Just lately, Mr. Scrummy and I have been accusing each other of eating a weird breakfast. He insists that my toasted croissant with cheese, a whisked-up egg microwaved into a sort of omelette and a little smidge of tomato ketchup is disgusting and bizarre, while I insist that his banana and Greek yoghurt on toast is far more horrible and strange. Now come on, own up, I know you’re on my side.
Yesterday we agreed to disagree, and also that it was really a question of whose breakfast is the weirdest because, let’s face it, they could both be considered to be slightly out of the ordinary (his in particular … hehe).
Now don’t go thinking I’m super weird or anything, but a great many things I eat would never in a million years end up on this blog – you’d think I was crazy and never come back here again! Lately I’ve been making myself a mid-morning snack of peanuts with tiny chunks of cheddar cheese thrown in, for instance. Strange? Maybe a little. I think an old friend of mine that I once shared an apartment with can definitely beat me at food bizarreness, though. She went through a phase of mixing a packet of ramen noodles with a can of baked beans in tomato sauce for dinner!
The fact is, I’d be willing to bet money on the fact that you all have cravings for ‘weird’ stuff every now and again, too – or maybe even every day. After all, it’s hard to fathom food tastes out. I’ve always wondered how one person’s food heaven can be another’s food hell, but this is just how it is. Mr. Scrummy slathers a thick layer of butter on bread every opportunity he gets, for instance, whereas even a small smear makes me heave.
Anyway, it was this 5 minute individual banana & peanut butter pudding that got me thinking this way because it was born on a day that I had a terrible craving for something sweet and rich and peanut buttery. At lightning speed, I did a little online research and pulled together this pretty much heavenly little dessert (adapted from a recipe by Running With Spoons). With each spoonful that I shovelled in my mouth I ooh-ed and ah-ed and figuratively patted myself on the back for having made something so delicious in so little time.
The best way to describe this pudding is probably a cross between a super moist banana bread, a soft peanut butter cookie and a gooey pudding. Honestly, it tastes divine, and the best thing is that it’s actually pretty good for you. There are only 2 teaspoons (yes, teeny tiny little teaspoons!) of brown sugar in it and no butter or oil (there’s just the oil in the peanut butter). As I used almond milk, it’s totally dairy free, too. All you do is mix everything up in a little ramekin, bowl or mug, microwave for 2 and a half to 3 minutes and it’s done!
This was wonderful exactly as it was (reminds me of Colin Firth’s famous quote in Bridget Jones – “I like you, just the way you are.” Awwwww.) BUT, if you want to make it even healthier (and vegan, actually) you could leave out the chocolate chips (although I’m not sure that’s such a good idea because the little touch of melted white chocolate sent it soaring sky high into food heaven in my opinion).
While licking my lips after wolfing this down almost entirely to myself (although it’s big enough to share between two), I thought about how ironic it was that a lot of my baking endeavours often flop, at least at my first attempt, but something as quick and easy and spontaneous as this ended up being one of my favourite sweet recipes yet.
In fact I have a major craving for this again as I write. I would run into the kitchen and make it again except I’m going out for dinner tonight and don’t want to make this mistake again!
I’ll make it again soon, though. And next time I think I’ll eat it with a little scoop of ice cream!
Update: I just made this tonight and it overflowed over my ramekin. Lesson learned = use a large ramekin or mug for this!! 🙂
5 minute individual banana & peanut butter pudding
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon plain flour medium heaped
- 1 tablespoon almond meal medium heaped
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1/2 ripe banana mashed
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- a small handful of white chocolate chips
Instructions
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Put the flour, almond meal, baking powder and sugar in a large ramekin (or a large mug if you prefer). Mix well.
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Add the milk gradually and stir until there are no lumps. Then mash the banana and peanut butter together, then stir them vigorously into the mixture until well combined. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top.
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Microwave on full power for 2½ to 3 minutes (time depends on your ramekin/mug and microwave strength) and eat immediately straight from the ramekin/mug (don’t burn your mouth!)
Recipe Notes
Adapted from this recipe from the blog Running With Spoons. Use milk chocolate chips if you prefer. You can also use a large mug instead of a ramekin and then this becomes a mug cake! If you use a ramekin for this recipe, make sure it's a large one!
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe says
I’m not sure what I love more – the actual pudding or the fact that it can be whipped up in 5 minutes. I know what I’m making the next time I have a sweet craving!
Helen says
Hi, Amanda! So glad you like this! I’ve been craving it all week but have managed to (mostly) resist … at least it’s not too unhealthy!
Eva says
Je ne peut pas croire que Mr. Scrummy ne soit pas content avec tes croissants. Tu est une magnifique cuisinière. 😉
J’aime beaucoup cet idée pour le petit déjeuner, ça change de l’ordinaire !
Helen says
haha … merci, Eva! 🙂
Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry says
There is nothing I don’t love about this recipe. I mean it takes 5 mins.
Helen says
Haha … yes, what’s not to love, hey? Thanks, Bintu!
Allison says
Aren’t food preferences funny? I’m always amazed at what some people put together and to me, it doesn’t look all that good. But then I do things that make people “heave” too 😉 I’ve always wanted to try one of the mug cake thingys and now I have the perfect excuse. Anything with pb and banana is good in my books–it can’t be beat!
Helen says
You got me, Allison … basically this is a ‘mug cake’. I have to say though it’s a good one … It tastes like a really decadent dessert but as it’s fairly healthy you don’t even have to feel guilty about eating it. 🙂
marcie says
You got my attention — 5 minutes?! And peanut butter and banana? I’m sold. This looks heavenly and I love that I can have a dessert without much effort! 🙂
Helen says
Yeah, it’s pretty cool, isn’t it? And not even that unhealthy = bonus! Thanks, Marcie!
lori @ TheHealthMinded.com says
Helen – you sound so happy here! Isn’t it wonderful that the small things in life can give us such joy? This is great – so simple and quick. Sometimes I want a sweet something but too lazy to put it together. I think I can handle this and not feel guilty about it! Great job!
Helen says
Hi, Lori, and thanks so much for another lovely comment. You’re always so encouraging! I guess I am feeling happy right now … the Australian Spring is marvellous, which helps of course. You’re right that this is the perfect dessert for lazy people with a sweet tooth – people just like me!
Meggan | Culinary Hill says
THIS is an amazing recipe! An individual portion of yummy, delicious banana peanut butter pudding! I enjoyed reading about your weird food cravings… which BTW your croissant sandwich sounds mouth-watering and not weird at all! I’m in your camp! But then again it is common around here to dip grilled cheese sandwiches in ketchup so… your husband would probably think I’m weird too. 🙂
Helen says
Ooh, grilled cheese sandwiches in ketchup sounds lovely … I could definitely get into that! 🙂
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I am totally on your breakfast side. I like to go for the salty and savory things. This pudding sounds delicious!
Helen says
Yay, thanks, Natalie! So glad you like the pudding!
Susan says
Helen, your husband’s breakfast is definitely weird – even my husband thinks so… 🙂
This pudding sounds great, and worth trying. However, I would sub dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) for the white, as I do not like white chocolate at all (too sweet and it doesn’t taste like chocolate to me).
Thanks for a great snack idea.
Helen says
Hahaha, Susan … I’ll pass the message on that it isn’t just me that thinks Mr. Scrummy’s brekky is weird! Or maybe I shouldn’t tell him … poor guy!
It’s no problem to sub in milk or dark chocolate for the white … in fact you can miss out the chocolate altogether if you like. The pudding will still be delicious! 🙂
Isadora says
Although I would happily eat both of your breakfasts, I would have to side with you! You really can’t argue with bread and cheese! However, I’m kind of feeling sick thinking of what your old roommate used to eat! I love this 5 minute pudding and what I love even more is that I think I have all the ingredients on hand right now! Peanut butter banana pudding here I come 🙂
Helen says
Yay, another for team Helen! I really hope you did try this recipe, Isadora … I’ve been craving it every day since I first made it. In fact, I’m craving it again right now!
Isadora says
I just made it for breakfast and am actually eating it as I type this! It’s so good and so easy!! Thanks for the awesome recipe, Helen 🙂
Helen says
Yay! I’m so impressed that you made this (for breakfast no less!) and liked it. You’ve put the idea in my head now to make it this morning for breakfast! 🙂
Laura @ Raise Your Garden says
5 minutes, I mean, anyone and everyone has 5 minutes to make something tasty and (nutritious) like this. And as much as I love the white chocolate chips in this recipe, I love how your gonna add ice cream next time. And it looks so cute too. That banana/peanut butter combo gets me every time. And here I thought it was tough to get your hands on P.B. outside the U.S.! Silly me.
Helen says
Oh nooo, it’s not tough at all to get peanut butter. Although it is tough to get peanut buttter flavoured things … like peanut butter m&m’s, for example. 🙁
So glad you like the pudding, Laura. Honestly, this was the tastiest dessert I’ve had in a long time – I keep dreaming about it! I really hope you give it a go some time!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
5 minute desserts are the best! I like that you have used almond meal too.
Helen says
Thanks so much, Dannii … I know, aren’t 5 minute desserts just great? I’ve been discovering loads of them lately, too!
Culinary Ginger says
The perfect pairing, banana and peanut butter. I also love the use of almond milk and almond meal. This must be so tasty.
Helen says
Hello … and thank you! I guess I felt like the almond theme added a little more goodness. So glad you like it!
Kathleen @ hapanom says
Delicious looking dish AND only 5 minutes? What could be better than that!?
Helen says
Hi, Kathleen. Thanks so much for passing by and so happy you like the pudding!
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
The way you feel about your husbands toast is exactly how I feel about people who put mayo on their grilled cheese! Just yuck. This pudding, on the other hand, looks delicious! Love that it’s ready in 5 minutes!
Helen says
So glad you like it, Denise. Yup, I think I have to agree with you about the mayo on toast!
Jessica @ Jessica in the Kitchen says
Love this pudding Helen and that it comes together so quickly. I just found out I could eat bananas again so I’m making EVERYTHING with bananas! Haha
Helen says
Oooh … congratulations! Bananas are such a great food and I can’t imagine not being able to eat them. 🙂
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
5 minutes until heaven! I cannot wait! <3
Helen says
Haha … yup, you got it! 🙂
[email protected] Eats says
You rock! My blog is all about fast food so I’m constantly after inspiration for new ideas! I’ve seen a lot of chocolate mug cakes in microwaves so this is a refreshing change. And what an awesome combo of flavours. I highly approve of the addition of almond meal! That’s my secret ingredient in sweet treats 🙂 Thanks for sharing! I’m going to make this for dessert tonight! I made some dulce de leche yesterday and I’m thinking that is perfect to dollop on top!
Helen says
Hi, Nagi! I’ll have to check your blog out – a blog all about fast foods sounds just up my alley! I’m so happy you like this dessert and really hope that ‘the proof was in the pudding’ (sorry for the lame joke) and it tasted great when you made it. I agree that almond meal is a great ‘secret ingredient’. Add s a little more goodness than regular flour 😉
Mira says
Hi Helen! You really got some wonderful flavors in this simple dessert (not weird to me at all) ! I love peanut butter and bananas 🙂 Cooking it in the microwave to save some time is a great idea! Will definitely try it!
Helen says
So happy you like this, Mira. It’s so delicious for the amount of effort it takes (really not very much). I hope you try it some time!
Mary Frances says
A mug cake + pudding cake + healthy?? Helen, you are speaking my language! I love how fudgy this is. The combo of flours added to the banana and the peanut butter is genius. I cannot wait to give this a go!
Helen says
Hi, Mary Frances! You’re right that this ends up really ‘fudgy’ – that’s what I love about it. I am honestly quite addicted to it at the moment – thank goodness it isn’t too unhealthy! 🙂
Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
Ok … so I’d honestly give either of your “weird” breakfasts a try. But, hands-down, yours is way, way less weird (sorry, Mr. Scrummy!). It actually sounds more or less like my fave breakfasts – savory, with an egg for protein and loads of antioxidant-rich salsa, and whatever else happens to be hanging out in the fridge that looks good! So, anyway … I’m thoroughly excited about this recipe! I mean, really – I look at A LOT of recipes most days, and this is one of the most exciting recipes I’ve seen in a while. It’s got everything going for it – healthy, easy, super-fast, and perfect for a nosh. Oh – and it has white chocolate chips … ’nuff said. I can’t wait to pin this … and then eat it … often! 😀
Helen says
Thanks so much for your enthusiasm, Shelley! I have to say that this is one of my favourite recipes so far … but also one of the easiest. I’ve had a serious craving for it all week long … but don’t have any bananas right now ….aaargh, disaster!
I am feeling rather smug right now too that most readers have gone with my weird breakfast as being the least weird … hahaha! 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
You had me at five minute pudding, Helen! I love finding desserts like this! Peanut butter and banana sounds like the best combination. Pinning to try out!
Helen says
Thanks so much for the pin, Gayle … I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll enjoy this if you try it!
whatjessicabakednext says
These puddings look super delish, Helen! Love pb so much, so I’d love these!
Helen says
Thanks, Jess! I really hope you try this some time!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
Looks delicious! I love that it’s individual, and how quickly it comes together. My kind of dessert 🙂
Helen says
Hi, Rachel. I love this for quite a few reasons, and so glad you do, too! 🙂
Liz says
Oooh, does this sound amazing! And in 5 minutes??? What a terrific recipe!
Helen says
Thanks, Liz!
Mariana @The Candid Kitchen says
Do you know what my food weirdness is? Condensed milk poured on top of salty popcorn. I only eat when no one is in. This banana peanuty thing though does NOT look bizarre!
Helen says
Hahahaha … I love that, Mariana! Yup, very weird, if you don’t mind me saying (I love that you eat it when no one is in … lol!) 🙂
Chris @ Shared Appetite says
But you know what… a lot of times, the weirdest combos really do taste the best! And that’s how new flav combos are totally invented.. but people like you guys messing around with weird breakfasts 🙂 So keep it going and discover the next trend for us, won’t you?! Hahaha
Helen says
Hahahaha … I like your reasoning here! At the moment I’m fairly skeptical of yoghurt and banana on toast becoming ‘a thing’, but you never know!! 🙂
[email protected] Olives & Garlic says
5 minutes?!! SOLD!! Love this
Helen says
Hi Kathy … thanks so much for saying so!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
Yum! I love peanut butter + banana together 🙂
Helen says
Yay! Me too!
Melanie @ Bon appet'Eat says
Ahah definitely there are things that should not go on our blog… I totally agree. We all need a little dirty secret 🙂
This looks wonderful and I am thinking this is totally a treat I could make at the office… Ohlala Helen, tu me donnes des mauvaises idées!
Helen says
Ah, mais c’est pas aussi mauvaise que tu penses … il y a juste deux petites cuilleres de sucre dedans 😉
Nora @ Savory Nothings says
I guess we’re all guilty of weird food pairings sometimes 😀 this looks absolutely wonderful and not weird at all though!
Helen says
Hi, Nora … nice to ‘meet’ you! Phew, so glad I’m not the only one. 😉
Thanks for liking this and not thinking it’s weird … lol!
Ashley says
haha my husband constantly tells me that my smoothie creations are weird. Whatevs .. I think they are delicious! And 5 minutes to this goodness? Sign me up!
Helen says
Now, smoothies is something I’ve never got into, but I think I need to change that. Just think of all the weirdness possibilities!
Shashi @ runninsrilankan says
Ok .so…your croissant and egg and your hubs’ toast and greek yogurt/nana combos – both sound great to me!! And bananas and pb are a winning combo – this pudding is making my stomach rumble!
True story – my roommates and I in college would have Ramen noodle cooking contests – and try to doctor up ramen noodles in the most creative way!!
Helen says
Ha … lol! My friend who ate the ramen and beans would have loved you!!
Tandy | Lavender and Lime says
It’s eggs for breakfast for me, and this pudding for lunch for sure!
Helen says
lol … happy to have inspired you, Tandy!
Judit |Glamorous Bite says
For the longest time I resisted peanut butter and banana together until had the pleasure to taste a pb + banana bread. Your banana, peanut butter sounds just as flavorful of a combo nothing bizarre at all. Mr.Scrummy’s breakfast ideas on the other hand are extremely inventive and well there are many who would find it even tempting… I guess 🙂
Helen says
Hi Judit! I only tried this combo of flavours recently, too, but now I’m hooked! I just loved that this little pudding satisfies a sweet craving almost instantly … but without being too unhealthy.
Tash says
Oh my gosh, this looks YUMMY! Pinning! Hahaha I looveeee hearing about peoples’ weird food loves! Just quickly; I totally understand the greek yogurt + toast thing! I work in a restaurant that serves brunch, so naturally our staff food involves lots of eggs, yogurt, porridge..etc. I am the only one who ever tries this combo – I don’t see what’s weird? It’s like pancakes and yogurt but without the oil, which is surely less weird?! And I’m totally defending your old flat mate…In England baked beans are a HUGE deal. Pasta and baked beans is one of my fav meals hehe! My bro’s throw it together with Ramen all of the time too 😉 Another amazing thing is mayonnaise with fries and ketchup with mac and cheese! Or eggs with brown sauce and fried toast…Talk about delicious dinner hacks 😀
All of the best things start out weird! The guy who invented cheese fries + cheesy nachos for example are just lucky that everyone happens to love cheese, right?!
Great post!
Helen says
Hahahaha … you’ve just cheered me up on a slightly stressful evening, Tash! OK, so I think I have to admit that I might have been wrong about my husband’s Greek yoghurt and banana and my flatmate’s ramen and beans. I don’t fancy it myself, but I accept that it might taste OK if I gave it a chance. I have to agree wholeheartedly though that mayo with fries and ketchup with mac and cheese is good. In fact, I dumped a big squirt of ketchup on the leftover pasta bake I had for lunch today, which is a similar idea. 🙂
Great comment – thanks!!