If you’re craving something cozy, indulgent, and packed with protein, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Roll Protein Mug Cake. Imagine the swirl of cinnamon and vanilla from your favorite bakery treat, but with a nutritious boost and ready in minutes. This luscious single-serve cake is fluffy, sweet, and absolutely satisfying—perfect when you need a speedy pick-me-up or a midnight snack that feels a little decadent but fuels you right.

Cinnamon Roll Protein Mug Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe was carefully chosen to deliver that iconic cinnamon roll flavor and a deliciously soft texture—without any fuss. You only need a few pantry staples, each adding its own special magic to the finished mug cake.

1 scoop vanilla protein powder: This gives your mug cake a powerful protein punch as well as a hint of creamy vanilla flavor.
2 tablespoons almond flour: Provides body and a soft, tender crumb, making the cake moist.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures your mug cake rises up light and fluffy every single time.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: The signature spice—rich, aromatic, and comforting, just like a classic cinnamon roll.
1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and a touch of natural sweetness to keep things tender.
1 tablespoon milk (dairy or non-dairy): Helps bring the batter together and creates that moist cake texture.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates every bite with a warm, homey scent and extra bakery-style goodness.
1 teaspoon brown sugar or coconut sugar (optional): Rounds out the cinnamon flavor with a hint of caramel-like sweetness.
Pinch of salt: Makes all the other flavors pop and keeps the sweetness balanced.
1 teaspoon cream cheese (for topping): For that signature cinnamon roll glaze—creamy, rich, and simply irresistible.
1 teaspoon Greek yogurt (for topping): Lightens the glaze while adding a subtle tangy note that perfectly mimics the classic frosting.
Sweetener to taste (for glaze): Whether you love it sweet or just lightly kissed, choose your favorite and adjust to your preference.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Protein Mug Cake

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing a microwave-safe mug—wider mugs work best so your cake can rise without overflowing. Add the vanilla protein powder, almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt straight into the mug. Give everything a thorough stir to ensure the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed, so each bite is filled with cinnamon roll bliss.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour in the unsweetened applesauce, milk of your choice, vanilla extract, and brown sugar or coconut sugar if you’re using it. Gently mix everything together until a smooth and lump-free batter forms. The applesauce keeps the cake moist and tender, while the milk ensures a lovely, even texture—no dry bites here!

Step 3: Microwave the Mug Cake

Pop your mug into the microwave and cook on high for 45 to 60 seconds—the magic happens quickly! The Cinnamon Roll Protein Mug Cake should rise, set, and look beautifully puffed in the center. If the cake still seems a bit gooey, add extra time in 10-second intervals. Trust your senses and remember: it will firm up a tad as it cools.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Glaze

While your cake cools for a minute, mix the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and your favorite sweetener in a tiny bowl. Stir until light and silky. This makes the most heavenly, high-protein cinnamon roll “frosting” that you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.

Step 5: Top and Enjoy Immediately

Spread or drizzle the glaze over your warm mug cake for that irresistible cinnamon roll finish. Grab your spoon and dive in while it’s still warm—the flavors and textures are at their absolute best right out of the microwave!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Protein Mug Cake

Garnishes

For a showstopping finish, sprinkle a dusting of extra cinnamon or a tiny pinch of powdered sugar right over the glaze. If you’re feeling fancy, a few chopped pecans or walnuts add an irresistible crunch and nutty undertone that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon swirl.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cinnamon Roll Protein Mug Cake with a cup of bold coffee, chai tea, or a frothy matcha latte for the ultimate cozy treat. This mug cake is also delightful alongside a bowl of fresh sliced fruit or a dollop of nut butter for a heartier snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to up the wow-factor? Serve your mug cake in clear glass mugs so you can admire the golden crumb and creamy glaze. Mini mugs work great for sharing or for brunch spreads. You can also top with extra protein-friendly ingredients like a few berries, or swirl the glaze into a cinnamon roll spiral for a bakery-inspired look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (though I can’t promise you will!), just cover your mug with plastic wrap or transfer the cake to a small airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two days—just know that the glaze may set up a little more as it chills.

Freezing

Believe it or not, this Cinnamon Roll Protein Mug Cake can be frozen! Allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap tightly or store in a small freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. The glaze can be frozen as well, but you might want to whip up a fresh batch after reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To enjoy your cake warm again, simply remove any plastic, place the mug in the microwave, and heat in 10-15 second bursts until just warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge or use the microwave’s defrost function, then warm as described. Add fresh glaze if desired for that just-baked taste!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Snack

Absolutely! Any high-quality vanilla protein powder will work in this recipe, whether it’s whey, casein, or plant-based. Just keep in mind the consistency; some plant-based powders absorb more liquid, so you may need to adjust the amount of milk slightly.

Is it possible to make this mug cake vegan?

Yes! To make a vegan Cinnamon Roll Protein Mug Cake, use your favorite plant-based protein powder, coconut or oat milk, and swap the cream cheese and Greek yogurt for non-dairy alternatives. Choose a vegan sweetener for the glaze—you’ll still get all that classic flavor!

What if I don’t have almond flour?

No worries. Oat flour or coconut flour are both great substitutes. If using coconut flour, start with a bit less (about 1 tablespoon) and add more liquid if the batter seems thick—coconut flour is very absorbent.

Why did my mug cake come out dry or rubbery?

Most likely, it was microwaved a bit too long, or the protein powder used is very absorbent. Try reducing the cook time by 10 seconds, and don’t forget to stick with a wide mug. If needed, add just a splash more milk for extra moisture next time.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

For best results, mix the batter right before microwaving so the baking powder stays active and your cake gets nice and fluffy. If you’re tight on time, you can mix your dry ingredients ahead in a small jar—then all you’ll need to add are the wet ingredients before cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Protein Mug Cake is truly a little gift to your future self—warm, decadent, speedy, and secretly healthy. Give it a try next time you need a sweet fix or protein boost; I genuinely think you’ll find yourself making it on repeat!

Cinnamon Roll Protein Mug Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a guilt-free treat with this Cinnamon Roll Protein Mug Cake recipe. Packed with protein and bursting with cinnamon flavor, this single-serve cake is the perfect snack or quick dessert option. Topped with a creamy glaze, it’s a delicious and satisfying treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 scoop vanilla protein powder
2 tablespoons almond flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce
1 tablespoon milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon brown sugar or coconut sugar (optional)

For Topping:

1 teaspoon cream cheese
1 teaspoon Greek yogurt
sweetener to taste (for glaze)

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Instructions

Dry Ingredients: In a microwave-safe mug, combine the protein powder, almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

Wet Ingredients: Stir in the applesauce, milk, vanilla extract, and brown sugar if using. Mix until a smooth batter forms, ensuring no lumps.

Microwave on high for 45–60 seconds or until the cake is set and puffed in the center.
Mix cream cheese and Greek yogurt with sweetener to create a glaze.
Spread or drizzle the glaze over the warm mug cake and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Cooking time may vary by microwave—start with 45 seconds and add more time in 10-second increments if needed.
Use a wide mug to prevent overflow.
You can substitute oat flour or coconut flour for almond flour, adjusting liquid if needed.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Category: Snack
Method: Microwave
Cuisine: American