Save
This 5-minute banana mug treat turns any overripe banana into a warm, cozy snack. It's the perfect answer when you want something sweet without making a whole cake—giving you all the yummy satisfaction with barely any work.
I whipped up this banana mug treat for the first time during a late pregnancy snack attack when I needed something sweet fast. Now it's what I turn to whenever I crave dessert but don't have much time.
What You'll Need
- Overripe banana: Gives natural sweetness and classic banana flavor
- Butter: Makes it moist and rich so it won't be dry
- White sugar: Adds sweetness and helps make it soft inside
- Milk: Brings the right amount of moisture for good texture
- Vanilla extract: Boosts all flavors and gives it more character
- Salt: Cuts the sweetness and brightens other flavors
- Baking powder: Creates the right fluffiness whether you use microwave or oven
- Ground cinnamon: Works great with banana for that homey taste
- All-purpose flour: Builds the base of our quick treat
- Chocolate chips: Create little pools of melty goodness throughout
How To Make It
- Mix The Wet Stuff:
- Smash half a spotty banana right in your mug until it's smooth. Pick one with lots of brown spots for better taste and sweetness. Put in the melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and milk, then mix well until everything blends together. This wet mix is what makes your mug cake so tasty.
- Add The Dry Parts:
- Drop in the flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder over your wet mixture. Mix gently but completely until you can't see any flour and the batter looks even. Don't mix too much or your cake might get tough. Your batter should look wet and thick, kind of like regular cake batter.
- Throw In Chocolate Chips:
- Stir in the chocolate chips so they spread all through the batter. This way you'll get melty chocolate in every bite. You can save a few to drop on top before cooking if you want it to look extra nice. The chips will get all gooey while it cooks.
- Cook It Right:
- For microwave cooking, heat it for 45-65 seconds based on how strong your microwave is. The cake should look done around the edges but a bit glossy on top. If using the oven, bake at 350°F for 22-30 minutes. Just don't cook it too long or it'll dry out. Let it sit for a few minutes before eating so the texture can set up.
Save
What I love most about this treat is how banana and cinnamon make my kitchen smell amazing. It reminds me of my grandma's banana bread, but I get to enjoy it right away after a tough day.
Customize It
This mug cake can be changed up however you like based on what you have. Try adding a spoon of peanut butter for a banana-peanut mix, or toss in some chopped walnuts for crunch and nutty flavor. For a richer dessert, mix in a spoon of cocoa powder to make it chocolatey. The recipe works well with many changes to fit whatever you're craving.
Adjusting For Diet Needs
You can easily change this recipe for different diets. For a vegan version, swap in plant-based butter or oil, any non-dairy milk, and make sure your chocolate chips don't have dairy. If you can't eat gluten, just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. It'll still have nearly the same texture, so everyone at your table can enjoy it no matter their food needs.
Ways To Top It
Though tasty by itself, this banana mug cake gets even better with toppings. Try a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that hot-cold mix that melts into the cake. A spoonful of whipped cream adds lightness. For a breakfast feel, top with some Greek yogurt and a honey drizzle. My favorite way is adding a spoon of peanut butter that gets slightly melty from the warm cake, making a banana-peanut butter combo that's hard to beat.
Save
Recipe FAQs
- → Is it vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! Swap in non-dairy milk, vegan butter or oil, and ensure any chocolate you use is dairy-free.
- → What flour choices do I have?
Stick to all-purpose flour, or try whole wheat, oat flour, or a gluten-free mix instead.
- → How can I check if it’s cooked through?
In the microwave, it should be slightly glossy but set. Don’t overdo it so it stays soft and moist.
- → Can I use an oven instead?
Sure thing! Heat your oven to 350°F and bake it in a mug or a ramekin for 22–30 minutes, testing with a toothpick at the end.
- → Any extra toppings you recommend?
Finish it off with nut butter, whipped cream, ice cream, or sprinkle on a few more chocolate chips.
- → How should I store leftovers?
If oven-baked, wrap tightly and leave at room temp for up to a day. Microwave versions are best eaten fresh.