2-Minute Buttery Vanilla Mug Cake (GLUTEN-FREE)

This yummy Buttery Vanilla Mug Cake came about when a few of my good girlfriends and I ended up on a roll each making mug cakes during our weekly Sunday Zoom calls. They are super quick, easy and I love that you don’t end up with an entire cake! I mean, sure, in theory that sounds good but me + quarantine + a whole cake = trouble (ha!).  

The only issue was that I wanted a recipe that included one-bowl and some healthier baking swaps so that I could ensure this soul food was also checking the boxes for good mood food. For this recipe, I included 2 better-for-you swaps to ensure this checked off all the boxes:

Swapped the usual refined, white sugar with coconut sugar.

Coconut sugar is a great 1:1 sugar substitute and although it is still processed to a degree it does contain a handful of minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium and calcium. If we’re going to be having sugar, why not sneak in a few extra nutrients while we’re at it? Not to mention coconut sugar maintains a lower rating on the Glycemic Index in comparison to white sugar. Meaning it won’t spike your blood sugar as intensely as its refined counterpart.

Swapped the refined, white flour for a mix of almond flour and brown rice flour.

I prefer these flours over refined, white flour largely because they have a much higher nutrient content in comparison and contribute to our intake of insoluble fiber. They also assist with a slower absorption of the coconut sugar giving us a less intense blood sugar rush. 


Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp almond flour

  • 1/2 tbsp brown rice flour

  • 2-3 tbsp coconut sugar (depending on how sweet you like things)

  • 1/8 tsp baking powder

  • Pinch of salt

  • 1 egg

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tbsp cashew butter, softened 

  • 1 tbsp melted butter (measured melted)*

  • Vanilla ice cream (optional, but highly recommended)


  1. In a small bowl, add all ingredients in the order listed and whisk to combine using a whisk.

  2. Pour the batter into 1 mug or 2 microwavable mugs in equal amounts. It may bubble over a bit so choose a standard sized mug or larger. 

  3. Microwave the mugs together on high for 1.5-2 minutes until the tops look just about set and it bounces back when gently poked (be careful, it will be hot!).

  4. Let the cakes cool for 1 minute.  

  5. Best enjoyed immediately and topped with vanilla ice cream to really amp it up. Savour every bite! 

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