Sugar Free Low Carb Keto Cannoli Mug Cake for Two

Sugar Free Low Carb Keto Cannoli Mug Cake for Two is a perfectly portioned dessert for any night of the week that still satisfies your sweet tooth — without the sugar crash.

Sugar Free Low Carb Keto Cannoli Mug Cake for Two is a perfectly portioned dessert for any night of the week that still satisfies your sweet tooth — without the sugar crash.

Cannoli Keto Mug Cake

If you’ve ever found yourself craving something sweet late at night, standing in the kitchen wondering if it’s worth baking an entire cake just to satisfy that craving, this Sugar-Free Low Carb Keto Cannoli Mug Cake for Two is exactly what you need.

This recipe was first published back in 2015, and it’s still one of my most popular low-carb desserts today — which honestly makes me smile because at the time, keto mug cakes weren’t everywhere yet.

In fact, layering mug cakes into an actual “mini cake” wasn’t something I saw many bloggers doing at all back then. It was one of those why hasn’t anyone done this yet? moments.

Fast forward years later, and mug cakes are everywhere — but this one still stands out because it’s perfectly portioned, quick, satisfying, and tastes like a true Italian cannoli-inspired dessert without the sugar overload.

If you’re someone who struggles with sweet tooth cravings, blood sugar balance, or portion control — especially at night — this recipe was made for you.

Why Keto Mug Cakes Are One of My Favorite Low-Carb Desserts

I’ve been creating sugar-free, low-carb, and keto recipes for nearly two decades now, and keto mug cakes remain one of my favorite tools for long-term success.

Here’s why:

• They’re perfectly portioned desserts

• No leftovers sitting on the counter calling your name

• Quick enough to make even on a busy weeknight

• Ideal for people learning to balance blood sugar

• Great for anyone coming off my 30-day sugar elimination diet or sugar detox

Instead of baking a full cake and relying on willpower, mug cakes help you work with your biology, not against it.

This keto cannoli mug cake part is divided into 4 servings and truly fulfills that sweet tooth craving without turning into an all-night grazing situation.

And because this recipe makes two layers, it feels special — like a real dessert — not just “diet food in a mug.”

keto cannoli mug cake

A Note on Cake Decorating (or Lack Thereof)

I’ll be honest — I am not a cake decorator.

Never have been. No ambition to become one. I care far more about taste, texture, and ingredients than whether my frosting is perfectly smooth. Give me creamy frosting, plop it on, add toppings, and I’m happy.

So if your layered mug cake looks a little rustic? Perfect. We’ll call it artisan. 😉

I feel no shame in calling myself a lame cake decorator. It’s an art and clearly a skill I have not mastered. Does it mean my cake is anything else than amazing in taste, certainly not. So I hope you can look past the flaws.

low carb cannoli mug cake

Microwave OR Oven Directions — Your Choice

One of the best parts about this sugar-free low carb cannoli mug cake is that you can make it in the microwave OR the oven, depending on what you prefer.

Microwave Directions

Perfect when you want dessert now.

• Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl

• Add the wet ingredients and whisk

• Pour into greased ramekins

• Microwave one at a time for about 1 minute each

You’ll have two small cakes ready in under 2 minutes total.

Oven Directions

Ideal if you don’t use a microwave or want a slightly firmer texture.

• Preheat oven to 350°F

• Bake for 10 minutes

• Let cool completely before frosting

Both methods work beautifully — choose what fits your lifestyle.

keto cannoli mug cake

Coconut Flour vs Almond Flour in Mug Cakes

This recipe uses coconut flour, which behaves very differently than almond flour.

Coconut flour:

• Is more absorbent

• Requires fewer dry ingredients

• Creates a lighter, sponge-like texture

• Works well for microwave baking

Almond flour mug cakes tend to be heavier and oil-dense, and some people say a bit “grainy”, while coconut flour allows this cake to stay light — perfect for layering.

keto cannoli mug cake

Tools to Make Low Carb Keto Mug Cake

Glass mixing bowls-Having a glass mixing bowl set of multiple sizes is really useful because they can go in the microwave or over a sauce pan of simmering water to melt chocolate or anything else. 

Shallow Quiche Ramekins– These quiche ramekins make layering a mug cake much easier as they are flatter then using a standard sized ramekin. 

Cake Decorating Turntable-If you want to decorate better than I have, it’s best to just invest in a nice turntable with appropriate spatulas for decorating. 

Cannoli Flavor Without the Sugar

Traditional cannoli filling relies heavily on sugar. This version keeps the classic cannoli flavor using:

• Almond extract

• Liquid stevia

Creamy cannoli frosting

Optional sugar-free chocolate chips

• Chopped pistachios (traditional for cannoli)

You can customize the frosting based on your needs — dairy-free, nut-free, or classic cream cheese-based.

keto cannoli mug cake

Sugar-Free Frosting Options

Nutrition information does not include frosting, since you can choose what works best for you.

Popular options:

This cake is essentially a neutral low-carb base, which makes it incredibly versatile.

Why This Recipe Still Matters Today

This isn’t just a mug cake.

It’s a reminder that you don’t need to eliminate dessert to be healthy — you just need better options. Perfectly portioned desserts like this help you enjoy food while still supporting long-term health, blood sugar balance, and sustainability.

That’s why this is my favorite keto dessert recipe that has stood the test of time — and why it’s still just as relevant today as it was in 2015.

More Keto Low Carb Mug Cakes

Keto Chocolate Mug Cake

Keto Peanut Butter Mug Cake

Keto Red Velvet Mug Cake for Two

Keto Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake

Sugar Free Low Carb keto Cannoli Mug Cake for Two

Need help meal planning? My weekly Midlife Macro Meal Plans are available each week using all my recipes for low-carb meals, and snacks.

If you’re following a classic keto diet, this meal plan works for both low carb, midlife and classic keto approaches, sent directly to your inbox. Easy meals each night of the week! Shopping list is done for you! Want a sample plan?  

Sugar Free Low Carb Cannoli Mug Cake for Two

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Sugar Free Low Carb Keto Cannoli Mug Cake for Two

Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time2 minutes
Total Time7 minutes
Course: Dessert
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 184kcal
Author: Brenda Bennett | Sugar-Free Mom

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a bowl whisk all ingredients together except frosting.
  • Once combined well, pour mixture into two greased 7 ounce quiche ramekins.

Microwave

  • Bake one at a time for 1 minute each or until toothpick in center comes out clean.

Oven

  • Place cakes in a preheated 350 degree oven and bake for 10 minutes and golden brown or until a toothpick in center comes out clean.
  • Allow to cool completely before frosting and decorating.

Video

Notes

Net Carbs for 1/4 the Cake: 3 grams
This recipe was first published in August 2015 and updated in June 2020. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 184kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 116mg | Potassium: 114mg | Fiber: 2g | Vitamin A: 120IU | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 0.6mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @sugarfreemom and tag #sugarfreemom, I’d love to see your dish!

 

selfie

About Brenda

Brenda Bennett is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, certified Sugar Detox Coach, certified Keto Coach, and certified Life Coach. She has been Sugar Free & refined-carb free for 20 years and is the author of four cookbooks: Sugar-Free Mom, Naturally Keto, The 30-Day Sugar Elimination Diet, and her newest release, Good, Better, Best (2025). Her work focuses on helping women detox from sugar, eliminate cravings, balance blood sugar, and lose weight while enjoying delicious, nutrient-dense whole foods. Brenda is also the creator of the Midlife Macro™ Method and the weekly Midlife Macro Meal Plans™, designed specifically for women in perimenopause and menopause who want simple, high-protein, low-carb meals to support hormones, metabolism, and long-term health.She is the founder of the Sugar Free Fresh Start course and the Sugar Free Mom Tribe membership.

Related Posts

29 Comments

  1. So this is the same as the red velvet cake but no cocoa, right? Can use vanilla extract and another sweetener like swerve?

    1. Slightly different in the red velvet with changing coconut flour and flax to add cocoa. You could change the almond extract I used in this cannoli cake for vanilla if you prefer and yes you could also change out the vanilla stevia and use swerve.

  2. This is the best cake ever! I make it quite often, but I bake it in the oven for about 25 min. I’m a little nervous to try the microwave. If I ruin it then I would be bummed out. That’s how much I love it. While it’s baking I make the frosting which is soooo good. I always make a little extra and then put a scoop and a few berries in a bowl for a snack. Yummy!

  3. I am very new to this kind of baking, or cooking, but doing it mainly for my husband (good for me too). Can you use almond flour instead of coconut flour: Thanks for you reply.

    1. Unfortunately coconut and almond can’t be swapped evenly in recipes. About 1 cup almond is equal to only 1/4 cup coconut and there needs to be more liquid and eggs with the coconut flour recipes. Sorry, just not an easy way to adapt them.

  4. 4 stars
    This looks great! Can Stevia be substituted for Swerve? I’ve never heard of Swerve. I love you recipes! I just started a low carb lifestyle. ( Note lifestyle not a diet).
    I will be using your recipes to give myself a treat.

  5. Could you suggest a sub for the heavy cream? I have to maintain a low-fat/calorie plan and this looks so good! Would regular whipping cream work?

    1. I tried it with the flax seeds, and I’m still not a fan in my desserts. I hate that you can see them, and I feel like it alters the taste. I am using spectrum organic ground flaxseeds. Any suggestions for me?

    2. I’ve heard Psyllium Husk is a good fiber, although I haven’t tried it so not sure you can use the same amount as the flax.

    3. I was looking for psyllium husk the other day but couldnt find it so where do the shops keep it ? Near cake mixes etc or in specialty food area

    4. HI, Melissa and Brenda, In lieu of the flax, I subbed hazelnut meal, which worked quite well !

    1. I microwaved them but you can bake at 350 F for 10-15minutes then check the center comes out clean.

  6. 4 stars
    Finally – a low carb treat that is not overly sweet that both my non-D husband and I can both enjoy. His chief complaint about low carb baking is the “taste” from either Swerve or erythritol. This had no after taste and he pronounced it good, although he said it wasn’t “exactly” like a cannoli, it was close. I can see this being a nice dessert for a casual get together.

  7. 5 stars
    I made it and my family (8 year old, 29 year old, and hubs) loved it.
    The frosting is AWESOME and tastes is very close to cannoli filling (I used cream cheese. Next time Marscapone. That may make a huge difference.)
    The cake is not sweet. It is delightful, light, and tasty.
    Pistachios tied it all together.
    I used the extra cannoli frosting to fill strawberries for a party, and as a topping for Maria Emmerich’s “cinnabon-coffee-cake-and-why-i-love-cinnamon” cake.
    These recipes are keepers at my house.

  8. 5 stars
    Hi Brenda! Great great super duper awesome recipe! ahhh canolli! + the great garnish with pistachios and the chocolate chunks! Just wonderful! Thank you for sharing!

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating