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!
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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.
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.
I made the frosting with ½ tablespoon of heavy whipping cream, Swerve sweetener, and lemon juice. Therefore, there's no significant net carbs added.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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Recipe
Keto Lemon Mug Cake
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
Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart
Nutrition
Additional Info
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.
Heidi
This is amazing, it actually is a cake, with no carbs! Yum!
Melanie
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?
Caroline M
Can this be made in the oven? I have a friend who doesn't own a microwave:(
The Low Carb Cook
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
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!!
Lg
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!!
Liz
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.
Michelle
This was fantastic! Super light and fluffy and perfect ????flavor. I appreciate your wonderful recipes ????
troy
loved it good lemon taste with a good texture
jaxton100
WOW this was fantastic, thank you
Janet Howell
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!!!????
Sharon Young
I can't wait to try these recipes.
Christy
This was fantastic! I added some lemon zest to the icing because I really love lemon. Thanks for the recipe.
Kim
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.
Lisa MarcAurele
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.
Maria
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
Yay! Happy to share the quick lemon cake. I love it too.
Rosa
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?
Lisa MarcAurele
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.
Maura Hagerty
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!
April Trinosky-Curtis
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!! 🙂
Laurel
My husband loved it.. he was getting tired of fat free sugar free pudding! He even helped make this..
Kimberly Coleman
Absolutely moist and delicious ???? I doubled the recipe, and it turned out amazing. BEST lemon mug cake I've had!!!
Giny
Could I use coconut oil instead of butter??
Lisa MarcAurele
Yes. Coconut oil should work for butter.
Stephanie
If you aren’t keto or gluten free can you use regular flour?
Lisa MarcAurele
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
Very quick recipe taste great glad I found it ! It’s a keeper
Donny
This looks so good! Sometimes all you need is your own little lemon cake to make your day.
Shelby
This look so refreshing! Lemon just brightens everything up.
Megan Stevens
Wow, such the perfect little treat!!
Kelly
Mug cakes are the best!!! This is so full of lemony goodness and so delicious!
Jean Choi
I personally love mug cakes and this one is dangerous! The flavor is just perfect.