You’re going to want to bookmark this one; trust me.
I never understood the appeal of mug cakes before recently. It seemed to me that if you wanted something chocolate and delicious you should put in the time and effort to bake some almond flour brownies and the extra hour would be well worth it. It also didn’t help that most mug cake recipes aren’t gluten-free, or—if they are—come out with a weird starchy taste to them.
But now I’ve seen the light and have come around to mug cakes, partly because the oven I use was 3 floors below where I lived at the time I made this and partly because the recipe is so damn good. When I was trying the recipe, I also wanted something that was sort of healthy. This is healthy enough even to be eaten for breakfast, which I’ve done on a few too many occasions.
The original recipe is only 4 ingredients, but you can add in things like chocolate chips, walnuts, candied ginger, vanilla extract, and anything else to shake things up.
Paleo Mug Cake
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 3 minutes
Ingredients(Makes 1 cake):
- 1 small ripe banana
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons almond butter(or any nut butter)
- 1 egg
- 2 heaping Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons sweetener(optional)
- Chocolate chips, walnuts, dried fruit, or other mix-ins(optional)
Method:
- With a fork, mash the banana into a smooth puree.
- Mix the almond butter, egg, cocoa powder, and extra sweetener if using into the banana puree until it forms an even batter.
- Fold in any mix-ins into the batter that you’d like. Otherwise, our the batter into a mug or other microwave safe container. Be sure to only fill the container up to 2/3rds the way because it will expand in the microwave.
- Microwave on high for 2 and 1/2 minutes until the center is set. Carefully remove the mug from the microwave and enjoy hot, cold, or at room temperature.
I don’t add sweetener to mine and it still tastes delicious. I’ve only ever made it with almond butter but I’m sure peanut butter would be a nice alteration. The banana flavor is definitely prevalent, especially once it cools, but that only reminds me of a chocolate covered banana which I love. The best things about these cakes are that they don’t have any sort of flour flavor to them and are rich and fudgy like a brownie. The worst thing about this recipe is once you make it you’ll never stop.
Love mug cakes! They’re the perfect “I’m too lazy b/c it’s 9pm, to bake anything but I want chocolate or cake” fix. 🙂
Oh, wow! I’ve been wanting to try a mug cake, but I’m pretty sure the recipes I’ve seen would send my body into a sugar crash. Your recipe looks perfect! I’m so looking forward to trying this.
These look delicious! But I don’t have a microwave, so I think I’m going to try turning them into mini cupcakes and bake them in the oven. 🙂 With any luck, it’ll work! 🙂
I don’t have a microwave either, how did it go as mini cupcakes in the oven – do you mean the tiny cupcakes or regular size and how long did you have it in the oven for? thanks 🙂
perfect dessert in my opinion!!! love the easy of making a mug cake.
also love that you do not add in any more sugar 😉
oh i have made a variation of these before! they make good pancakes too!
I’ve never thought of chocolate pancakes before, but now I can’t get them out of my head.
Finally a gluten-free mug cake that actually looks delicious!
Mug cakes…perfect thing to make b/c it’s single serving, easy, and oh yes, microwaveable!
You’re right…I bookmarked your cakes. How fun!
What a great way to satisfy a quick chocolate craving!
Could the banana be substituted with applesauce or butternut squash puree? I love bananas but use them a lot for most recipes and would like to change it up.
Also, can ramekins go in the microwave? Thanks.
Applesauce won’t work because the batter will be too thin.
Butternut squash puree will hold it together but it lacks the sweetness of banana so in that case you should definitely add the optional sweetener.
I used unsweetened, homemade applesauce the other day and the cake turned out fine. I used a little less than 1/2 cup applesauce and had to cook for about three minutes. I think the banana version of better, but it’s possible!
FYI – I’ve made this with shredded (and drainined) zucchini with really great results!
You are so right. Just pinned this recipe on pinterest!
You are a genius. This made me seriously consider acquiring a microwave… Hm. I think I shall celebrate the end of this (totally ridiculous) semester by making this at my folks’ place (since they are normal and actually have a microwave, ha). ’twill be a happy day indeed!
Hope you are well, friend! 🙂
i can’t believe you live without a microwave. I’ve used that to make 90% of my meals this semester.
ive never owned a microwave and never saw the need for one.
[…] made this Paleo Mug Cake for breakfast this morning. Under 300 calories. It has quashed all desire for other food, I’m […]
Wow, that looks like a wonderful little paleo treat!!
Oh my goodness! I am SO making this! I am on a new plan at the moment and have been looking for a “clean” treat to make. Thank you so much for sharing this. I am definitely going to try it out!
I was wondering if you could use an avocado instead of a ripe banana?
I wouldn’t recommend that because, as is, all of the sweetness comes from the banana and avocadoes lack that sugar content. Also, avocado tends to get more bitter when it’s cooked, so the flavor might not be pleasant.
[…] these things fantastic and slightly addictive, they are very easy to make. Here is the link from The WannaBeChef or, my adaptation is […]
[…] Best mug cake yet.Unfortunately, I can’t take credit for any of it because it was Evan’s paleo mug cake recipe. This was my first time actually trying something paleo on purpose and if it’s any indication of […]
This is right up my alley! easy, only a couple minutes, chocolate, and best of all – banana!!
I had to stop mid-cake to come and right a review; that’s how good this mug cake was! (Plus, it’s still REALLY hot!)
I wouldn’t say I was skeptical about the taste at first, but I was something close… but man, am I glad I tried this! It’s so moist and soft and sooooooo good! I added crunchy peanut butter, dark chocolate chips and mini marshmallows to mine. The gooey pockets of melty marshmallows with the molten pieces of chocolate tasted fantastic with the peanut butter banana flavor.
Thank you so much for this recipe! (Even though my hips don’t, haha.) Now that I have made this, I am *never* going back to any other recipe.
Wow ! Thanks for the recipe! I just made it and it was delicious, however it was too many servings for me. I just had a bit and I was ful! <3 Delicious <3
How long should I bake it in an oven, do I need to make any substitutions? Microwaves (except for warming up food) freak me out!
I would bake it for 15 minutes at 350 degrees
Cool, thanks! I’ll try it as soon as I make almond butter. 😉
thanks
Wonder if adding a scoop of choc protein powder along with some applesauce might keep consistency about the same? I’m always looking for ways to help rationalize eating the good stuff in greater quantity!
Those aren’t two things I work with much but if you try to substitute them in let me know how it comes out!
[…] without saying. Naturally, I headed over to Pinterest for a little inspiration and decided to try this Paleo mug cake recipe from The Wannabe Chef. It was delicious! Honestly, it was the first mug cake that I […]
I tried this with out the egg and it still worked very well! I also used peanut butter instead of almond butter and Swiss Miss as a replacement for cocoa (sinful, I know, but that’s all I had in my dorm). But it still was so pleasant, thanks so much for this recipe!
[…] as I sit here eating a Paleo Mug Cake, here are my weekly weights & […]
After seeing this on pinterest yesterday I gave it a whirl. Was good! I made it with homemade walnut butter.
[…] Posted on February 27, 2012 by Controlled Carb & Gluten Free I found a paleo mug cake recipe and thought it looked good so I gave it a whirl this afternoon. I chose to make homemade […]
[…] since I saw the recipe for Paleo Mug Cakes by The Wannabe Chef, I’ve been intrigued by the idea. How is it possible to put so few ingredients into a mug, […]
Nice my daughter and I just made this I’m eating mine right now. I added raisins, chocolate chips and used about a teaspoon of honey instead of sweeter. I also added a teaspoon of coconut oil. We only had enough cocoa for on tbs each so we also added some vanilla. We liked them so much we are going to have make your own mug cakes for her birthday party in two weeks. We will set bowls of add ins so they can choose their own. (mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, sprinkles, coconut, nuts, raisins etc.)
Thanks!
[…] especially for sweets. After doing some research, I found this simple and delicious recipe from the Wannabe Chef for these healthy and simple mug cakes. Luckily I had all of the ingredients on hand so I whipped […]
I had to tinker around with the recipe because I made the mistake of hitting 23 on the microwave instead of 230. I’m not sure if the state of my cake was due to that, the fact that the mug I used was almost too big, because I used egg substitute or if the banana was too small! I’ll update with my findings when I do this a second time. 🙂
[…] she was craving something sweet, and in lieu of the oreo cookies in the cupboard, she opted for Paleo Mug Cake from http://www.thewannabechef.com, which is made from nothing more than the following:1 ripe banana1 1/2 […]
[…] Frugal Shopper tip: Invest in a canister of cocoa and save the chocolate bars for a splurge. One canister will last you much longer than a bar, even though the bars do contain 2 1/2 servings per package. I like to use the cocoa to make homemade hot chocolate, banana soft serve, healthy brownie bites or chocolate peanut butter mug cakes (based off this recipe). […]
YUM!!!!!!! I have recently started the Paleo diet (can’t have wheat, corn or soy) and I’ve been craving CAKE, especially CHOCOLATE CAKE!!!!!!!! I pinned this not too long ago to one of my boards and just now made it! WOW!!!! WOW!! WOW!!! THank you!!!!! I used p.nut butter (don’t have almond yet) and it’s so good!!!!
[…] the recipe of this delectable treat and let you find out for yourself how grand this is!!! Here is the original pin, incase you’re […]
[…] can see the full recipe here. But to summarize: you only need banana, peanut butter, cocoa powder, vanilla and a little sugar […]
I just made these and substituted Sunflower butter for the nut butter (stupid nut allergy) And it worked amazingly! It reminds me of the banana bread that my mother use to make, except with chocolate which only makes it more delicious.
Thanks so much for posting!
Thanks for posting such a good recipe! I’ve been making this 2 or 3 times a week for a coupke of months and i’m not tired of it yet 🙂
[…] I happened to stumble upon this recipe for Paleo Mug Cake a la The Wannabe Chef, and my oh my am I happy that I did. It was perfect because I was craving something that screamed […]
I just made a couple of these tonight for myself and my 11 year old son. He thought they were yummy, but “you’re right mom. They need to be a little sweeter. Can we add some sugar next time? But I still like them. Thanks for making me one. Will you make them again?” This after I commented that I didn’t add any sweetner. Thanks for a simple yet delish recipe that fits in with our way of eating. It’s just what I needed tonight. =) Kat
I substituted in peanut butter for the almond butter, didn’t use any sweetener, and it turned out really good! Our fam likes it served with vanilla ice cream 🙂
[…] 7. Paleo Mug Cakes […]
i loved this cake! i made a vanilla version too. instead of the cocoa powder, use almond flour, and use peanut butter instead of almond butter, and some vanilla extract, and some cinnamon! all the other ingrediants are the same. its reeeeeeally good with some maple syrup on top…..
Wow. I’m definitely going to need to try that out.
[…] eggs. Are you allergic? Because if not, this recipe is truly delicious, and it uses only one egg: Paleo Mug Cakes I added shredded coconut to it. And while it's not SAD cake, it's damn yummy. Reply With […]
Love the variables in this! First try worked great! Used: 1 heaping T yogurt, 1.5 T almond butter, 1 EnerG “egg”, 2 heaping T carob powder, 2 tsp. coconut nectar/sap. Yahoo! Tangy from the yogurt, lighter chocolate-y flavor, doesn’t taste carob-y. (I had to make do and I really wanted this!)
I was going to share this on my facebook page, but instead of letting me show the paleo mug cake photo I have to show someone looking pissed off chewing a carrot? (I think, definitely chewing something). Link shared now deleted.
Found this today (My doctor has put me on the paleo diet, and I was looking for an egg alternative for breakfast this morning!) It’s AWESOME. I did not use the sweetener in mine, but used a t honey in my daughters, and she loves hers too. So good! Thanks 😀
Yummy – the perfect cure for chocolate cravings! I substituted unsweetened apple sauce for banana & it worked fine; mine came out a little gooier, but it tasted great; after removing the mug from the microwave I added a little almond milk & it was like chocolate bread pudding!!! This receipe seems to be fewer calories & fat than some of the other “choc in a mug” receipes out there, so it’s almost guilt free. Thanks for posting this awesome delight!
[…] typically have exciting breakfasts. Usually I have oatmeal with egg whites and peanut butter or a paleo mug cake with peanut butter on […]
I made a double of this recipe tonight, put it in a medium ramekin and baked it at 350 for about 25 minutes and it was delicious! Served it with some no-sugar-added Mint Chip coconut milk ice cream – YUM. Thanks for the recipe!!
[…] Paleo Mug Cake […]
[…] Paleo Mug Cakes […]
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Made this tonight with Nutella instead of almond butter. Definitely the first GF mug cake I’ve had that didn’t taste gritty.
This is the best cake in a mug period! AND it’s nice to not really feel guilty eating it too! 🙂 Thank you for this!!!!
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I am just now transitioning into a Paleo lifestyle. And was craving something chocolaty so bad this evening. I found this on Pinterest and went straight to the store to grab what I needed and WHAM! Awesomeness! Thank you!!!
[…] Gluten/Sugar/Dairy Free Clean Eats Cake Adapted from The Wannabe Chef […]
Tried this today with just banana, almond butter, egg and cocoa powder. SO good! Not overly sweet but warm and gooey. Perfect treat on a miserable day. Highly recommend trying this recipe 🙂
This recipe is a godsend! I am new to paleo and have constant cravings for the muffins and breads I used to get at my local coffee shop. This recipe is just as good as any unhealthy treat I could pick up. It really curbs my cravings.
[…] The Wannabe Chef […]
This… is just amazing. So simple to make too.
I have to have some. Now. Before my keyboard is covered in drool.
[…] Paleo Mug Cake (Courtesy of The Wannabe Chef) […]
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I HAD THE BIGGEST CRAVING FOR CHOCOLATE CAKE!!!Thank you for the recipe.. I made mine with sunflower butter.. yum!
I made this last night and it was the yummiest thing ever!!! Thanks for this amazing recipe!
I love this idea but I am so anti-microwave. How can I make this in the oven?
I would pour the batter into a small ramekin and bake for 10-15 minutes at 350
Thanks!! I will be trying it this weekend 🙂
Hahaha…im thinking of what kind of cake I can use with what I have in my kitched (not much). I have some questions:
1. Can I use hot cocoa since I don’t have “cocoa powder” or is it the same thing?
2. What can I use instead of the banana since I don’t have that either (and think I almost bought some today)
I have eggs, flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, peanut butter, oatmeal, and chopped nuts..Im sure something yummy can be concocted…lol
Thx in advance!
Hot cocoa is like cocoa powder but it has sugar already mixed in it so it would be sweeter.
I’ve heard of people using applesauce instead of banana in this recipe.
You could also look for a mug cake recipe that uses flour because those tend not to use banana.
Thanks so much. After submitting my question, I kept searching and did find a recipe where I could utilize flour along with the other things I had. I made 2 since I had to halve the egg. It was ok, they came out with a doughnut/honey bun consistency. They were edible though, I think Ill use less flour next time (I didn’t have a measuring tool). Thanks so much for your prompt reply 🙂
[…] Whole 30, or even on The 21 Day Sugar Detox, you need an indulgence every now and then! I saw the Paleo Mug Cakes from The Wannabe Chef and knew I had to try it for an easy paleo treat. After making it for […]
I’m planning to try this but with cacao powder. Wondering if anyone has tried it with cacao & if it gets very bitter?
[…] Want a quick, easy, tasty dessert? The Wannabe Chef has you covered with the paleo mug cake. I suggest adding some crack (see the Chocolate Coconut Bark post here) or your favorite nuts and/or berries. I used a ramekin instead of a mug. There’s not much else I can say about this one. Give it a try! Here’s the link: http://www.thewannabechef.net/2011/12/02/paleo-mug-cakes […]
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’m new to paleo and this morning, I was having major sweet cravings, I just didn’t want another savory egg breakfast! This was my saving grace 🙂
Thanks for the idea! It was perfect for my craving tonight!http://christi-labellavita.blogspot.com/2013/07/paleo-mug-cake.html
Hey! yum, looks divine. I had a question though, does this recipe work without using any kind of nut butter? anything you can substitute it with?
you can leave it out but the taste and texture won’t be as rich.
I just tried this with butternut squash instead of the banana. I used vanilla stevia to sweeten it, and added chopped walnuts. I cooked it for just 2min 15 sec. and watched it as my microwave seems hot. It was so amazing to watch it shoot up about an inch or more above the mug (even though I filled the mug to just over half full).
Thanks so much for this recipe. It’s really good even though I can slightly taste the squash. I will be trying it again and testing out other additions. Maybe I will add mint next time.
Just made the mug cake. It’s not very good! Pretty blah and dry actually. I guess it’s better than nothing, I added agave nectar as a sweetener but it’s not at all sweet. If you are a dark chocolate lover then you may like it.
[…] I came across this: chocolate cake in a mug – even though I’d not had banana for a while, I wanted to […]
[…] just long enough to eat it. 2. Sweet potato mug cake. I make the basic paleo mug cake recipe (Paleo Mug Cakes | The Wannabe Chef) except: – Instead of a banana I use one of those really dry Japanese sweet potatoes, cooked and […]
Looks lovely and simple – which I love! However, in Eastern medicine, it is well established that microwaving is the worse way to treat foods.
[…] Paleo Mug Cake was from The Wannabe Chef, and it tasted like a brownie!!! However it was WAYYY too much cocoa […]
I didn’t want chocolate so I made a variation of this cake using a bit of unsweetened coconut, coconut flour and apple pie spice instead of cocoa Tasted like a coffee cake.
[…] these things fantastic and slightly addictive, they are very easy to make. Here is the link from The WannaBeChef or, my adaptation is […]
hey~ was wondering what the best substitute for bananas would be as they are seriously the one friut i HATE! thank you!!!
Hi, Jodie. I can’t say I’ve used anything besides bananas but I’ve heard other readers successfully use applesauce and butternut squash as substitutes.
My bride can’t eat chocolate – is there a vanilla version?
I haven’t tried this but you could substitute the cocoa powder for half the amount coconut flour
[…] The Wannabe Chef […]
I just made this and was pleasantly surprised since bananas aren’t my fav. But the taste was mild with lots of chocolate flavor. Will definitely make it again. I’ve got applesauce straining now (with a plate and can on top to weigh it down a bit) and am going to try that. All of the suggestions are so helpful. Thanks, community!!
It’s pretty dry and meh but really good for snacking as I tend to eat a lot. If you are a dark chocolate lover, you will love this. Unfortunately, I am not 🙁 Will probably add more bananas and honey next time I try it out again.
Thank you for the recipe btw 🙂
[…] recette piochée chez the Wannabe Chef: des mini-cake au chocolat, à faire dans des mugs, en 20 […]
Microwavecooking is extreemly unhealthy. Can this ne made in a conventional oven??
Yes, Jane! Try baking it in a ramekin at 350 for 10-15 minutes
OMG. You have changed paleo for me. I have made 2 cakes already, each one was delicious, rich, chocolatey. Not too sweet, and the banana wasn’t as overpowering as people make it out to be. It wasn’t eggy like most mug cakes. I topped mine with berries and nuts and went to town. One cake is too big for a sitting, but for the occasional sweet fix, this kept nicely in the fridge for a few days.
I’ve had this for dinner… Two nights int a row! It’s awesome.
[…] has been one of my most popular recipes. I still have people commenting on the original post who’ve made it and loved it, and that’s a good feeling. The ingredients are fairly […]
[…] I found the original recipe at Wannabe Chef. […]
[…] Paleo Mug Cakes | The Wannabe Chef – Sweet potato mug cake. I make the basic paleo mug cake recipe (Paleo Mug Cakes | The Wannabe Chef) except: – Instead of a banana I use one of those really dry Japanese sweet potatoes, … Breakfast Paleo Mug Cake | The Wannabe Chef. May 13, 2014 | 9:00 am […]
tried this without a microwave. tried to make pancakes. it totally sucked. it was one big nasty mess. not keeping this recipe. waste of time and ingredients.
Sorry you had that experience! I assure you if you made it in a microwavable mug it would come out as described
[…] *photo credit […]
[…] Paleo mug cakes | the wannabe chef […]
i just made this mug cake, and it was quite lovely! i had to put it in a small bowl, as my banana must have been a little larger than the recipe intended. i topped it with cold coconut milk cream, some saucy berries, and toasted walnuts.
this was my dinner, by the way… worth it.
the cake was a hair dense, but i may have overcooked it slightly.
anyway, having pinned this recipe, i’ll for sure be making this in the future!
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amazing! thank goodness, i needed a chocolate comfort, and i am off flour/sweetener/sugar. this was great for me.
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