This microwave Banana Mug Cake is a quick and easy way to enjoy all the classic flavors of banana bread, packed with plenty of banana goodness and a warm touch of cinnamon. Ready in just minutes, it’s the perfect cozy dessert without any fuss! I love it, and it’s definitely earned a spot on my list of 15-Minute Easy Desserts (which you will want to check out, too). And, if you are craving more quick, cozy treats, check out my Cinnamon Roll in a Mug next!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Bananas: Make sure your bananas are very ripe (soft with lots of brown spots) as they add the most sweetness and moisture to the mug cake.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar brings a mellow sweetness with a hint of caramel. You could use granulated sugar in a pinch, but I would stick with brown sugar for the best flavor.
- Butter: I used unsalted butter in both the cake mixture and as a topping. I melted some into the batter for richness and moisture, and then as a pat on top before microwaving. If using salted butter, simply leave out the pinch of salt in the batter.
- Milk: I prefer whole milk to keep the cake moist and tender. However, you could use 2%, 1%, or milk you have on hand.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is used in both the batter and the topping. It adds a warm, cozy flavor that complements the bananas and brown sugar beautifully. For a different (but delicious) option, try using pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice in place of the cinnamon! Even nutmeg would be great!
- Baking Powder: Don’t forget the baking powder, and make sure it is fresh! Without it, the mug cake won’t rise.
How Do I Know When My Banana Mug Cake Is Done?
The banana mug cake is done when the top looks set and springs back lightly, with no wet or gooey center. You can try the toothpick test, but it’s tricky for mug cakes since they’re naturally moist. (So, don’t worry if it’s slightly sticky.) Start checking at 90 seconds and microwave in 10-second bursts until cooked through. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubberiness.
Why Is My Banana Mug Cake Rubbery or Dry?
If your banana mug cake turned out rubbery or dry, it’s usually because it was microwaved too long. Microwaves can be tricky, so I recommend starting with the minimum time and checking often. Using very ripe bananas and not overmixing the batter also helps keep it moist and tender.
Can I Add Chocolate Chips or Nuts?
Definitely! I love tossing in chocolate chips or chopped nuts to give this mug cake a little extra texture and flavor. Just gently fold them into the batter before microwaving. Keep an eye on the cooking time since mix-ins can make it take a few seconds longer; just microwave in short bursts until it’s perfectly done.
Topping Ideas For Banana Mug Cake
This banana mug cake is delicious on its own, but I love dressing it up depending on my mood (or what I have on hand). Here are some of my favorite ways to top this mug cake:
- With a scoop of ice cream (I love it with classic no-churn vanilla, but salted caramel ice cream would also be delicious!)
- Whipped cream with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon on top
- A drizzle of peanut butter or Nutella
- Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or peanut butter chips on top
- Sliced bananas and honey
How To Store Banana Mug Cake
Banana mug cake is best enjoyed fresh and warm, but if you have leftovers, let it cool completely and cover the mug tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the cake to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to soften it back up.
Banana Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 2 very ripe bananas, mashed (about ⅔ to ¾ cup, packed)
- ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Topping
- 2 teaspoons unsalted butter, divided
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Spray two 12-ounce microwave-safe mugs lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the mashed bananas, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
- Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter evenly between the two prepared mugs.
- Top each mug with 1 teaspoon butter, then sprinkle with granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Microwave each mug separately for 90 to 120 seconds. Check for doneness by ensuring the center is set. If needed, continue microwaving in 10-second intervals until cooked through.
- Serve warm.
Did you make this recipe?
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
Oh, wow! This gave me all the flavors of banana bread, but ready in minutes! It's perfect for a late-night sweet treat!
Elizabeth
I love this banana mug cake! Next time, I am going to add a few chocolate chips and peanut butter to mine.
Stephanie
This is moist, flavorful, and ridiculously easy! I loved it, especially the cinnamon on top!
Bella
I did not expect this to be this good! It's super fluffy and not too sweet.
How long to cook half the recipe in one mug?