Banana Bread Mug Cake (Easy & Gluten Free Recipe)

Simple, easy and packed with protein, this healthy banana bread mug cake is the perfect single-serving dessert for when you crave a slice of banana bread! Sprinkled with melty chocolate chips, pecans, and other simple ingredients this easy recipe is perfect to curb your sweet tooth.

This healthy banana bread mug cake is one of those easy and quick single-serving desserts that is great when you have a craving for banana bread or a banana cake. For those days when you need instant gratification and really only need a couple of bites. 

You know what I mean, right? This is your recipe! It’s basically a banana cake in a mug but dairy-free and gluten-free. 

This easy protein mug cake can be whipped up in about 2 minutes and is filling thanks to added protein powder. Since it has bananas, egg and protein powder it definitely qualifies as healthy and I would totally eat this for breakfast.

Trust me, this light and fluffy oil-free banana bread mug cake is the perfect way to enjoy the flavour of banana bread without making an entire loaf.

For more healthy banana treats, also make sure to check out my Air Fryer Bananas and my Banana Bread Breakfast Cookies. 

INGREDIENTS FOR MAKING THE GLUTEN FREE BANANA BREAD MUG CAKE

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make the moist banana bread mug cake (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card below):

• overripe bananas – we just need half a banana. The riper, the better.
• ground cinnamon and vanilla extract give this mug cake that cake batter flavour – use real vanilla extract for best flavour 
• coconut flour makes this nice and moist. You can not replace the coconut flour with almond flour, all purpose flour, or other flours.
• baking powder gives the cake its rise
• we need an egg to bring the batter together
• the addition of vanilla protein powder makes this a high protein mug cake recipe – I love PEScience. As it’s a whey/casein blend, it bakes really well and won’t dry out your mug cake. I used the Gourmet Vanilla flavour for this recipe!
• almond milk is added to add extra moisture to this oil-free mug cake – any dairy-free milk will do
• toppings: chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, pecans, peanut butter, almond butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, etc. 

HOW TO MAKE

1. Mix everything together in a small bowl or microwave-safe mug. I love using a coffee mug for this microwave banana bread recipe. 
2. Add extra chocolate chips and pecans on top, and microwave for 1-2 minutes. Start with one minute and adjust time as all microwaves are very different with a different microwave wattage.
3. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.  

HOW TO STORE

To store a homemade banana bread mug cake, follow these steps:

1. Cool Completely: Allow the single serving dessert to cool completely before attempting to store it. This prevents excess moisture from forming inside the container.
2. Wrap or Cover: Once cooled, you can either wrap the mug cake tightly in plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Wrapping or covering the mug cake prevents it from drying out and helps maintain its moisture.
3. Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the cute little mug cakes within a day or two, you can store it at room temperature. Be sure it’s well-sealed to prevent air exposure.
4. Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the wrapped or covered mug cake in the refrigerator. This helps preserve its freshness and extends its shelf life.
5. Freezing (Optional): If you want to store the mug cake for an extended period, consider freezing it. Wrap the mug cake in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. Label the container with the date. Frozen mug cakes can be stored for several weeks.
6. Thawing and Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the mug cake, if it’s been refrigerated or frozen, let it come to room temperature or gently reheat it in the microwave for a short duration. Microwaving for about 20-30 seconds (adjust as needed) can restore the warm, freshly baked texture.

TIPS FOR THE BEST MUG CAKES

My tips and tricks will ensure that it’s perfect every time:

• Use a very ripe banana so that the mug cake is nice and sweet and does not need added sugar.
• Don’t forget the baking powder or you will end up with a flat mug cake.
• Mix the ingredients in a bowl first before adding them to your mug so that the batter is nice and smooth.
• Be sure not to over-bake the mug cake or it can get dense and dry. Remove it from the microwave as soon as the top doesn’t look “wet” anymore.
• Use a short, wide mug. This will give the banana mug cake enough space to rise and cook more evenly. You’ll also be able to see the mug cake rise better than if you use a tall mug.

CAN I MAKE THIS BANANA BREAD MUG CAKE RECIPE IN THE OVEN?

Yes, you can bake this mug cake in the preheated oven at 350F for about 10 minutes. Make sure you use an oven-safe ramekin and check after 10 minutes if it’s done.

​HOW LONG CAN I STORE THE EASY DESSERT?

A banana bread mug cake can be stored at room temperature for about 1-2 days. If refrigerated, it can last for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended, and it can be kept in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

CAN I REHEAT THE MUG CAKE AFTER IT’S BEEN STORED?

Absolutely! If the paleo banana bread mug cake has been refrigerated or frozen, you can reheat it by gently microwaving it for about 20-30 seconds until warmed through. Be cautious not to overheat it, as it can become dry.

CAN I ADD FROSTING OR TOPPINGS BEFORE STORING?

It’s best to add frosting or toppings just before serving, especially if they are prone to melting or becoming soggy over time. Store the plain mug cake first, and then add toppings when you’re ready to enjoy it.

TOPPING IDEAS:

While this banana mug cake is delicious just as-is straight from the microwave, I love topping it with:

• A drizzle of tahini or any other drippy nut butter is my personal favorite way to serve it 
• maybe a sprinkle of sea salt
• Make a small batch of my white chocolate frosting I usually make for my oatmeal
• Or meld a tablespoon of dairy-free chocolate chips with a teaspoon of coconut oil and drizzle it over
• Use walnuts or hazelnuts instead of pecans or sprinkle some cocoa nibs on top 
• You can totally make this an indulgent single serving banana bread treat and top this banana mug cake with a scoop of your fav ice cream

Other Gluten Free Sweets You May Want To Try!

• Gluten Free Protein Chocolate Chip Cookies
• 4 Ingredient Vegan Rice Krispie Treats
• Gluten Free Morning Glory Muffins
• Vegan Rocky Road Brownies
• Edible Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough

IF YOU TRIED THIS BANANA MUG CAKE RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails