Moist, fluffy, and delicious, this banana mug cake is the perfect single serving dessert, snack, or even breakfast that can be ready in just minutes.
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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 or afternoon Snack that you can feel good about serving to your baby or toddler!
But promise me that you will fuel yourself first. No sharing :). I'm saying this to remind myself as well! OK? OK!
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 ½ 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.
- Milk - I prefer whole milk but use any milk of choice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 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:
- 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!
Tips for Success
- 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.
- 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.
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
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
More Banana Recipes
Banana Mug Cake
Ingredients
- ½ cup (120g) mashed banana, 1 medium banana
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 tablespoons almond flour (40g)
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ 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.
Gretchen says
This is not only nutritious but very delicious. One of the few ways I get my little one to eat eggs. Thank you SO much.
Min says
I'm so glad!! Thanks for sharing!
Jenny says
Very easy and so delicious! Much sweeter and more satisfying that I was expecting. Me, my baby, and my husband all thought it was yummy. I microwaved mine for an extra 30 seconds but it was still wonderfully moist.
Min says
I'm so glad!!
Cassandra says
This definitely cured my sweet tooth. I added a few chocolate cups to mine 😋 And I liked how the recipe was super easy.
Cassandra says
*chocolate chips
Min says
Yay!! It's seriously the perfect single-serve dessert, isn't it?
Nikki says
So delicious! My kids love this and so easy to make for breakfast.
Min says
So easy, right? Enjoy!!
Betty says
Hi, will an egg replacer or flax seed egg work instead of real egg?
Min says
You can use an egg replacer or leave it out altogether. Won't be as fluffy but will still be delicious!
Dipa says
Thank you 💖
Chrissy says
Hi Min, this looks so tasty! Two questions, how often do you think one can serve a toddler eggs? They’re so handy in your varied formats! Also, could this be made with other ground nuts or an alternative to banana just to change things up?
Min says
Hi! There's no official recommendation but you can serve every day. So nutritious and versatile! You can use other nuts and as for alternative to banana, try my strawberry mug cake or with applesauce. Love adding my date syrup too!
Chrissy says
Thank you, Min! This was so easy and tasty! I made the recipe into 3 portions for my 17-month old, mostly because it’s what fit into the Ezpz dish and made clean up so easy too. And mama got a tasty snack too!
Min says
So happy to hear that your baby AND you enjoyed it!!
Abigail says
Thank you for the recipe! My niece loves to cook banana things and this will be so fun for us to mix up! Will regular flour work the same?
Min says
Yes it will work!
Serena says
Great recipe! My kids love this for breakfast and it's a great snack for me!
Min says
Yay!! I'm so glad!!