Try this delightful banana mug cake recipe at home using simple ingredients and ready in just 5 minutes. With its soft and moist texture, is delicious banana flavor, and chocolate chips, it's perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
Why you'll love this recipe
A banana mug cake recipe is a quick dessert made primarily from overripe bananas and basic baking ingredients, combined and microwaved in a coffee mug. It offers a moist, cake-like texture with a rich banana flavor, often complemented by add-ins like chocolate chips.
We love banana mug cake not only because, like in my traditional banana bread or these banana muffins, ripe bananas give the dessert its natural sweetness and moisture, but also because it's an incredibly easy recipe to whip up using simple ingredients
You should try the banana mug cake recipe because it's the perfect treat for breakfast, late-night dessert or any time you have a craving during the day. Its convenience and deliciousness make it a must-try for anyone on the go or in need of a quick sweet fix
More Microwave Mug Cakes
Ingredients Notes
*You'll find quantities and full instructions to make this delicious banana mug cake in the recipe card at the end of this page.
- Banana: A ripe mashed banana will provide natural sweetness and moisture, making the cake soft. Ensure it's not overly ripe to prevent a soggy result.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the banana, You can also use simple white sugar, or natural sugar such as honey or maple syrup.
- Egg: Acts as a binder and provides structure. Make sure it's at room temperature to ensure even mixing.
- Oil: Contributes to the cake's moistness. A neutral oil like sunflower or vegetable oil works best, but you can also experiment with coconut oil or melted butter.
- Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake. Pure vanilla extract is preferred for the best flavor.
- Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works well or cake flour. For a healthier twist, you can also try whole wheat, almond flour, coconut flour or oat flour, but this may change the texture slightly.
- Baking Powder: Gives the cake its rise. Ensure it's fresh to get the best results.
- Salt: A pinch of salt can elevate the flavors and balance out the sweetness.
- Chocolate Chips: Optional but recommended. They add a delightful contrast in texture and a boost of chocolatey goodness. Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for the best taste combination.
How to Make Banana Cake In a Mug
Cake batter
- Mash the banana with a fork in a small bowl or directly in your mug.
- Add the brown sugar, room-temperature egg and vanilla extract and stir until smooth.
Add dry ingredients
- Add the dry ingredients, flour, salt and baking powder.
- Stir in chocolate chips and mix until smooth.
Baking
- Pour the mixture into a large mug.
- Cook the mug in the microwave for about 1m30 until the banana mug cake is cooked through in the center.
- Serve immediately, warm, with a dollop of chocolate spread, whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage
Fridge and room temperature: Store the cooled banana mug cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
How to reheat a banana mug cake? To reheat a banana mug cake, microwave it on medium power for about 20-30 seconds or until warmed through.
Tip for mug cake recipes
- Even Mixing: Ensure that all ingredients are mixed well to avoid pockets of flour or uneven cooking. Using a fork can help incorporate everything smoothly.
- Check Your Mug Size: Use a microwave-safe mug that can hold at least 12 ounces to prevent the batter from spilling over as it cooks.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Microwaves can vary in power, so start with the minimum recommended cooking time and add additional time in short increments if needed. Overcooking can lead to a dry mug cake.
- Don't Fill the Mug to the Top: Only fill your mug about halfway to give the cake room to rise without overflowing.
- Test for Doneness: Just like regular cakes, insert a toothpick or a fork into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs (and not wet batter), your mug cake is done!
If you love banana recipes
Recipe variations
- Banana Nut Mug Cake: Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture reminiscent of banana nut bread.
- Banana Peanut Butter Mug Cake: Swirl in a teaspoon of peanut butter to the top of the batter before microwaving for a delightful peanut butter flavor.
- Banana Cinnamon Mug Cake: Add a pinch of cinnamon or even nutmeg to the batter for a spiced version.
- Vegan Banana Mug Cake: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and ensure to use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Banana Coconut Mug Cake: Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut to the batter, and maybe even swap the oil for coconut oil for a tropical twist.
- Banana Berry Mug Cake: Incorporate some fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a fruity addition.
- Banana Chocolate Mug Cake: Mix in unsweetened cocoa powder with your dry ingredients and add chocolate chips for a rich chocolate flavor.
Frequently Asked Question
Can you make banana mug cake ahead of time?
You can make a mug cake ahead of time, but it's best enjoyed fresh; if made in advance, store it covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the microwave before serving.
Or you can prepare the mug cake batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge; simply microwave it when you're ready to enjoy, ensuring a fresh and warm treat every time.
Can I eat banana mug cake cold?
Yes, you can eat this microwave banana mug cake cold if you prefer, though many people enjoy the warmth and texture of it freshly microwaved. The flavors will still be delicious even when cooled.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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PrintBanana Mug Cake
Description
Delicious mug cake recipe with banana and chocolate chips, ready in 5 minutes for breakfast or a snack (for one mug).
Ingredients
- 1 banana - medium and ripe
- 1 Egg - room temperature
- ¼ tsp Vanilla
- 2 tbsp. brown sugar - approx. 25 g
- 1 tbsp. vegetable oil - neutral approx.20 g
- 3 tbsp. Flour - approx. 40 g
- ¼ tsp. baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 tbsp. chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mash the banana with a fork until you have a puree-like mixture with a few chunks.
- Add the brown sugar, egg and vanilla and mix until smooth.
- Finish with the dry ingredients, flour, baking powder, salt and chocolate chips, and mix to incorporate.
- Pour the mixture into a mug cake and bake in the microwave for about 1m30 until the center is cooked through.
- Leave to cool a little before serving warm with a delicious topping, whipped cream, Nutella or crushed almonds.
Notes
Storage: Eat quickly or reheat on low heat.
MRC
This recipe is definitely worth making, I made it and it turned out great. I then adjusted almost everything just a little bit and freestyled it with a new ingredient and no measuring and it still worked!
Lauren
This recipe was delish! I am going to find alternatives for the sugar and flour for my next go around! Thanks for posting!
Fadela
Thank you Lauren for your feedback on this recipe. I'm happy you like it.
Krit
It was great but all the chocolate chips sank to the bottom of the mug! I would try it again with smaller chocolate chips or try coating them in flour first before adding to the mixture, as that trick is supposed to help them be distributed throughout the mixture evenly. I also added 1 tbsp of unsalted butter and found it to be TOO moist. I would reduce the amount of butter next time as well.
Karen T
This was delicious! I have tried mug cakes before without success. I made the recipe as stated, using mini chocolate chips. It seemed like a lot of batter for the mugs I had so I used a 4" ramekin. It was ready in 90 seconds. Thank you!