When you are craving something sweet but don’t want to sweat in the kitchen, a mug cake comes to the rescue. Mug cakes are easy and can be made in minutes. Another advantage of a mug cake is that there won’t be too much cake to tempt you into a second or third helping, so your diet won’t be ruined. But the best part is that there is always a mug cake recipe good enough to make from whatever is in the pantry.

I had some bananas and chocolate chips, so I combined the two, with some cocoa powder for a more chocolaty taste, and ended up a delicious banana and chocolate mug cake.

Ingredients

• 1 banana, medium to small sized
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chunks

Method:

Beat an egg a microwave proof mug, the one you will be using for cooking the cake. Add banana and mash with a fork. Now add oil and mix.

Now add the dry ingredients and vanilla essence. Continue mixing with a fork or use only one handle of an electric mixer and mix till just combined.

Microwave for just one minute and the mug cake is ready! The cooking time will depend on your microwave, but the secret to a soft mug cake is not to overcook it, even if the cake seems a bit moist from the top. The longer you microwave it, the harder the cake will get.

Enjoy it warm, without the need for a topping since it already has banana and chocolate chips. But if you are in the mood, go for whatever you fancy, like chocolate syrup, ice cream, or some banana slices.

Happy feasting!

The writer Instagrams @the_experimentalcook

Published in Dawn, Young World, August 27th, 2022