Microwave Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

1 Mug Cake
11 min

If you’re craving a cinnamon roll but don’t want to make a large batch, give this single-serve microwave cinnamon roll cake a try. With simple ingredients and a microwave-safe mug or dish, you will have a sweet treat in minutes.

Even though this is a small cake, this cinnamon roll recipe is complete with a cinnamon swirl and cream cheese frosting. Be sure to save this recipe for the next time you want a quick coffee cake for one!

Cinnamon roll cake in a ramekin dish.
Cinnamon Roll in a Mug Recipe


As you can probably tell, I’m all about mug cakes over here. In fact, I have another site full of low-carb cakes for one. My obsession is due to my giant sweet tooth.

I just love that I can whip up a single dessert using the microwave in minutes. Mug cakes are quick, easy and portion-controlled. They are enough to feed my sweet tooth and I don’t have to worry about wasting excess or going back for thirds or fourths. Plus, it’s just fun to cinnamon swirl all the things!

If you can relate, give this cinnamon roll in a mug a try.

Want a gluten-free and high protein option? Try this sweet potato mug cake that’s a unique and sweet treat for one or two.

Ingredients for microwave cinnamon roll cake in bowls.

Single Serve Cinnamon Roll Cake Ingredients


Here’s what you need to make this recipe. Scroll down for the printable recipe card with measurements.

For the cake:


  • All-purpose flour
  • Sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Cinnamon
  • Milk of choice
  • Avocado oil
  • Salt


For the cinnamon swirl:


  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Butter


For the cream cheese frosting:


  • Butter
  • Cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar


Microwave Cinnamon Roll Directions


Step One: Cake Batter

Add all the ingredients for the cake to a microwave-safe mug or ramekin that holds at least 8 ounces. Stir well to incorporate and remove any lumps in the batter.

Flour, cinnamon, and egg in a ramekin.
Cake batter in a cup.

Step Two: Swirl

Make the cinnamon swirl by adding butter to a small bowl. Melt it in the microwave and add cinnamon and brown sugar. Stir to combine.

Pour the mixture over the cake batter. Use a butter knife to swirl the mixture into the cake.

Cinnamon and butter in little dishes.
Cinnamon swirled into batter.

Step Three: Microwave

Microwave the cake for one minute or until the center is cooked through. Allow it to cool.

Icing next to cake batter.

Step Four: Frosting

While the cake is cooling, make the cream cheese frosting by adding butter and cream cheese to a small bowl. Heat in the microwave at 50% power for 10 seconds. Add the powdered sugar and stir until smooth. Add up to an additional tablespoon of powdered sugar until you get the consistency you want.

Frost the cooled cake by simply adding the desired amount with a spoon. If you want to create the swirl pattern as seen in the pictures here, transfer the frosting to a sandwich bag and cut off a corner. You can then pipe the frosting into a swirl, starting at the center of the cake.

Cinnamon roll cake in a little dish.

Step Five: Savor

Enjoy your mini cinnamon roll! I like to use a small spoon, so I make sure to savor every bite.

A spoon in a cinnamon roll cake.

Microwave Cake Recipe Notes and FAQ


The frosting makes two servings.


The frosting in this recipe makes enough for two cakes if you use the swirl pattern. Either make a second cake to share or refrigerate the remaining frosting for another day.

Spoonful of cinnamon cake with icing.

Can I make this into a large cake?


This recipe has only been tested as a small mug cake. It’s designed to be a single-serve dessert.

Cake with a spoonful taking out with the spoon next to it.

Great dessert for college kids!


Mug cakes are a good dessert option for college kids. If they live in a dorm or smaller space, they might not want to mess with the oven or larger supplies often needed to make a full cake.


Try these recipes for people who love cinnamon rolls


  • Cinnamon roll cookies for a chewy cookie with that iconic icing swirl.
  • Cinnamon roll oatmeal for a hearty breakfast that’s also a sweet treat.
  • Cinnamon roll smoothie bowl for a refreshing and filling breakfast or snack.
  • Cinnamon roll muffins that are perfect for guests around the holidays or all year.


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Cinnamon roll cake in a dish and ingredients in bowls under it.

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I’d love to hear your thoughts if you make this microwave cinnamon roll cake.

Microwave Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Recipe details
  • 1  Mug Cake
  • Prep time: 10 Minutes Cook time: 1 Minutes Total time: 11 min
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Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons milk of choice
  • ½ tablespoon avocado oil
  • Pinch of salt
Cinnamon Swirl Ingredients
  • 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ tablespoon butter, melted
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
  • ½ tablespoon butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
  • 4-5 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions

Combine all of the cake ingredients in a microwave-safe mug, dish, or ramekin that is at least eight ounces. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
To make the cinnamon swirl, melt half a tablespoon of butter in a small bowl. Add cinnamon and brown sugar, and stir until combined.
Pour the cinnamon swirl mixture over the cake batter and use a butter knife to fold and swirl it into the batter.
Microwave the cake for one minute or until the center is cooked through.
While the cake cools, make the frosting by adding butter and cream cheese to a small bowl. Heat the mixture at 50% power in the microwave for 10 seconds, then add four tablespoons of powdered sugar and stir until smooth. Add up to an additional tablespoon of powdered sugar to reach the desired frosting consistency.
Frost the cake by spooning on the desired amount of frosting or creating a swirl pattern as shown. To create the swirl, transfer the frosting to a small sandwich bag, snip off a corner, and pipe the frosting into a swirl, starting at the center of the cake. Enjoy!
Tips
  • This frosting recipe is sufficient for two servings if you use the suggested swirl pattern. If you want to share your cake with someone else, you can make another cake using the same recipe. Alternatively, you can refrigerate any leftover frosting for later use.
Jennifer Soltys
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