This fuss-free and single-serving extra moist vegan banana mug cake is SO easy to make and done within 5-10 minutes. The cake bursts with sweet banana flavors that combine so well with the swirls of melted chocolate. It's fully plant-based, all done in the microwave, dairy-free and egg-free (and easily made nut-free too).
I have to confess that I am highly addicted to mug cakes.
They are a one-person piece of cake entirely cooked in the microwave, no leftovers, and only 5 minutes between getting the ingredients out of the pantry to digging into a warm, soft, sweet dessert. I mean, what's better than that. You tell me.
Maybe brownies could be in a close second position, but nothing can beat the convenience and quickness of mug cakes.
So, here is another delicious mug cake for you to accompany me in my obsession: a banana chocolate chip cake. I say another because I have a super fun lemon blueberry mug cake already on the blog that you should definitively try soon when the blueberries are out.
But this banana mug cake feels even more like a treat. The combination of mashed bananas with almond butter keeps the texture of the cake super gooey and melty while the chocolate chips make it truly crave-able. It feels somewhere in between banana muffins and a banana bread. Maybe I should call it banana bread mug cake. Anyway, this is a must to try!
What's a mug cake
The name says it well, it's a cake that's made in a coffee mug! The batter is stirred right in there and also baked right in the mug. You can then grab the mug, sit back and dig in with a spoon.
Mug cakes are super fast as they required usually only 1-2 minutes to bake in the microwave, then an additional few minutes to rest. There are no extra dishes to clean up as everything is simply thrown in that cup. And no extra cake you have to eat for days!
Why making this vegan banana mug cake
- Quick and easy mini cake.
- Healthy and made without using any added oil, but also filled with chocolate to satisfy your sweet craving.
- Convenient single serve dessert, perfect if you can't be trusted around a large cake!
- Moist, fluffy and packed with banana flavors.
- No need to turn on the big oven during hot days.
- Dairy-free, egg-free and without any refined sugar. Can also easily be done nut-free.
Is this microwave vegan cake healthy?
Yes! This makes for a nourishing and healthy alternative to heavy on sugar and high in added fat desserts.
You won't have to add any oil to the batter (thanks to the almond butter) and I use a white whole wheat flour when making it so there is added fiber and protein to the cake as well.
Also, using ripe bananas help sweeten the cake and you won't have to add much sweetener to this recipe. Try choosing dark chocolate chips too.
Ingredients you'll need to make this vegan banana mug cake
This is such a fun way to use your overripe bananas and you'll only need 7 simple ingredients I'm sure you already have!
- Ripe bananas
- Flour (all-purpose or white whole wheat)
- Almond butter
- Maple syrup
- Baking powder
- Vegan milk
- Chocolate chips
How to make it
- Start by mashing your banana. You can simply transfer the banana on a plate and use a fork to mash it. This way, you can keep some texture, which makes the cake even more interesting.
- Then, combine the wet ingredients in the mug until smooth: the banana, almond butter, maple syrup and vegan milk. Use a fork to whisk and make sure the almond butter is all incorporated.
- Add the flour, then the baking powder and keep whisking with the fork until the batter is smooth. You can also use a spatula to scrape the walls and bottom of the cup that you couldn't reach with the fork.
- Add the chocolate chips, give it a quick stir and bake in the microwave.
- Let the mug rest for an extra 2-3 minutes before eating.
Watch how to make it
What kind of mug to use
The shape of your mug can influence how the cake is cooked. But in general, try using a mug that's short and wide with a capacity of about 12 oz. This allows the cake to cook more evenly and also, have enough space to support the cake to rise while cooking.
If you don't have a mug that fits these requirements, then simply use a microwave safe bowl!
How long do I have to cook my vegan banana mug cake?
This will vary depending on how powerful your microwave is. If you end up making this cake more than once, then you might end up having a better result after a few trials as you get to know your microwave better.
The way to do it is to start with 1 min 10 sec and then check for doneness. If the cake really looks undone, then add 10 sec at the time of extra cooking until it's done.
But here is the trick: It is better to have a cake that's a little undone than overcooked! Overcooked mug cake can end up being dry or rubbery by the time you eat it. So, what you are looking for is a cake with edges that look well done, but it's ok (and even recommended) to have a small portion of the center to look underdone. You do NOT want a toothpick to come out clean from the middle portion. Don't forget that you will let the cake rest for a few minutes, which will allow extra time to cook.
Tips when making this vegan mug cake
- Make sure to use a ripe banana for best texture and flavor. This will add more sweetness and a great banana bread kind of texture.
- You have to make sure there are no dry pockets in the mug before baking, but also, be careful not to overmix to avoid having a cake that's too dense.
- The cake will rise quite a lot as it cooks before sinking back to its final shape. So, make sure to choose a mug that can support that and even, place a plate underneath the mug to catch spills if there are any.
- Be sure to let the cake rest for a few minutes before digging in! This is important to allow the cake to finish cooking.
Make a nut-free vegan banana mug cake
To make a nut-free recipe, use:
- Pumpkin seed butter or sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter.
- Use a vegan milk that's made without any nuts, like oat milk.
- Make sure to use chocolate chips that are completely free of nuts. I love these mini-chocolate chips from Enjoy Life.
Optional adds-in
- Add 1-2 tablespoon of chopped nuts, like pecans, walnuts or almonds. Try chopping them a little so it fits with the small size cake.
- You can add spices to the batter, like cinnamon or vanilla extract.
- 1 tablespoon of shredded coconut incorporated to the batter would also add lots of texture!
Other banana recipes you might like
- Almond butter frozen banana bites
- Chocolate milkshake
- Banana muffins
- Watermelon smoothie
- Coconut milkshake
- Spelt banana bread
More mug cakes to try!
I hope you enjoy this vegan banana mug cake as much as we do! If you try it, please leave a comment below and rate the recipe to let me know how it was. Your feedback is so helpful!
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*THANKS TO MY SISTER SONIA WHO HELPED DEVELOP AND TEST THIS RECIPE*
Vegan Banana Mug Cake
Ingredients
- ¼ cup banana - mashed
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp vegan milk
- 5 tbsp white whole wheat flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp mini dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mash your bananas on a plate using a fork, then measure ¼ cup.
- Transfer the banana to a mug, then add the almond butter, maple syrup and vegan milk. Whisk until combined using a fork (make sure the almond butter is well incorporated).
- Then, add the flour and baking powder, and stir to combine. I like using a fork to stir, but also use a spatula if needed to make sure there are no dry pockets against the walls or the bottom of the cup (avoid overmixing).
- Add the chocolate chips and stir to combine.
- Cook in the microwave for 1 min 10 sec. Then, check for doneness (which will depend on how powerful your microwave is). You want the edges to look fully cooked, but with a center that looks slightly underdone. You might need to cook the mug cake for an additional 10 seconds at the time until it looks done. Then, let your mug cake rest for about 2-3 minutes (it will finish cooking during the resting time).
Video
Notes
- Remember, do not over cook your mug cake or it will be dry and rubbery. Undercooking slightly is much better than over cooking it! Letting the cake rest for a bit after its cooked will also allow it to cook further.
- Make this mug cake nut-free: swap the almond butter for pumpkin seed butter or sunflower seed butter, choose oat milk and make sure your chocolate chips are nut-free.
- A short mug (or bowl!) with a wide opening of a capacity of 12 oz works better for this mug cake. The cake rise quite a bit while cooking, so you need a mug big enough to allow this to happen.
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Thank you so much !
Sooo tasty 😋
I just had it! You weren’t kidding when u said it rises! I enjoyed it; used peanut butter bc no almond and I was surprised I didnt even taste the pb. It was very banana bready.
I actually doubled recipe bc my banana was hugeee; I think I didnt put enough maple syrup bc it wasnt that sweet.
Hi Lauren, thanks so much for your feedback! 🙂 Yes, it rises! The sweetness of the cake will also depend on how ripe the bananas are... I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I make this banana mug cake regularly, so I thought it was time for me to comment! It is our favorite treat, super soft and creamy. My husband loves it too!
Hi Fanny, I'm glad you love it! Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂
OMG this recipe is so good! Will definitely make again!
Oh that's great! Thanks for your comment! 🙂
We make this recipe all the time! So delicious and gooey, our kids love it too.
Oh great! Thanks for sharing! 🙂