Quick & Comforting Banana and Peanut Butter Mug Cake
If you’re craving something warm, soft, and packed with rich banana flavor along with the creamy goodness of peanut butter, this banana and peanut butter mug cake is exactly what you need.
You can whip it up in just a few minutes using simple kitchen staples.
The moist texture from the mashed banana combines perfectly with smooth peanut butter, making it feel like a bakery-style dessert in a mug.
It’s a fuss-free recipe that doesn’t require an oven, and you can customize it with various toppings or diet preferences.
Cooking Info
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 mins | 2 mins | 5 mins | Dessert/Snack | American | 1 mug |
Ingredients List
| Ingredients (1 Mug) | Quantity | Alternative | For 2 Mugs | For 3 Mugs | Serving Variations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banana (ripe) | 1 small | Unsweetened applesauce | 2 small | 3 small | Add banana slices on top |
| Peanut Butter | 1½ tbsp | Almond butter | 3 tbsp | 4½ tbsp | Drizzle extra on top |
| Egg | 1 | Flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 2.5 tbsp water) | 2 | 3 | Top with scrambled peanut butter chips |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tbsp | Oat flour | 4 tbsp | 6 tbsp | Add chocolate chips for texture |
| Baking powder | ½ tsp | 1/8 tsp baking soda + ½ tsp vinegar | 1 tsp | 1½ tsp | Skip for denser texture |
| Vanilla extract | ½ tsp | Maple syrup | 1 tsp | 1½ tsp | Add cinnamon for warmth |
| Salt (optional) | pinch | skip | pinch | pinch | Sprinkle sea salt on top |
Cooking Instruments Needed
| Tool | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Microwave-safe mug (10–12 oz) | Small bowl with high sides |
| Fork or whisk | Mini hand blender |
| Tablespoon & teaspoon set | Regular spoon (approximate) |
| Microwave | Convection oven (adjust time) |
How to Make Banana and Peanut Butter Mug Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Mug
Lightly grease the inside of a microwave-safe mug with a bit of oil or nonstick spray. This helps avoid sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Step 2: Mash the Banana
Take a ripe banana and mash it thoroughly using a fork inside the mug or a bowl. The smoother the mash, the better the texture of the cake.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
To the mashed banana, add peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and even.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add in the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to combine. Make sure no dry clumps remain. Scrape the edges of the mug if needed.
Step 5: Microwave with Care
Place the mug in the center of the microwave and cook on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The cake should rise and set but still remain soft in the middle.
Step 6: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Let the mug cake sit for 30 seconds to cool down slightly and finish cooking from the residual heat. It will also set better and won’t burn your mouth.
Serving and Decoration Tips
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt on top.
- Banana Slices: Place thin banana slices or caramelized banana for a beautiful presentation.
- Chopped Nuts: Crushed peanuts or walnuts add a crunchy layer.
- Chocolate Drizzle: A quick drizzle of melted chocolate enhances richness.
- Dusting: Use a light sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder for added aroma.
Variation to Try
- Chocolate Banana Peanut Mug Cake: Add cocoa powder and chocolate chips into the batter.
- Protein Banana Mug Cake: Replace some flour with vanilla or peanut-flavored protein powder.
- Vegan Version: Use flax egg and non-dairy nut butter; skip honey if using in the topping.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute flour with almond or oat flour.
- Crunchy Twist: Add granola or crushed cookies on top before microwaving.
Each version can be tweaked by adjusting ingredients slightly, but the core process remains the same. This allows endless options to personalize your mug cake.
Storing Tips
- Fresh is Best: Mug cakes are meant to be eaten immediately. However:
- Short Storage: You can keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat for 15–20 seconds before serving.
- Make Ahead: Mix dry ingredients separately and store in a jar. Just add wet ingredients when ready to eat.
- Freezing Not Recommended: Due to the banana and egg content, freezing can alter the texture.
Extra Tips
- Use an overripe banana for the best natural sweetness.
- Microwave strengths vary. Start with 90 seconds and check doneness.
- Add a paper towel underneath the mug to catch any spillover if the batter rises high.
- Stir ingredients well for even cooking.
Common Mistakes, Solutions & Prevention
| Mistake | Why It Happens | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Dry or rubbery cake | Overcooking or too little banana | Microwave for less time or add more moisture |
| Undercooked center | Microwave power too low or mug too thick | Cook in 20-sec bursts after initial time |
| Cake overflowed | Mug too small or overfilled | Use a mug that’s at least 12 oz |
| Bitter taste | Too much baking powder | Stick to exact measurements |
This banana and peanut butter mug cake is one of those effortless treats you can make whenever a sweet craving hits.
Try it with your preferred variations and let us know how yours turned out in the comments.
We’d love to hear how you enjoy your version of the banana and peanut butter mug cake!
