Quick Gluten-Free Carrot Cake in a Mug

Prep: 2 minCook: 4 min1 servingsmedium
Quick Gluten-Free Carrot Cake in a Mug

A single-serving carrot cake that bakes in minutes in your microwave. Made with coconut and almond flours, this moist cake features warm cinnamon, sweet carrots, and crunchy nuts. Perfect for satisfying sudden dessert cravings or when you want a homemade treat without making a full cake. The combination of coconut oil and natural honey creates a tender crumb, while orange juice adds brightness to complement the earthy carrots and warming spices.

Ingredients

1 servings
  • 1 ½ tbsp coconut oil
    butter1:1adds dairy

    If coconut oil unavailable

    Full guide →
  • 2 tbsp coconut flour
  • 2 tbsp almond flour
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp orange juice
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tsp honey
    maple syrup1:1

    For vegan option

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup carrot, finely shredded
  • 1 tbsp raisins
  • 1 tbsp pecans or walnuts, chopped
    sunflower seeds1:1nut-freetree_nuts-free

    For nut allergies

Instructions

  1. 1

    Put coconut oil in mug and microwave for 15-20 seconds until melted

  2. 2

    Add coconut flour, almond flour, baking soda and cinnamon to mug and stir

  3. 3

    Add orange juice, vanilla extract, egg, honey and finely shredded carrot and mix everything together

  4. 4

    Add raisins and chopped nuts

  5. 5

    Microwave for 2.5 to 3 minutes or until cake has risen and top is fully cooked and no longer wet to touch

  6. 6

    Serve topped with coconut cream

Tips

Tip 1

Make sure carrot is finely shredded for even cooking and best texture

Tip 2

Check cake doneness by touching the top - it should spring back and not feel wet

Tip 3

Let cake cool for a minute before adding toppings to prevent melting

Good to Know

Storage

Best eaten immediately, can store covered at room temperature for 1 day

Make Ahead

Can mix dry ingredients ahead, add wet ingredients just before cooking

Serve With

Serve warm with coconut cream, vanilla ice cream, or cream cheese frosting

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overmix batter to avoid tough texture

Watch

Don't overcook as mug cakes can become rubbery quickly

Substitutions

Nut-Free Alternatives

pecans or walnuts
sunflower seeds1:1nut-freetree_nuts-free

For nut allergies

Full guide →

General Alternatives

honey
maple syrup1:1

For vegan option

Full guide →
coconut oil
butter1:1adds dairy

If coconut oil unavailable

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this without a microwave?

Yes, bake in a greased ramekin at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I use regular flour instead?

You can substitute with 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, but it won't be gluten-free anymore.

How do I know when it's fully cooked?

The top should spring back when lightly touched and look set, not wet or shiny.