Too lazy to make cookies but still craving that festive gingerbread flavor? Try this gingerbread in a mug! This gingerbread mug cake comes together in less than 5 minutes. Plus it’s gluten-free and vegan friendly. 

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What is gingerbread in a mug?

For this sweet treat, I’ve taken all the flavors of gingerbread cookies and stirred them into a batter made in a coffee mug. This batter is then microwaved for one minute to reveal a fluffy cake for one. 

Is this gingerbread mug cake healthy?

This mug cake is definitely a healthy, lower sugar treat to enjoy throughout the holiday season. It packs in 4 grams of fiber and 7 grams of satisfying protein too!

Remember, it’s all about balance. Feel free to enjoy your favorite indulgent treats while also adding in some healthier options into the mix.

Click here to learn more about eating strategies that will help you stay happy and healthy during the holidays!

Is this mug cake gluten-free?

Instead of regular flour, I’m using oat flour to make this a gluten-free friendly dessert. There’s also no eggs used in this recipe, making it vegan friendly. This recipe relies on a bit of baking powder to make it rise. 

What ingredients do I need?

This recipe calls for simple ingredients. You’ll need to grab oat flour, nut butter, brown sugar, molasses, milk, and spices. 

Feel free to use any nut butter of your choice like peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter. If you have a nut allergy, you can use sesame seed butter or sunflower seed butter. 

When it comes to the milk, use whatever you have in hand and like best. This could be dairy milk or plant-based option like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.

Finally, let’s talk about the spices. This unique blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves gives it the true gingerbread taste. You can also swap these spices for 1 teaspoon of gingerbread spice mix. I love rolling 3-ingredient healthy truffles in gingerbread spices too. 

What should I add on top of this christmas mug cake?

Gingerbread in a mug is delicious enough on its own. However, it can be fun to add some festive toppings at the end. I love to top with a dollop of whip cream and holiday sprinkles. 

This mug cake would also be great topped with chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or toasted coconut flakes.

Can I make this gingerbread in a mug ahead of time?

If you’re trying to save on time, you can mix all the ingredients together in your mug and store in the fridge until you’re ready to microwave. 

Since this gingerbread mug cake only takes one minute to make, I recommend waiting to microwave until you’re ready to enjoy it. If you microwave it then let it sit for too long, it will harden and not be as fluffy as when you first make it. 

Need more hands-on help with recipes?

In my coaching + cooking program, I help busy people with beginner cooking knowledge become confident in the kitchen. Click here to learn more about this virtual program with a dietitian.

Want more? Let me give you all the mug cake inspo!

• Protein Mug Cake (my most popular recipe!) 
• Pumpkin Mug Cake 
• Lemon Blueberry Mug Cake
• Almond Butter Mug Cake
• Chocolate Mug Cake

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