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This banana mug cake is the easiest way to turn a ripe banana into something warm and fluffy. Made in the microwave with simple ingredients, it’s ready in minutes and perfect for a quick treat.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Mug Cake
- Ready in under 2 minutes – From start to finish, this banana mug cake comes together fast, making it perfect when you want something homemade without the wait.
- Made in one mug for easy cleanup – Everything mixes directly in the mug, which means fewer dishes and minimal mess.
- Naturally sweetened with ripe banana – A very ripe banana adds natural sweetness and moisture, so there’s no need for refined sugar.
- Soft and fluffy texture – The combination of banana and almond flour creates a tender, cake-like texture that stays moist.
- Made with wholesome ingredients – Simple pantry staples come together to create a warm, satisfying treat without complicated ingredients.
- Easy to customize – Add chocolate chips, protein powder, nuts, or warm spices to make it exactly how you like it.
Whether you need a quick snack, simple dessert, or cozy afternoon pick-me-up, this microwave banana mug cake delivers every time. For more easy options, take a look at my healthy toddler snacks!
“This definitely cured my sweet tooth. I added a few chocolate chips to mine 😋 And I liked how the recipe was super easy.” – Cassandra
What is a mug cake?
It is just as it sounds – cake that you make entirely in a cup! Seriously!
After chasing after your kids all day long, it’s the perfect single-serve cake that you can turn to for a much needed “power up” as my son likes to say. I especially like to enjoy this as a late-night dessert after the kids are down for the night. Hallelujah!
All you need are a handful of ingredients, measuring cups, a whisk, and a mug. And the best part? It takes less than 2 minutest to make in the microwave.
This microwave banana mug cake is very similar to my strawberry mug cake except it’s naturally sweetened with banana rather than maple syrup.
Since it’s SO easy and quick to whip up, I suppose you can make one for your little one(s) too.
This will be a great no-fuss breakfast for toddlers and kids (and you of course!) or afternoon snack that you can feel good about serving to your baby or toddler! For more easy options, take a look at my toddler snack ideas.
But promise me that you will fuel yourself first. No sharing :). I’m saying this to remind myself as well! OK? OK!
And if you can’t get enough quick, feel-good treats, hop over to my collection of easy snack cake recipes all in one place so you can bake a little happiness in a mug (or a pan) anytime!
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients
I am highlighting just the ones that need further explanation. The complete list is in the recipe card below.
- Overripe banana – The browner the better!. They mash easier and add a stronger banana flavor. Be sure to measure after mashing so you get exactly 1/2 cup.
- Butter – can also use melted coconut oil
- Almond flour – adds a lovely nutty flavor and tender texture. You can use all purpose flour or oat flour, if you prefer, but the cake won’t be as light. Still super tasty though! You can also use quick oats like in this oatmeal mug cake.
- Milk – I prefer whole milk but use any milk of choice
How to Make Banana Mug Cake
- Melt butter.
- Add all the ingredients to the microwave-safe mug in the order listed in the recipe card below.
- Whisk the cake batter until combined.
- Microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds
Add-ins
I highly encourage you to try the recipe as is first. A great thing about this delicious banana mug cake is that you can experiment with all kinds of add-ins like:
- Add crunch – Stir in finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for healthy fats and texture. See the ultimate guide to nuts for babies to learn about how to introduce nuts and how to serve them.
- Add natural sweetness – Mix in diced fruit such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Also try this easy almond flour mug cake (with strawberries)!
- Boost the veggies – Stir in finely grated carrots for extra nutrients. An easy way to add more vegetables without altering the flavor. Check out all you need to know about carrots for babies.
- Make it chocolatey – Add mini chocolate chips for a quick chocolate fix.
- Deepen the chocolate flavor – Mix in a little unsweetened cocoa powder for a richer taste. You should totally try this chocolate avocado pudding!
- Enhance the flavor – Add cinnamon and a splash of vanilla extract for warmth and aroma.
- Boost the protein (for adults) – Add 1 tablespoon vanilla protein powder and reduce the flour slightly for a higher-protein banana mug cake.
Expert Tips
- Be sure to add the ingredients in the order listed! Adding the dry ingredients at the end will help the batter from bubbling over.
- A 12 ounce mug that is short and wide works best for this mug cake. Do not use a tapered mug.
- Place a plate underneath the cup when microwaving to catch possible spills.
- Don’t overcook! 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.
- Wait at least 5 minutes before eating.
- For toddlers/babies – Let the cake cool completely and cut into small, manageable pieces.
Serving Suggestions
While delicious as is, this easy mug cake is also the perfect vehicle for all kinds of toppings.
Here are some suggestions:
- A drizzle of peanut butter, almond butter, or other nut/seed butter. This homemade sunflower seed butter would be perfect.
- A dollop of Greek yogurt – check out the best yogurt for babies
- Healthy cream cheese frosting
- A drizzle of honey, pure maple syrup, or this homemade 2 ingredient date syrup
- Fresh Fruit – blueberries, strawberries, blackberries
- Ice cream – my personal favorite
Banana Mug Cake FAQs
Grab one that can hold at least 12 ounces of liquid. It can be short and wide as you see pictured here or small and tall (not tapered). If using the latter, you will probably need to cook for 10-15 seconds longer. Make sure it’s microwave-safe!
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.
While it’s best to consume the day of, it can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Yes. Almond flour is naturally gluten-free. If using oat flour, choose certified gluten-free oats.
More Cake Recipes
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!
Banana Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120g) mashed banana, 1 medium banana
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 tablespoons almond flour (40g)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk together the wet then add the dry. Microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds.
Notes
- Be sure to add the ingredients in the order listed! Adding the dry ingredients at the end will help the batter from bubbling over.
- Place a plate underneath the cup when microwaving to catch possible spills.
- Wait at least 5 minutes before eating.
Love to make this for my toddler! Naturally sweet with no added sugar. I love adding some peanut butter melted on the top!
This was delicious and a yummy treat for an afternoon tea party. It was so fun to make this with my 2 year and 5 year old as we each had a mug and they could both stir their own ingredients. I did find it took a lot longer to bake though – maybe 5 or 6 minutes
Oh my gosh! So good! I was keto for a little bit, besides fruit, And this mug cake is a lifesaver!🤤🤤🤤🤤 I think it definitely needs to cook longer, otherwise so good 👍👍👍👍
So good! I made mine with oat flour. Kind of wish it was a bit sweeter but the banana I used wasn’t very ripe.
I misread and microwaved for 5 minutes. Came out perfectly, idk if it’s because I’m at high altitude.. either way will be making again. My daughter loved it
Delicious as is! I did need to cook it a lot longer than 90 seconds because it was still wet at that time, not sure why, but I cooked it for 2 minutes, then had to flip it out onto a plate and cook another minute. It was great and not dry at all. Thanks for the recipe! My 3 yr old loved it. We will def make it again.
Please mention the measurements
Hi the recipe card is at the bottom of this post
Can you make this with oat flour or will the texture be off?
should be ok!
It was pretty good. I added a pinch of salt, but other than that it took 2 minutes in my microwave. For a healthier snack to curb the sugar cravings it was nice.