Mug Cakes

Mug Cakes for One

Banana Mug Cake for One

One soft banana mug cake with a moist fluffy crumb, warm vanilla flavor, and natural sweetness from ripe banana — ready in minutes.

One homemade banana mug cake in a ceramic mug

Servings

1 mug cake

Prep

5 min

Cook

1–2 min

Total

6–7 min

Difficulty

Easy

Calories

≈ 350 kcal

Protein

≈ 5 g

Fat

≈ 13 g

Carbs

≈ 55 g

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.

Ingredients

What you'll need.

  • Very ripe banana, mashed45 g
  • All-purpose flour35 g
  • Granulated sugar15 g
  • Baking powder¼ tsp
  • Ground cinnamonPinch
  • Fine saltPinch
  • Milk15 g
  • Unsalted butter, melted15 g
  • Vanilla extract½ tsp

How to Make It

One banana mug cake, step by step.

  1. 01

    Mash the banana

    Add the ripe banana to a microwave-safe mug and mash it thoroughly with a fork until mostly smooth.

  2. 02

    Add the wet ingredients

    Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until evenly combined with the banana.

  3. 03

    Add the dry ingredients

    Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir gently until no dry pockets remain, but avoid overmixing.

  4. 04

    Microwave the cake

    Microwave on high for about 60–90 seconds, depending on your microwave. The top should look set while the center remains soft and moist.

  5. 05

    Let it rest

    Let the mug cake rest for 1–2 minutes before eating. It will continue to set slightly as it cools.

SVI SWEET Tip

The riper the banana, the better the flavor.

A banana with plenty of brown spots will be softer, sweeter, and more aromatic, giving the mug cake stronger banana flavor without needing much extra sugar.

Substitutions

Make it work with what you have.

Butter

A neutral oil can replace the melted butter in the same quantity, although butter gives the cake a richer flavor.

Milk

Regular dairy milk or an unsweetened plant-based milk can be used in the same amount.

Cinnamon

The cinnamon is optional. Leave it out for a simpler banana-vanilla flavor.

Add-ins

A small spoonful of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans can be folded into the batter before microwaving.

Storage

Best enjoyed warm.

Fresh is best

This banana mug cake is best eaten shortly after cooking while the crumb is still warm and soft.

Short-term storage

If needed, cover the cooled mug cake and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

Reheating

Microwave for about 8–10 seconds to warm it again. Avoid overheating, which can make the cake dry or rubbery.

FAQ

A few helpful answers.

How ripe should the banana be?

Use a very ripe banana with brown spots for the sweetest flavor and the easiest texture to mash into the batter.

Why did my banana mug cake turn rubbery?

It was probably microwaved too long or mixed too much. Start with a shorter cooking time and stir only until the ingredients are combined.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes. A small spoonful of chocolate chips works especially well with banana and can be folded into the batter before cooking.

Can I double this recipe?

For the most even cooking, make two individual mug cakes rather than doubling the batter in one mug.