Warm Banana Bread in a Mug Recipe

Introduction

If you love the comforting taste of banana bread but don’t have time to bake a whole loaf, this warm banana bread in a mug is the perfect solution. Ready in minutes and made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s a quick treat you can enjoy anytime without fuss.

A close-up view of a dark gray mug filled with a single thick layer of brown, moist, textured baked cake, topped with two round slices of yellowish banana and a glossy drizzle of amber syrup over part of the cake and banana. The mug sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred brown cloth in the background and a dark spoon partially visible nearby. The lighting highlights the moist texture of the cake and the shiny syrup. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons oats
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 banana, mashed until smooth
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this dry mixture aside.
  2. Step 2: In another small bowl or mug, mash the banana until completely smooth. Stir in the brown sugar, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Transfer the batter to a microwave-safe mug (8-12 oz recommended).
  4. Step 4: Microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If needed, continue microwaving in 15-second intervals.
  5. Step 5: Let the mug bread cool for 1-2 minutes before eating. Enjoy warm directly from the mug!

Tips & Variations

  • Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the sweetest, most flavorful bread.
  • Try swapping all-purpose flour for whole wheat or almond flour for different textures and dietary needs.
  • Replace cinnamon with nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or a splash of vanilla extract for a flavor twist.
  • For extra texture, add chopped nuts or substitute oats with chopped nuts or gluten-free oats if preferred.
  • Be careful not to overcook in the microwave; start checking at 2.5 minutes to avoid a rubbery texture.

Storage

This banana bread in a mug is best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you have leftovers, cover the mug and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, microwave for about 15-20 seconds. It may be slightly denser but still delicious.

How to Serve

A dark gray mug filled with a single-layer baked oatmeal cake, golden brown and textured with small oats visible on the surface, topped with two thick slices of banana and drizzled with glossy amber syrup that catches the light. The mug sits on a white marbled surface with a soft brown cloth blurred in the background, and a black spoon lies nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What kind of banana should I use?

Use ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and smooth texture. Avoid green or barely ripe bananas, as they are starchy and won’t mash well.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or certified gluten-free oats. Keep in mind almond flour will create a denser, moister mug bread.

Print
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Warm Banana Bread in a Mug Recipe


  • Author: Matteo
  • Total Time: 9 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving (1 mug banana bread) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Warm Banana Bread in a Mug recipe is a quick and easy single-serving treat perfect for when you crave banana bread but don’t want to wait for a whole loaf to bake. Made in the microwave with ripe bananas and pantry staples, it delivers all the moist, sweet flavor of classic banana bread in just minutes without any fuss or multiple dishes.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons oats (quick or old-fashioned)
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/8 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 ripe banana, mashed smooth
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices. Set this mixture aside for later use.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another small bowl or microwave-safe mug, mash the ripe banana thoroughly until completely smooth. Stir in the brown sugar, sugar, and vanilla extract until well incorporated to ensure uniform sweetness and flavor.
  3. Mix and Microwave: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet banana mixture and stir just until combined; avoid overmixing to prevent a dense texture. Transfer the batter into a microwave-safe mug (8-12 oz capacity recommended). Microwave on high power for 3-4 minutes, checking at 3 minutes with a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done; otherwise continue in 15-second increments, careful not to overcook.
  4. Cool and Serve: Let the mug bread rest for 1-2 minutes after microwaving to set the crumb structure and cool slightly. Enjoy warm directly from the mug, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or drizzled with caramel or chocolate syrup.

Notes

  • Use ripe, brown-spotted bananas for the best flavor and smoothest texture; underripe bananas will be starchy and less sweet.
  • Be careful not to overcook the bread in the microwave, as it can become rubbery—stop when the center is slightly underdone as it will continue cooking from residual heat.
  • Mash the banana completely to avoid chunks that won’t cook through properly.
  • Use a microwave-safe mug at least 12 oz in size to allow for batter rise and prevent overflowing.
  • This recipe can be adapted using whole wheat or almond flour, and sweeteners like honey or maple syrup with slight adjustments in liquid amounts.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated covered for up to 2 days and reheated briefly in the microwave.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: banana bread, mug cake, microwave dessert, quick snack, single serving, easy recipe, breakfast, banana dessert

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