These gluten-free mug cake recipes are the fastest way to satisfy a sweet craving. Whether you love rich chocolate, fresh citrus, or warm cinnamon spice, each cake cooks in under 3 minutes and is perfectly portioned for one. This Guide to Gluten-Free Mug Cakes has all of the information you need to make the best gluten-free mug cakes!
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❤️ Why Make a Gluten-Free Mug Cake?
Grab a fork because you are about to indulge in a delicious single-serving cake in record time! Whether you love vanilla, chocolate, lemon, or another cake flavor, I have many delicious gluten-free microwave cake recipes for you to try!
If you have been following my blog for a long time, you know mug cakes are my thing. Our air conditioning isn’t great due to the design of our house, which means I’m hesitant to use my oven on those hot days!
As you can see from the pictures, it is tough to make a mug cake “pretty.” They have all sorts of little bubble marks from the high-heat cooking pressure in the mug. Looks aside, these little mug cakes taste incredible, and they are well worth it when you don’t want to bake a whole cake.
Summer is about fun and being outside, which makes this collection of single-serving gluten-free mug cake recipes also a blessing. You can enjoy one of my simple mug cakes in just 3 minutes. That is so fast!!
If you are new to gluten-free, don’t forget to check out my tips for living and eating gluten-free!
Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Mug Cakes:
- Eat right away – Mug cakes dry out quickly once cooled, so grab a fork.
- Use a microwave-safe mug – I use a 12 to 14 oz mug to prevent overflow.
- Mix wet and dry separately – before combining for even texture.
- Don’t overcook – Start with microwaving it for 75 to 80 seconds, then check and add time if needed.
- Add moisture boosters – Dairy-free or regular milk, a touch of oil, some almond flour, or applesauce help keep them soft.
How to Customize Your Mug Cake:
- Mix-ins – Chocolate chips, Heath Bits, nuts, berries, and fruit.
- Flavors – Add extracts like almond, coconut, or peppermint.
- Toppings – Whipped cream, ice cream, frosting, or powdered sugar.
All of my mug cakes are not only gluten-free, but they are also dairy-free! This makes them perfect for people with additional food allergies!
What gluten-free flours are best for microwaving cakes?
To date, I have tested four different gluten-free flour blends in my mug cakes. All four worked very well and I am sure others will work as well. Every blend varies. If your cake batter seems too wet, add more flour and if your cake batter is too thick, you can add more milk. Make adjustments 1/2 tablespoon at a time so you can control the batter consistency. Read Why Gluten-Free Flour Blends Vary to learn more.
My DIY Gluten-Free Flour Blend is my favorite in my mug cakes, but these three blends also work well:
- King Arthur 1 to 1 Measure for Measure
- Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten-Free Blend
- Pillsbury Gluten-Free.
My Gluten-Free Flour Guide will help you choose other gluten-free flour blends that are perfect for making gluten-free cakes.
What coffee mug is safe to use for mug cakes?
Use any microwave-safe coffee mug or tea cup for these simple gluten free mug cakes. I do NOT recommend using a plastic mug, even if it says it is microwave-safe. Plastic can put chemical flavors into your cake, which is bad for the cake and you.
Can I double a mug cake recipe?
Yes, if you want to make two mug cakes quickly, double the recipe.
Do I need to let the cake cool before eating it?
A mug cake can be eaten at any temperature. However, if you add icing or frosting, you should let the cake cool so it doesn’t melt your topping.
What does a mug cake taste like?
I will tell you that the texture of a microwave cake is slightly different from an oven-baked cake. This is because of the rapid high heat used in microwave cooking versus heating slowly in an oven. Microwave cakes tend to be a little sticky, especially if your gluten-free flour blend contains a lot of starch.
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Why did my mug cake explode?
Mug cakes can overflow, aka explode, for a few reasons. First, do not overfill your mug with cake batter. Second, if you use a tall, narrow mug, the heat from the outside into the center pushes the batter up as it cooks.
Why does my mug cake taste rubbery?
The cake batter, especially gluten-free cake batter, can’t be over-mixed. Over-mixing removes the bubbles and causes the cake to be rubbery.
Can you bake a cake in a microwave?
The answer is YES, you can!! Let your microwave become your friend, helping you make cakes in minutes!
- Prepare the mug cake batter the same way.
- Spray gluten-free baking spray into 2-3 ramekins, depending on the size you have.
- Bake at 350ºF for 10-15 minutes until finished. (As I mention before, the actual time varies depending on what you bake it in and the size.)
The Best Gluten-Free Mug Cakes:
Here are my favorite mug cake recipes. Each one is gluten-free, dairy-free, and tested with multiple flour blends so you can bake with confidence. Click through to see step-by-step instructions for each flavor.
Did you make one of my gluten-free mug cake recipes?
💬 I would 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).⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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!
Hi. I don’t have a microwave, but I do have a substantial toaster oven. Can I do these in a toaster oven, and if so, how long and at what temp. Thanks!!
Yes! Bake them in a ramekin. I would check after 10-15 minutes of baking at 350º F. Time can vary depending on the size of the dish you are baking them in.
Love the mug cakes!
I am so glad you love my mug cake recipes. I have been working to come up with more flavors and should have my gf pineapple upside down mug cake recipe up on the blog soon.
I made the banana bread last night and it was amazing!!!! Perfect dessert!
Thank you so much, Mary. I really appreciate your coming back to let us know you loved it.