Keto Lemon Mug Cake (Gluten-Free) (2024)

By Lisa MarcAurele · Sep 23, 2020 · 33 Comments

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Indulge in a sweet and tart lemon mug cake that is low-carb and gluten-free. With only 4 grams net carbs per cup, it's a delight!

Article Index

How To Make Lemon Mug Cake
Keto Mug Cake Questions
What To Eat With Lemon Mug Cake
More Easy Keto Desserts
Recipe

This mug cake is one of my all-time favorites so far. I just love the burst of bright flavor that fills my mouth with every bite. This really does taste indulgent, almost as if I'm cheating on my plan - but the best part is that I'm not cheating at all!

Eating a low-carb diet doesn't mean giving up sweet treats, it just means making them a little differently.

This mug cake uses ingredients that you might expect from a keto cake, and you probably already have all of them on hand.

How To Make Lemon Mug Cake

There are three very simple steps involved in this little mug cake. The entire recipe is at the bottom of this post - but first, I have some questions and tips that I wanted to share.

It's important to follow the measurements exactly. If you try to double the recipe, you will need a larger mug. As things cook in the microwave, they expand - especially when you bake things.

I used the exact amounts of the ingredients that fit comfortably in the mug without it overflowing as it cooks.

Whisk all of the ingredients together completely before you put it in the microwave. They won't mix as it cooks.

When you pull the mug cake out of the microwave, it's normal for it to set down and look like it doesn't fill the cup completely.

Top it with my low-carb lemon frosting and you have the most decadent snack!

Keto Mug Cake Questions

As simple as this recipe is, there are still a few questions I wanted to answer. This is a guilt-free snack you can enjoy in just 90-seconds when those sweet cravings hit.

Is This Mug Cake Vegan?

No, this is not a vegan mug cake. It contains an egg and the frosting is made from heavy whipping cream which is a dairy product.

How Many Carbs Does the Frosting Add?

I made the frosting with ½ tablespoon of heavy whipping cream, Swerve sweetener, and lemon juice. Therefore, there's no significant net carbs added.

Can You Add Cream Cheese To The Mug Cake?

I've heard of lemon cheesecake mug cake recipes, but that doesn't work for my recipe.

Normally I'm a huge fan of keto cheesecake. This recipe uses almond flour and egg, the cream cheese won't work inside of it.

I will tell you that if you want to make a low-carb cream cheese frosting for on top, that would taste amazing! Just watch out for the carb counts since cream cheese has a few more carbs than heavy whipping cream.

Can I Make The Mug Cake With Coconut Flour?

I do not recommend trying to substitute coconut flour for almond flour. Coconut flour absorbs more moisture than almond flour does, so you have to adjust how many wet ingredients you use.

I made a coconut flour pumpkin mug cake with pumpkin puree and it turned out amazing!

Can I Use Granular Sweetener Instead of Confectioners In The Mug Cake?

Confectioners sugar has a specific texture that affects how light and fluffy this dessert comes out. The granular sweetener doesn't do the same thing to the cake when it cooks.

If you don't have any confectioners sugar, I suggest making your own with one cup of granular sweetener mixed with one tablespoon of arrowroot powder. This will thicken the sugar so that your cake comes out perfect.

What Is The Best Dish To Use In The Microwave?

Any microwavable dish will work. It's called a mug cake because it fits perfectly inside any size of coffee mug.

You can also use a small ramekin if you have one.

Whatever dish you use, just make sure it holds around 8-10 ounces of liquid. This recipe is made for a single serving. If you try to use a larger dish, it won't fill it up as much - but it will still taste just as delicious.

Is Sugar-Free Frozen Whipped Topping Keto?

Technically, since sugar-free frozen whipped topping has no carbs nor any sugars, it fits in the keto macros. However, the ingredients aren't very healthy for you.

Look at the ingredients before you purchase a sugar-free frozen whipped topping. Lots of them contain corn starch and vegetable oils. It's so much healthier for your body if you make your own out of whole ingredients.

My frosting contains only heavy whipping cream, Swerve confectioners sweetener, and lemon juice. It's better for your body and your heart.

What To Eat With Lemon Mug Cake

Since this mug cake contains so much protein, you can enjoy it right along with your well-rounded lunch. It's also one of the best ways to complete your lunch or dinner.

Save this recipe for those mornings when you don't feel like cooking anything. Just mix things up together and you'll have a breakfast that will fill you up.

This tastes wonderful with a hot cup of coffee or some tea.

More Easy Keto Desserts

If you enjoyed this tangy and sweet snack, you'll want to try some more of my favorite keto dessert ideas:

Keto Brownie In A Mug is perfect for anyone that is craving chocolate! It's ready in just a few minutes.
Keto Pumpkin Spice Cake elevates the traditional mug cake by making it three layers - with low-carb frosting in between each layer.
Vanilla Paleo Cupcakes are made with almond flour and a wonderfully sweet raspberry frosting.
Coconut Flour Keto Cupcakes taste like you are on the beach! They have the perfect texture and flavor.
Slow Cooker Keto Lemon Cake really is made in the slow cooker. If you enjoy lemon desserts, give this one a try.

Follow us on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, and INSTAGRAM for even more tasty keto-friendly recipes!

Recipe

Keto Lemon Mug Cake

4.96 from 23 votes

A quick and easy lemon cake for one that whips up in a mug or ramekin. It's a low-carb treat with just 4 grams of net carbs.

Prep Time:5 minutes mins

Cook Time:2 minutes mins

Video

Ingredients

For the cake:

▢ 3 tablespoons almond flour
▢ ½ teaspoon baking powder
▢ 1 large egg
▢ 1 tablespoon butter unsalted and melted
▢ ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
▢ 1 teaspoon lemon juice
▢ 2 tablespoon Swerve confectioners sugar substitute

For the icing:

▢ 1 tablespoon Swerve confectioners sugar substitute
▢ ½ tablespoon heavy whipping cream
▢ ½ teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

Combine all of the ingredients in a microwaveable cup or ramekin that can hold at least 10 ounces. Whisk to combine until smooth.
Microwave for 90 seconds, and let rest for a few minutes after.
Mix together the ingredients for the icing, and spread it onto the cake before serving.

Notes

Carbs don't change much whether the cake is plain or topped with icing.

Powdered sweetener is recommended, but a concentrated liquid or powder extract should be fine to use as well. If you only have a granulated sweetener, use a small blender or food processor to grind it into a fine powder.

Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart

Nutrition

Additional Info

Net Carbs: 4g | % Carbs: 5% | % Protein: 13.7% | % Fat: 81.3% | SmartPoints: 12

Notes on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.

Copyright

© LowCarbYum.com - Unauthorized use of this material without written permission is strictly prohibited unless for personal offline purposes. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to LowCarbYum.com along with a link back to the original content.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

Heidi
March 05, 2024 at 11:42 pm

This is amazing, it actually is a cake, with no carbs! Yum!
Reply
Melanie
April 16, 2023 at 5:41 am

I have made many mug cake recipes and this one is by far the best! It is so light and fluffy. Others are heavy and almost under cooked. This is the opposite. Can I ask is it the powdered sweetener that makes it light and fluffy?
Reply
- Caroline M
  April 09, 2024 at 5:03 pm
  
  Can this be made in the oven? I have a friend who doesn't own a microwave:(
  Reply
  - The Low Carb Cook
    April 22, 2024 at 1:04 pm
    If you were to make this in the oven, you would need to find some sort of ramekin that is oven safe but also the times and temps would be very different. If you want lemon cake, I would recommend checking out this Keto Lemon Loaf instead 🙂
Michelle
February 06, 2023 at 6:59 pm

I've been doing keto/paleo/low carb for almost a year and tried so many recipes and been so disappointed. NOT THIS ONE...it is my new favorite desert! I love lemon and it satisfies that sweet craving! Sharing with all my friend!! Thank you!!
Reply
Lg
March 31, 2022 at 1:15 am

This was so fast and easy to make and it was delicious! I grated a little lemon zest in to the cake just because I love lemon! And I only had almond milk so I just added an extra tablespoon of sweetener to the frosting to thicken it. I will definitely be making this again!!
Reply
See Also
Best Caramel Brownies - Celebrating Sweets
Liz
February 28, 2022 at 5:51 pm

This is probably the best textured mug cake I've made, gluten or gluten free. I try to avoid lactose so made it a couple times with ghee and a couple times with coconut oil- both work but I find the ghee version a little tastier. I top it with paleo lemon curd, it was delicious.
Reply
Michelle
September 03, 2021 at 5:27 pm
This was fantastic! Super light and fluffy and perfect ????flavor. I appreciate your wonderful recipes ????
Reply
troy
August 21, 2021 at 11:33 pm

loved it good lemon taste with a good texture
Reply
jaxton100
August 08, 2021 at 9:54 am
WOW this was fantastic, thank you
Reply
Janet Howell
May 11, 2021 at 6:46 pm

OMG!!!! Absolutely delicious ???? I also added lemon zest to the frosting and put a smidge in the batter. I can’t wait to trick my non low carb sister ???? Thanks for the recipe!!!????
Reply
Sharon Young
April 28, 2021 at 11:02 pm
I can't wait to try these recipes.
Reply
Christy
April 13, 2021 at 2:47 pm
This was fantastic! I added some lemon zest to the icing because I really love lemon. Thanks for the recipe.
Reply
Kim
April 03, 2021 at 3:16 pm
My hubs doesn’t care for almond flour. I wonder if I could grind pecans into flour, if that would work? I know the nutritional values would change.
Reply
- Lisa MarcAurele
  April 03, 2021 at 8:00 pm
  Was the almond flour blanched? You could grind any nut into a flour, but it's best if you don't keep the skins on.
  Reply
  - Maria
    May 15, 2022 at 5:53 pm
    
    I loved this cake!!!!! So good!
    This one was by far my favourite mug cake.
    It was so quick to make and it tasted delicious. Thank you for this recipe Lisa, I shall be trying your other recipes.
  - Lisa MarcAurele
    May 15, 2022 at 7:25 pm
    Yay! Happy to share the quick lemon cake. I love it too.
Rosa
February 18, 2021 at 3:23 pm
My husband & I love this! I think my kids would love it too. What would be the equivalent time to bake this if I wanted to make multiple cakes in the oven?
Reply
- Lisa MarcAurele
  February 18, 2021 at 6:22 pm
  I haven't tried it with this recipe, but with other recipes I've placed in the oven at 325°F and checked every 5 minutes. It typically takes 15 minutes or less.
  Reply
Maura Hagerty
February 17, 2021 at 10:13 am

This the winner! after trying many lemon mug cakes this one is by far my favorite. its brilliant. I did add some zest which was tasty.. but unnecessary.
and YES. I agree with the person who said the cake is dangerous!
Reply
- April Trinosky-Curtis
  April 10, 2021 at 4:33 pm
  Wow!!!! I'm super impressed!!! This recipe was my first try at a keto mug cake. It was so good, I forgot to put the icing on it!!! I will definitely be making this again. Thank you for posting the recipe!! 🙂
  Reply
Laurel
February 13, 2021 at 10:21 pm

My husband loved it.. he was getting tired of fat free sugar free pudding! He even helped make this..
Reply
Kimberly Coleman
January 23, 2021 at 11:54 pm

Absolutely moist and delicious ???? I doubled the recipe, and it turned out amazing. BEST lemon mug cake I've had!!!
Reply
- Giny
  March 05, 2021 at 6:32 am
  Could I use coconut oil instead of butter??
  Reply
  - Lisa MarcAurele
    March 05, 2021 at 10:16 am
    Yes. Coconut oil should work for butter.
- Stephanie
  March 30, 2022 at 9:21 pm
  If you aren’t keto or gluten free can you use regular flour?
  Reply
  - Lisa MarcAurele
    March 31, 2022 at 3:00 pm
    I haven't tested it with wheat flour, but it should work with a similar amount. You may just need to do small tweaks on the butter and or baking powder.
Karin Smith
October 24, 2020 at 7:48 pm
Very quick recipe taste great glad I found it ! It’s a keeper
Reply
Donny
October 05, 2020 at 10:19 am

This looks so good! Sometimes all you need is your own little lemon cake to make your day.
Reply
Shelby
October 03, 2020 at 5:45 pm

This look so refreshing! Lemon just brightens everything up.
Reply
Megan Stevens
October 03, 2020 at 10:37 am

Wow, such the perfect little treat!!
Reply
Kelly
October 01, 2020 at 10:55 pm

Mug cakes are the best!!! This is so full of lemony goodness and so delicious!
Reply
Jean Choi
September 28, 2020 at 6:30 pm

I personally love mug cakes and this one is dangerous! The flavor is just perfect.
Reply

4.96 from 23 votes (6 ratings without comment)