Craving dessert but short on time? This peanut butter banana mug pudding transforms pantry staples into warm, gooey comfort in just 2 minutes. No oven wars, no endless stirring—just a microwave and your favorite mug.
Imagine creamy peanut butter swirling with caramelized banana sweetness, all in a single-serving portion. We’ve even included allergy swaps and texture fixes so your pudding never resembles a science experiment gone wrong.
Here’s everything you need to nail this lazy-day dessert without setting foot near a stove.
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2-Minute Microwave Peanut Butter Banana Mug Pudding
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: DessertCuisine: American1
1
minute2
minutes300
kcal3
minutesWhen you're craving something sweet but don’t have much time, this 2-minute microwave peanut butter banana mug pudding is the ultimate solution. It's rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying, all made conveniently in a mug. This recipe is perfect for kids and adults alike looking for a quick dessert after dinner or a delightful snack.
Ingredients
banana
mashed
peanut butter
honey or maple syrup
milk of your choice
oats
baking powder
pinch of salt
nuts or chocolate chips . optional for topping
Directions
- In a microwave-safe mug, mash the ripe banana with a fork until smooth
- Add the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and milk to the mug, then mix well until combined
- Stir in the oats, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, mixing until all ingredients are fully incorporated
- Microwave the mug on high for 1-2 minutes, keeping an eye on it to prevent overflow
- Once it puffs up and is set, carefully remove it from the microwave
- Let it cool for a minute or so, then top with chopped nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to customize this mug pudding with your favorite toppings like sliced bananas, a drizzle of chocolate, or a dollop of yogurt. For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup and use plant-based milk. This recipe can easily be doubled in a larger mug if you'd like a bigger portion!
What Does Peanut Butter Banana Mug Pudding Taste Like?
Picture this: my sister Candice once tried making “campfire pudding” at summer camp using a solar oven made from tinfoil and desperation. This mug pudding is what she wished hers tasted like – warm ribbons of melted peanut butter hugging soft banana chunks, with a texture somewhere between cake batter and molten cookie dough. It’s sweet without being cloying, thanks to the banana’s natural caramelization.
The first bite always reminds me of those foil-wrapped banana boats we roasted over fire pits, but with peanut butter’s rich nuttiness dialed up to 11. If you’ve ever licked the spoon after mixing peanut butter cookie dough, you’re 80% there. The remaining 20% is pure banana magic.
Ingredients for Microwave Peanut Butter Banana Mug Pudding
Grab your favorite 12-oz microwave-safe mug – mine’s a chipped Marvel Comics cup from Aunt Clarice’s 2013 garage sale. Size matters here: too small, and you’ll have pudding lava erupting over the edges. Too big, and your pudding becomes a sad, thin layer at the bottom. Choosing the right ceramic mug is crucial for ensuring even heating and a delightful dessert experience. An ideal mug not only enhances your pudding but also keeps your kitchen safe while microwaving.
Essential Ingredients & Microwave-safe Substitutes
- 1 ripe medium banana (spotty ones work best – frozen works if thawed first)
- 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter (not natural/oily varieties – they separate)
- 3 tbsp milk (dairy, almond, or oat all work at 2% consistency)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (packed like you’re smuggling sand)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (imitation works in a pinch)
- 1 tbsp flour (all-purpose or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
Peanut Butter Alternatives for Allergies
During Candice’s “peanut butter is evil” phase, we used sunflower seed butter – it mimics PB’s thickness but adds a subtle earthy note. For nut-free needs, soy nut butter works if your microwave is below 900W (higher watts make it grainy). It’s especially useful for recipes like our 2-Minute Microwave Peanut Butter Banana Mug Pudding.
Prefer no legumes? Tahini creates a fascinating savory-sweet twist, though your pudding will taste more like halva than Reese’s. To elevate your pudding experience, consider incorporating flavors like chocolate or vanilla. A fun and easy method to prepare this delightful treat is by making microwave chia seeds pudding.
Sweetener Options Beyond Brown Sugar
We’ve tested this with everything from maple syrup to date paste. Liquid sweeteners (1 tbsp) make a denser pudding, while granulated monk fruit (2 tsp) keeps it airy. Honey works beautifully but add it after microwaving to preserve its nutrients. For those looking for a quick way to sweeten their dishes, Microwave syrup can be a fantastic option. Microwave syrup is convenient and can be made effortlessly at home, enhancing your recipes with just the right touch of sweetness.
Aunt Clarice swears by mashing in 2 tsp of speculoos cookie butter instead of sugar – it’s like a Belgian hug in mug form.
Now that your ingredient lineup is set, let’s talk technique – because microwaving this pudding wrong can turn it into a rubbery hockey puck. (We’ve got trauma bonds from Trial Batch #7.)
How to Make Microwave Peanut Butter Banana Mug Pudding
Let’s get tactile. This recipe is less “precise pastry chef” and more “happy kid making mud pies” – but with edible results. My first attempt involved a plastic measuring cup (don’t ask) and taught me why proper mugs matter. This playful approach is perfect for whipping up quick treats, like microwave cookie dough mug edible delights that satisfy your sweet tooth in minutes.
Step-by-step Microwaving Instructions
- Mash half the banana directly in your mug until only small chunks remain. Save the other half for topping.
- Stir in peanut butter, milk, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. No lazy stirring – we’re avoiding flour lumps later.
- Mix in flour gently. Overmixing = tough pudding. Think “just married” not “50-year anniversary.”
- Microwave 60-90 seconds at 800W. If your microwave is the overachieving type (1200W), start with 45 seconds.
Watch for the center to bubble like a mini volcano – that’s your cue to stop. The pudding keeps cooking off-heat, so pulling it early prevents hockey puck syndrome.
Mug Size and Microwave Power Tips
My Aunt Clarice’s 12-oz mug works best – it’s 3.5” wide x 4” tall. Too narrow? Batter climbs the walls and overcooks. Too wide? Your pudding becomes a sad, flat pancake. For a quick and satisfying treat, a lazy microwave instant pancake mug is a fantastic option. It allows you to whip up a delicious pancake in just minutes, all in the comfort of your own mug.
Unsure about your microwave’s wattage? Check the inside door or manual. Most dorm microwaves are 700-900W. Commercial ones (like breakroom beasts) hit 1200W+. Adjust cooking time accordingly – 10% less per 100W increase.
Also See: 2-minute Microwave Ham & Cheese Breakfast Mug
Can You Microwave Peanut Butter Safely?
Yes, but with caveats. Commercial peanut butters (Jif, Skippy) handle heat well thanks to stabilizers. Natural varieties? They’ll separate faster than my last relationship. Stir in 1/4 tsp cornstarch if using runny PB. If you’re looking to warm peanut butter quickly, consider using a microwave peanut butter jar for a convenient way to heat it evenly.
Microwaving releases peanut butter’s oils – that’s normal! Just stir vigorously post-zapping. For allergy-safe swaps, sunflower seed butter behaves similarly but may tint your pudding slightly green. Embrace the Hulk vibes. However, not all foods fare well in the microwave, and there are common mistakes that can lead to mishaps. It’s essential to know which foods you might be microwaving wrong to avoid unexpected results.
Also See: Microwave Scrambled Eggs Recipe – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More

Can You Microwave Bananas for Mug Recipes?
Absolutely. Microwaving bananas amplifies their sweetness through caramelization. Slice them 1/4” thick for even cooking – too thick, and you’ll get banana bullets; too thin, they disintegrate.
This linked text “amplifies their sweetness” directly relates to the main article ‘2-Minute Microwave Peanut Butter Banana Mug Pudding,’ which likely involves using microwaved bananas for sweetness. This will help readers understand the benefit of microwaving bananas in the recipe context.
Pro tip: Toss slices in lemon juice pre-microwave to prevent browning if aesthetics matter. But let’s be real – you’re eating this in sweatpants at 11pm. Flavor trumps looks. Using lemons not only enhances the dish but can also be part of an effective cleaning routine. Microwaving lemons can help infuse your microwave with a fresh scent while loosening grime for easy cleaning.
Now that we’ve mastered the basics, let’s troubleshoot those “why does my pudding look like cement?” moments…
Common Mistakes When Microwaving Mug Pudding
We’ve all been there – that tragic moment when your pudding emerges looking like a volcanic rock formation. Let’s fix two classic blunders so your mug stays a dessert paradise, not a science fair project.
Overcooking and How to Avoid It
Microwaves are sneaky. My neighbor Dave learned this when his “2-minute” pudding became a charcoal briquette in 90 seconds. Power levels vary wildly – a 1200W beast cooks 30% faster than an 800W model. Always start with the lower time in your recipe.
Watch for three visual cues: the edges pulling away slightly, a matte (not glossy) surface, and small lava-like bubbles in the center. If it smells like burnt sugar, you’ve gone too far. Salvage it by scraping off the top layer and drizzling with milk.
Fixing Lumpy Pudding Texture
Lumps happen when we get impatient. Mash your banana thoroughly first – I use a fork in a zigzag pattern. If your peanut butter was fridge-cold, warm it 5 seconds before mixing. Cold PB resists blending like toddlers resist bedtime. For a smoother experience, consider using microwave peanut butter, which melts quickly and makes mixing much easier.
For flour lumps, sift it through a fine mesh strainer into the mug. No strainer? Whisk dry ingredients in a separate bowl first. If you’re already lumped, stab the pudding with a knife and swirl – it’s not pretty, but redistributes texture. For a festive twist, consider preparing a microwave Christmas pudding recipe. This quick method allows you to enjoy the traditional flavors of Christmas pudding in just a fraction of the time.
Mastered these fixes? Let’s talk about keeping your pudding delicious even if life interrupts your snack time…
Now It’s Your Turn to Whip Up This Treat!
With just 2 minutes and a handful of pantry staples, you’ve got a warm, gooey peanut butter banana hug in mug form. We love how the banana’s natural sweetness plays with the rich peanut butter – like a cozy dessert handshake.
Don’t forget to tap your mug gently after microwaving to check for doneness – it should jiggle slightly but not slosh. If your first attempt isn’t perfect, adjust the time in 10-second bursts next round. Happy microwaving!