Paleo Pumpkin Mug Cake

Paleo Pumpkin Mug Cake is a single-serve way to fix that pumpkin craving we all get when the fall season comes around. This pumpkin dessert is so fast and easy you can have cake in less than three minutes. You only need pumpkin puree and spice, vanilla, flour, an egg, baking powder, vanilla, and some SweetLeaf Stevia drops.

If this mug cake does not satisfy that pumpkin craving, try this One Pot Bacon Pumpkin Pasta. For a more substantial dessert, these easy Pumpkin Cream Puffs are perfect. And you can wash that all down with this Starbucks Pumpkin Latte Copycat and give yourself a boost of caffeine to get through the rest of the day. 

Mug Cake Recipes

This healthy pumpkin mug cake is nut-free, full of vitamins, and only has 3.4 net carbs so you don’t have to feel guilty when eating it. But it is so delicious you will not even notice how “healthy” it is. In fact, this is sure to become one of your favorite pumpkin recipes.

Made with just a handful of ingredients this easy recipe is perfect to satisfy your sweet tooth. This is the easiest dessert you can make to celebrate the pumpkin season. It reminds me of a rich slice of pumpkin pie and it is a great way to see leftover pumpkin puree.

Also, it is great served as an afternoon snack and can easily pass for breakfast as well. It is worth mentioning that the recipe is naturally gluten-free. If you are a fan of mug cakes, you absolutely have to try this amazing recipe!

Ingredients needed:

For precise measurements, check out our recipe below. Here are the basic ingredients you will need though:

• Coconut oil: As an alternative use coconut butter, olive oil, or avocado oil.
• Pumpkin puree: Homemade is great or you can use canned. Also, try pumpkin pie filling.
• Coconut flour: Or you could use almond flour.
• Baking powder: For a completely paleo cake, change this to baking soda and cut the amount in half. 
• Egg: Room temperature and beaten.
• Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract is best.
• Pumpkin spice blend: Or a blend of cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon instead.
• Sweetleaf stevia drops: As an alternative use agave nectar or any other sweetener of choice.

How to make paleo pumpkin mug cake recipe?

1. Combine: First, mix the dry ingredients like coconut flour, spices, and baking powder in a microwave-safe coffee mug.
2. Add wet ingredients: Next, add the wet ingredients, including the pumpkin mixture, and stir well until the cake batter is completely mixed. 
3. Cook: Finally, microwave your mug cake for about 1 ½ minute on high. It is done when it passes the toothpick test. 

Recipe variations:

• Make it vegan: Make this cake vegan and grain-free by using an egg replacer instead of the egg. 
• Flax instead: Also, instead of an egg, you can use a flax egg which is flax and water at a 1:3 ratio. 
• Substitute: If you do not happen to have any pumpkin pie spice, try using cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon instead. 
• Add a boost: For a caffeine boost, add a bit of espresso powder. 
• Moister: As an alternative, add more moisture to the single-serve dessert by adding an extra 1 tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil.

How to serve:

This easy pumpkin mug cake is perfectly served warm with a dollop of whipped coconut cream or regular whipped cream. Or try one of these ideas:

• These cakes go great with a sweet and sour cherry smoothie.
• Take it out of the microwave-safe mug and serve as pumpkin muffins. 
• Or try it with a tall glass of creamy mango colada.
• Make it chocolatey by adding chocolate chips before cooking.
• Keep the spiced flavor going with a glass of this spiced buttered rum. 
• For a sweeter cake, add a dollop of this luscious peanut butter mousse or minty chocolate mint mousse.

Frequently asked questions

What is a mug cake? 

 Also, known as cake in a mug, or a single serving cake in a cup, a mug cake is a single-serve cake you cook in a coffee mug or any other microwaveable mug. Whichever you want to call it, you will only need a few minutes and a few ingredients. And it is usually cooked in the microwave because most mugs cannot go in the oven. 

This is a perfect solution to fixing your cake craving without having to make a whole cake. And all you need is some flour, vanilla, egg, baking powder, and whatever flavorings you want. For instance, if you are making this recipe, you will be using pumpkin spice and pumpkin puree. 

Is pumpkin good for you?

Pumpkin is extremely good for you with plenty of fiber, vitamins, and protein, and hardly any fat or sugar. Also, you only get 49 calories per serving, so it makes a fantastic weight-loss snack. The vitamin A benefits alone are outstanding with 245% of your recommended daily intake. Vitamin C, B2, and E are also found in pumpkins. 

Is pumpkin a vegetable or fruit?

From a scientific point of view, a pumpkin is a fruit because it is a product of the seed-bearing part of a flowering plant. Vegetables are edible parts of a plant such as tubers, flowers, bulbs, roots, and stems. When cooking, however; most people refer to them as vegetables because they are not as sweet as most fruits.

How to store leftovers:

1. Store: With a mug cake, you should not have any leftovers. But since this makes enough for two, you can save the other one in a mug in the fridge, covered, after it is already cooked and cooled off. 
2. Freeze: There should not be any leftovers to freeze but if there is, you can store the paleo pumpkin mug cake in the freezer for up to three months in a freezer-safe Ziplock baggie. 
3. Thaw: Finally, when ready to eat, plan in advance and thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
4. Reheat: You can reheat your mug cake by putting it in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. 

Cooking tips:

• Make sure the mug you are using is microwave safe before using it. 
• Don’t forget, microwave ovens vary so you may have to adjust the cooking time. For example, in an 1100-watt microwave, this recipe cooks in 1 ½ minute. The best way to test this is to check it every 15 to 20 seconds after the one-minute mark.
• The mug itself can also cause the time to vary since thicker mugs tend to need a bit more time. 
• Add a bit of almond or coconut milk if the cake is too dry. 
• Alternatively, try avocado or coconut oil.
• This makes two servings so you can share or just save the other one for later. 

5 from 3 votes

Print

Paleo Pumpkin Mug Cake

Prep Time

8 mins

Cook Time

2 mins

Total Time

10 mins

 

Paleo Pumpkin Mug Cake is a single-serve, healthy way to fix that pumpkin craving we all get when the fall season comes around.

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Paleo Pumpkin Mug Cake

Servings: 2 cakes

Calories: 163 kcal

Author: Catalina Castravet

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons coconut flour
• 1 egg beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 10 drops SweetLeaf stevia drops or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice mix

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

1. Lightly grease two microwave-safe cups. Set aside.

2. Add all the ingredients to a small bowl and stir until combined.

3. Transfer to the prepared cups or cups if you use a larger one.

4. Microwave on HIGH for about one and half a minute or until a toothpick placed in the center comes out clean.

5. Check for doneness and if needed microwave more.

6. Let the mug cake cool for 3-5 minutes and after that top it with whipped coconut cream and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Paleo Pumpkin Mug Cake

Amount Per Serving

Calories 163 Calories from Fat 144

% Daily Value*

Fat 16g25%

Saturated Fat 13g81%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 82mg27%

Sodium 33mg1%

Potassium 129mg4%

Carbohydrates 2g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 3g6%

Vitamin A 3620IU72%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 40mg4%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.