Microwave this oatmeal mug cake for just 90 seconds using a few simple ingredients, and you'll have a light and moist breakfast or snack. Customize it with your favorite toppings for a quick and delicious treat!
Easy Oatmeal Mug Cake
Making a tasty and healthy breakfast or snack doesn't get any simpler than this oat mug cake. Oats are a breakfast essential for us, whether it's overnight banana oats, soft baked oatmeal banana bars, 3-ingredient banana oat pancakes, or baby oatmeal.
Here's a collection of amazing oatmeal recipes for babies and toddlers.
What's great about this oatmeal mug cake is that I can whip it up last minute if I haven't prepped anything. I mean, who wouldn't want cake for breakfast? It's hearty, nutritious, filling, and a perfect breakfast or snack for babies and toddlers.
And if you are craving more 2 minute mug cakes, you're going to love this banana mug cake and almond flour mug cake!
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Ingredients
I am highlighting just the ones that need further explanation. The complete list is in the recipe card below.
- Oats - Quick oats or oat flour will work best as they absorb liquid quickly, resulting in a softer and less chewy texture compared to rolled oats. Do not use steel cut oats.
- Overripe banana - The browner the better! They mash easier and add a stronger banana flavor.
- Egg - helps create a light, fluffy texture. If egg-free, you can try adding 3 tablespoons of applesauce, yogurt, or milk.
- Butter - can also use melted coconut oil
- Milk - I prefer whole milk but use any milk of choice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mash the banana in a microwave-safe mug. Then add all the ingredients (minus the oats and baking powder). Whisk the batter until combined.
Step 2: Add the oats and baking powder and whisk again. Microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds.
Tips for Success
- Be sure to add the dry ingredients at the end. It will help the batter from bubbling over.
- The batter will rise significantly (and then settle) during cooking, so make sure to use a mug with enough height.
- Place a plate underneath the cup when microwaving to catch possible spills.
Variations
You can take this oatmeal mug cake up a notch by adding any of these suggestions to the batter,
- Finely chopped nuts - walnuts, pecans, etc.
- Diced fruit - like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries
- Finely grated carrots - a great way to get extra veggies into your child
- Unsweetened cocoa powder - you should totally try this chocolate avocado pudding!
- Mini chocolate chips - for a quick chocolate fix!
Serving Suggestions
While it's tasty on its own, just like baked oatmeal, adding your favorite toppings makes the experience even more fun and delicious! Try adding,
- A drizzle of peanut butter, almond butter, or other nut/seed butter (here's how to make homemade sunflower seed butter)
- A dollop of Greek yogurt
- Healthy cream cheese frosting
- A drizzle of honey, pure maple syrup, or date syrup
- Fresh Fruit
- Ice cream - my personal favorite!
Storage
While it's best to consume the day of, it can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
FAQ
Follow the instructions exactly and place the oven-safe mug on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until set. You may consider doubling or tripling the recipe since the cooking time takes longer. Why not make extra to enjoy later while you're at it :).
The exact time will differ slightly as every microwave is different. Start checking after 90 seconds and add 10 or so more seconds for tall mugs. The top will be springy to the touch but don't worry! It will continue to cook as it cools and will firm up.
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
Oatmeal Mug Cake
Ingredients
- ½ medium ripe banana
- 1 egg
- 1 tbs butter, melted
- 1 tbs milk of choice
- ½ teaspoon chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup quick oats (25g)
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Mash the banana in a microwave-safe mug. Then add all the ingredients (minus the oats and baking powder). Whisk the batter until combined.
- Add the oats and baking powder and whisk again. Microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Top with your favoriting toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- Be sure to add the dry ingredients at the end. It will help the batter from bubbling over.
- The batter will rise significantly (and then settle) during cooking, so make sure to use a mug with enough height.
- Place a plate underneath the cup when microwaving to catch possible spills.
- Don't overcook! Â The exact time will differ slightly as every microwave is different. Start checking after 90 seconds and add 10 or so more seconds for tall mugs. It should be soft and moist with a little bit of moisture, which is good! It will continue to cook as it cools and will firm up.
Kathy says
Thank you for this tasty recipe! Best pick me up post bed time. I used oat flour and topped with dark chocolate chips. This will be my go to in the future for sure!
Min says
Aww! Don't you just love that time to recharge? I'm thrilled that this easy cake made it even sweeter :).
Lindsay says
This was great! I really enjoyed it and so did my one and a half year old and four year old. We followed the instructions and then added some plain yogurt. I will definitely be making this a lot…so nice that you can switch up the toppings!
Min says
So happy to hear that you guys enjoyed this!
Ayesha says
We just made it! Turned out awesome. Not chewy at all, which is my worst fear with microwaved cakes. We added cocoa powder and used blended quick cook steel oats
Min says
Yay!! Glad you guys enjoyed it!
Alyson says
Any thoughts for someone who hates bananas? Any replacement ideas?
Min says
I would try with applesauce
Char says
Is it possible to make this in the oven? I don't have a microwave!
Min says
Yes! Check out the FAQ section!
GiGi Eats says
I love "for one" recipes!! Because this girl DOES NOT like to share her food! LOL!
Mica @ Let's Taco Bout It Blog says
Min,
As someone who is usually on-the-go first thing in the morning, this looks great. The peanut butter breakfast cake stood out to me. I LOVE peanut butter. You can never go wrong with that!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Such a cute idea Min! I love it- and I agree, as much as I love a giant cinnamon roll I always crash shortly after. Good thing this lets me have my cake and eat it too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Nothing better or more cute!
Deanna Segrave-Daly says
Oooh - I cannot wait to try these - don't know which one to make first!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
Lady these look so good! My mornings have become a lot less rushed lately since I stopped working to go back to nutrition school but I will need to find part time work soon so that may be changing!
dixya | food, pleasure, and health says
i can relate to that rushed feeling every single morning..argh. having a portable breakfast is a MUST for me.
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
These are so cute Min, and they sound delicious too! I'm totally with you on needing those portable breakfasts for those rushed mornings! Heading to check out the recipes now!