Name: 5-Minute Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-488605H20M10S
Total time: PT-488605H20M10S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup cottage cheese; 1 large egg; 2 tbsp almond flour (or oat flour for softer texture); 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp baking powder; Pinch of salt; 1 tsp maple syrup; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tbsp Greek yogurt or cream cheese; Sweetener of choice (for frosting)

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me all the flavors of a cinnamon roll without the time or effort of making dough. The cottage cheese makes the cake moist and tender while adding a nice boost of protein. I can make it with almond flour for a low-carb option or oat flour for a softer, cozier texture. And when I top it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or cream cheese “frosting,” it tastes just like a mini cinnamon roll in a mug.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1/4 cup cottage cheese
1 egg
2 tbsp almond flour (or oat flour)
1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt

For the Cinnamon Swirl (optional):

1 tsp maple syrup
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional Topping:

1 tbsp Greek yogurt or cream cheese, sweetened to taste

Directions

In a small bowl or blender, I combine the cottage cheese, egg, almond flour, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. I blend or whisk until smooth.
I lightly grease a microwave-safe mug and pour in the batter.
If I want extra cinnamon swirl flavor, I drizzle a mix of maple syrup and cinnamon over the top and swirl it lightly with a toothpick.
I microwave on high for 1–1½ minutes, depending on the power of my microwave. The cake should be set but still soft.
I let it cool for 1–2 minutes before topping with sweetened yogurt or cream cheese for that classic cinnamon roll vibe.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 1 mug cake
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1–1½ minutes
Total Time: 6–7 minutes

Variations

Extra sweet: I add an extra drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.
Nutty twist: A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts in the batter gives it crunch.
Chocolate version: A few mini chocolate chips mixed in make it more indulgent.
Glaze topping: I whisk powdered sugar with a splash of milk for a quick icing drizzle.
Pumpkin spice: I swap the cinnamon for pumpkin spice blend for a fall-inspired treat.

Storage/Reheating

This mug cake is best eaten right away while it’s warm and fluffy. If I do save half, I cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day, then reheat it in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I bake this instead of microwaving it?

Yes, I bake it in an oven-safe ramekin at 350°F for about 12–15 minutes until set.

Can I make it without eggs?

Yes, I swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water). The texture is a bit denser but still tasty.

Do I have to blend the cottage cheese?

I usually blend it for a smoother texture, but if I don’t mind a few small curds, whisking by hand works fine.

Which flour works better, almond or oat?

Almond flour gives a denser, low-carb cake, while oat flour makes it lighter and more like a traditional cinnamon roll.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, I double the ingredients and cook in a larger mug, but I increase the microwave time slightly—usually closer to 2–2½ minutes.

Conclusion

This 5-minute cinnamon roll mug cake is my shortcut to dessert happiness. It’s warm, comforting, and full of cinnamon-sugar flavor, yet quick enough to whip up anytime I want a sweet treat. Whether I make it as a late-night snack or a fun breakfast-for-one, it never fails to satisfy—and I love knowing I can make it with just a few simple ingredients from my fridge and pantry.