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Home » Recipes » Diet » Low Carb + Keto » Keto Vanilla Mug Cake

Feb 14, 2020(updated April 12, 2021)

Keto Vanilla Mug Cake

4.62 from 49 votes
By Dani Spies
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links.

This easy vanilla mug cake recipe is ready in just 2 minutes! If you want a keto mug cake that’s simple to make and super delicious, give this keto (and paleo!) vanilla mug cake a try.  It’s sure to do the job.

vanilla mug cake with fresh berries

Easy Vanilla Mug Cake

This keto (and paleo) vanilla mug cake is made with almond flour, vanilla bean, coconut oil and monk fruit.  It’s a delicious, grain-free mug cake recipe that comes together in just minutes.

Ever find yourself wanting a piece of cake BUT not wanting to deal with an entire cake? This is where mug cake enters the room.

Mug cake is a single serving of cake, made in a mug and cooked in the microwave.

A great way to indulge a sweet tooth without having to rely on highly processed options from the grocery store.

Ingredients for an almond flour mug cake:

This healthy vanilla mug cake recipe is made with just seven simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry right now. Here’s what you need:

  • Almond flour – The base of this mug cake is almond flour, which keeps the cake gluten-free and adds protein and healthy fats.
  • Monk fruit – We’re naturally sweetening this mug cake with monk fruit.  Feel free to sub with any granulated sugar you have on hand.
  • Coconut oil – To add a bit of moisture to the batter. You can sub with any oil or even melted butter.
  • Vanilla – Use vanilla seeds or vanilla extract to give this vanilla mug cake that classic vanilla cake flavor.
  • Egg – You’ll need one egg to give this mug cake structure and the perfect texture.
  • Baking powder – To help the mug cake fluff up and rise.
  • Pinch of salt – Pulls the flavors together. You’ll only need a tiny bit.

How To Make Paleo Vanilla Mug Cake

Brace yourself.  This recipe is crazy easy to make!

  1. Grease an 8-ounce microwave-safe mug with coconut oil (butter or cooking spray would work as well).
  2. Add almond flour, monk fruit, coconut oil, egg, vanilla (beans are best but you can also use extract), baking soda and salt.  Stir until you have a beautiful, rich cake batter.
  3. Pop in the microwave for one minute or until the cake is set through and springy on top.
  4. Cool and enjoy!

I love this mug cake topped with whipped cream and fresh berries but it’s also delicious as-is.

fresh cooked paleo mug cake

Tips For Making Keto Vanilla Mug Cake

Skipping refined flours and sugars is the key to keeping this vanilla mug cake paleo and keto-friendly.
  • Almond flour.  Rich in healthy fats and protein, almond flour is naturally a low carb flour option that creates and super moist, low carb mug cake
  • Fresh vanilla beans.  While this mug cake can be made with vanilla extract, fresh vanilla beans take the flavor to a whole new level.  The flavor of fresh vanilla beans is beyond any other vanilla flavor, so I highly recommend you use them if you can. Look for vanilla beans that are plump and shiny, you definitely don’t want them to be dried out.
  • Monk Fruit.  An all-natural sweetener, with zero-calorie, monk fruit has been on the rise.  I have been experimenting with it a bit in my baking and really like it.  If you don’t need to keep the recipe keto-friendly and prefer not to use monk fruit, any granulated sugar can be swapped in 1:1.

big bite on a spoon

What makes this almond flour mug cake so amazing?

Not only do I LOVE how easy and delicious this almond flour mug cake is, but I also love that’s it’s much more nutritious than your everyday cake. This vanilla keto mug cake is:

  • Packed with healthy fats and fiber from the almond flour to keep you full and satisfied.
  • Almond flour is also a wonderful source of calcium and vitamin E.
  • Naturally gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free and keto-friendly.
  • Low in sugar, so your blood sugar won’t spike after you eat it.

More Mug Cake Recipes:

  • 2-Minute Chocolate Mug Cake
  • Grain + Gluten Free Chocolate Mug Cake

More Healthy Dessert Ideas:

  • Mango Blueberry Crisp
  • Healthy Almond Flour Brownies
  • Matcha Energy Balls

Thanks so much for reading! You can watch the video down below and if you make this recipe I would love for you to give it a ★ rating below.  And be sure to follow me on YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram and FaceBook for more healthy food inspiration!

Print Recipe
4.62 from 49 votes

Keto Vanilla Mug Cake

This delicious vanilla mug cake is made with almond flour and monk fruit making it both keto and paleo-friendly. Try doubling the recipe, to make a fun weeknight dessert for the family.
Course: cake, dairy free, DESSERT, DIET, gluten free, low carb + keto
Cuisine: American
Author: Dani Spies
Prep Time1 min
Cook Time1 min
Total Time2 mins
Servings: 1
Calories: 262kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup almond flour, extra fine
  • 2 tablespoons monk fruit*
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • 1/8 teaspoon vanilla seeds or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • pinch kosher salt
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Grease an 8-ounce mug with coconut oil or cooking spray.
    greasing mug with coconut oil
  • If using fresh vanilla beans, scrape them out of the pod and set them aside.
  • Combine all ingredients in a spouted glass cup and stir until you have a nice, rich cake batter.
    mixing all the ingredients together
  • Transfer the batter to the mug and pop it in the microwave for one minute.
    pour batter into mug
  • Top with your favorite topping and enjoy!
    vanilla mug cake topped with cream and berries

Notes

*Monk fruit is an all-natural, no-calorie sweetener that can be subbed 1:1 with white sugar when baking (or making pancakes!).  This is the brand I like to use.

Nutrition

Serving: 1mug cake | Calories: 262kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 164mg | Sodium: 64mg | Potassium: 162mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 238IU | Calcium: 127mg | Iron: 2mg

Cakes, Dessert, Diet, Gluten Free, Low Carb + Keto, Paleo, Recipes, Video

About Dani Spies

Dani Spies is the founder and host of Clean & Delicious; a weekly cooking show on YouTube and a healthy eating blog that celebrates real, whole foods! She takes a holistic approach to health and wellness and is loved for her approachable, down to earth style both in and out of the kitchen.

Learn MoreWork With Me

Reader Interactions

Yum! I love this recipe.

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    If you loved this recipe please leave a comment and star rating below. Questions are also welcome. Cheers!

    Recipe Rating




    Comments

  1. Meghan says

    February 22, 2020 at 9:33 pm

    5 stars
    I was so excited to finally see a paleo vanilla mug cake. Most mug cakes are chocolate and since I’m not a big chocolate fan, this is perfect for me. I used vanilla bean paste in mine (1/2 tsp) and it tastes fantastic! Thank you Dani!

    Reply
  2. Lanie says

    February 29, 2020 at 2:46 am

    5 stars
    Thank you for this great recipe! Just sharing my little innovation: I omitted the vanilla bean and used vanilla essence (per recipe). Then I added 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and half a teaspoon of lemon zest. Instant lemon cake! Super yum!!

    Reply
    • Dani says

      March 11, 2020 at 9:03 am

      YUM! I can’t wait to try this for myself. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        March 20, 2022 at 12:46 pm

        5 stars
        This was very nice! I followed the recipe to a “T” except I used 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract for a lovely almond mug cake. It paired nicely with a cup of tea!

        Reply
  3. Sherbear says

    April 5, 2020 at 7:30 pm

    5 stars
    Been craving vanilla cake but trying to be healthy. This recipe is AWESOME!! It has the perfect amount of carbs and protein to not mess with my blood sugar. I used vanilla bean paste

    Reply
    • Dani says

      April 6, 2020 at 12:47 pm

      So glad you enjoyed it Sherbear! Thanks for taking the time to share and rate.

      Reply
  4. Anaiz says

    April 20, 2020 at 8:09 pm

    5 stars
    Dani, you have the best healthy recipes!
    I have done a few other mug cake recipes and have always been like…this is not a real cake!. But your recipe is amazing! I feel like I am eating a “real” cake, minus the unnecessary and unhealthy ingredients.
    I am so happy to have found you! Thank you for sharing all your knowledge.

    Reply
    • Dani says

      April 21, 2020 at 12:40 pm

      Awe, thank you for the review! So glad you are enjoying the recipes.

      Reply
    • Melinda says

      July 6, 2021 at 1:50 am

      5 stars
      This is such a great recipe! I made a few changes though. I’ve been trying for months to like almond flour but couldn’t get past the grittiness. Finally found cashew flour and WOW.
      Anyways, I swapped for cashew flour, and used Splenda (off brand), vanilla extract, and added some sugar free chocolate chips I got.
      SO GOOD! The fact that this takes 2 seconds to make makes it more delicious!

      Reply
  5. Maple says

    May 11, 2020 at 11:08 pm

    Thank u so much!! So moist ! I didnt have monk fruit so used maple syrup (not keto) I know. Anyway so good!! Love it so delicious. Best mug cake recipe ever. Gonna make chocolate and snickerdoodle too soon!

    Reply
  6. Michelle says

    May 12, 2020 at 3:11 pm

    5 stars
    I was making a latte & wanting something cake/muffin like but didn’t want to spend an hour making a recipe. My sister mentioned trying a mug cake but others I’ve tried weren’t grain free. So I searched & stumbled on your recipe. I use Krisda & only added 1 TBSP & took another reviewers advice but used lime zest & lime juice (didn’t have lemons) & added grated fresh nutmeg & cinnamon. So good. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Dani says

      February 23, 2021 at 8:49 am

      That sounds great, Michelle! Love how you made it your own.

      Reply
  7. Michelle says

    May 20, 2020 at 1:38 am

    5 stars
    The kids are really getting into baking these days with me and today we made our first mug cakes! While we were enjoying them after dinner, my 6 year old said, “Take a picture and send it to Dani!” He seemed so confident as if he knew you first hand! It was cute! Thanks again for making it a gluten free mug cake since I am celiac. P.S We made both chocolate and vanilla since we couldn’t decide xoxo

    Reply
    • Dani says

      May 20, 2020 at 9:21 am

      Awe, I love this! Thanks for sharing and thank your son for thinking of me 🙂

      Reply
  8. Sanya says

    June 12, 2020 at 5:14 am

    5 stars
    Hi! If I don’t have a microwave but an oven, how long do I bake in the oven for?

    And if I use a mug that is double the size so double the ingredients?

    Thanks xx

    Reply
    • Dani says

      June 13, 2020 at 11:03 am

      I can’t say for sure but start with 8 minutes or so and check as you go!

      Reply
      • Bri says

        December 20, 2020 at 5:32 pm

        5 stars
        Hi thanks!!! Totally love this recipe!!! Lol I use gluten free flour instead

        Reply
        • Dani says

          February 23, 2021 at 8:47 am

          You’re so welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.

          Reply
  9. Valerie k Minor says

    July 24, 2020 at 10:55 pm

    5 stars
    This is by far the best mug cake recipe! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Dani says

      February 23, 2021 at 8:48 am

      Amazing!! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review + I’m so glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply
  10. Olya says

    July 31, 2020 at 5:25 am

    5 stars
    So delicious and so easy! Ingredients are so perfect! Thank you! We made one, and then right away made another one 🙂 We also added chia seed for some crunch!

    Reply
    • Dani says

      February 23, 2021 at 8:48 am

      Love the addition of chia seeds, so clever!

      Reply
  11. Susan Riley says

    September 5, 2020 at 10:27 am

    I don’t have coconut oil. Is there a substitute to use? I am cooking it for a type 1 diabetic child. Carbs are the main concern.
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Dani says

      February 23, 2021 at 8:49 am

      You can swap some butter!

      Reply
  12. Julie says

    September 29, 2020 at 5:15 am

    Just made this and my first mug cake recipe. I used olive oil and worked perfectly. Used almond meal that wasn’t that Fine but still an amazing cake. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Dani says

      February 23, 2021 at 8:49 am

      So glad to hear that Julie!

      Reply
  13. Allie says

    October 7, 2020 at 2:40 pm

    5 stars
    Wow!! I was really craving a sweet dessert as the rest of my family was enjoying sandtarts so I looked on your site for a quick recipe and landed upon this one! I tried it and it was AMAZING! Super quick & hit the spot! Exactly what I was looking for! Thank you so much! I did use regular sugar instead of monk fruit since that’s all I had on hand.

    Reply
  14. Tracey says

    November 23, 2021 at 11:51 pm

    Thanks for your recipes they are very helpful. Please clarify, you stated monk fruit can be used as a 1 to 1 sweetener but didn’t mention that it must be combined with another ingredient in this case erithotyl in order to replace sugar on a 1 to 1 ratio.

    Reply
    • Dani says

      December 12, 2021 at 6:48 am

      Yes, that’s true. I use a brand called Lakanto which is a blend of monk fruit and erithotyl.

      Reply

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