Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake

Yield: 1 Serving
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 3 minutes
Recipe Intensity: Very Easy (Beginner-Friendly)

Equipment

• 1 Ramekin or a standard 12-ounce Microwave-Safe Mug (A wider, shallower ramekin will cook more evenly, but a classic mug works perfectly)

• 1 Small Bowl (for mixing the batter)

• 1 Fork or Small Whisk

• 1 Small Spoon or Butter Knife (for swirling)

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter:

• ¼ cup (60g) Cottage Cheese (full-fat, 2%, or fat-free all work)

• 1 large Egg

• 2 tablespoons (15g) Almond Flour (for a gluten-free option) or All-Purpose Flour

• 1 tablespoon (12g) Granulated Sweetener of choice (e.g., Erythritol, Monk Fruit, or regular sugar)

• ½ teaspoon Baking Powder

• ¼ teaspoon Vanilla Extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1 tablespoon (14g) Softened Butter or Coconut Oil

• 1 tablespoon (12g) Brown Sugar Substitute or packed Brown Sugar

• ¾ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

For the Optional Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons Powdered Sweetener or Powdered Sugar

• 1-2 teaspoons Milk (any kind)

• Pinch of Vanilla Extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In your small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mash them together with a fork until a thick, spreadable paste forms. Set this bowl aside.

Step 2: Create the Cake Base

To your ramekin or mug, add the cottage cheese, egg, almond flour, granulated sweetener, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Use your fork or small whisk to mix vigorously until the batter is almost smooth. A few small lumps of cottage cheese are perfectly fine—they will melt away during cooking, creating pockets of creaminess.

Pro Tip: For an ultra-smooth batter, you can blend the cottage cheese and egg together first in a small blender or food processor before adding the dry ingredients. This is optional but creates a more uniform texture.

Step 3: The Swirl

Now, take your cinnamon-butter mixture. Drop dollops of it randomly on top of the cake batter in your mug. Take a butter knife or the handle of a small spoon and gently swirl it through the batter. Don’t overmix! The goal is beautiful ribbons of cinnamon, not a homogeneously brown batter.

Step 4: Microwave to Perfection

Place your mug or ramekin in the microwave. Cook on high for 60 to 90 seconds.

Cooking Note: Microwave power varies significantly. Start with 60 seconds. The cake is done when the top looks set, is springy to the touch, and has pulled away slightly from the sides. If it seems wet or jiggly, cook in 10-second bursts until done. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become rubbery.

Step 5: Final Touches

Carefully remove the mug from the microwave—it will be hot! Let it cool for a minute.

While it cools, whisk together the ingredients for the optional glaze in a small dish. If it’s too thick, add a few more drops of milk. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sweetener.

Drizzle the glaze over the warm mug cake.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake directly from the mug with a spoon while it’s warm and gooey. It’s a complete treat on its own! For a extra-indulgent touch, you can top it with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Dietary Notes & Variations

• Gluten-Free: Ensure you use almond flour or a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

• Dairy-Free: Substitute the cottage cheese with an equal amount of dairy-free yogurt (thick, Greek-style works best). Use coconut oil instead of butter for the swirl.

• Flourless Option: You can try omitting the flour entirely. The texture will be more soufflé-like but still delicious.

• Add-Ins: Feel free to fold a tablespoon of raisins or chopped walnuts into the batter for added texture.

---

Nutrition Information

Important Disclaimer: The following nutrition facts are estimates and can vary significantly based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, especially the type of sweetener and cottage cheese.

Serving Size: 1 entire mug cake (without optional glaze)

With Glaze (using powdered erythritol and unsweetened almond milk): Adds approximately 10 calories and <1g of carbs.

The Nutritional Breakdown & Benefits

This mug cake stands out from its counterparts due to its impressive macronutrient profile. The star ingredient, cottage cheese, is responsible for the high protein content. With approximately 18 grams of protein, this single serving provides a sustained source of energy, promotes muscle repair, and helps keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours, preventing the blood sugar spike and crash associated with traditional sugary desserts.

The use of almond flour contributes healthy fats and fiber, further aiding in satiety and providing a denser, more cake-like texture compared to refined flours. The fats from the egg and butter (or coconut oil) are essential for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins and also contribute to a feeling of fullness.

By using a sugar-free sweetener, you can enjoy the sweet, comforting flavor of a cinnamon roll while keeping the net carbohydrate count low and the calorie count manageable. This makes it an excellent option for those following a low-carb, high-protein, or ketogenic lifestyle, as well as anyone simply looking for a healthier dessert alternative.