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Banana Mug Cake

Close-up of the interior texture of a microwave banana mug cake on a spoon

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Think of this as your “break in case of emergency” dessert. It’s for those late nights when you need something sweet, warm, and comforting, but don’t want to deal with the oven or a mountain of dishes. This recipe turns that one spotted banana on your counter into a rich, buttery sponge cake that feels like a tiny, personal celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp Butter (Melted)
  • ½ Large Ripe Banana (The uglier/browner, the better!)
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 1 tbsp Milk (Any kind)
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (Packed)
  • 3 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
  • ½ tsp Baking Powder

Instructions

  1. Melt & Mash: Drop the butter into a 12oz microwave-safe mug. Nuke it for 10-15 seconds until liquid. Add your banana and mash it right into the butter with a fork until it’s a thick paste.
  2. Mix the Wet Stuff: Crack the egg into the mug and add the milk. Beat it vigorously with your fork until the color is a steady, pale yellow.
  3. Fold in Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour, brown sugar, and baking powder. Pro tip: Use your fork to really scrape the bottom “corners” of the mug so no hidden flour pockets stay dry.
  4. The Precision Cook: Place the mug in the center of your microwave. Cook on high for 90 seconds. It will rise high—don’t panic!
  5. Rest & Test: Let it sit for 1 minute. This “carry-over” heat finishes the center. Touch the top; it should feel springy. If it’s still sticky, give it another 15 seconds.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

  • The Classic: Eat it straight from the mug with a spoon.
  • The Fancy: Run a knife around the edge, flip it onto a plate, and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
  • The Surprise: Drop a teaspoon of Nutella or peanut butter into the center before cooking for a gooey “lava” middle.

Tips & Tricks

  • Avoid the Gummy Texture: Only cook one mug at a time. Microwaves struggle to cook two evenly.
  • The Banana Secret: If your banana isn’t ripe enough, the cake won’t be as sweet. Use the one with the most brown spots!

Storage & Reheating

  • Storage: This is best eaten fresh. If you must wait, cover it with wrap for up to 24 hours at room temperature.
  • Reheating: Microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that “just-baked” softness.
  • Freezing: Not recommended! The microwave structure doesn’t hold up well to thawing.