Moist Microwave Banana Bread Mug Cake

This single serving banana bread mug cake is not only delicious, it’s also packed with potassium, healthy fats and fiber and is a great way to use up any ripe bananas. This recipe is perfect for when you’re in the mood for something sweet and satisfying, but don’t have the time to bake a full-sized loaf of banana bread. All you need are a few pantry staple ingredients, and you can whip up this snack or breakfast in minutes.  

As a Registered Dietitian, I am always on the lookout for quick and easy recipes that are nutritious and satisfying. Whether it’s a stove top golden oats in 10 minutes or less, batch prepping beautiful beet overnight oats or rolling up and freezing these coconut lemon energy balls, I am always looking for ways to save time in the kitchen. 

That’s why I love this banana mug cake recipe.

It’s incredibly easy to make and all you need are a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, a microwave, and about five minutes of your time. 

How to Make Banana Bread Mug Cake

What you’ll need:

• Ripe banana
• Maple syrup
• Milk of choice
• Oat flour
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Chocolate chips
• Nuts

If you’re making this for one, you can make this directly in the mug or bowl you will be eating from. If you’re making this for multiple people, I recommend making it in another bowl and splitting the batter evenly between the mugs or bowls.

To make, you’ll need a ripe banana. Mash the banana in a small bowl and mix together with the maple syrup and milk until well combined. In your mug or another bowl, combine the oat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, chocolate chips and nuts. Fold in your wet ingredients and mix together until it’s smooth. Top with a few more chocolate chips and nuts. Note: The batter will expand when cooked. I recommend filling your mug or bowl until it’s about ⅔ full. This will save you a microwave mess. 

Next, pop the mug or bowl in the microwave for about 2 minutes. Timing for this recipe may vary depending on the power of the microwave. To test doneness, stick a toothpick into the banana bread and see if it comes out clean. If it needs more time to cook, put the mug in for 30 second increments until done. It’s best enjoyed immediately warm!

The best part about this microwave banana cake in a mug is that it’s 100% customizable to your taste buds. Top with chia seeds or hemp hearts, add in some shredded zucchini, drizzle with peanut butter or honey or top with Greek yogurt for some added protein. 

Health Benefits of Banana Mug Cake

Oat Flour: This whole grain, gluten-free flour is a great source of fiber and protein. It’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins.

Bananas: Bananas are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Rich in potassium, B vitamins and antioxidants, bananas are a great addition to any recipe. They are high in fiber which can help improve digestive health. 

Walnuts: Walnuts are a good source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re also rich in omega-3 fatty acids which can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Walnuts are also high in antioxidants. 

3 Ways to Add More Protein

Adding a boost of protein to this banana bread recipe is a great way to make this more filling. There are a few different ways to increase the protein in this recipe depending on your dietary and taste preferences. 

Here are 3 ideas:

Use Greek yogurt: I touched on this earlier but Greek yogurt is a great source of protein and can be used as a topping when the banana bread is done.

Use nut butter: Nut butter, such as peanut butter or almond butter, is a great source of protein and can be used in place of some of the oil in the recipe. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of nut butter over the finished banana bread for a protein boost. This will also add a rich and nutty flavor to the recipe.

Add protein powder: You can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the batter before microwaving it. This will add protein to the bread without changing the taste or texture too much. Choose a flavor that compliments the banana, such as vanilla or chocolate. You may need to adjust other ingredients accordingly when adding protein powder to ensure the proper consistency and texture. 

These are 3 simple additions you can make to elevate this microwaveable banana bread into a satisfying and protein-rich snack. 

How Ripe Should Your Banana Be?

I love that this recipe uses ripe bananas. Bananas can be a high food waste item and I’m always looking for creative ways to incorporate them into my diet. WHenever my bananas start to brown (or over ripen), I remove them from their peel and freeze them. This means I always have a banana on-hand for recipes like this one. When choosing a banana you will want one that is soft and easy to mash. The riper the banana the sweeter the bread will be. For this recipe, I defrosted my bananas in the microwave before mashing it up and mixing it with the maple syrup and milk. 

Other Uses for Ripe Bananas

Like I said earlier, it’s so handy to have ripe bananas on hand. You can use them in a variety of recipes and give yourself a boost of fiber and potassium. Here are a few delicious ways to use your ripe bananas.

Banana Pancakes. Adding mashed banana to pancake batter can create a fluffy and flavorful breakfast treat. You can try my banana oat pancakes here.

Banana Ice Cream: Frozen bananas can be blended to create a delicious ice cream. While I do prefer ice cream of the regular variety, I also do enjoy this chocolate chip banana ice cream every once in a while as a snack.

Smoothies: Frozen or fresh bananas can be blended with milk or yogurt to create a tasty and nutritious smoothie. You can add other ingredients like fruit, greens, or spices for added nutrients and flavor. Here are 15 of my favorite meal prep smoothies that either have bananas in them or you can add a banana to.

Best toppings for Banana Bread in a Mug

Banana bread in a mug can be a delicious and satisfying treat on its own, but adding toppings can take it to the next level. 

Here are some of the best toppings for this recipe:

Sliced bananas: Adding a few slices of fresh banana on top of the banana bread can enhance the banana flavor and add a nice texture.

Nut butter: Drizzling some nut butter, such as peanut butter or almond butter, on top of the banana bread can add a creamy and protein-rich topping.

Greek yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt on top of the banana bread can add a creamy and tangy flavor, as well as some extra protein.

Honey or maple syrup: Drizzling some honey or maple syrup to enhance the flavors of the other toppings.

Fresh fruit: Adding some fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced peaches, on top can add a colorful and nutritious topping.

These are just a few of the many toppings that you can use to customize your banana bread in a mug. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors and toppings.

If you make this recipe, it would make my day if you would leave a comment and/or star rating below— I love hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @lindsaypleskot so I can see your versions! It makes me so happy to see these recipes come to life in your kitchens! xo

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