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.
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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.
Why you'll love this cake
Craving for more banana recipes? Give these a try: banana date smoothie, banana walnut cake, banana bread cookies, banana milkshake
Ingredients You Need Notes
You need these ingredients to make this Banana bread mug cake:
Ingredients Notes
- 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
Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember, the full instructions with exact ingredients can be found in the main recipe card below!
Cake batter
Step 1: Mash the banana with a fork in a small bowl or directly in your mug.
Step 2: Add the brown sugar, room-temperature egg and vanilla extract and stir until smooth.
Add dry ingredients
Step 3: Add the dry ingredients, flour, salt and baking powder.
Step 4: Stir in chocolate chips and mix until smooth.
Baking
Step 5: Pour the mixture into a large mug.
Step 6: Cook the mug in the microwave for about 1m30 until the banana mug cake is cooked through in the center.
Enjoy! Serve immediately, warm, with a dollop of chocolate spread, whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Serving suggestions
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve your warm banana mug cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination of hot and cold.
- Whipped Cream: Top the cake with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder for added flavor.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some chocolate sauce over the cake for a rich, indulgent treat.
- Fresh Berries: Add a handful of fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of freshness and color.
- Caramel Sauce: Pour warm caramel sauce over the cake for a deliciously sweet and gooey topping.
- Nutella: Spread a layer of Nutella on top of the mug cake for a decadent chocolate-hazelnut twist.
- Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds on top for added crunch and texture.
- Peanut Butter: Swirl some peanut butter into the batter before cooking or drizzle on top for a delightful combination of flavors.
- Yogurt: Serve with a side of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a healthier option that adds creaminess and a touch of sweetness.
- Banana Slices: Garnish with extra banana slices on top to enhance the banana flavor and add a fresh touch.
Tips for this recipe
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.
Variations & Substitutions
Frequently Asked Question
Can you make a 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.
How ripe should the banana be?
The banana should be very ripe with brown spots on the peel. Ripe bananas are sweeter and mash more easily, giving your mug cake better flavor and texture.
Can I substitute the sugar with another sweetener?
Yes, you can use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia. Adjust the amount to taste, as different sweeteners vary in sweetness.
What if my mug cake overflows in the microwave?
Make sure your mug is large enough to accommodate the rising cake batter. Using a mug with a capacity of at least 12 ounces helps prevent overflow.
More Microwave Mug Cakes
I hope you love this banana bread mug cake recipe. If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Happy Baking!
Print
Banana Mug Cake
- Total Time: 4 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup
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, oil and vanilla extract 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.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Category: mug cake, cake
- Cuisine: American
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!
This recipe was delish! I am going to find alternatives for the sugar and flour for my next go around! Thanks for posting!
Thank you Lauren for your feedback on this recipe. I'm happy you like it.
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.
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!
Hi! Beginner here, I don’t see where the oil is added but is it to oil the cup?
Hi there! Thanks for reaching out. It seems I missed mentioning the oil in the instructions. Apologies for the oversight! You should add the oil along with the other liquid ingredients. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Very good and very moist. Kind of messy to make, but that is why we have a dishwasher. Mt son wanted it more bread or cake like, he said it was more like a bread pudding, which I did not think. You could maybe get by with lett banana or some of the oil, but I liked it the way it was. Thanks!