5-Minute Banana Bread Mug Cake

Patty Catalano
Patty CatalanoFood Editor at The Kitchn
The only subject that has ever held my attention has been food, because there’s no end to what you can taste, smell, learn, and cook. I patchworked my way to recipe development and food writing by earning degrees in Family & Consumer Sciences (you may have known it as Home Ec) and Food, Nutrition, and Culinary Science, and working anywhere that would take me: university food services, local bakeries, and the set of Good Eats on Food Network. Early on, I asked my mom how she knew what a cookbook recipe (with no pictures) would look and taste like. While my mom was there to teach me, I realized that not everyone has someone to turn to for trusted cooking guidance. I try every day to be that person for The Kitchn’s readers by sharing smart recipes they can feel proud to serve. Recipe development is the most fun job I can imagine, but it also comes with a lot of dirty dishes and hours spent in the grocery store. I’ve found that I actually really love grocery shopping — especially at Costco and Aldi — and it brings me such joy to share my finds with The Kitchn readers.
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updated Apr 23, 2020
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Credit: Patty Catalano

You only need one ripe banana for this easy mug cake, which comes together in record time.

Serves1

Prep3 minutes

Cook2 minutes

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Credit: Patty Catalano

Over the past few weeks, banana bread has emerged as the official comfort food of the coronavirus quarantine. And while we fully support everyone’s new quick bread obsession, baking an entire loaf of banana bread simply isn’t practical for everyone. Maybe you’re trying to conserve your supply of flour and eggs. Maybe you only have one banana to work with. Maybe you live alone and don’t want to bake a whole loaf for just yourself. Or maybe you just don’t feel like putting in the work!

Whatever the reason, we hear you and we have a solution — one that will satisfy your banana bread cravings and rid you of your FOMO. Our brand-new banana bread mug cake requires a fraction of the ingredients of a full-size loaf, and you’ll be digging into it in just five minutes. We recommend committing the simple method to memory, so you can whip it up anytime banana bread cravings hit.

Credit: Patty Catalano

How to Make Moist Banana Bread in a Mug

This mug cake comes together in record time. You’ll simply mix a ripe banana with an egg, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a standard size microwave-safe mug, then add flour and baking powder. A sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar over top gives this mini cake cozy caramelized flavor that would otherwise be missing in a microwave-baked cake. Since this is single serving, you can make it exactly how you want it — with or without nuts. Then into the microwave it goes, where it cooks for a mere two minutes.

The Best Mug for Mug Cakes

Be sure to choose a mug with sides that come straight up. (Flared mugs with a narrow base and a wide lip should be left for lattes). You’ll also want to make sure it holds at least 8 ounces. If you’re not sure, fill it with water, then pour the water into a liquid measuring cup.

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5-Minute Banana Bread Mug Cake

You only need one ripe banana for this easy mug cake, which comes together in record time.

Prep time 3 minutes

Cook time 2 minutes

Serves 1

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon

    walnuts (optional)

  • 1

    very ripe medium banana

  • 1

    large egg

  • 1 tablespoon

    plus 1 teaspoon packed light brown sugar, divided

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    ground cinnamon, divided

  • 1/4 teaspoon

    kosher salt

  • 5 tablespoons

    all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    baking powder

Instructions

  1. Coarsely chop 1 tablespoon walnuts, if using.

  2. Place 1 banana, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon of the packed light brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of the ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt in a standard size microwave-safe mug (at least 8 ounces). Mash with a fork until combined and only a few small lumps remain. Add 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and stir to combine. Stir in the walnuts, if using.

  3. Combine the remaining 1 teaspoon packed light brown sugar and remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the top of the batter.

  4. Microwave on HIGH until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 2 minutes to 2 minutes 15 seconds total. Cool for 1 minute before serving.

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baked goods
Cake
Dessert
easy
quick
pantry