Craving a warm, gooey dessert faster than you can say “Elvis Presley’s favorite sandwich”? This mug cake delivers peanut butter’s creamy richness and banana’s natural sweetness in under 90 seconds. No oven preheating, no mixing bowls, and zero patience required.
We’re talking about a single-serving treat that’s ready before your coffee finishes reheating. Perfect for late-night cravings, rushed breakfasts, or when you need to bribe your inner toddler with something wholesome(ish).
Below, we’ll walk through ingredient swaps, microwave tricks, and how to avoid turning your mug into a volcanic cake explosion. Spoiler: it involves not overfilling the mug.
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Microwave Peanut Butter Banana Mug Cake
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: DessertCuisine: American1
5
minutes1
minute350
kcal6
minutesIf you're craving something sweet but short on time, this microwave peanut butter banana mug cake is the perfect solution. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dessert in under 5 minutes. It combines the flavors of ripe bananas and creamy peanut butter for a decadent treat that's both satisfying and quick to make.
Ingredients
banana
mashed
peanut butter
honey or maple syrup
egg
all-purpose flour
baking powder
a pinch of salt
chips . optional
Directions
- In a microwave-safe mug, mash the ripe banana until smooth.
- Add the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) to the mug, and mix until well combined.
- Stir in the egg and mix until fully incorporated.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the mixture, and stir until you have a smooth batter.
- If desired, fold in some chocolate chips for added sweetness.
- Microwave the mug on high for 1 to 1.5 minutes, or until the cake has risen and is cooked through.
- Allow the mug cake to cool for a minute before enjoying it.
- Top with additional peanut butter or chocolate chips if desired..
Notes
- For the best results, use a very ripe banana for maximum sweetness and flavor. Cooking times may vary based on your microwave's wattage, so start with 1 minute and add extra time in 15-second increments if needed. This mug cake is best enjoyed immediately, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for a day and reheat in the microwave.
What is a Peanut Butter Banana Mug Cake?
Imagine Elvis’s iconic sandwich transformed into a warm, fluffy cake you make in 90 seconds. That’s this mug cake. We combine mashed banana, peanut butter, and pantry staples in a microwave-safe mug for a single-serving dessert that’s part breakfast, part comfort food.
John, my husband, calls it “emergency cake” because it’s saved many a movie night when our cookie stash ran dry. The banana keeps it moist, while peanut butter adds protein-rich decadence. Think of it as a hybrid between banana bread and a molten lava cake – without the oven drama.
Can You Microwave Banana?
Yes, but with caveats. Microwaving whole bananas can cause steam buildup under the peel, leading to messy explosions (ask my uncle Peter, who once coated his kitchen ceiling in banana pulp). However, mashed or sliced bananas microwave safely when mixed into batters.
In this recipe, microwaving banana intensifies its sweetness and blends seamlessly into the cake’s texture. Pro tip: speckled, overripe bananas work best. They’re sweeter and mash easier – a lesson I learned after John mistook my firm lunchbox banana for a baseball during our school’s staff picnic! This technique is also perfect for making a quick microwave banana bread mug cake, where those ripe bananas transform into a delightful treat in just a few minutes.
Now that we’ve tackled banana science, let’s melt into the next big question: can peanut butter handle the microwave’s heat? This brings to mind a delicious treat: 2 minute microwave peanut butter banana pudding. This quick and easy dessert combines the flavors of peanut butter and banana in a creamy pudding that’s perfect for any sweet tooth.
Can You Microwave Peanut Butter?
Absolutely – but peanut butter requires a gentle touch. Microwaving straight from the jar risks oil separation or scorching. My college roommate learned this the hard way when her “quick-melt” attempt created a smoky kitchen and a very sad PB&J. To avoid such mishaps, consider using a microwave peanut butter jar designed for safe heating. These jars help ensure a smooth and easy pour without the mess.
For this recipe, we microwave peanut butter briefly (15-30 seconds) while mixed with other wet ingredients. At 700W, 20 seconds softens it perfectly for blending into batter. Stir vigorously to emulsify – those wrist muscles aren’t just for TikTok dances!
Also See: Microwave Apple Crisp Recipe- 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More
Ingredients for Microwave Peanut Butter Banana Mug Cake
Grab a 12oz microwave-safe mug and these staples:
- 1 ripe banana (the spottier, the sweeter)
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- 1 egg yolk (skip the white to avoid rubberiness)
- Pinch of salt
Substitutes and Alternatives
Allergies or pantry gaps? We’ve got you:
Ingredient | Swap | Notes |
---|---|---|
Peanut butter | Almond/Sun butter | Texture stays creamy |
All-purpose flour | Oat/GF 1:1 flour | Avoid coconut flour – too absorbent |
Egg yolk | 1 tbsp applesauce | Adds moisture sans eggy taste |
Brown sugar | Maple syrup/honey | Reduce to 2 tsp for liquid sweeteners |
John once used tahini during our Great Peanut Butter Shortage of 2022. Verdict? “Edible, but tastes like a sesame seed muffin had a confusing identity crisis.” If only he had known about the delicious alternative of microwave peanut butter, which can create a warm, creamy spread in just minutes. It’s an easy way to enjoy peanut butter in a whole new light.
Also See: Summer Simple Turkey Burgers – Microwave Pre-cook

What Does a Peanut Butter Banana Mug Cake Taste Like?
Imagine banana bread and a Reese’s Cup slow-dancing in your mouth. The banana brings caramelized sweetness, while peanut butter adds savory depth – like your favorite comfort foods merged into one warm hug. This delightful combination can inspire a quick and budget-friendly meal, like cheap microwave peanut butter banana toast. It’s a simple yet satisfying treat that highlights how easy it can be to create something delicious without breaking the bank.
Texture-wise, it’s moist but not soggy (thanks to precise microwaving). The edges get cakey, while the center stays slightly gooey. Think “soufflé meets childhood nostalgia.” Our neighbor’s kid described it as “what unicorns eat for breakfast,” which we’re choosing to take as a compliment.
Ready to transform these ingredients into edible magic? Let’s march those mugs to the microwave, where delicious treats can be made in minutes. One popular option is microwave cookie dough mug recipes, which are not only easy to prepare but also satisfy your sweet cravings in a flash.
How to Make a Peanut Butter Banana Mug Cake in the Microwave
Let’s turn that mug into a personal cake factory. I’ve burned (and learned) through 17 batches to perfect this method. Your taste buds deserve better than my early “charcoal surprise” experiments. With just a few simple ingredients and a microwave, you can create a delightful mug cake in minutes. This quick treat is perfect for satisfying a sweet craving without the fuss of baking.
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Grab your trustiest 12oz mug – I use the one from John’s 2015 marathon that reads “26.2 Miles of Bad Decisions.” Whisk together 3 tbsp flour, 1 tbsp brown sugar, ¼ tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt directly in the mug. This simple recipe brings to mind the convenience of a lazy microwave canned cornbread mug. It’s the perfect solution for a quick and tasty treat when you’re short on time.
Pro tip: Fluff the flour with a fork before measuring. My sister once packed it like snow into an igloo, resulting in a cake denser than Tolstoy’s novels. For a lighter cake, consider using microwave flour, which helps achieve a fluffier texture by evenly heating the flour to eliminate bacteria and improve its baking qualities.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Mash half a ripe banana (save the rest for garnish) into the mug until smooth. Stir in 2 tbsp peanut butter, 1 egg yolk, and 1 tbsp milk. Mix until just combined – a few lumps are fine, like my Saturday morning hair. This simple method is similar to what you would use to create a quick and delicious 2 minute microwave banana bread protein mug. In just two minutes, you can enjoy a tasty, protein-packed snack that satisfies your sweet tooth.
Fun fact: Using a full egg creates rubbery textures. We’re making cake, not bouncy balls for John’s D&D miniatures. If you’re looking for a quick and fluffy egg dish, consider trying an egg recipe in the microwave. It’s a simple way to create a delicious meal in just a few minutes.
Step 3: Combine and Microwave
Fold everything gently with a fork. Microwave at 800W for 60-75 seconds. Watch through the window like it’s Netflix’s hottest new drama – it should rise about 1 inch.
If the center jiggles like my resolve at a buffet, add 10-second bursts. Mine always peaks at 68 seconds, but microwaves vary more than British weather.
Tips for the Perfect Mug Cake
- Mug size matters: Under 10oz? Batter may stage a volcanic escape
- Banana ripeness: Brown spots = natural sweetness boost
- Mix minimally: Overworking flour develops gluten (translation: tough cake)
For extra pizzazz, top with banana slices and a peanut butter drizzle. John insists on adding chocolate chips – but then again, he also puts ketchup on scrambled eggs. If you’re looking for an effortless breakfast option, consider using a lazy microwave instant pancake mix with peanut butter. This combination delivers deliciousness with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy mornings.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even mug cakes have their demons. Here’s how to exorcise them:
Issue | Solution |
---|---|
Gummy texture | Use yolk only, not whole egg |
Dry cake | Microwave in 5-second less increments next time |
Overflow | Fill mug only halfway with batter |
Uneven cooking | Stir batter thoroughly before microwaving |
If disaster strikes, crumble it over ice cream. My “cake fail” parfaits have saved many a dessert – and my dignity.
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s talk about keeping leftovers fresh (though I doubt there will be any)…
Now It’s Your Turn to Whip Up This Treat!
With just a few pantry staples and 90 seconds in the microwave, you’ve got a warm, gooey peanut butter banana hug in mug form. The creamy peanut butter swirls perfectly with the sweet banana notes for a dessert that feels indulgent yet simple.
Did your mug cake turn out perfectly fluffy or did you discover a brilliant new variation? We’d love to hear about your microwave baking adventures with this recipe. Happy microwaving!