Craving banana bread but don’t want to turn on the oven or wait an hour? I’ve got you covered! This banana bread in a mug is soft, warm, and ready in just a few minutes—perfect for when you need a cozy treat right now. Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a late-night snack, this little mug cake is guaranteed to hit the spot.
And the best part? No mixing bowls, no mess. Just one mug, a fork, and a microwave. Let’s get baking (without the baking)!
What You’ll Need
This recipe is super flexible and easy to tweak based on what you have at home.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed (look for brown spots—it means extra sweetness!)
- 1 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil (your choice)
- 1 egg (or a vegan substitute)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Optional Goodies:
- 2 tbsp chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts
Add-ins are totally up to you. Want it gooey and chocolatey? Go for chips. Craving a little crunch? Toss in the nuts!
How to Make Banana Bread in a Mug
Step 1: Mash That Banana
Grab your mug and mash up the ripe banana using a fork. You want it nice and smooth—it’s the sweet base for your mug bread.
Step 2: Add Butter or Oil
Stir in the melted butter (or coconut oil) until it’s all combined. Your mixture should look creamy at this point.
Step 3: Crack in the Egg
Add your egg to the mug and whisk it with your fork until fully mixed. This helps make the banana bread fluffy and moist.
Step 4: Stir in the Dry Ingredients
Time for the flour, sugar (or honey), baking powder, and salt. Stir everything together until you have a smooth batter.
Step 5: Fold in the Extras
If you’re adding chocolate chips or walnuts, now’s the time to gently stir them in. They’ll make every bite extra special!
Step 6: Microwave It!
Pop your mug in the microwave and cook on high for 1 to 2 minutes. Start with 1 minute, then check it. Add 15-second bursts if needed. The top should be set and the middle just cooked through—don’t overdo it or it’ll get dry.
Step 7: Cool & Enjoy
Let your banana bread rest for a minute to set. It’ll still be warm and gooey, but not too hot to eat. Top with a drizzle of peanut butter, a dollop of yogurt, or even a pinch of sea salt if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Mug Banana Bread
Need an Egg Substitute?
Try ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water, let it sit). Works great and makes it vegan-friendly!
Banana Not Ripe Enough?
Speed up ripening by placing the banana in a paper bag for a day or two. Or microwave it for 30 seconds to soften it up—just let it cool a bit before using.
Want It Gluten-Free?
No problem! Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend (make sure it has xanthan gum for texture). Almond flour works too, though it may be a little softer.
Storing Leftovers?
If you somehow don’t finish it (unlikely!), cover and refrigerate your mug cake for up to 2 days. To reheat, microwave it for about 30 seconds until warm and fluffy again.
A Quick Treat That Tastes Like Home
This 5-minute banana bread in a mug is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to take all day. It’s warm, sweet, and satisfying—and you can make it with ingredients you probably already have at home. Perfect for cozy mornings, lazy evenings, or whenever that banana bread craving strikes.
