Gluten-Free Red Velvet Mug Cake with Almond Flour
Looking for the best gluten-free red velvet mug cake recipe? This single-serving treat is made with almond flour, beetroot powder, and a tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s quick, fluffy, and moist, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in minutes.
Looking for the best gluten-free red velvet mug cake recipe? This fluffy and moist red velvet mug cake is my absolute favorite way to satisfy a sweet tooth in just minutes. Made with almond flour for a tender texture and beetroot powder for a natural pop of red, it’s topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that makes this single-serving treat feel like a whole cake moment. As a home cook who loves creating time-saving, foolproof recipes, I’ve tested and perfected this one to make it as easy and delicious as possible.
Why use Beetroot Powder Instead of Red Dye 3 or Red Dye 40?
Beetroot powder is a natural alternative to artificial food coloring, adding a vibrant red hue while being free of synthetic additives often linked to health concerns.
Why You’ll Love This Microwave Red Velvet Cake Recipe
- Super quick and easy: This gluten-free mug cake is ready in under 5 minutes, start to finish.
- Perfect texture: Almond flour creates a soft, fluffy cake that’s never dry.
- Naturally vibrant color: Beetroot powder adds a beautiful red hue without artificial dyes.
- Creamy frosting included: The tangy cream cheese frosting is the best part—and it’s so simple to whip up.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make the best microwave red velvet cake:
Almond Flour: Adds moisture and a soft crumb. Here is a table of additional flour options and measurements you can use instead of the almond flour in the recipe card.
| Flour | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Gluten-Free Flour Blend | 1/4 cup |
| Oat Flour | 1/4 cup |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Coconut Flour | 2 tablespoons |
Cane Sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly. Swap with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or erythritol for a low-carb option.
Beetroot Powder: Naturally colors the cake. Use red food coloring gel if you prefer a brighter, more intense color.
Egg: Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy. Replace with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan version.
Light Olive Oil: Keeps the cake moist. Substitute with melted coconut oil or vegetable oil.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth to the flavor. Almond extract can be used for a slightly nutty twist.
Cocoa Powder: Provides rich chocolate undertones. Substitute with carob powder if needed.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise. If you’re out, use a mix of 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar.
Salt: Enhances flavor. Use sea salt or kosher salt for a more subtle taste.
Whipped Cream Cheese: The base for the frosting. For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk-based cream cheese or vegan butter.
Butter: Adds creaminess to the frosting. Replace with margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative for a vegan option.
Powdered Cane Sugar: Sweetens the frosting. Use powdered erythritol or coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free option.
How to Make My Almond Flour Red Velvet Cake in a Mug Recipe
Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions for making my easy gluten-free red velvet cake. The instructions are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Make the Cake Batter
Whisk together 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of light olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a microwave-safe mug until fully combined. Add 1/3 cup of almond flour, 2 tablespoons of cane sugar, 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of beetroot powder, and 3 pinches of salt to the mug. Stir the mixture until a smooth batter forms. Microwave the mug cake in 30-second intervals for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, or until the cake is fluffy and cooked through. Let it cool slightly before frosting.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Mix together 3 tablespoons of whipped cream cheese, 1 teaspoon of butter, and 2 tablespoons of powdered cane sugar in a small bowl until smooth. Spread the frosting over the cooled mug cake and enjoy.
Expert Recipe Tips
Mix wet ingredients separately: This ensures the beetroot powder or food coloring blends evenly and avoids streaks.
Avoid overcooking: Microwave in short bursts to keep the cake soft and fluffy. Stop as soon as it pulls away from the sides.
Use a larger mug: Choose a mug that holds at least 12 ounces to prevent overflow while cooking.
Cool before frosting: Let the cake cool for a minute or two before adding the cream cheese frosting to keep it from melting.
Add a plate under the mug: This catches any overflow and keeps your microwave clean.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
- Fresh berries: Add sliced strawberries or raspberries on top for extra flavor and color.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream: Serve warm with ice cream for a bakery-style dessert.
- Extra chocolate chips: Sprinkle a few on top before microwaving for gooey chocolate bites.
- Cocoa powder dusting: Dust the top with cocoa powder for a polished finish.
- Drizzle of melted chocolate: Take it up a notch with a quick chocolate drizzle.
- Coconut flakes: Add texture and a subtle nutty sweetness.
- Perfect with coffee or tea: Pair this treat with your favorite hot drink for a cozy moment.
Natural Red Food Coloring for Baking
The Best Alternatives to Artificial Dyes
Looking for a way to get that classic red velvet color without artificial dyes red dye 3 and red 40? I tested beet powder, pomegranate juice, and hibiscus to find the best natural options—so you can bake beautifully and feel good about it! See my Natural Red Food Coloring Baking Comparison results
The Best Red Food Coloring Alternatives
Skip artificial red dyes 3 and 40 and try these four natural red food coloring alternatives from Amazon. These plant-based options are perfect for vibrant, clean baking!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Do you love mug cakes? Check out more of my easy and healthier mug cake recipes:
Gluten-Free Red Velvet Mug Cake with Almond Flour
Ingredients
Mug Cake:
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon light olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup almond flour
- 2 tablespoons cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon beet root powder
- 3 pinches salt
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 3 tablespoons whipped cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 2 tablespoons powdered cane sugar
Instructions
- Whisk together 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of light olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a microwave-safe mug until fully combined. Add 1/3 cup of almond flour, 2 tablespoons of cane sugar, 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of beetroot powder, and 3 pinches of salt to the mug. Stir the mixture until a smooth batter forms.
- Microwave the mug cake in 30-second intervals for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, or until the cake is fluffy and cooked through. Let it cool slightly before frosting.
- Mix together 3 tablespoons of whipped cream cheese, 1 teaspoon of butter, and 2 tablespoons of powdered cane sugar in a small bowl until smooth. Spread the frosting over the cooled mug cake and enjoy.
Video
amazing flavor
Looks fantastic! Love the way you describe what you’re eating. YUM
Thank you, AnnMarie! Eating this is my favorite part, haha 🙂
This hit the sweet spot!!
This red velvet mug cake is so easy and fun to make without using red dye 3 or red 40. I hope you enjoy it!