Fluffy and delicious gluten-free matcha mug cake only requires a few ingredients and about 5 minutes to make. This naturally sweetened dessert-for-one is a healthier dessert option.
Light, tender, and bursting with cozy matcha flavor, this mug cake is your five-minute quick fix, when after-dinner cravings hit hard.
With just a few simple ingredients, you’ve got a single-serve matcha cake that’s gluten-free, naturally sweetened, and irresistibly tasty. If you’re a fan of matcha lattes, why not try an easy matcha mug cake?
It is perfect for those moments when the dessert craving hits, and you want something no-fuss, with no extra leftovers.
Or, you know, when you’re in your PJs and just want a mug of cake. Been there.
Why You’ll Love This Mug Cake Recipe
If you’re a matcha fan, this is the dessert to keep in your back pocket. It’s one of those recipes that checks all the boxes – quick, easy, and just the right amount of sweet.
Plus, it’s single-serve, which means you can indulge without dealing with a whole pan of cake staring at you for days.
I made this mug cake on a random Tuesday night when the craving for something sweet hit hard.
It was ready before I even finished cleaning up dinner, and it totally hit the spot – warm, fluffy, and just earthy enough.
Matcha is packed with antioxidants, so you can feel a little bit fancy and a little bit healthy at the same time. Here are a few more reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
- Perfect single portion
- Healthier twist on cake
- No tempting leftovers
- Ready in about 5 minutes
- Gluten-free and naturally sweetened
- Add your favorite mix-ins or toppings
Ingredients for Matcha Mug Cake
Gluten-free all-purpose flour: This is our base, keeping it light and fluffy while staying gluten-free. If you’re not GF, regular flour works too.
Matcha powder: Earthy, slightly grassy flavor and a vibrant green hue. green tea powder is packed with antioxidants.
If you’re new to matcha, start with less and adjust to taste.
The best matcha to use in this delicious matcha mug cake is ceremonial grade matcha for its smooth and creamy flavor. Culinary grade matcha works too and is less expensive.
Egg: Adds moisture and binds everything together. To make it vegan, try a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water), but keep in mind it may not rise as much.
Pure maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the cake with a hint of caramel. Agave or honey work too.
Full-fat coconut milk: The key to a rich, creamy texture and a touch of natural sweetness. Light coconut milk, soy milk or almond milk will work, but the cake won’t be as lush.
White chocolate chips: For creamy pockets of sweetness. Dark chocolate chips, dried fruit, or chopped nuts are great swaps
Sea salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
Baking powder: For that perfect rise.
How to Make Matcha Mug Cake
Grab a microwave-safe mug and whisk together all the ingredients, making sure the batter is smooth with no matcha clumps. There is no need to separate the dry ingredients from the wet ingredients here.
Microwave on high for 1.5 to 2 minutes, or until the cake has risen and is set on top.
Let it cool for a minute or two before diving in – it’s hot! Top with a drizzle of coconut milk, more white chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of matcha powder for that extra hit of green.
And if you’re feeling wild, a dollop of coconut whipped cream never hurt anyone.
In the event of leftovers, cover the mug in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this mug cake without a microwave?
Sure! Bake it in an oven-safe ramekin at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the center is set.
Why did my mug cake turn out rubbery?
Overmixing or overcooking can cause a dense, rubbery texture. Stir just until combined and keep a close eye on the cooking time.
How do I keep the matcha from clumping?
Sift the matcha powder before mixing, or whisk it with a small amount of liquid to dissolve it before adding it to the batter.
How do I prevent the cake from drying out?
Microwave in short bursts and check frequently. The cake should look set but still moist.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but microwave each mug separately to ensure even cooking.
How do I prevent my mug cake from overflowing?
Choose a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 12 oz. A taller, wider mug gives the batter room to rise without spilling over.
Recipe Adaptations and Additions
Take this matcha mug cake to the next level with a few tweaks:
- Nutty twist – Add a tablespoon of almond butter or tahini to the batter.
- Spice it up – Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Zesty kick – A splash of lemon or lime juice adds brightness.
- Protein boost – Fold in a scoop of vanilla protein powder for extra oomph.
- Breakfast berry style – Skip the chocolate chips and top with fresh berries!
- Vanilla boost – Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra sweetness and warmth.
- Crunchy top – Fold in chopped pistachios, almonds, or shredded coconut for texture. Sprinkle with granola, crushed cookies, or cacao nibs before microwaving.
- Tropical twist – Mix in dried coconut flakes and a few chunks of pineapple.
What to Serve with Matcha Mug Cake
If you want to take your matcha mug cake to the next level or create a full matcha dessert spread, these delicious pairings are just what you need. Perfect for adding extra indulgence or trying more matcha-inspired treats:
- Green Tea Coconut Milk Ice Cream (dairy-free)
- Earl Grey Matcha Latte
- Grain-Free Matcha Muffins (Paleo)
- Mango Matcha Smoothie
Other Mug Cake Recipes to Try
Love single-serving cake recipes? Also try these gems.
- Paleo Chocolate Mug Cake
- Single-Serve Vegan Oatmeal Cookie in a Mug
- Single-Serve Blueberry Muffin
- Keto Snickerdoodle Mug Cookie
Enjoy this matcha green tea mug cake the next time you’re looking for an easy dessert!
Gluten-Free Matcha Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp matcha powder *
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk or plant-based milk of choice
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 2 to 3 Tbsp white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Whisk together all of the ingredients for the mug cake in a large mug until the batter is completely smooth.
- Microwave on high for 1.5 to 2 minutes, until mug cake has risen and is cooked through. Insert a digital thermometer into the center of the cake. Ideally, the internal temperature should be between 190 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit in the middle.
- Garnish with a drizzle of coconut milk, chopped pecans, and white chocolate chips. Allow cake to cool for a few minutes before diving in
Notes
Nutrition
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I also was able to quit my daily coffee habit with oat milk matcha lattes as well. It just feels cleaner. I can’t wait to try this recipe, though I don’t like white chocolate so maybe ill try regular instead.
It’s great with regular chocolate chips too! 😀 xoxo
Ooh! My new supply of matcha is arriving today via Thrive and this is just in time to save me from myself LOL!!! Most of my recipes are totally “good”, this is just a little “naughty”, which will go well with the evening True Blood binge I have been on. 😉
I totally LOL’d at the comment about needing something to do with the matcha in the cabinet, as it reminded me of the old tofu joke. A woman asks another at the checkout line ‘What do you do with tofu?’ “oh it usually sits in the fridge until it goes bad, then I buy another one’ ‘Darn, I already use that recipe’ 😉
I LOL-ed at the tofu joke 😉 😉 I’m so glad you’ll have some fresh matcha to prepare the mug cake! Hope you enjoy!
Dude, I’m with you on the matcha-obsession. Except I drink that AND coffee. The caffeine around here is no joke. Love the idea of it in a mug cake! Perfect sweet treat.
Looks amazing! Is there any sub for full fat coconut milk? ????
Hi Jennifer! You can use unsweetened almond milk, but as a heads up, the cake won’t turn out quite as moist because of the loss of fat content. If you’d like, you can experiment with a combination of almond milk and oil to keep it moist! 🙂
This is so freaking creative!! I’m ashamed to admit I’ve never tried a mug cake before. I don’t know why- they’re so dang easy to make. I need to try this one because it looks amazing! Maybe for an afternoon pick-me-up? 🙂
Omg this sounds amazing!!! I don’t have a microwave 🙁 It makes me want one though!!!
I need to start using my matcha more! It’s just sitting in my pantry. I like this use of it.
Right?! That’s exactly how I was feeling as well..didn’t want my matcha to expire without being put to good use. This cake is definitely a perfect use for it!
Can I use flax egg instead?
I have zero matcha powder in the house right now and I couldn’t be more depressed, considering that at the moment a mug is all that’s left unpacked in my kitchen. . .I need this to happen in my life soon! It looks sooooo freaking good! Happy Sunday, Julia!
Ah booooo get thee some matcha powder! So glad you like the idea of this mug cake! Hope you had a great weekend! xo