Keto mug cake is perfect when you need a delicious dessert in a flash. There’s nothing easier or more comforting than this easy sugar-free snickerdoodle cake. Only 5 minutes, start to finish!
Mug cakes were an absolute revelation for me when I first started food blogging. Wait…what? You mean you can make cake in 5 minutes flat? And you can just do one or two servings? You can have cake any old time?
I could hardly fathom it. In my experience, baking a cake took quite a bit of time and effort. So when I tried making my first keto mug cake, I was totally floored
Done right, it’s just as airy and delicious as cake baked in the oven. And since this Snickerdoodle Mug Cake has long been one of my most popular recipes, I think I’ve done it right!
If you love cookies make sure sure to also check out my Keto Snickerdoodles.
Why you will love this recipe
If you’re a dessert lover who’s short on time, keto mug cake is the way to go. And there are so many great ways to make it, with just about any flavor you want.
You can make keto chocolate mug cakes, peanut butter mug cakes, and even blueberry lemon. I also have a wonderful recipe for a gooey keto mug brownie. The possibilities are endless.
They take a handful of basic ingredients that you likely already have in your keto pantry. You only need a little flour, some sweetener, eggs, oil, and liquid to make them.
They are also easily adapted for any dietary restrictions, such as nut-free or dairy-free. So everyone can enjoy these quick and easy cakes.
Reader testimonials
Outstanding! Just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy that cake craving!The only difference is I used golden monkfruit instead of Swerve granular.I will definitely be making this again, thank you! — Kathy
Best keto mug cake recipe I have ever tried! And I have tried many. I only made one serving and used the whole egg instead of trying to split it. Haha. Was out of cream so I put water in its place. Was still delicious! I am sure it would even be better if I could have followed it to a t. — Sarab
Ingredients you need
This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Almond flour: To make it nut free, swap out almond flour with sunflower seed flour.
- Coconut flour: This helps the consistency of the cake and also reduced the carb count.
- Sweetener: Use your favorite granular sweetener. This recipe works with Swerve, BochaSweet or allulose.
- Ground cinnamon: You can’t have snickerdoodles without plenty of cinnamon!
- Cream of tartar and baking soda: Snickerdoodle cookies are made with baking soda and cream of tartar. They give the cookies a unique tangy flavor, so that’s what I used in this keto mug cake as well. If you don’t have these ingredients, you can use ½ teaspoon of baking powder.
- Kitchen staples: Eggs, butter, cream, vanilla extract, and salt.
Step by step directions
1. Cinnamon “sugar”: Make this first so that you can sprinkle it into the middle of the batter as well as on the top. In a small bowl, whisk together sweetener and cinnamon for the topping. Set aside.
2. Combine the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, sweetener, cinnamon, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
3. Add the wet ingredients: Stir in the egg, butter, whipping cream, and vanilla extract. If your batter is overly thick, add water, 1 teaspoon at a time. It should be just barely pourable.
4. Assemble the mug cake: Divide half the batter between two coffee mugs or ramekins. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon mixture. Divide the remaining batter between mugs and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon mixture.
5. Cook: Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes, until puffed and just barely cooked through. Remove and let cool 5 minutes.
Expert Tips and FAQ
Mug size: When baked in the microwave, these snickerdoodle keto mug cakes rise very rapidly. Make sure your mugs or ramekins are large enough to accommodate this. You want them to be at least ¾ cup capacity and you don’t want to fill them more than two-thirds full.
Oven-baking: You can also make them in an oven or toaster oven too, but they will take longer. Bake it at 325ºF for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil or avocado oil in place of the butter, and coconut milk in place of the heavy cream.
Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed flour in place of the almond flour. But remember to add a little lemon juice (1 tablespoon) to offset the funny green reaction.
This keto mug cake recipe has 7.4g of carbohydrate and 3.7g of dietary fiber. Thus it has 3.7g of NET CARBS per serving.
Because they cook so quickly, it’s easy to overcook mug cakes. I like to take mine out when the center still looks a little wet, to ensure that it’s not dried out. For these keto mug cakes, 90 seconds on high works well.
Yes, you can make these cakes in advance. Cover them tightly and store at room temperature for 1 day. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until just warm.
Serving suggestions:
- I eat keto mug cake right out of the mug, but you can also flip them out onto a dish. Make sure you grease the ramekin or mug very well if you plan on doing this.
- Take your cakes to the next level with a little whipped cream or keto ice cream.
- The Mini Snickerdoodle Cookies from High Key looks so adorable on top.
- If you really want to gild the lily, try drizzling it with some of my keto caramel sauce!
Keto Mug Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cinnamon Filling/Topping:
- 2 teaspoon Swerve Sweetener
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Mug Cakes:
- 5 tablespoon almond flour
- 1 tablespoon coconut flour
- 2 tablespoon Swerve Sweetener
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar
- Pinch salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoon melted butter (try avocado oil for dairy-free)
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Water to thin batter, if necessary
Instructions
Filling/Topping:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sweetener and cinnamon. Set aside.
Mug Cakes:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, sweetener, cinnamon, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Add the egg, butter, whipping cream, and vanilla extract and stir until well combined. If your batter is overly thick, add water, 1 teaspoon at a time. It should be just barely pourable.
- Divide half the batter between two coffee mugs or ramekins. Sprinkle with half of the topping mixture. Divide the remaining batter between mugs and sprinkle with the remaining topping mixture.
- Cook on high in microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, until puffed and just barely cooked through.
- Remove and let cool 5 minutes. Serve warm with lightly sweetened whipped cream, if desired.
Lorie Reed says
Can you please tell me the approximate time and temperature to bake this without the use of a microwave?
Congrats on the kitchen!
Carolyn says
Try a 325F oven for 15 minutes. It may need longer.
Anastasia says
I baked a x3 portion in a 6 inch pan for 20 minutes at 350F. OMG! It’s so yummy!!! Went to my favorites!
Jes says
What can I use instead of a coffee mug/ what size does the container need to be? Can it be baked instead of microwaved? Thank you!
Kelly says
I’m wondering the same thing?
Jan says
I used a small ramekin.
JAQ says
Just tried this as a post-lunch treat. Served with sweetened whipped cream and a drizzle of your caramel sauce which i just happened to have on hand in the fridge. Holy cow batman! Bloody yummers!!!
Amanda says
This is an amazing looking treat!
Judy says
Just finished eating Snickerdoodle Mug Cake for breakfast. Another “keeper!” Will also be good for a snack when cookie graving hits! (I have your site on my toolbar! Noticed Briana’s comment…her site is right beside yours. You ladies keep me busy!)
Carolyn says
Aw, I am in good company then!
Wendy | Around My Family Table says
I pretty much love anything Snickerdoodle! This mug cake looks and sounds amazing!
Nicole says
It is awesome that you are now enjoying a bright kitchen space. I am still in a dark, dreary kitchen and am counting the days until I move to a happier work space. Love all of your kitchen makeover ideas!
Jacque says
Can’t wait to make this… But did I miss the cream of tartar. Isn’t that what gives Snickerdoodles their snicker? How much would you add?
Carolyn says
Whoops! Thanks. It’s 1/8 teaspoon. I need to update the recipe!
Lauren Kelly Nutrition says
You are so lucky to start over with your kitchen, I love all of your ideas! And this mug cake looks incredible! You amaze me with your low carb creations 🙂
Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons says
I’m in the process of buying a new home now, and a kitchen remodel will be happening immediately! So many of the things on your mood board are things I love, too. Also, I just used my convection oven microwave to roast chicken tonight. Such a lovely appliance when you don’t want to heat up the house in the summer. I”m always looking for more recipes to make in it, so now mug cakes are next on my list 🙂
Karen says
The beauty of this is, again, I have everything I need to make this tonight. LOVE that!
Linda says
Tried. Quick and easy. Delicious!! Hubby and I enjoyed.
Sarah G says
I am making this cake TONIGHT!
Joan Hayes says
Congrats on your new place, and your new kitchen, how exciting! And this mug cake looks to die for! That photo with the cream pouring over it is too much, my sweet tooth is going crazy! Definitely gonna have to make this! : )
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
This snickerdoodle mug cake is on my list to try soon! So delicious!
Briana Thomas (briana-thomas.com) says
These look so yummy, Carolyn! I will be sharing them next week. Congrats on the new kitchen! Can we see some pictures? Pretty please? 😛
Carolyn says
Working on it! 🙂
Liz says
It’s been wonderful to see your kitchen transformation—and I love your inspiration board! So many decisions to make. Your mug cakes would certainly thrill my youngest—he’s the big snickerdoodle fan in the family 🙂
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog says
I love that this recipe is gluten free! I’m so indecisive when it comes to making long-term commitments to design so I’m totally with you on the this-or-that aspect.
Pam Bradley says
Ramekins come in various sizes. What is the approximate size of the one use used ?
Pam B. Lay says
Hello Pam! I am also Pam and Bradley is my maiden name! Surprising to see your post! Lol Have never seen another Pam Bradley!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
I’m totally going to Lowe’s this weekend to look at appliances! We’re getting ready to do a full remodel and the Frigidaire line sounds perfect! Love this cookie, especially that it’s single serving.
estelle says
I am so happy for you that you moved to a place with a bright and cheery kitchen. You must love your kitchen for the amount of time that you spend in it cooking up all these yummy goodies for your family! The mug cake looks devine, luv luv, LUV anything cinnamon especially in winter time, that is creeping up on us here in sunny South Africa. Thanks, will try it this weekend and enjoy your kitchen!
Angel says
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG. OOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMGGGGHHHH!! THIS IS HANDS DOWN THE BEST Keto dessert recipe I’ve tried!! AND I’ve tried a lot since I work at home and have the opportunity to cook. I left it in the mug and it dried out and OMG now it’s a cookie! And the best keto cookie I’ve ever eaten! The whipped cream was perfect with it!
Lynda says
Now I’m excited I’m trying it tonight