring out the flavor, making it sweet but not heavy. It’s the kind of treat you can make while your coffee brews, and it feels like self-care with every bite.
If you’re as obsessed with easy, quick desserts as I am, you’ll also love my Nutella Mug Cake another five-minute miracle that’s rich, gooey, and just as effortless. Both are proof that small desserts can still feel special.
For me, every cinnamon mug cake is more than a dessert it’s a moment to pause, breathe, and savor something made with heart.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
How to Make a Cinnamon Mug Cake for 1 Person
- Total Time: 6
- Yield: 1
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This cinnamon mug cake for 1 person is warm, spiced, and ready in minutes. A cozy single-serve dessert that tastes like a cinnamon roll in a cup.
Ingredients
1/4 cup all-purpose flour or Kodiak Cakes mix
1/4 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (plus 1–2 tbsp more as needed)
1 tbsp maple syrup
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp oil or melted butter
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Spray a mug with cooking spray.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, milk, syrup, vanilla, and oil until smooth.
3. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon, then swirl on top.
4. Microwave for 1 minute 25 seconds.
5. Let cool for 20 seconds before serving warm.
Notes
Start with a shorter cook time to prevent overbaking. Add icing drizzle or a scoop of yogurt for a simple topping.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 1
- Category: Vanilla & Spice Mug Cakes
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients & Preparation
This cozy cinnamon mug cake recipe takes the essence of a cinnamon roll and brings it to life in a mug warm, sweet, and ready in just minutes. You don’t need an oven or fancy equipment; a microwave and a few pantry staples are all you need.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (or Kodiak Cakes mix) | ¼ cup |
| Baking powder | ¼ tsp |
| Unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or other milk) | 2 tbsp + 1–2 tbsp more as needed |
| Maple syrup | 1 tbsp |
| Vanilla extract | ¼ tsp |
| Oil or melted butter | 1 tsp |
| Brown sugar or coconut sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Ground cinnamon | ¼ tsp |
Tip: If using pancake mix, skip the baking powder. Both flour and Kodiak Cakes mix yield a light, fluffy texture perfect for this single-serve treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix Your Base
Spray a microwave-safe mug with cooking spray. Add the flour, baking powder, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and oil. Mix gently with a fork until smooth. If the batter feels dry, add a tablespoon of milk.
Step 2: Add Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle over the batter’s surface, then use the tip of a knife to swirl it slightly into the mixture.
Step 3: Microwave and Cool
Microwave the mug cake for 1 minute and 25 seconds. Since every microwave differs, check around 1:10 the first time to avoid overcooking. Let it cool for 20 seconds before enjoying.
Step 4: Optional Serving
Top your warm cinnamon mug cake with a small drizzle of icing, a spoonful of whipped cream, or a pat of butter for that authentic cinnamon roll finish.
This recipe is proof that comfort can be created in minutes. It’s the perfect cinnamon mug cake for one quick, soft, and beautifully spiced.
If you prefer a chocolatey twist on this single-serve comfort, check out my Keto Chocolate Cake Mug. It’s rich, low-carb, and just as simple, showing how versatile the mug cake world can be.
Serving & Toppings
One of the best things about a cinnamon mug cake is how easily it transforms from a simple microwave treat into a mini café-style dessert. Once it’s warm and fluffy, you can dress it up or keep it simple either way, it’s pure comfort in a cup.
How to Serve Your Cinnamon Mug Cake
I like to enjoy my cinnamon mug cake straight out of the mug, especially on cozy mornings when I’m curled up with a book. But if you’re serving it for someone special, you can easily lift it out onto a small dessert plate. Top it with a pat of butter or a drizzle of maple syrup, and it instantly looks like a mini cinnamon roll.
For an extra indulgent touch, mix powdered sugar with a drop of milk and drizzle it as icing over the top. The contrast between the warm cake and cool glaze is absolutely dreamy. If you’re more of a minimalist, a simple dusting of cinnamon sugar or a spoonful of vanilla yogurt adds a sweet, balanced finish.
Topping Inspirations
| Topping Idea | Flavor Highlight |
|---|---|
| Powdered sugar glaze | Classic cinnamon roll style |
| Vanilla yogurt | Light & creamy balance |
| Maple drizzle | Sweet, cozy warmth |
| Chopped nuts | Crunchy texture contrast |
| Whipped cream + cinnamon dust | Bakery-style finish |
Serving Suggestion
If you loved this cozy treat, try pairing it with my Vanilla Mug Cake for a delicious flavor contrast. Together, they make a perfect dessert duo one spiced and cozy, the other creamy and mellow.
And for fruit lovers, the Blueberry Sponge Mug Cake adds a refreshing twist to your mug dessert lineup. It’s light, fluffy, and bursting with juicy sweetness.
Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Mug Cake
To make sure your cinnamon mug cake turns out soft, moist, and perfectly spiced every time, here are a few of my best baking tips:
- Use a medium mug (at least 300ml). Smaller mugs may overflow as the cake rises.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Stir until smooth, but stop once ingredients combine this keeps your cake tender.
- Microwave in short bursts (start with 60–70 seconds). Overcooking can make it dry.
- Adjust milk as needed. The batter should be thick but pourable, not stiff.
- Let it cool slightly before eating. It continues cooking as it rests and gets fluffier.
Each time I make this, the kitchen fills with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar. It’s one of those cinnamon mug cakes that feels like comfort on demand.
Delicious Variations to Try
The beauty of mug cakes is how easily you can make them your own. Try one of these flavorful spins next time:
- Cinnamon Apple Mug Cake: Add a tablespoon of chopped apples before microwaving.
- Cinnamon Chocolate Swirl: Drop a teaspoon of Nutella into the center for a molten core.
- Protein Boost: Replace half the flour with vanilla protein powder.
- Sugar-Free Option: Swap maple syrup for monk fruit syrup.
- Breakfast Twist: Add a tablespoon of oats for a heartier, muffin-like texture.
Each variation gives this simple cinnamon mug cake a new personality all in one mug, all in minutes.
Conclusion
For me, this cinnamon mug cake for one is a little act of self-care. It’s fast, warm, and full of love just what I need when I want something sweet without the fuss. The cinnamon swirl and brown sugar create a cozy flavor that feels nostalgic, like a homemade cinnamon roll in a cup.
With each mug cake, I rediscover the joy of slowing down, even if just for a minute and a half. Dessert really can be love you can taste.
Looking for more sweet inspiration?
👉 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram for even more easy, cozy recipes made with love.
FAQs About Cinnamon Mug Cake
Does this cinnamon mug cake contain eggs?
No eggs are needed! The milk and oil keep it soft and fluffy without any egg.
Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
Yes, any milk works, whether dairy or plant-based. Almond milk simply adds a mild nutty flavor.
Can I bake this in the oven instead of the microwave?
Yes, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes in an oven-safe ramekin.
Why did my mug cake overflow?
You likely used a small mug or overmixed the batter. Try a taller mug and microwave in short bursts.
How can I make it vegan?
Use almond or oat milk and coconut oil both keep your cake moist and plant-based.