If you’re craving something sweet but quick, this Vegan Banana Mug Cake Recipe is about to become your new best friend. I absolutely love how this tiny cake packs all the cozy banana bread flavors you adore, but without the wait and without turning on the oven if you don’t want to. It’s super simple, totally vegan, and perfect for when you want a single serving of dessert without any fuss. Trust me, you’re going to want to stick around and try this one out!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick to Make: You’ll have a warm, delicious treat ready in literally under 5 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect Single Serving: No leftovers, no waste—just the right amount for one craving soul.
- Vegan Friendly: Made without eggs or dairy, so it fits your plant-based lifestyle without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Versatile and Customizable: Add your favorite nuts or chocolate chips for an extra special treat every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each of these simple ingredients plays a key role in crafting this charming little cake. I like to keep my staples handy, so when a banana’s too ripe, I know exactly what to do!
- Mashed bananas: The star of this show! Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Oil: I usually use neutral oils like canola or sunflower, but coconut or avocado oil works great too.
- Almond milk (or other vegan milk): Helps to keep things moist—feel free to swap in oat or soy milk.
- Raw brown sugar (or coconut sugar): Adds a rich sweetness and depth; white sugar can also work in a pinch.
- All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour): The base — use your favorite flour blend that suits your dietary needs.
- Sea salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Warm spice magic — don’t skip it!
- Baking powder: Essential for that nice rise and fluffy texture.
- Optional chopped nuts and/or chocolate chips: Because sometimes life calls for a little extra indulgence.
Variations
I love mixing things up depending on my mood or what’s in the pantry. This Vegan Banana Mug Cake Recipe is so forgiving that you can customize it however you like and it’ll still turn out great.
- Nutty Delight: I often add chopped walnuts or pecans for that satisfying crunch—my kids go crazy for this texture contrast.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Stir in dairy-free chocolate chips or even a spoonful of cocoa powder for a richer experience.
- Spiced Up: A splash of vanilla extract or a dusting of nutmeg can add a beautiful warmth.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swapping regular flour for a gluten-free blend works perfectly, especially with a bit of extra baking powder for rise.
How to Make Vegan Banana Mug Cake Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Wet Ingredients Beautifully
Start by adding your mashed banana, oil, almond milk, and raw brown sugar into a microwave-safe mug. I like to whisk these together for about 30 seconds until the banana is fully mashed and everything is nicely mixed. This helps avoid any lumps and sets you up for a smooth batter—plus, it’s easier to tell if your banana is ripe enough this way!
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients and Fold Gently
Next, sprinkle in your flour, baking powder, sea salt, and cinnamon. Stir gently for about 20 more seconds, making sure to scrape the bottom of the mug so you don’t miss any pockets of flour. If you’re using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in here or scatter some on top for a pretty finish.
Step 3: Cook It Just Right
Pop your mug into the microwave and cook for 80 to 120 seconds, depending on your microwave’s wattage. When I first tried this, my microwave worked at 1100W and 80 seconds was perfect. Now with a 900W microwave, I do about 100 seconds. It’s totally normal if the cake seems slightly undercooked when you take it out—it will finish cooking while it cools. Just let it rest for about 3 minutes, and you’ll get that soft, tender crumb I love.
If you prefer the oven method, preheat to 350°F, pour your batter into a small oven-safe ramekin, and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let it cool for a bit before digging in.
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Banana Mug Cake Recipe
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! They add natural sweetness and moisture that no sugar can match.
- Don’t Overcook: Microwaves vary, so start with a shorter time—you can always add 10 seconds if needed.
- Mix Thoroughly: Make sure no flour pockets remain, or the texture can get uneven.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Nuts, seeds, or dairy-free chocolate chips transform the cake from simple to spectacular with minimal effort.
How to Serve Vegan Banana Mug Cake Recipe
Garnishes
I like to top mine with a little sprinkle of coarse sea salt and a dusting of cinnamon for contrast—it really elevates the flavors. Sometimes a dollop of coconut yogurt or some fresh berries on the side adds a refreshing twist. If you want to be extra indulgent, drizzle a little maple syrup or vegan caramel sauce on top and watch people’s eyes light up.
Side Dishes
This mug cake is quite satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a cup of strong coffee or your favorite herbal tea makes for a cozy snack. For a fuller breakfast treat, try it alongside some vegan sausage or a bowl of chia pudding.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or special treats, serving this cake in a pretty mug with a colorful napkin or alongside mini scoops of vegan ice cream makes it feel extra festive. I’ve even layered it with fresh fruit and vegan whipped cream in a clear glass to make a quick parfait that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Since this is a single-serving cake, leftovers are rare—but if you do have some, store it covered in the fridge. I find it keeps well for 1-2 days, though the texture is best fresh.
Freezing
I don’t usually freeze the mug cake because it’s so quick to make, but if you want to prep in advance, baking in a ramekin and freezing is an option. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Reheating
Reheating in short bursts in the microwave (15-20 seconds) keeps the cake moist and soft. You can also warm it in a low oven wrapped loosely with foil to avoid drying it out.
FAQs
-
Can I use gluten-free flour for this Vegan Banana Mug Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! I’ve successfully swapped all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend in this recipe. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well, and you might want to add a bit extra baking powder to help it rise nicely.
-
What if I don’t have a microwave? Can I bake this in the oven?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the batter in a small, oven-safe ramekin for 25-30 minutes. Let it cool a few minutes before enjoying. It’s still quick, just a little longer than the microwave method.
-
How ripe should my banana be for this recipe?
Go for bananas that are heavily spotted or very soft to the touch—those provide maximum sweetness and moisture, which make your mug cake wonderfully tender and flavorful.
-
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, just skip the optional nuts and ensure your milk is also nut-free if you have allergies. The cake’s flavor and texture still shine bright without nuts.
-
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! Kids love how fun and quick it is to make, and the natural sweetness from banana makes it a healthier treat option. Just be mindful of any allergies for add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Banana Mug Cake Recipe has totally changed how I satisfy sweet cravings—quick, simple, and so comforting. Whenever a banana is looking too ripe, I skip the usual banana bread loaf and turn to this speedy single-serving dessert that feels like a warm hug at the end of the day. I can’t recommend it enough, whether you’re vegan or just want a fuss-free treat. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy and delicious it is!
Print
Vegan Banana Mug Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 4 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Banana Bread Mug Cake is a quick, easy, and delicious single-serving dessert that captures the classic flavors of banana bread. Perfect for when you want a warm, comforting treat without the fuss, it comes together in under 5 minutes using either a microwave or an oven. With simple, wholesome ingredients and optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, this mug cake is vegan-friendly and irresistibly moist.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ⅓ cup mashed bananas
- 1 tablespoon oil (15g)
- 1 tablespoon almond milk or other vegan milk (15mL)
- 1 tablespoon raw brown sugar or coconut sugar or other granulated sugar (12g)
Dry Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour or all-purpose gluten-free flour mix (23g)
- Pinch of sea salt (0.33g)
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (0.12g)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (2.4g)
Optional Add-ins
- 1 tablespoon chopped nuts and/or chocolate chips (14g)
Instructions
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a microwave-safe mug, add the mashed banana, oil, vegan milk, and sugar. Whisk together vigorously for about 30 seconds until the banana is fully mashed and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix for about 20 seconds, making sure to scrape the bottom of the mug to incorporate all the ingredients well.
- Fold in Optional Add-ins: If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the batter gently. You may also sprinkle some on top for texture and flavor.
- Microwave Cooking: Place the mug in the microwave and cook for 80 to 120 seconds depending on your microwave wattage (about 100 seconds for a 900W microwave). The cake should be slightly moist and may seem a bit undercooked but will finish cooking as it rests.
- Rest and Cool: Remove the mug carefully and let the cake cool for about 3 minutes to set completely before enjoying.
- Oven Method (Optional): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the batter into a 3.5-inch oven-safe ramekin and bake for 25-30 minutes. Allow the cake to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle some coarse sea salt on top if desired.
Notes
- This mug cake is incredibly quick to prepare and perfect when you want a warm, single-serving dessert with minimal cleanup.
- The banana bread flavor is rich and authentic, making it addictive and satisfying.
- You can customize the cake by adding your favorite nuts, chocolate chips, or seeds.
- Microwave times vary by wattage; start with less time and add more if needed to avoid overcooking.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
- The cake is best eaten fresh but can be stored covered in the fridge for up to a day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug cake (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 321 kcal
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 236 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
