It’s hot out, and the last thing I want to do is turn on the oven. That’s where this gluten-free lime mug cake saves the day. It’s soft, moist, and full of juicy lime flavor! It has just the right balance of sweet and tangy. And the best part? It cooks in the microwave in 90 seconds, so you get that fluffy, citrusy bite fast with no oven, no waiting.
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Doesn’t this gluten-free and dairy-free lime cake look delicious? I was worried the microwave would dry it out, but it didn’t dry at all. Each bite is bursting with lime flavor! This gluten-free lime mug cake recipe also features a sweet lime icing, but you could easily use regular frosting to make this a cupcake in a mug. I still can’t believe how fast you can make this! All you need is 3 minutes!
I plan to create a variety of fun mug cake recipes over the next few months, assuming the weather remains this hot. You can make this gluten-free microwave cake in many flavors, such as my Gluten-Free Cherry Cobbler Mug Cake or this Gluten-Free Snickerdoodle Mug Cake.
If you love the idea of making and eating the cake in under 5 minutes, check out all of my incredible gluten free mug cake recipes! I share my best recipes and tips in this Guide to Gluten-Free Mug Cakes.
A Note From My Kitchen
Mug cakes are my favorite things to experiment with because they’re quick and easy. They are perfect for testing different flour blends without wasting ingredients. I tested this gluten-free lime mug cake with King Arthur Measure for Measure, Bob’s Red Mill 1:1, and my DIY blend. Each one works well with small tweaks: If the batter looks too thick or thin, just adjust with a tiny splash of milk or a sprinkle of flour. The lime flavor really shines through, and I love how the coconut oil adds a warm, tropical note. Read more about why gluten-free flour blends vary.
Ingredient Notes:
For the full list of ingredients and amounts, please go to the recipe card below.
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend – I tested this using King Arthur Measure for Measure, Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Blend, and my DIY Gluten-Free Flour Blend .
- Xanthan Gum – If your gluten-free flour blend doesn’t contain xanthan gum or guar gum, please add 1/4 teaspoon.
- Cane Sugar – Adds just the right sweetness.
- Non-Dairy Milk – I used almond milk, but other dairy-free types of milk will work; I do not recommend canned coconut milk because it is too thick.
- Coconut Oil – I love the flavor of coconut oil. It makes this mug cake tropical. You can also use a light unflavored oil.
- Limes – Fresh is the best, so you also get lime zest.
How to Make a Gluten-Free Lime Mug Cake:
Step 1: Zest and juice your limes. This cake is full of fresh lime flavors, so I use lime juice and lots of lime zest for a burst of flavor!
Step 2: Add all of the dry ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to blend. I advise mixing in a bowl so the ingredients are thoroughly blended.
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Step 3: In another
Step 4: Spray your favorite coffee mug lightly with gluten-free baking spray. Spoon the cake batter into the mug and microwave the cake on high for 90 seconds.
The mug cake will rise, then fall as it cooks. Be careful because the cooked cake will be hot. If the cake isn’t done, cook it for another 10 seconds. The actual cooking time can vary by the depth of your mug.
The best way to tell if the cake is done is to touch the top with your finger. If it feels firm, it is finished cooking. You can perform the toothpick test, but it isn’t as accurate due to the texture of the cake.
Lime icing adds a zesty, sweet finish to the mug cake. Just mix powdered sugar with a splash of lime juice and drizzle it over the warm cake before serving. This is an easy gluten-free lime dessert for one!
If you’re craving something chocolaty, try my Gluten-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can easily switch out the lime for lemon to make this a lemon cake.
You could bake this mug cake in the oven in a small baking dish, such as a large ramekin. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes and check. Baking time can vary depending on the size of the baking dish.
The sponginess comes from using oil. If you are okay with dairy, use butter for a lighter, fluffier texture and mouthfeel.
I spray my mug lightly with light baking spray. This helps the mug cake slide out more easily.
More Gluten-Free Mug Recipes:
I have enough mug cake flavors to keep you eating cake for a long time. Check out my favorite mug cake recipes:
Love This Recipe?
💬 Did you make this gluten-free lime mug cake recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out—and which pan or flour blend you used! Your feedback helps others (and helps me keep improving these recipes for you). ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gluten-Free Dairy Free Lime Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons gluten free flour blend * see note
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons cane sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
For the Icing
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar for icing
- 1 teaspoons lime juice for icing
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Instructions
Cake
- In a small bowl, add 3 tablespoons gluten free flour blend, 3 tablespoons cane sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Whisk. I
- n another small bowl, add the 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon lime zest. Whisk and pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
- Your cake batter should resemble muffin batter and not be too thin. Read the notes below for additional guidance.
- Mix and pour the cake batter into your favorite microwave-safe mug. (I used a spray of coconut oil to spray the sides of the mug so the cake doesn't stick.)
- Put the mug into the microwave and cook for 90 seconds. You will see the cake rise up tall and then fall. This is normal. Poke the cake with your finger. If it feels firm, the cake is finished.
- Carefully tip the mug over and let it slide out onto a plate. Let it cool.
Icing
- Put the powdered sugar and lime juice in a small bowl and mix. Drizzle onto the cooled mug cake.
Notes
- I have tested this recipe with King Arthur Measure for Measure, Bob’s Red Mill 1:1, and my DIY All-Purpose Flour. Other blends will work, but you may need to tweak the moisture. If your cake batter is too runny, add more flour. If your batter is too thick, add a little more dairy-free milk.
- If your gluten-free flour blend doesn’t contain xanthan gum or guar gum, please add 1/4 teaspoon.
- I used almond milk, but other dairy-free types of milk will work. I do not recommend canned coconut milk because it is too thick.
SPECIAL NOTE
Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn’t test, my rule of thumb is to add more flour if your dough or batter is wet and add more liquid if the dough or batter is too dry!
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.
I truly hope you enjoy this recipe. I have been testing and creating gluten-free recipes for over 15 years. Creating gluten-free recipes that do not taste gluten-free is my goal for every recipe. Sometimes I only have to test a new recipe a couple of times, and others it takes multiple times. I do this so you get reliable, delicious results every time!
How many ounces is recommended for the mug? This looks amazing!
Hi TJ, I used a 10 ounce mug…but any normal sized coffee mug will work.
Is it baking soda or powder? Recipe says soda and instructions say powder.
It should be baking soda given the citrus.
Out of all the mug cakes I’ve tried this is by far my favorite!! Love it! It’s another one that is super simple to throw together quickly and easy enough to appease my sweet tooth anytime. Thank you 😊
I am so glad you love this cake. I feel like I don’t use limes enough so I thought a mug cake would be perfect.