Pumpkin Mug Cake - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

Home » Low-Carb Desserts » Keto Pumpkin Mug Cake

Last updated: · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This keto pumpkin mug cake is amazing. Without the frosting, it makes a great breakfast. With the frosting, a decadent dessert.

It's ready in about 15 minutes, making it the perfect answer for those occasions when you crave something sweet!

Pumpkin Mug Cake - Healthy Recipes Blog (1)

I adore mug cakes! They are fast and easy, and they give you wonderful built-in portion control. No temptation lurking in the fridge after you've had a serving!

My go-to is this simple keto mug cake. I also love making keto chocolate mug cake, keto peanut butter mug cake, and microwave cheesecake.

In the fall, I greatly enjoy this keto pumpkin mug cake. It's the perfect fall dessert (or breakfast!).

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • Instructions
  • Expert Tip
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storing Leftovers
  • More Pumpkin Recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card
  • Reviews

Ingredients

Here's an overview of the ingredients you'll need to make this tasty cake. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

  • Unsalted butter: I love using creamy European butter, but any butter will be great.
  • Canned pumpkin: Make sure you buy pure pumpkin puree and not sweetened pumpkin pie filling.
  • Sweetener: I use stevia glycerite. You can use a granulated sweetener instead.
  • Vanilla extract: Try to use the real thing - pure vanilla extract - and not the artificially flavored stuff.
  • Cinnamon: You can also use pumpkin pie spice in this recipe.
  • Egg: I use large eggs in almost all of my recipes, this one included.
  • Coconut flour: Since it's so extremely absorbent, it's best to measure it by weight and not by volume. Every gram counts!
  • Baking powder: Make sure it's fresh. And if needed, also make sure it's gluten-free.
  • For the frosting: Cream cheese, canned pumpkin, sweetener, cinnamon, and vanilla.

Variations

The main variation I sometimes make is to use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon. It's a nice variation and it certainly gives the cake a bolder, more intense flavor.

Another variation is to first the cak with this simple keto cream cheese frosting, with yogurt frosting, or with keto whipped cream.

Instructions

This delicious keto pumpkin mug cake "bakes" in the microwave for just 90 seconds. In fact, I got the idea for this cake from this 90-second bread recipe.

What would happen, I wondered, if I added pumpkin, a sweetener, and cinnamon? I increased the amount of coconut flour just a little - it is so absorbent that too much means a very dry cake - and loved the result!

The frosting is lovely, and just as easy to make as the cake. I simply mix the ingredients by hand. The cake is nice without frosting, but it's REALLY good with it.

The detailed instructions for making this cake are listed in the recipe card below. Here are the basic steps:

Your first step is to mix the frosting ingredients by hand, then set it aside.

Next, in a ramekin, mix the cake ingredients thoroughly, in the order listed.

Microwave the cake for 90 seconds.

Pumpkin Mug Cake - Healthy Recipes Blog (2)

Expert Tip

Since this recipe requires a small amount of pumpkin puree, to prevent waste, it is a good recipe to make when you have leftover pumpkin puree from another recipe.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a granulated sweetener instead of stevia?

Yes. The amount of stevia I use in the cake batter equals about 2 tablespoons of sugar.

So you can use a granulated sweetener to equal 2 tablespoons of sugar, or simply use sugar if you don't mind the carbs.

Can I use regular flour or almond flour?

No, unfortunately, you can't. Coconut flour is very unique in how it behaves in baked goods. It is not interchangeable with other flours.

Can I bake this cake in the oven?

You probably can, if the ramekin you use is oven-safe, but I haven't actually tried that.

I would start with 10 minutes in a 350°F oven and see if that does it. When ready, the cake should be puffed and fragrant and a toothpick inserted in its center should come out clean.

Serving Suggestions

This is a big cake, and when it's frosted, it makes two generous, filling servings.

When I make it without the frosting, I have all of it for my breakfast with some coffee.

But when I frost it, I either share it with my husband or save half of it for later. Once it's frosted, you can sprinkle it with a few dark chocolate chips, if you like the combination of pumpkin and chocolate.

Storing Leftovers

You can keep this cake in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. Take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before enjoying it.

If it's unfrosted, you can also freeze this cake in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Pumpkin Mug Cake - Healthy Recipes Blog (4)

More Pumpkin Recipes

  • Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake
  • Keto Pumpkin Muffins
  • Keto Pumpkin Pie
  • Keto Pumpkin Bread

Foodie Newsletter

I send out a weekly newsletter with a recipe and tips. Want these recipes in your inbox?Subscribetoday! You can unsubscribe at any time.

Recipe Card

Pumpkin Mug Cake - Healthy Recipes Blog (9)

4.96 from 285 votes

Pin Recipe Print Recipe

Keto Pumpkin Mug Cake

This keto pumpkin mug cake is so good! Without the frosting, it makes a great breakfast. With the frosting, a decadent dessert.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time1 minute min

Total Time16 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 219kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

Optional frosting:

  • 2 oz cream cheese
  • 1 tablespoon canned pure pumpkin puree
  • ¼ teaspoon stevia glycerite (equals 1 tablespoon powdered sugar)*
  • teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cake:

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
  • ½ teaspoon stevia glycerite (equals 2 tablespoons sugar)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 large egg
  • 1.5 tablespoons coconut flour (11 grams)
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder (gluten-free if needed)

Instructions

  • If making frosting: Soften the cream cheese in the microwave, using a small microwave-safe bowl, for about 10 seconds. Mix in the remaining ingredients and whisk until smooth. Set aside.

  • Place the butter in a microwave-safe ¾-cup, 3-inch-wide ramekin. Melt it in the microwave.

  • Whisk in the pumpkin, stevia, vanilla, and cinnamon. Add the egg and whisk to incorporate.

  • Add the coconut flour and baking powder. Whisk until smooth, scraping the sides and bottom and making sure the batter is completely smooth, well incorporated, and free of lumps. Especially check the bottom of the ramekin to make sure there are no unmixed areas there.

  • Microwave the cake for about 90 seconds, just until a toothpick inserted in its center comes out clean.

  • Carefully remove the ramekin from the microwave. Use oven mitts - it will be hot. Place it on a heatproof cutting board.

  • Gently remove the cake from the ramekin. Run a knife around the edges and slide a small rubber spatula under the bottom if needed. Turn the cake upside down to allow the bottom to air out and prevent sogginess. Allow it to slightly cool.

  • Enjoy the cake as is, or frost it: slice it in half crosswise. Frost the center, then the top. If you have enough frosting, you can frost the sides as well, as shown in the video.

  • Cut the cake into two servings and enjoy!

Video

Notes

When I don't frost the cake, I eat the whole thing! Nutrition info for an unfrosted cake: Calories 238, fat 18g, saturated fat 10g, sodium 218mg, carbs 10g, fiber 5g, sugars 10g, protein 8g.

** A granulated sweetener in the frosting will feel grainy, so please use a powdered sweetener.

Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 0.5cake | Calories: 219kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 193mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g

Made this Recipe?

If you made this recipe, please leave a comment sharing your experience with others. Thank you so much!

Subscribe

I send out a weekly newsletter with a recipe and tips. Want these recipes in your inbox? Subscribe today! You can unsubscribe at any time.

Disclaimers

Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.

About the Author

Pumpkin Mug Cake - Healthy Recipes Blog (10) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Review this Recipe or Ask a Question:

  1. Zara

    Hi, can this be made without a microwave?

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      Hi Zara,
      Yes. Bake it in a 350°F oven for around 15 minutes. Check with a toothpick to ensure it's fully baked. And - needless to say - use an oven-safe ramekin.

      Reply

Pumpkin Mug Cake - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

Why did my mug cake fail? ›

You're overfilling the mug

Any size will do, as long the mug has enough room to get all your ingredients in without overfilling it. Most recipes are designed for mugs this size, so if you only have smaller mugs, you'll need to cut down on the ingredients a bit.

Are mug cakes okay to eat? ›

Yes! Mug cakes are completely safe to consume. Just make sure to microwave them long enough for the cake batter to cook completely!

Why are mug cakes chewy? ›

Why is my mug cake chewy? If your mug cake is chewy or rubbery, it's usually because it's overcooked. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do to fix a rubbery mug cake once it's cooked. Next time, take 15 seconds off of your microwave time.

What are the common errors in cake making? ›

Common Baking Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
  • Baking at the wrong temperature. ...
  • Not measuring ingredients. ...
  • Checking on your items too frequently. ...
  • Your ingredients are at the wrong temperature. ...
  • Your dough isn't rising. ...
  • Nothing is baking evenly. ...
  • Your dough or batter is too tough.

What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake? ›

What Is the Biggest Mistake to Avoid When Making Dump Cake? If this is your first time making a dump cake, it may appear that we've forgotten an important instruction — stirring. But stirring is exactly what you do not want to do for this style of dessert.

Why does my mug cake taste bitter? ›

If you purposely or accidentally used baking soda instead of baking powder without making any changes to your recipe, you'll definitely end up with a bitter taste. Remember, baking soda is an alkaline, or base, ingredient that naturally has a bitter taste. Baking powder is a multi-ingredient leavener.

Can you eat raw mug cake batter? ›

Let's make this simple: No. Eating uncooked dough or batter can make you severely sick. The primary risk comes from flour.

Can mug cake mix go bad? ›

Baking mixes can generally be used past their expiration date, but they may not perform as well as they would if they were fresh. Over time, the ingredients in the mix can lose their potency, leading to a change in flavor, texture, and overall quality of the baked goods.

Why don't mug cakes use eggs? ›

It's easy to see why—most classic cake recipes call for two or three eggs and serve at least 10 people. So for a single-serving mug cake, just skip the egg; a whole egg will overpower the small amount of batter (and it's pretty tough to divide an egg in quarters).

Can I use soda instead of baking powder? ›

Remember that baking soda is stronger than baking powder, so you'll want to use a quarter of the amount of baking soda as powder. So if the recipe calls for 1 tsp. baking powder, use ¼ tsp. baking soda.

Can you eat mug cake cold? ›

This cake is perfect as is or with a little dollop of something special on top like whipped cream, melted peanut butter, or a little spread of frosting. However you decide to eat it: hot or cold, with toppings or without; you're going to be so thankful you've got this quick and easy desert in your repertoire!

How do you fix a failed cake? ›

Cover a cracked cake with frosting to hide its imperfection.

Frosting will hide small cracks perfectly. If it's severely cracked, use a little frosting to try to "glue" the pieces back together; do this by spreading the frosting down into the crack and pressing it back together.

What are the three factors that result to failures in baking a cake? ›

1) You forgot to add baking powder, or you used expired baking powder. 2) Your pan is too big, so the mixture can't rise enough to fill it. Or 3) You over whisked.

Why do my cakes always fail? ›

Damage to or a lack of gluten strands may cause the cake to collapse. Too much leavening can cause a cake to rise too quickly. The gas produced by the leavening agents escapes before the cake sets. A small amount of leavening goes a long way; measure it precisely and use the amount specified in a recipe.

What to do with failed cupcake? ›

3 Ways to Salvage Sub-Par Cake and Cupcakes
  1. Crumble up your prepared cake (or cupcakes) into a large bowl. ...
  2. Mix well with your hands. ...
  3. Roll small pieces of this into little balls and set these on a sheet of wax paper on top of a plate.
  4. Once you're done, place the plate in the freezer and let it sit for about 30 minutes.
Sep 25, 2013

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Reed Wilderman

Last Updated:

Views: 5644

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Reed Wilderman

Birthday: 1992-06-14

Address: 998 Estell Village, Lake Oscarberg, SD 48713-6877

Phone: +21813267449721

Job: Technology Engineer

Hobby: Swimming, Do it yourself, Beekeeping, Lapidary, Cosplaying, Hiking, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Reed Wilderman, I am a faithful, bright, lucky, adventurous, lively, rich, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.