There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, freshly made banana mug cake. When those banana cravings hit but you don’t want to commit to an entire banana bread loaf, this quick and delightful treat comes to the rescue. Ready in minutes rather than hours, this single-serving wonder captures all the moist, sweet goodness of traditional banana bread in a fraction of the time.
What makes this banana mug cake special is how it transforms overripe bananas into something magical with just a few pantry staples and a microwave. The aroma of warm banana and cinnamon will fill your kitchen, creating that homey feeling without the lengthy baking process. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a little self-care in dessert form!
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in under 5 minutes from start to finish – perfect for sudden dessert cravings
- Uses up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter
- No special equipment needed beyond a mug and a microwave
- Easily customizable with add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts
- Single-serving portion helps with portion control (though you can easily make multiple mugs for family or guests)
Ingredients
- ½ ripe banana, mashed
- 1 Tablespoon melted butter or oil (regular or vegan)
- 1½ Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon milk (regular or vegan)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3-4 Tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Add the mashed banana to a microwave-safe mug. Mix in the melted butter, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until combined. Add the flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder, then mix. Stir in the chocolate chips and optionally sprinkle a few on top. Microwave for 45-65 seconds, adjusting based on your microwave power. Ensure the cake is slightly shiny on top and not overcooked. Let cool for 2 minutes before serving with desired toppings.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Follow the same instructions to prepare the batter, using an oven-safe mug or ramekin. Bake for 22-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the mug cake to cool for 5 minutes before enjoying.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegan version, replace the egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce and use plant-based milk and butter.
- Add 1 tablespoon of peanut butter to the batter for a delicious banana-peanut butter combo.
- Make it gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- If your cake seems too dry, add an extra tablespoon of milk to the batter next time.
- For extra indulgence, top with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this banana mug cake warm, straight from the microwave with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness. For a more decadent dessert, top with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream that will melt beautifully into the warm cake, or add a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
This mug cake also pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up or a cozy evening treat. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit for a balanced sweet option.
Notes
- The cake is done when it springs back slightly when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cooking time may vary depending on your microwave’s wattage. Start with less time and add more as needed.
- This recipe works best with very ripe bananas that have brown spots on the peel.
- If making multiple mug cakes, microwave them one at a time for the best results.
FAQs
Can I make this banana mug cake ahead of time?
While best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can make it up to a day ahead. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving.
My mug cake overflowed while cooking. What happened?
Use a larger mug (12-16 oz) to give the cake room to rise without overflowing. The batter should only fill the mug halfway before cooking.
Can I bake this in the oven instead?
Yes! Pour the batter into an oven-safe ramekin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
How ripe should my bananas be?
The riper the better! Bananas with brown spots or nearly black peels will give the most flavor and natural sweetness to your mug cake.
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