Craving a warm, nutty muffin but don’t want to wait? Our microwave banana nut muffin bakes in just 90 seconds. Seriously—your coffee will still be hot when it’s done.
This single-serving recipe uses overripe bananas you’ve been side-eyeing on the counter, cuts out oven preheating, and skips the messy cleanup. Bonus: swapping white flour for whole wheat or almond flour keeps it hearty without sacrificing flavor.
We’ll share the recipe, tips for avoiding rubbery texture, and creative twists like adding chocolate chips or maple glaze.
Jump To:
Microwave Banana Nut Muffin
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: SnackCuisine: American1
5
minutes1
minute250
kcal6
minutesCraving something sweet but short on time? This microwave banana nut muffin recipe is your answer! It combines ripe bananas, walnuts, and a hint of cinnamon into a delightful single-serving treat that cooks in just a minute. Ideal for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, it's a simple way to satisfy your sweet tooth without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
banana
all-purpose flour
brown sugar
baking powder
baking soda
ground cinnamon
chopped walnuts
a pinch of salt
cooking spray.
Directions
- In a microwave-safe mug, mash the ripe banana with a fork until smooth.
- Add the egg and mix well until combined.
- Stir in the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, chopped walnuts, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix until just combined, making sure not to overmix.
- Spray the inside of the mug with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute or until the muffin has risen and is set in the center.
- Let it cool for a minute before enjoying your muffin directly from the mug..
Notes
- Feel free to customize your muffin with additional ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or other nuts. This recipe is perfect for using up overripe bananas and is quick enough for busy mornings or a last-minute snack. For a healthier version, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour.
What Are Banana Nut Muffins?
Picture this: my brother Joseph once tried making “campfire muffins” at a family reunion using green bananas and pinecones. Grandma intervened with her classic banana nut muffin recipe – minus the pinecones. Traditional banana nut muffins combine overripe bananas, toasted nuts, and warm spices, baked into portable domes of comfort.
Defining Microwave Banana Nut Muffins
Our microwave version keeps Grandma’s soul but skips the oven. Think single-serving mug cakes with mashed bananas and chopped walnuts (or pecans) stirred into a 90-second batter. Microwaves steam the batter rapidly, creating a moist crumb without crispy edges – like a hybrid between muffin and banana bread.
What Do Banana Nut Muffins Taste Like?
Imagine biting into a spiced banana cloud with crunchy nut surprises. Joseph describes it as “autumn in your mouth” – though he also once claimed burnt toast was “smoky artisanal crunch.” Trust Grandma’s take instead. For a quick treat, consider making cheap microwave peanut butter banana toast. It’s a delicious and simple option when you’re in a hurry or just craving something sweet.
Flavor Profile Of Microwave Banana Nut Muffins
Ripe bananas deliver caramel-like sweetness at 18-20% sugar content naturally. Toasted walnuts add earthy bitterness (53% fat content balances moisture), while cinnamon’s cinnamaldehyde compound gives that warming kick. Microwaving mutes browning reactions (no Maillard crust), so we compensate with vanilla extract or a pinch of clove. For a delicious twist, consider making a microwave fruit crisp recipe that combines these flavors. This simple and quick dessert allows you to enjoy the sweetness of bananas and the richness of walnuts in a delightful form.
Ready to transform your sad desk banana into a steamy, nut-studded hug? Let’s talk ingredients – including swaps for allergies and pantry gaps. Microwaving bananas brings out their natural sweetness and makes them wonderfully warm. This simple technique is perfect for creating delicious desserts or toppings in no time.
Ingredients for Microwave Banana Nut Muffins
Gather these staples – chances are, they’re already in your kitchen. Our recipe thrives on simplicity, but we’ve got clever swaps if you’re missing something. You can make delicious garlic butter carrots quickly and easily in the microwave, adding a burst of flavor to your meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a tasty side dish ready in no time.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 overripe banana (brown spots = bonus sweetness)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (spooned, not packed)
- 1 egg yolk (save the white for cocktails)
- 1 tbsp chopped walnuts (toast them for nutty depth)
- 1 tsp baking powder (not soda – crucial for rise)
Missing walnuts? We’ve got you covered below.
Nut Substitutes and Alternatives
My college roommate was allergic to tree nuts. Here’s what worked:
- Seeds: Sunflower or pepitas add crunch
- Granola: 2 tsp gives texture sans nuts
- Oatmeal: 1 tbsp rolled oats for chew
For peanut allergies, try toasted coconut flakes.
Flour Alternatives for Dietary Needs
We’ve tested these 1:1 swaps successfully:
Flour Type | Best For |
---|---|
Almond flour | Keto, gluten-free |
Oat flour | Fiber boost |
Whole wheat | Nutty flavor |
Chickpea flour works but adds savory notes – use sparingly.
Sweetener Options and Replacements
Ripe bananas provide ~14g natural sugar. For extra sweetness:
- Maple syrup: 1 tsp (reduce milk by ½ tsp)
- Honey: ½ tsp (crystallizes slightly when microwaved)
- Dates: 1 medjool, mashed (adds fiber)
Avoid liquid stevia – it over-dries the batter.
Also See: 2-minute Microwave Pesto Egg Mug (Keto)
How to Make Microwave Banana Nut Muffins
Time to transform that mushy banana into glory. Total active time: 3 minutes.
Preparing the Mug or Ramekin
Use a 12-oz microwave-safe mug – ceramic works best. Grease lightly with butter or coconut oil (non-stick spray leaves residue). Pro tip: Dust sides with flour to prevent sticking. A ceramic mug is not only perfect for microwave use but also helps heat your beverages evenly. Choosing the right microwave ceramic mug can enhance your overall experience.
Mixing the Batter: Step-by-step
- Mash banana in mug until smooth (small lumps ok)
- Add egg yolk, whisk with fork until combined
- Mix in flour, baking powder, ⅛ tsp salt
- Fold nuts gently – overmixing causes toughness
Batter should resemble thick pancake mix. Add 1 tsp milk if too dry.
Microwaving the Muffin: Timing and Techniques
900W microwave: 70 seconds1200W microwave: 50 seconds
Microwave on medium power (50%) if possible. The muffin should dome slightly but stay moist. If center jiggles, add 10-second bursts. Be careful not to overcook, as especially when cooking muffins in microwave, it can dry out quickly.
Tips for Perfect Microwave Banana Nut Muffins
- Let batter rest 1 minute before microwaving
- Insert toothpick – crumbs ok, wet batter needs more time
- Top with banana slice pre-microwave for aesthetics
My neighbor once microwaved hers for 2 minutes – we renamed it “charcoal briquette surprise.” Don’t be my neighbor. It’s surprising how quickly food can overheat in a microwave, leading to some unexpected results. Remember, hot microwaves get incredibly intense, and you don’t want to risk a mini disaster in the kitchen.
Also See: Ramen Noodle Recipe in Microwave – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More

How to Store Microwave Banana Nut Muffins
Let’s be real – you’ll probably eat it immediately. But just in case…
Room Temperature Storage Guidelines
Keep in mug, covered with paper towel for up to 4 hours. Humidity is the enemy – avoid plastic wrap which creates condensation sogginess.
Refrigeration and Freezing Tips
- Fridge: Wrap in beeswax wrap 3 days
- Freezer: Slice, baggie, 30 days max
Reheat frozen slices: 15 seconds on medium power.
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s jazz things up with chocolate chips, gluten-free hacks, and spice blends that’ll make your taste buds salsa dance. One delightful option to consider is creating a cheap microwave canned black bean peach salsa recipe. This simple dish combines sweet and savory flavors, making it perfect for a quick snack or topping for various meals.
Now It’s Your Turn to Bake!
We’ve walked through everything from ingredients to microwaving techniques for your perfect banana nut muffin. Whether you’re craving a quick breakfast or a cozy dessert, this recipe delivers warm, nutty goodness in minutes.
Grab that ripe banana and your favorite mug – let’s see your microwave muffin masterpiece! Share your twists in the comments if you added chocolate chips or tried a gluten-free version. Happy microwaving!