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- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 3 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder - 1/8 teaspoon salt - 3 tablespoons milk - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for swirl) - 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for swirl) - Optional: Cream cheese icing for drizzling For this recipe, measuring is key. Use a tablespoon to get the right amount. I find that leveling off the flour and sugar helps with accuracy. Remember, too much flour can make your cake dry. Make sure to use a measuring spoon for baking powder and salt as well. Even a little too much can change the taste. You can make this mug cake even better. Consider drizzling cream cheese icing on top. It adds a nice sweet finish. If you like nuts, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts. For a fruity twist, add some blueberries or chopped apples to the batter. These options can change the flavor and texture, making it your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with a microwave-safe mug. Add 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Then, mix in 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Next, add 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Stir well to blend the dry ingredients. This step is key for a smooth texture. Now, pour in 3 tablespoons of milk and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add in 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and lump-free. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. This mix gives your cake that classic cinnamon roll flavor. Pour half of the batter into your mug. Next, sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Take a knife or toothpick and swirl it gently. You don’t want to mix it fully; just create a nice pattern. Now, add the rest of the batter on top. Repeat the swirling with the remaining cinnamon mix. Place your mug in the microwave. Cook it for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Keep an eye on it to avoid overflow. If your microwave is weaker, you may need to add 15 extra seconds. The cake is done when it is set in the middle. Let it cool for a minute before enjoying. If you like, drizzle some cream cheese icing on top for extra sweetness. Microwave cooking is quick and easy, but it needs care. Here are some tips to help you. - Use a large mug: A big mug prevents the batter from spilling over. - Watch the time: Microwaves vary. Start with 1 minute and 30 seconds, then check. - Avoid overcooking: If it looks set, stop the microwave to keep it moist. Creating the cinnamon swirl makes your cake special. Here’s how to do it well. - Mix the swirl ingredients: Combine cinnamon and brown sugar in a small bowl. - Layer carefully: Pour half the batter, then half the swirl. Don’t mix too much. - Use a knife: Gently swirl the knife to blend without losing layers. Enjoy your mug cake in fun ways. Here are some serving tips. - Add icing: Drizzle cream cheese icing on top for a sweet finish. - Top with fruit: Fresh apples or bananas add flavor and freshness. - Share with friends: Divide the cake or make more to share the joy! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a fluffier mug cake, ensure your milk and oil are at room temperature before mixing. Microwave Wattage Matters: Cooking times can vary significantly based on your microwave's wattage. Start with the recommended time and add increments as needed. Watch for Overflow: Keep an eye on your mug cake while it cooks to prevent overflow. Use a larger mug if you're unsure. Creative Swirls: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips to the cinnamon swirl for added texture and flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch things up with different flavors. Try adding cocoa powder for a chocolate spin. You can also mix in pumpkin spice for a fall vibe. If you love nuts, add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. For a fruity twist, toss in some dried cranberries or raisins. These changes keep the mug cake fun and fresh! Want a gluten-free version? Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Almond flour works well too. Make sure the baking powder is gluten-free as well. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without the gluten. If you want to make it vegan, swap out the milk for almond or oat milk. Use a plant-based oil, like coconut oil, instead of vegetable oil. You can also replace the egg with a flax egg. Just mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. These swaps make it easy to enjoy this treat without animal products. If you have extra mug cake, let it cool first. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then put it in a freezer bag. To reheat your mug cake, take it out of the fridge or freezer. If it’s frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, place it in the microwave. Heat it for about 15 to 30 seconds, checking every 10 seconds. This helps warm it without cooking it more. You want it warm and soft. A prepared mug cake lasts up to two days in the fridge. After that, it may dry out or lose flavor. If you freeze it, it can last for about a month. When you're ready to eat it, just follow the reheating instructions for the best taste. Yes, you can bake this mug cake in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the batter into an oven-safe dish instead of a mug. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. Check if it is done by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean. The oven method gives a different texture. It can be a bit firmer and more cake-like. To cut down on the sweetness, use less sugar in the batter. You can reduce the granulated sugar to 2 tablespoons. For the swirl, use only 1 teaspoon of brown sugar. You can also skip the optional cream cheese icing. This will help balance the flavors while keeping it tasty. Yes, you can add fruit! Sliced bananas or diced apples work great. Just mix in about 2 tablespoons of fruit into the batter. This will add flavor and moisture. You can also try berries for a fresh twist. Consider adding the fruit before you pour in the swirl mixture. This blog post covered essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making a delicious mug cake. We explored tips for microwave cooking, how to create the perfect swirl, and variations for different diets. Remember, you can enjoy this treat even with gluten-free or vegan options. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. By following these tips, you can make a yummy mug cake that fits your needs. Dive in, experiment, and enjoy this simple dessert any time!

Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake

A quick and easy microwave mug cake with a delicious cinnamon swirl.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 quarter teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 eighth teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 quarter teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for swirl)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for swirl)
  • optional cream cheese icing for drizzling

Instructions
 

  • In a microwave-safe mug, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all dry ingredients.
  • Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir until a smooth batter forms.
  • In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and brown sugar to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
  • Pour half of the batter into the mug, followed by half of the cinnamon swirl mixture. Use a knife or a toothpick to gently swirl the mixture without fully mixing it in.
  • Pour the remaining batter on top, and then add the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture. Again, gently swirl it with a knife.
  • Microwave the mug for 1 minute and 30 seconds, watching closely to avoid overflow. Cooking time may vary depending on the microwave’s wattage; if necessary, add an additional 15 seconds until the cake is set.
  • Once done, allow the mug cake to cool for a minute. Optionally drizzle with cream cheese icing for extra sweetness.

Notes

Optional cream cheese icing can be added for extra sweetness.
Keyword cinnamon roll, mug cake, quick dessert