Young professional by day and culinary adventurer by night, Alicia loves to share hospitality and homecooked meals with friends. She writes Jaybird, a blog about finding home and happiness wherever life takes you. This summer, she’ll be exploring Chicago in her favorite wedge sandals and a gorgeous Adele dress by Karina. Say hi on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and Pinterest!
There’s something about an individual dessert that feels extra indulgent…and a chocolate cake, all for yourself? That’s decadent.
At first, I was wary about making a cake in the microwave. It sounded like one of those ideas that’s wonderful in theory but tastes like cardboard in practice. Even so, I had some ripe bananas on hand and decided to give it a go.
A few weeks later, and I’d started to enjoy microwaveable chocolate cake all the time. I’d make one for a snack, for dessert or even for dinner (banana + egg + nut butter = healthy, right?). It was easy to whip one up in five minutes and I knew I’d have a consistent treat.
I’ve since learned a little more about moderation, and I generally try to eat some vegetables with my dinner instead of chocolate. Nonetheless, I’ll keep coming back to this recipe any time I need a special indulgence!
Microwave Chocolate Cake – Serves 1-2
1 very ripe banana
1 egg
1-2 teaspoons honey
1 ½ tablespoons almond butter
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Optional mix-ins or toppings: dark chocolate chips, walnuts, dried fruit, a sprinkle of cinnamon (I heartily recommend chocolate chips and cinnamon!)
In a flat-bottomed, medium bowl, use a fork or a potato masher to mash the banana into a smooth puree. Add egg, honey, almond butter, and cocoa and stir until it forms an even batter.
Fold in any mix-ins and pour batter into a microwave-safe mug for one large cake, or into two petites cocottes or ramekins to make two smaller cakes. Remember to fill your dish no more than 2/3 of the way.
If using a mug, microwave for 2 and ½ minutes or until center is set. If using two smaller dishes, microwave one at a time for 2 minutes or until center is set. Cake will remain quite hot for several minutes. Allow to cool slightly, sprinkle with cinnamon if desired, and enjoy.