I’ll admit, I have a pretty big sweet tooth. And I really can’t go to bed without a little sweet treat to end my day. But I like to keep that sweet treat to something a little healthier. Lately, I’ve been making my single serve protein cookie or a quick batch of healthier almond flour brownies. But when I’m craving banana bread, or something more cake-like I reach for this healthy (& easy!) banana bread mug cake. Made with just 6 ingredients – totally gluten-free, dairy-free, and lightly sweetened with maple syrup! It honestly tastes just like banana bread, but a whole lot healthier and way easier to make.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Mug Cake
Made with just 6 simple ingredients.
It’s the perfect single serving!
Tastes just like classic banana bread, but healthier.
This mug cake is soft, fluffy, and naturally sweet from ripe banana!
What Makes This Recipe Healthy?
It’s naturally sweetened with banana and a touch of maple syrup.
Made with almond flour for healthy fats, extra protein and fiber!
No refined sugars or processed foods, just 6 nutritious ingredients.
Can be made in the microwave or oven!
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Make it Vegan / Egg-Free: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2½ tablespoons water).
Make it Nut-Free: Use oat flour instead of almond flour.
Add Extra flavor: Add vanilla extract or chopped walnuts depending on your preferences.
Make it Low Sugar: Skip the maple syrup if your banana is very ripe.
For Chocolate lovers: Stir chocolate chips into the batter.
5 from 1 vote
6-Ingredient Banana Mug Cake
This banana mug cake tastes just like classic banana bread but is made with simple, healthy ingredients and ready in minutes! It’s a single-serve, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free recipe made with just 6 ingredients. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, this healthy banana mug cake can be made in the microwave or oven!
1tablespoonmaple syrupor your favorite liquid sweetener
1/2teaspoonbaking powder
1/4teaspooncinnamon
chocolate chipsoptional
Instructions
Mash the banana in a mug, then mix in the remaining ingredients (except for the chocolate chips). Once the mug cake is well mixed and the batter is mostly smooth, top with chocolate chips then bake for 350° Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes. Or, microwave on high for 2 minutes.
Single serve recipes really are the best. They make just the right amount, always hit the spot, and are always easier than making a whole batch of something. A few single serve recipes I find myself coming back to time and time again are my 5-ingredient single serve cinnamon roll, single serve protein cookie, healthy gluten-free mug cake, and now (& especially this time of year) this single serve apple crumble. It’s perfectly sweet, super easy to make, and just as delicious as your favorite apple crumble recipe. I even managed to make this recipe with just 5 ingredients. So the next time you’re craving a delicious fall treat, whip up this single serve apple crumble, cozy up on the couch, and enjoy! 🥰
Why You’ll Love This Single Serve Apple Crumble
Perfect for one – no sharing needed!
Minimal ingredients & fuss – only 5 components and one bowl for prep.
Customizable & comforting – cozy, fall flavor, and ready in under 30 minutes!
Gluten-Free – naturally gluten-free with rolled oats and almond flour.
Sam’s Recipe Tips
Use a firm but juicy apple (e.g. Honeycrisp, Pink Lady) so pieces soften but don’t disappear.
Ensure the topping is crumbly, not doughy – mix just until the oat/almond flour mix clumps slightly.
Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in – this helps juices settle.
For extra depth, stir a pinch of nutmeg or allspice into the apples before topping.
Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs
Make it Vegan / Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.
Make it Nut-Free: Replace almond flour with extra oats or a seed-based flour (e.g. sunflower seed flour).
Optional Flavors: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a teaspoon of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
No ratings yet
5-Ingredient Single Serve Apple Crumble
This single serve apple crumble is a cozy, 5-ingredient dessert that bakes up in just 30 minutes! Made with warm cinnamon apples and a golden oat topping, it’s the perfect healthier fall treat. Easy to make in one bowl, no sharing required!
Add the chopped apples, coconut sugar, and cinnamon to a small ramekin and stir until the apples are evenly coated in sugar. Set that aside then make the crumble.
Mix together the rolled oats, almond flour, coconut sugar, and melted butter or coconut oil in a small bowl until a crumby mixture forms. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the top of the apples.
Bake the apple crumble for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are very soft. Let the apple crumble cool slightly before topping with ice cream, yogurt, or whipped cream.
I LOVE a single serve dessert! My go-to is usually either my single serve gluten-free cinnamon roll, or if I need some extra protein I’ll quickly throw together a single serve protein cookie. But lately, I’ve been alllll about this 3-ingredient peanut butter mug cake. I love that I can take it straight out of the microwave and onto the couch with me, and enjoy it warm (!!!) while I binge whatever show I’m watching that week. I typically enjoy it all on its own, but if I’m feeling crazy I’ll add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate, or even a handful of sprinkles! Please, have fun with this recipe, and most importantly – ENJOY!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast and Easy: Ready in under 5 minutes, this mug cake is perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Simple Ingredients: Only 3 pantry staples are needed, making it budget-friendly and accessible.
Customizable: Add mix-ins or toppings to make it your own while still keeping it simple.
What You’ll Need to Make Peanut Butter Mug Cake
Egg: The egg acts as a binder, giving the mug cake its structure and fluffy texture. I wouldn’t recommend trying to replace the egg with something else, since it’s vital to holding this mug cake together.
Peanut Butter: Adds richness, a nutty flavor, and protein to the cake. Use creamy or natural peanut butter for best results. However, if you can’t have peanut butter use any nut, seed, or granola butter in its place!
Sugar: Sweetens the mug cake. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference or use alternatives like coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free option!
It’s a perfect quick dessert or snack that’s as easy as it is delicious!
5 from 2 votes
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Mug Cake
This 3-ingredient peanut butter mug cake is the ultimate quick and easy dessert, ready in just 5 minutes! Made with simple pantry staples, it’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and customizable with your favorite toppings – perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth anytime.
Yup, I’m one of those people that need a sweet treat at the end of EVERY day. And if I don’t have an already-made dessert on hand, like my healthy brownie batter bark or 4-ingredient date caramels, I have no choice but to run to my kitchen to quickly throw together a single serve dessert recipe. Ones I’ve been loving lately are my gluten-free mug cake (especially with my birthday right around the corner!), or when I want a little extra protein I’ll make my single serve vegan and gluten-free protein cookie. Well, today, I’m thrilled to add this single serve cinnamon roll to my list of favorites!
The thing I love most about this recipe? It requires just 5 ingredients that I almost always have on-hand. It’s also gluten-free, and easily made dairy-free with a couple simple swaps. This single serve cinnamon roll is truly one of those recipes you’ll come back to time and time again. Because.. let’s face it, we’re always craving cinnamon rolls, but never have the time to bake a whole batch!
What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe
Gluten-Free Flour: Use self-rising gluten-free flour or a mix of all-purpose gluten-free flour and baking powder to achieve the perfect rise and fluffy texture. This keeps the cinnamon roll gluten-free without compromising on taste. Or, if you’re not gluten-free, you can use any self-rising all purpose flour to make your cinnamon roll.
Yogurt: Yogurt adds moisture and helps bind the dough, creating a soft and tender cinnamon roll. Feel free to use non-dairy yogurt to make this recipe vegan!
Butter: Softened butter adds richness and that classic buttery cinnamon roll flavor. You can substitute with vegan butter to keep the recipe dairy-free.
Sugar: Divided into the dough and filling, sugar sweetens the cinnamon roll and caramelizes slightly when baked, creating a deliciously gooey center. YUM!
Cinnamon: A must-have for cinnamon rolls, cinnamon adds that warm, spicy kick to the filling, making each bite irresistible.
How to Make a Single Serve Cinnamon Roll
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a small ramekin. This helps ensure your cinnamon roll bakes evenly and doesn’t stick.
Make the Dough: In a small mixing bowl, combine the flour, yogurt, and a bit of sugar until a sticky dough forms. If it’s too dry, add a bit more yogurt. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to form a small rectangle.
Add the Filling: Spread softened butter over the dough and sprinkle with the remaining sugar and cinnamon. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the short end, and place it into your prepared ramekin.
Bake: Bake in the oven for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving with a glaze or enjoy it plain for a quick and easy treat.
Can I Make This in The Microwave?
Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, make this single-serve cinnamon roll in the microwave. Simply place the rolled-up dough in a microwave-safe mug or ramekin and microwave on high for about 1-1.5 minutes. Be sure to watch it closely, as microwaves can vary.
Make a Vegan Cinnamon Roll
To make this cinnamon roll vegan, use a non-dairy yogurt and plant-based butter. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, making it a simple swap without sacrificing flavor or texture!
4.34 from 9 votes
Single Serve Cinnamon Roll (gluten-free!)
This single serve cinnamon roll is the perfect quick dessert or snack, made with just five simple ingredients you likely already have on-hand. It’s gluten-free, can be made vegan, and comes together in under 20 minutes. Indulge in a warm, gooey, and totally delicious cinnamon roll without the fuss of making a whole batch!
1/2cupself-rising (gluten-free) flour, or 1/2 cup all purpose flour PLUS 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4cupGreek yogurt (feel free to use non-dairy yogurt)
1tablespoonbutter, softened (or vegan butter)
3tablespoonssugar, divided
1teaspooncinnamon
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and lightly grease a small ramekin.
Add the ½ cup of self-rising flour, ¼ cup of yogurt, and 1 tablespoon sugar to a small mixing bowl. Mix together until a dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, add an additional 1 tablespoon of yogurt. The dough should be sticky, but not too sticky to form into a ball.
Lightly flour a kitchen surface and flatten the dough out into a 3×6-inch rectangle on the surface.
Spread the 1 tablespoon of butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar then the 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
Roll the dough up, starting from the short end until you’ve formed a cinnamon roll. Transfer the cinnamon roll to your prepared ramekin and gently press down on the top of the cinnamon roll to better fit into the ramekin. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden brown on top.
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes then top with either a powdered sugar glaze, maple syrup, or enjoy as-is!
It can sometimes be a chore to eat enough protein throughout the day. While I do my best by starting most mornings with one of my healthy smoothie recipes, and squeeze in a high protein snack box in the afternoons when I get a chance, I still end most days feeling like I need a little more protein to keep me going. And because you guys know that I don’t end a single day without a sweet treat, I decided to get creative and figure out a way to sneak some extra protein into my nightly dessert.
This high protein cookie makes just enough for a single serving, and is packed with a whopping 30 grams of protein! However, because my husband often gets jealous when he looks over on the couch and sees me eating one of these warm and gooey protein cookies, I often double the recipe to make two cookies (he’s so spoiled, ha!). Also, what makes this cookie unique, is that it’s entirely gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and easily made vegan depending on what kind of protein powder you use. So it’s the perfect little high protein night cap, no matter what your dietary restrictions are!
What You’ll Need to Make This Single Serve Protein Cookie
Oat Flour (or all-purpose flour): Provides a hearty and gluten-free base for the cookie, giving it a perfect chewy texture. Feel free to use almond flour or all purpose flour in place of the oat flour in this recipe!
Non-Dairy Milk: Keeps the cookie moist and helps to combine all the ingredients. Start with one tablespoon and add more if needed to achieve the right dough consistency.
Peanut Butter: Adds richness and a bit of healthy fat, and helps the cookie hold together. Feel free to use any other nut or seed butter in place of peanut butter in this recipe!
Maple Syrup: Just one tablespoon makes this single serve protein cookie perfectly sweet, but not too sweet.
Chocolate Chips: Can’t have a chocolate chip cookie without chocolate chips! I typically reach for Guittard extra dark chocolate chips because I prefer a chocolate that isn’t overly sweet.
How to Make This Recipe
Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix: Add all ingredients except chocolate chips to a bowl and mix together until fully combined. Then, mix in the chocolate chips.
Shape and Bake: Transfer the cookie dough to your prepared baking sheet and form the dough into a cookie shape. Bake for 7-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool before eating.
Switch Up the Flavors
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste:
Oatmeal Raisin: Add a tablespoon of raisins and a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
Nutella Cookie: Substitute peanut butter with Nutella or any chocolate hazelnut spread.
Birthday Cake: Use cake batter protein powder and add a tablespoon of rainbow sprinkles!
White Chocolate Macadamia: Add white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts to the dough.
Snickerdoodle: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon and roll the cookie dough in cinnamon sugar before baking.
Storage Tips
Since this recipe makes just one cookie, it’s best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store the cookie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze the cookie dough for up to one month. Just shape it into a cookie and bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
4.12 from 105 votes
Single Serve Protein Cookie (30g protein!)
This single-serve protein cookie is the ultimate snack or post-workout treat, packed with over 25 grams of protein! It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and can easily be made vegan by using vegan protein powder. This cookie will soon become your go-to recipe when you need a quick and healthy sweet treat!
1/4cupoat flour (all purpose flour or almond flour will also work)
1-2tablespoonsnon-dairy milk (start with 1 tablespoon, then add a second if the cookie dough is too thick)
2tablespoonsvanilla or unflavored protein powder
1tablespooncreamy peanut butter, unsweetened
1tablespoonmaple syrup, or your preferred liquid sweetener
2tablespoonschocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
Add all ingredients except chocolate chips to a bowl and mix together until fully combined. Then, mix in the chocolate chips.
Transfer the cookie dough to your prepared baking sheet and form the dough into a cookie. Bake for 7-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool before eating.
This single-serve protein cookie recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without the guilt. It’s simple, customizable, and packed with protein to keep you energized throughout the day. Save this post and refer back to it whenever you need a quick and healthy treat!