Banana bread is a classic comfort food that’s both nourishing and delicious, but traditional recipes often take a long time to prepare. Enter the banana bread mug cake—a fast, single-serving version that delivers the same flavors and nutrients in a matter of minutes. Bananas, the main ingredient, are rich in potassium, fiber, and essential vitamins like B6 and C, making this mug cake not just a sweet indulgence but also a healthy one. This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the flavors of banana bread in a quick and convenient way.

Ingredients

To make this delectable banana bread mug cake, you’ll need:

• 1 small ripe banana, mashed
• 1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons milk (or almond/oat milk)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or coconut sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: chocolate chips, chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), or cinnamon

How to Make

Step 1: Prepare the Mug
Choose a microwave-safe mug that can hold at least 12 ounces, ensuring there’s enough space for the cake to rise without spilling over.

Step 2: Mash the Banana
Peel a small ripe banana and mash it directly into the mug using a fork. Mash until the banana is smooth with a few small lumps for texture. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your mug cake will be.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
To the mashed banana, stir in 1 tablespoon of melted butter or coconut oil, followed by 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of milk (or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk), and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly, making sure everything is well-combined.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. To the mug, add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar (or a healthier alternative like coconut sugar), 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture until it forms a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the mug cake dense.

Step 5: Customize Your Mug Cake
If you’d like, now is the time to add in optional ingredients for extra flavor and texture. You can fold in a handful of chocolate chips, chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or a dash of cinnamon for warmth. Stir gently to distribute these add-ins evenly throughout the batter.

Step 6: Microwave
Place your mug in the microwave and cook on high for 1 to 1½ minutes, depending on your microwave’s strength. Keep an eye on the cake while it cooks. It should rise and become firm, with the center set. If the cake is still too wet after 1 minute, microwave it in 10-second increments until fully cooked.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once your banana bread mug cake has finished cooking, let it cool for about 1-2 minutes. The cake will be very hot, so give it time to set before enjoying. You can eat it straight from the mug or transfer it to a small plate for a fancier presentation.

Adjustments

This recipe is versatile and easy to adjust based on personal preferences. For a healthier option, you can swap out the flour for whole wheat or almond flour and replace the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Add-ins like peanut butter, raisins, or even dried cranberries can be mixed in to create unique flavors.

Tips

• Banana Ripeness: The riper the banana, the sweeter the mug cake will be, so aim for a banana with brown spots.
• Check for Doneness: Every microwave is different, so make sure to check the mug cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
• Avoid Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter. Doing so can result in a dense texture instead of a light and fluffy mug cake.

How to Store

If you have any leftovers (though this mug cake is typically eaten fresh), cover the mug tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the cake to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.

Conclusion

This banana bread mug cake offers all the deliciousness of traditional banana bread but in a fraction of the time. It’s the perfect quick treat, providing a balance of nutrients from the banana and offering room for customization based on your taste. Enjoy this simple yet delightful recipe any time of the day!