Easy Banana Walnut Mug Cake Recipe – Wholewheat & Eggless

Last Updated on 5 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Banana Walnut Mug Cake Recipe – Wholewheat & Eggless

Hey everyone! Sometimes, you just need a little something sweet, and you need it fast. I totally get that! This easy banana walnut mug cake is my go-to when those cravings hit. It’s ready in under 5 minutes, uses simple ingredients, and honestly? It feels like a warm hug in a mug. Plus, it’s made with wholewheat flour, so you can indulge a little without the guilt!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average mug cake. It’s wholesome, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or even a little dessert after dinner. And the best part? It only makes one serving, so there are no leftovers tempting you later! It’s also a fantastic way to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful treat:

• 4 tbsp wholewheat flour (approx. 30g)
• 1/8 tsp baking powder (approx. 0.6g)
• A pinch of cinnamon powder
• A pinch of salt
• 1 small ripe banana
• 1 medium egg
• 1 tbsp honey (approx. 15ml)
• 1 tbsp yogurt (approx. 15ml)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (approx. 15ml)
• 4 walnuts, crushed

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Wholewheat Flour – Health Benefits & Substitution Options

I love using wholewheat flour because it adds a lovely nutty flavor and a bit more fiber. But if you don’t have it, all-purpose flour works just fine! You can also experiment with other flours like oat flour for a slightly different texture.

Ripe Banana – Importance of Ripeness

Seriously, the riper the banana, the better! Those brown spots aren’t just for show. They mean the banana is sweeter and will mash up beautifully, giving your mug cake a lovely moist texture.

Olive Oil – A Unique Choice for Mug Cakes

You might be surprised to see olive oil here, but trust me on this one. It adds a subtle richness and keeps the cake incredibly moist. You can substitute with melted coconut oil or even a neutral vegetable oil if you prefer.

Cinnamon – Regional Variations & Flavor Profile

A pinch of cinnamon just elevates everything, doesn’t it? In India, we use cinnamon (dalchini) in so many desserts! It adds a warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with banana and walnuts. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.

Walnuts – Types & Toasting for Enhanced Flavor

I prefer using regular walnuts, but you can also use pecans or almonds. To really bring out their flavor, lightly toast the walnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes before crushing them. It makes a huge difference!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking (well, microwaving!).

1. First, grab a large mug – it needs to be big enough to hold the cake as it rises. In the mug, whisk together the wholewheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon powder, and salt. Just give it a quick mix to combine everything.
2. In a separate bowl, mash the ripe banana until it’s nice and smooth. No lumps allowed! Then, add the egg, honey, yogurt, and olive oil. Mix well until everything is nicely combined.
3. Now, pour the wet ingredients into the mug with the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together until you have a smooth batter. Don’t overmix!
4. Sprinkle in the crushed walnuts and gently fold them into the batter.
5. Finally, microwave on high power (900W) for 3 minutes. Let it rest for 2 minutes before digging in – it’ll be hot!

Expert Tips

Want to make this mug cake even better? Here are a few of my secrets:

Achieving the Perfect Mug Cake Texture

The key to a fluffy mug cake is to not overmix the batter. A few lumps are okay! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher cake.

Preventing Overflow During Microwaving

Mug cakes can sometimes overflow, which is never fun to clean up! Make sure your mug is large enough, and don’t fill it more than halfway with batter.

Adjusting Sweetness to Your Preference

If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of honey. Or, if you have a really sweet tooth, feel free to add a little extra!

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

Vegan Banana Mug Cake

Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes). Use maple syrup instead of honey.

Gluten-Free Banana Mug Cake

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of wholewheat flour.

Spice Level – Adding a Pinch of Nutmeg or Cardamom

My grandmother always added a tiny pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to her banana treats. It adds a lovely warmth and complexity.

Festival Adaptations – A Quick Treat for Janmashtami or Ganesh Chaturthi

During festivals like Janmashtami or Ganesh Chaturthi, a tiny sprinkle of saffron strands can add a festive touch!

Serving Suggestions

This mug cake is delicious on its own, but you can also dress it up a bit. A dollop of yogurt, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts would be lovely. I sometimes even add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence!

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this mug cake is best enjoyed fresh. But if you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just be aware that the texture will change slightly.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, more ripe bananas are better. They’ll make the cake extra moist and sweet.

Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?

Yes, you can! Maple syrup, agave nectar, or even brown sugar would work well.

Is it possible to make this mug cake without an egg?

Yes! See the Vegan Banana Mug Cake variation above for a simple egg replacement.

What if I don’t have walnuts? Can I use other nuts?

Definitely! Pecans, almonds, or even chopped peanuts would be delicious.

How do I adjust the microwave time based on my microwave’s wattage?

Microwave wattages vary. Start with 3 minutes and check the cake. If it’s still wet in the middle, microwave for another 30 seconds at a time until it’s cooked through.

Enjoy your delicious and easy banana walnut mug cake! Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you. Happy baking (or microwaving)!