Craving warm, gooey banana bread but short on time? This single-serving banana bread mug recipe is your answer! Forget waiting for a loaf to bake – this delicious dessert is ready in minutes, making it the perfect quick breakfast, afternoon snack, or even a late-night indulgence. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, and it's surprisingly healthy too! Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 tablespoon milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter or coconut oil
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option: 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or oat flour for a gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free option)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, chocolate chips, chopped nuts
Instructions:
- Prep your mug: Grab a large mug (at least 12 oz). Make sure it's microwave-safe!
- Mash the banana: In the mug, thoroughly mash the ripe banana until mostly smooth. The riper, the better!
- Combine wet ingredients: Add the milk, melted butter (or oil), and egg (or flax egg) to the mashed banana. Stir well to combine.
- Add dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar (or maple syrup), baking powder, salt, and optional cinnamon.
- Mix everything: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in the mug. Gently mix until just combined. Don't overmix! A few lumps are okay.
- Add Mix-ins (Optional): Stir in your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
- Microwave: Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the banana bread is cooked through and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Microwave times may vary depending on your microwave's power.
- Cool slightly: Let the banana bread cool for a minute or two before enjoying.
Tips for the Best Banana Bread Mug:
- Ripe bananas are key: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough banana bread. Mix until just combined.
- Adjust cooking time: Microwave ovens vary, so keep an eye on your banana bread and adjust the cooking time as needed. Start with 1 minute and add 15-second intervals until cooked through.
- Experiment with flavors: Get creative! Add different spices like nutmeg or cardamom, or try different mix-ins like raisins, blueberries, or cranberries.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Banana Bread Mug: Add 1 tablespoon of peanut butter to the wet ingredients.
- Oatmeal Banana Bread Mug: Substitute oat flour for all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
- Spiced Banana Bread Mug: Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a warm spiced flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 4-5g
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This quick and easy banana bread mug recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a healthy and delicious treat that you can enjoy anytime, anywhere! Enjoy your homemade, delicious banana bread!