This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure and privacy policy.
Banana Mug Cake tastes like a slice of banana bread and cooks in just 2 minutes! It’s the perfect way to use up a ripe banana you have on hand.
This banana bread mug cake makes a delicious breakfast, afternoon snack, or late-night dessert. You can mix it directly in a microwave-safe mug to save on dishes.
Because this recipe calls for a whole ripe banana and a whole egg, it will fill two coffee mugs that are 12 ounces in size or one large mug that is 16 ounces or larger. If you want to make a large single serving, use an oversized mug to avoid overflow as it cooks in your microwave. (There are oven directions below, too!)
Ingredients You’ll Need
This mug cake recipe calls for oat flour, which you can buy at the store or make at home using your blender. (Just process rolled oats or oatmeal in a blender until it has a fine texture.) Use certified gluten-free oats if you need a gluten-free option.
For added texture, add a handful of walnuts, or make it more of a dessert with a few dark chocolate chips sprinkled on top. It’s easy to customize with the perfect amount of banana flavor. You can also add vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor even more.
How to Make a Banana Mug Cake
1. Mash the banana.
To make one large serving, add the peeled banana to a 16-ounce mug and use a fork to mash until it looks relatively smooth.
2. Mix.
Add the peanut butter, egg, maple syrup, oat flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon, then stir well.
3. Cook.
Add any toppings you like, such as chocolate chips or walnuts, then place the mug in the microwave and cook at high power for 2 minutes. The center should feel firm to the touch when the cake is done cooking.
Depending on the wattage of your microwave, your mug cake might need an additional 30 seconds of cooking. Test the cake with a toothpick if you want to make sure the center is no longer wet.
3. Enjoy!
Let the mug cake cool for 5 minutes, and then it’s ready to eat. Before digging in, add any extra toppings you like, such as sliced banana or an extra peanut butter drizzle.
Tip for Making Two Servings: If you have two 12-ounce coffee mugs, mix the batter in a small bowl first, then divide the batter between the two mugs for a snack-size portion.
The mugs pictured above are 12 ounces in size and cook for 2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
All-purpose flour should work similarly in this recipe, but a grain-free option like almond flour may produce a more “eggy” texture. Do not use coconut flour with this ratio; it will be too dry and grainy.
The egg provides structure and rise in this recipe, so omitting it will result in a more flat, less cake-like texture. That said, you can experiment with using a flax egg instead.
Sure! Use pumpkin puree or applesauce as an easy alternative to the banana. A 1/3 cup of puree should replace one mashed banana.
Yes! Bake in an oven preheated to 350ºF for 30 to 35 minutes in an oven-safe mug or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake. Since this method takes much longer, you might prefer to make a batch of healthy banana muffins instead.
Looking for more fast dessert ideas? Try 5-Minute Freezer Fudge, Banana Ice Cream, or Banana Snack Cake for more options.
Ingredients
- 1 large banana
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ⅓ cup oat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Place the peeled banana in a large microwave-safe mug (16-ounce or larger) and use a fork to mash until smooth.
- Add in the egg, peanut butter, maple syrup, flour, baking powder, and cinnamon, and stir well. Sprinkle a few chocolate chips or walnuts on top, if you'd like extra texture.
- Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high power for 2 minutes. The cake will rise above the top of the mug as it cooks, but it shouldn't spill over as long as you use a 16-ounce or larger size mug. The cake should feel firm to the touch in the center when it's done cooking; add another 30 seconds of cook time if you need to.
- Carefully remove the mug from the microwave (it will be hot!) and let it cool for 5 minutes before digging in.
Notes
Nutrition
If you try this Banana Mug Cake recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below, letting me know how you like it.
So fast and easy when I crave that banana bread texture but can’t wait an hour to make a whole loaf. I’ve tried it with a flax egg and a real egg and it’s delicious and fluffy both ways. I throw a bit more cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg as well to spice it up a bit more.
I have made this for breakfast 3 times this week! Great alternative to oatmeal. I add one scoop of protein powder.
Made this in two ramekins and baked in the oven. Really good! Will make this again.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
It failed. It made a mess in my microwave and I followed the exact recipe. To add onto that, it tastes like a banana flavoured egg. Pretty disappointed
It was delicious, I used microwave and it was just perfect,
Googled a quick banana mug cake in a panic when I realised I didnt have a healthy snack for my 4yr old for school. This is the first recipe I saw, made it in the microwave, cooked for about 2 mins total in short increments and it came out perfectly. Thank you!
This is so good! I have been eating it for breakfast for 3 days straight. I use powdered peanut butter instead. I also add a Tbsp of brown sugar swerve (It’s very good without added sweetness as well though!), 1/4 tsp of almond extract and 2 Tbsp of cocoa powder. I feel like the extra powder thickens it up a bit and helps make it less “eggy”. Thank you so much for this recipe!
I often make this recipe when I have a ripe banana that needs to be used up. Chocolate chips are a great addition!