This Banana Mug Cake bakes in the microwave in exactly 90 seconds. Warm, light, and fluffy, eggless with gooey melted chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts, it is the fastest way to enjoy banana cake in a mug.
5 Star Reviews
Subira writes "Best mug cake ever. i was honestly wowed! absolute perfection make this right now!! im allergic to nuts so i just used chocolate chips and it was just so delightful and yummy. more people should know about this recipe because it literally is a godsend." ★★★★★
JV writes "This recipe was exceptional. It was so moist, perfect amount of sweetness and a great way to use up some ripe bananas. I didn’t have any white sugar so I used coconut sugar. 10/10!!" ★★★★★
After experimenting with the air fryer to make banana muffins, I turned to the microwave to make a single-serve banana cake in a mug, which is perfect for late-night cravings. There is no eggs!
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Banana Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup mashed ripe bananas, about ½ medium
- 1 and ½ tablespoons sugar, refer notes
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 and ¼ tablespoons semi sweet chocolate chips, divided
- 1 and ¼ tablespoon chopped walnuts, divided
Instructions
- Place butter in a large microwave safe coffee mug. Microwave until just melted (don't let get very hot) about 30- 60 seconds. Tip: Room temperature butter melts in about 30 seconds whereas cold butter takes a bit longer.
- Remove mug from microwave and stir in mashed bananas and sugar. Add flour, baking powder and ground cinnamon. Stir well, until combined (If batter looks very thick then mix in ½ tablespoon milk). Then stir in 1 tablespoon each of chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. Sprinkle few chocolate chips and chopped walnuts on top.
- Microwave on high, for 90 seconds for a wide mug or 95 seconds for a tall, narrow mug. Do not cook longer! Tip: Do not open the microwave during the cooking time!
- Remove from microwave, cool for a few seconds before digging in.
Optional toppings
- You could top warm mug cake with Nutella / whipped cream / sliced bananas / toasted nuts / a pinch of sea salt.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information, based on third-party calculations, should be seen as estimates, not guarantees, as various factors like product types, brands, processing methods, and more can alter the nutritional content in recipes.
Frequently asked questions
A rubbery texture usually means too much flour was added or the cake was overcooked in the microwave. Even a slight excess of flour can dry out the batter, and microwaving it longer than the recommended 90 seconds can make it tough instead of soft and fluffy. For best results, spoon and level the flour (don’t pack it in) and cook for the recommended time.
If your microwave cake is still wet or undercooked in the middle, it likely just needs a little more time in the microwave. Microwaves can vary in power, so even a few seconds can make a big difference. Simply pop it back in and cook in 10-second intervals until the top looks set and springs back lightly when touched. Be careful not to overcook, though—that can make it dry or rubbery!
It’s best to cook it immediately after mixing. That’s because once the baking powder is activated (by the moisture in the batter), it starts producing gas bubbles that help the cake rise. If the batter sits too long, those bubbles escape, and the result is a dense, gummy texture with little to no lift. For the fluffiest, most tender texture, mix and microwave right away.
How to make banana cake in microwave oven?
You can find full printable recipe below, but here is a quick overview of the procedure along with step-by-step photos.
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1 & 2. Add butter into a microwave safe mug and microwave into just melted. Don't let it get hot.
3 & 4. Add mashed banana and sugar and mix until smooth.
5 & 6. Stir in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts.
7 & 8. Add more chocolate chips on top. Microwave for 90 seconds.
Substutions & Variations
You can enjoy this quick banana microwave dessert on its own or personalize it to make it your own:
- Add vanilla extract instead with ground cinnamon.
- Swirl in Nutella into the batter before cooking.
- Make it vegan - Use coconut oil instead of butter and vegan chocolate chips.
Recipe tips
- Enjoy it hot – Mug cakes dry out as they cool, so dig in right after microwaving for the best soft and gooey texture.
- Use overripe banana – About ½ of a very ripe banana (the spottier, the better) gives natural sweetness and a moist crumb.
- Adjust sugar – 1½ tablespoons is perfect with semi sweet chocolate chips. If skipping the chocolate chips, bump it up to 2 tablespoons for balanced sweetness.
- Butter matters – Salted or unsalted butter both work. Room temperature butter melts faster and more evenly without overheating the mug.
- Swap the nuts – No walnuts? Toasted chopped pecans are just as delicious for added crunch and flavor.
- Microwave times vary – Start checking around 80–90 seconds; your exact cook time may depend on your microwave's wattage.
- Don’t overcook – Just a few extra seconds can make it gummy or rubbery, so keep a close eye toward the end.
More quick banana dessert recipes
If you’ve got ripe bananas on the counter and a craving for something sweet, these quick banana recipes are perfect for satisfying dessert moments—without a lot of effort.
- With its ultra-soft crumb and gooey chocolate chips in every bite, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is the kind of classic comfort bake that stays moist for days and never lasts long on the counter.
- Naturally sweetened with mashed banana, Healthy Carrot Cookies are soft, chewy, and made with wholesome ingredients.
- Banana Walnut Cake is a sturdy, sliceable snack cake made with oil for extra moisture and ease—ideal for afternoon tea.
- For a faster take on classic cake, Air Fryer Banana Cake delivers a soft, fluffy texture with a golden crust on top—all with the convenience of air frying and no need to heat up the oven.
- Eggless Banana Bread is a go-to for anyone skipping eggs or butter—it’s prepped in under 10 minutes and bakes up moist and tender.
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Kitchen at Hoskins on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Katherine | Love In My Oven
Mug cakes are SO clever! I always want something sweet after dinner and you don't always need a big piece of cake, right!? Banana chocolate chip is a terrific flavor...and the bananas mean I can have this for breakfast, right!?
LetsCurry
This definitely satisfies my cravings for an easy dessert. Bananas are so much versatile to chuck in a mug and have it as a chocy cake. Amazing recipe. Thanks Maria
Patrica
Delicious and just what I was looking for!
Maria Doss
Happy to hear, Maria
subira
best mug cake ever. i was honestly wowed! absolute perfection make this right now!! im allergic to nuts so i just used chocolate chips and it was just so delightful and yummy. more people should know about this recipe because it literally is a godsend.
Maria Doss
So glad you loved this mug cake hun, have a wonderful day - Maria❤️
JV
This recipe was exceptional. It was so moist, perfect amount of sweetness and a great way to use up some ripe bananas. I didn’t have any white sugar so I used coconut sugar. 10/10!!
Maria Doss
That’s so great to hear, so glad you loved it - Maria ♡