If you're a fan of banana desserts, get ready to fall head over heels for this vegan banana mug cake! It’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for those moments when you're craving something sweet.
The best part? You can have it ready to devour in less time than it takes to preheat an oven. Grab your favorite mug, gather your ingredients, and get ready to treat yourself to a moist and fluffy banana cake!
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Vegan Banana Mug Cake Ingredients
When it comes to creating a delicious and satisfying banana mug cake, I like the use the following vegan ingredients:
- Banana: The star of the show, banana brings natural sweetness, moisture, and a distinct banana flavor to the mug cake. Make sure to use a banana that is fully ripe, as it will be easier to mash and will infuse the cake with a rich, sweet taste.
- Plant-Based Milk: Plant-based milk provides the liquid necessary to create a moist texture. It also adds a creamy element to the mug cake. I use soy milk because it’s what I keep on hand but any plant-based milk should work.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar contributes sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to the mug cake. Its slightly molasses-like taste adds depth to the overall profile of the dessert.
- Oil: A small amount of neutral-tasting oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, helps to create a tender and moist crumb in the mug cake. It also adds a touch of richness without overpowering the banana flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the aroma and flavor of the mug cake, creating a more well-rounded and enticing experience. It complements the natural sweetness of the banana and adds a touch of warmth.
- All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour serves as the main structure-building ingredient in the mug cake, creating a soft and tender texture.
- Ground Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon infuses the mug cake with cozy and comforting notes. It pairs harmoniously with the banana flavor, adding a touch of warmth and depth to the overall taste profile. This ingredient is optional.
- Salt: Even in sweet recipes, a pinch of salt is essential to balance the flavors and bring out the natural sweetness of the banana and other ingredients.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the mug cake rise and achieve a fluffy texture. It ensures that the cake is light and tender when cooked.
Optional Flavor Boosters
While not essential for this recipe to taste great, I always like to add something extra to the mix to boost the flavor profile beyond just banana. My two go-to flavor boosters are:
- Vegan Chocolate Chips: Chocolate chips offer melty pockets of sweetness that compliment banana unbelievably well! Semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips are most often vegan but check the ingredients in them to make sure.
- Walnuts: Walnuts provide a satisfying crunch and some great nutrition to this satisfying dessert or snack. You may prefer a different type of nut though, so use whatever you like or have on hand!
You may also want to experiment with other mix-ins, such as dried fruits or shredded coconut, to make the mug cake uniquely yours.
How to Make a Vegan Banana Mug Cake
This banana mug cake is incredibly easy to make and will only take you a few minutes. Just stir the ingredients together in your mug and microwave until cooked!
Step 1: Mix Liquid Ingredients
Start by mashing a very ripe banana until it becomes smooth. Measure out ¼ cup (or weigh it if you prefer) and transfer it to a microwave-safe mug.
Next, add plant-based milk, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla extract to the mug. Mix everything together until it’s evenly combined.
Step 2: Stir in Dry Ingredients
Add the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking powder to the wet mixture in the mug.
Stir well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. Make sure there are no dry clumps of flour at the bottom of the mug. You’ll really want to scrape along the bottom and sides of the mug to make sure there are no pockets of dry ingredients remaining.
If using vegan chocolate chips or walnuts for some extra flavor and texture, stir them in last.
Step 3: Microwave, Cool and Serve
Place the mug in your microwave and cook on high power for about 1 minute 20 seconds to 1 minute 30 seconds. The cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so keep an eye on it.
When the cake is ready to come out there shouldn't be any wet-looking areas on top.
After removing the mug from your microwave, let the cake sit and finish cooking for at least 3 minutes. Be careful as the cake will be very hot even after sitting for a few minutes. Once it has cooled, you're ready to indulge in your delicious vegan banana mug cake!
Banana Mug Cake Variations
While this recipe is already delightful as is (especially with chocolate or walnuts), feel free to add your own personal touch. A few add-ins I think would taste great include:
- Naturally Nutty: Instead of vegan chocolate chips or walnuts, swap them out for chopped almonds, pecans, or cashews.
- Berry Blast: Fold in some fresh or frozen berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, for a burst of fruity goodness.
- Spiced Sensation: Add a dash of nutmeg or a pinch of ginger along with the cinnamon to give your mug cake a warm and comforting twist.
Remember, the sky's the limit when it comes to customizing your mug cake. Don't be afraid to experiment and discover your favorite variation!
I’ve also created tons of other vegan microwave mug recipes you may be interested in, like:
How to Store Leftover Mug Cake
If for some reason you don’t finish the entire single-serve mug cake, it can be stored for later.
First, let the mug cake to cool completely. Once cooled, I typically rip a small sheet of plastic wrap and cover the top of the mug, making sure it’s tightly sealed. You can refrigerate this for up to 2 days.
When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm.
While mug cakes are best enjoyed fresh, if you have leftovers, this storage method will help preserve its taste and texture until you're ready for another delectable treat.
If you make this recipe, please rate and comment below to help others benefit from your experience!
Banana Mug Cake (Vegan)
Equipment
- Large mug
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- ¼ cup banana , very ripe, mashed (60 grams)
- 1 tablespoon plant-based milk , I use soy (15 grams)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (15 grams)
- ½ tablespoon oil , neutral taste* (6 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (30 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon vegan chocolate chips or walnuts , optional (10 grams)
Instructions
Step 1: Mix Liquid Ingredients
- Mash your banana very well then measure ¼ cup (or weigh it).¼ cup banana
- Mix plant-based milk, brown sugar, oil and vanilla with the banana until evenly combined.1 tablespoon plant-based milk, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, ½ tablespoon oil, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step 2: Stir in Dry Ingredients
- Add flour, cinnamon, salt and baking powder to the liquid mixture. Stir until well mixed, making sure there’s no dry clumps of flour at the bottom of the mug.3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, pinch of salt, ½ teaspoon baking powder
- If using, stir the chocolate chips or walnuts in last.1 tablespoon vegan chocolate chips or walnuts
Step 3: Microwave, Cool and Serve
- Microwave for between 1 minute 20 seconds and 1 minute 30 seconds on high power. There shouldn’t be any wet-looking areas on top of the cake when it’s done.
- Let the cake sit to finish cooking and cool for at least 3 minutes before serving.
- The cake will be very hot, even after sitting for a few minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
More Vegan Dessert Recipes
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About Nicole Stevens
Nicole is a vegan Registered Dietitian (RD) and founder of Lettuce Veg Out.
She helps people thrive on a vegan diet with balanced recipes and easy-to-understand nutrition science.
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