This Vegan Banana Bread Mug Cake is a quick, easy, and delicious single-serving dessert that takes just 5 minutes to make in the microwave! It has all the warm, comforting flavors of banana bread with a soft, moist texture—perfect for satisfying sweet cravings in a hurry. Plus, it’s 100% vegan, dairy-free, and can be made gluten-free. Enjoy it as a snack, dessert, or even a quick breakfast treat!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- ½ extra ripe banana (about ¼ cup mashed banana)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted and cooled
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour)
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins
- 1 tablespoon mini or regular chocolate chips, plus more for topping
- 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts, plus more for topping
Directions
- Prepare the batter: In a small bowl, mash the banana. Add coconut oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, then mix well with a fork or whisk.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts if using.
- Transfer to a mug: Spray a microwave-safe mug with non-stick cooking spray and pour the batter inside. Sprinkle more chocolate chips and walnuts on top if desired.
- Microwave: Cook on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds, or until the top is set and no longer looks wet. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become dense.
- Cool & enjoy: Let the mug cake cool for a few minutes, then top with your favorite nut butter or extra chocolate chips. Dig in!
Nutrients (Per serving)
- Calories: 331 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 47.8g
- Protein: 3.9g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 11.7g
- Fiber: 2.4g
- Sugar: 17.7g
Why This Vegan Banana Bread Mug Cake is a Must-Try Dessert
Mug cakes are a lifesaver for busy people who want to enjoy a fresh-baked treat without the hassle of traditional baking. Unlike regular banana bread, which requires mixing, baking, and cooling, this mug cake is ready in just a couple of minutes.
Another reason this mug cake is amazing? It’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your kitchen. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the warm aroma of cinnamon, and the richness of coconut oil make this dessert incredibly flavorful—without the need for eggs, dairy, or complicated steps.
The Key Elements of a Perfect Banana Bread Mug Cake
Ripe Bananas for Natural Sweetness
The secret to a flavorful banana mug cake is using an extra ripe banana. Overripe bananas are naturally sweeter, softer, and more aromatic, making them ideal for baking. They also help keep the mug cake moist without needing eggs or too much oil.
A banana that has brown spots or is even slightly mushy is perfect for this recipe. If you only have a firm banana, you can soften it quickly by microwaving it for 10–15 seconds before mashing.
Coconut Oil for Moisture and Flavor
Instead of butter or dairy-based fats, this mug cake uses coconut oil, which keeps it moist and tender while adding a slight hint of natural sweetness and richness. If you prefer a neutral flavor, you can substitute it with melted vegan butter, avocado oil, or even unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat option.
A Perfect Blend of Dry Ingredients
The combination of flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt creates the classic banana bread flavor and structure. All-purpose flour works well, but if you’re gluten-free, using a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend ensures the same soft texture.
A small amount of cinnamon enhances the overall warmth and coziness of the banana bread flavor, while the pinch of salt balances the sweetness and prevents the cake from tasting flat.
Brown Sugar for Depth of Flavor
Using brown sugar or coconut sugar in this recipe gives the mug cake a slightly caramelized flavor, making it taste more like traditional banana bread. The molasses in brown sugar enhances the richness of the cake, but if you prefer a refined sugar-free version, you can use maple syrup or date sugar instead.
Optional Mix-Ins for Extra Goodness
One of the best things about this mug cake is that you can customize it with different mix-ins to make it even more delicious. Here are some ideas:
- Chocolate chips – for a decadent, melty touch.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans – for a crunchy contrast.
- Shredded coconut – for a tropical twist.
- Peanut butter or almond butter swirl – for extra richness.
Serving Suggestions for Vegan Banana Bread Mug Cake
This mug cake is fantastic on its own, but adding a few toppings can make it even more indulgent and satisfying. Try serving it with:
- A drizzle of peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter for extra creaminess.
- A scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a warm-and-cold contrast.
- A dollop of coconut whipped cream for a lighter, airy texture.
- A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or cocoa powder for a flavor boost.
- Fresh banana slices and crushed nuts for added texture and presentation.
If you’re making this mug cake for breakfast, pair it with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or matcha latte for a cozy and satisfying start to your day.
Why This Mug Cake is Perfect for Any Occasion
This banana bread mug cake is perfect for multiple occasions, whether you’re craving a quick dessert, need an easy breakfast, or want a healthy snack that doesn’t require a lot of effort.
- Busy Mornings – If you’re short on time but want a warm, comforting breakfast, this mug cake is a great option.
- Late-Night Cravings – When you need something sweet but don’t want to bake an entire cake, this is the perfect single-serving solution.
- Kids’ Treats – A fun, kid-friendly dessert that can be customized with their favorite mix-ins.
- Post-Workout Snack – Since bananas provide natural energy and potassium, this mug cake can be a great post-workout treat when paired with nut butter for protein.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Mug Cake
Overmixing the Batter
Mug cakes don’t need a lot of mixing. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of soft and fluffy. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for the best texture.
Using an Oversized Mug
A mug that is too big may cause the batter to spread too thin, resulting in a dry, overcooked cake. A standard 8–10 oz mug works best.
Overcooking the Cake
Microwaves vary in power, so cooking times may need adjustment. Start with 1 minute and 30 seconds, then add 5–10 seconds if needed. Overcooking can make the cake rubbery or dry.
Not Letting the Cake Cool Slightly
Since the cake continues cooking for a few seconds after being removed from the microwave, letting it sit for a minute or two helps it set properly while keeping it moist.
How to Store and Keep the Mug Cake Fresh
This mug cake is meant to be eaten immediately, but if you have leftovers, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
If you want to make the batter ahead of time, mix everything in a small bowl or jar, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. When ready to eat, simply transfer the batter to a mug and microwave.
Why You Should Add This Recipe to Your Go-To Dessert Collection
This Vegan Banana Bread Mug Cake is a simple, satisfying, and wholesome dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. It’s:
- Quick & Easy – Takes just 5 minutes from start to finish.
- Healthy & Naturally Sweetened – Made with bananas and coconut sugar instead of refined sugar.
- Vegan & Dairy-Free – No eggs, butter, or milk needed.
- Customizable – Add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a spoonful of nut butter for extra flavor.
- Great for Any Time of Day – Enjoy it as dessert, breakfast, or a mid-day snack.
Conclusion
The Vegan Banana Bread Mug Cake is the ultimate quick-fix dessert for banana bread lovers. With its soft, moist texture and warm cinnamon-banana flavor, it satisfies sweet cravings in a healthy and effortless way.
With just a handful of ingredients and a microwave, you can whip up this treat anytime, whether you need a fast breakfast, a comforting snack, or a late-night indulgence.
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious single-serving dessert, this Vegan Banana Bread Mug Cake is a must-try—proving that you don’t need an oven to enjoy the cozy flavors of banana bread!
