Description
A quick and easy single-serving chocolate chunk banana mug cake, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings in minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk (any kind works!)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chunks (or chocolate chips)
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, chocolate syrup, extra chocolate chunks, sliced bananas
Instructions
- Mash the Banana: In a large, microwave-safe mug (at least 12-ounce capacity), mash the ripe banana really well with a fork. You want it to be as smooth as possible, with no big chunks.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to the mug. Use the fork to mix everything together until it’s well combined and there are no lumps of cocoa powder or flour.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk, vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil), and vanilla extract. Stir everything together with the fork until you have a smooth batter. Be sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the mug to incorporate all the dry ingredients. The batter should be thick but pourable. If it seems too dry, add a tiny splash more milk.
- Add Chocolate Chunks: Gently fold in the chocolate chunks (or chocolate chips). Distribute them evenly throughout the batter. Save a few to sprinkle on top before microwaving if desired.
- Microwave Time: Microwave the mug cake on high for 60-90 seconds. The exact cooking time will depend on your microwave, so start with 60 seconds and check for doneness. The cake should be puffed up and mostly cooked through, but still slightly moist in the center.
- Checking for Doneness: To check if the mug cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, it’s perfect! If it comes out with wet batter, microwave for another 10-15 seconds and check again. Be careful not to overcook it, or it will become dry and rubbery.
- Cool Slightly: Let the mug cake cool for a minute or two before adding your favorite toppings.
- Add Toppings: Add your favorite toppings. Whipped cream, chocolate syrup, extra chocolate chunks, and sliced bananas are great options.
- Enjoy Immediately: This mug cake is best enjoyed warm, right out of the microwave.
Notes
- Nutella Swirl: Add a spoonful of Nutella to the batter before microwaving.
- Peanut Butter: Mix in a tablespoon of peanut butter.
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk and vegan chocolate chips.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend containing xanthan gum or guar gum.
- Less Sugar: Reduce the amount of sugar to 1 tablespoon.
- More Banana Flavor: Use an overripe banana.
- Coffee Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of instant coffee granules.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle with salted caramel sauce after microwaving.
- Mug Cake is Dry: Reduce the microwaving time next time. Also, make sure you’re using a ripe banana, as it adds moisture.
- Mug Cake is Gummy: You may have used too much flour. Measure the flour carefully next time.
- Mug Cake is Not Cooking Through: Your microwave may not be powerful enough. Increase the microwaving time in 10-second increments until it’s cooked through.
- Mug Cake is Overflowing: Your mug may be too small. Use a larger mug next time. Also, make sure you’re not overfilling the mug with batter.
- Mug Cake is Bland: Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. You can also add a little more vanilla extract or cocoa powder.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 seconds