Sometimes mornings blur together—alarm goes off, coffee brews, and somewhere between slipping on shoes and grabbing your bag, breakfast feels like a luxury. That’s where this banana bread in a mug steps in. It’s the kind of quick fix that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or that homemade feeling. You mash a banana, mix everything in one mug, and pop it in the microwave. In just a couple of minutes, you have a warm, moist bite that tastes like a little hug before stepping out the door.
I remember one morning when I was juggling a million things—emails, a distracted kid wanting breakfast, and the inevitable search for my keys. The banana bread was the only thing I managed to focus on properly. I’ve lost track of exactly how long I microwaved it, maybe closer to two minutes, but that’s the charm. It’s forgiving, and you can tweak it to your liking. The cinnamon scent swirling around the kitchen helped me slow down just enough to take a breath and enjoy a moment.
- Ready in under 10 minutes—because sometimes, you just don’t have more time.
- Single-serving means no leftovers staring at you from the fridge, which is both a blessing and a curse.
- The texture is surprisingly moist for something microwaved—it’s like a tiny fresh-baked treat.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No fancy equipment or fancy ingredients.
Even if you’re not a morning person, this recipe is forgiving, easy, and satisfying. It’s a straightforward way to get a little homemade comfort without the fuss.
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Banana Bread in a Mug
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
Description
A quick and easy single-serving banana bread made in a mug. Perfect for a fast breakfast or snack, this moist and flavorful banana bread cooks in the microwave in just minutes.
Ingredients
1 ripe banana, mashed
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
In a microwave-safe mug (at least 12 oz capacity), mash the ripe banana with a fork until smooth.
Add the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to the mug. Stir well to combine.
Add the vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract to the mug. Mix thoroughly until a smooth batter forms.
Microwave the mug on high for 90 to 120 seconds. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
If not fully cooked, microwave in additional 10-second increments until done, being careful not to overcook.
Allow the banana bread to cool for 2 minutes before eating directly from the mug.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
Don’t worry about having special gadgets—just a microwave-safe mug is enough. I usually enjoy this banana bread right from the mug, but if you want to dress it up, a smear of peanut butter or a drizzle of honey pairs surprisingly well. Sometimes, I toss in a few chocolate chips before microwaving, though I haven’t tested how much you can add without changing the cooking time too much. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dash of nutmeg can add a nice twist, but honestly, the basic version is already pretty satisfying.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use frozen bananas?
A: Thaw them first—otherwise, the texture might be off.
Q: What if my banana bread turns out rubbery?
A: Try shortening the microwave time by 10-second increments.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: You can, but you’ll need a bigger mug and longer cook time, which can get tricky.
Q: How long does it keep?
A: Best eaten fresh, but can be stored covered at room temperature for a day or refrigerated for a few days.
If mornings are your chaos zone, this banana bread in a mug might just become your secret little ritual. Give it a try next time you’re in a rush but craving something warm and homemade.