High Protein Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake (Printable)

Soft cinnamon-swirled mug cake with 25g protein, ready in 7 minutes for breakfast or snacks.

# What You Need:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - 1/3 cup cottage cheese, low-fat or full-fat
02 - 1 large egg
03 - 1 tablespoon milk of choice
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

05 - 1/4 cup oat flour or finely ground rolled oats
06 - 1 scoop vanilla whey or plant-based protein powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 - 1-2 tablespoons granulated sweetener of choice
10 - Pinch of salt

→ Cinnamon Swirl

11 - 1 teaspoon melted butter or coconut oil
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
13 - 1 teaspoon brown sugar or sweetener

→ Optional Cream Cheese Icing

14 - 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
15 - 1-2 teaspoons milk
16 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
17 - 1 teaspoon powdered sugar or sweetener

# How-To:

01 - Combine cottage cheese, egg, milk, and vanilla in a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, approximately 30-45 seconds.
02 - In a 10-12 ounce microwave-safe mug, whisk together oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, sweetener, and salt until evenly distributed.
03 - Pour the blended wet mixture into the mug. Stir vigorously with a spoon until fully incorporated and no dry pockets remain. The batter will be thick.
04 - In a small bowl, mix melted butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar until combined. Drizzle this mixture over the batter in the mug, then use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it through the batter.
05 - Microwave on high power for 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The cake is done when set and springs back lightly when touched. Microwaves vary, so check at 90 seconds to prevent overcooking.
06 - If using icing, whisk together softened cream cheese, milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth and drizzleable.
07 - Drizzle icing over the warm mug cake if desired. Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • You get that cinnamon roll experience without waiting an hour for dough to rise
  • The protein content keeps you full for hours, unlike traditional pastries that leave you hungry an hour later
  • Everything happens in one mug with minimal cleanup, which is basically my love language
02 -
  • Overcooking creates a rubbery texture, so start checking at 90 seconds even if it looks slightly underdone
  • The protein powder brand matters—some brands bake up gummy, so choose one you know performs well in baked goods
  • Letting the mug cake sit for 30 seconds after microwaving helps it finish cooking and settle into the perfect texture
03 -
  • Use room temperature cottage cheese for smoother blending and better incorporation
  • A wider, shallower mug cooks more evenly than tall narrow mugs
  • The swirl should not reach the very bottom or it might stick to the mug during microwaving

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