Banana Bread in a Mug

Soooo good! I love all your mug cake recipes (especially now that I have learnt not to overmix. 🤭 ) They all turn out so fluffy and yummy. 😋

PUL Team - Nov. 4, 2024, 11:58 p.m.

Yayy so glad you're enjoying the mug cake recipes, Terhi! 😊

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Is there a substitute for baking soda ?

PUL Team - Oct. 31, 2024, 1:12 p.m.

Hey Danielle, this mug cake recipe uses baking powder rather than baking soda to give it a fluffier rise. You can experiment with leaving it out though if you'd like - and are okay with a slightly denser cake 🫶

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Mine was gluey, I guess all the different brands of flour make a difference.

PUL Team - Oct. 29, 2024, 4:48 p.m.

Hey Sohnja, thank you for your patience with making the recipe. How disappointing! Rather than the brand of flour, we suspect that a gluey texture may have come from overmixing or overcooking. Here are some ideas to help in case you give the banana bread mug cake another try:

1) For overmixing - try to mix until just combined rather than stirring extra. It can be tempting to get rid of all the clumps but overdoing it can lead to a rubbery and gluey texture!
2) For overheating - cook the cake in shorter intervals until done so you can keep a closer eye on it.

We hope this helps for now, and happy cooking 💛

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This recipe is very easy! The bread is so moist and delicious! It’s perfect anytime with a cup of your favorite coffee!

Delicious!!

The only change I made to this recipe was using oat milk and light brown sugar. This recipe was absolutely delicious! The perfect amount of sweetness when you are craving it. I will definitely be making it again.

This was hands down the best muggin recipe I've ever made. So Moorish! Texture was amazing, as was taste.

I quadrupled the recipe, but used only 3 tbs oil, and switched out sugar for Xylitol. Baked in the oven for 15-20mins from memory. Perfect!

Will be making this one again.
Thank you!

PUL Team - Sept. 27, 2024, 4:42 a.m.

Aw so happy that the banana bread mug cake recipe was enjoyed, Han! Happy baking 🤗

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This was sooooo good, wow!

The banana bread in a mug didn’t turn out well for me 😔 After 2min in the microwave the toothpick came out wet so I put it back in for 15s, I tested again and the toothpick came out with just a few crumbs clinging to it so I took it out. Unfortunately when I tried to eat it, it was very gooey and unbaked. I put it back into the microwave for a total of 1min 30sec more, but this only made the texture tough/chewy with some wet parts still at the bottom and sides. I wonder if the banana I used half of was too large so the ratio of wet to dry ingredients was off? Or maybe the mug was a poor shape/material for baking it evenly? (I used a glass mug) I would love your advice as I would like to try this recipe again.

PUL Team - Aug. 14, 2024, 3:43 p.m.

Hey Evelyn, oh we're so sad to hear that the banana bread in a mug wasn't enjoyed! It indeed sounds like the mug cake wasn't cooking evenly. Glass conducts heat differently than general mugs so that could be the culprit. We think of a regular banana as 100 - 110 grams, so it's also possible that your banana might have been larger. Was your mug quite deep? We have made this recipe in mugs from 6 - 7 cm in depth. If you give this recipe another go, or any of the mug cakes a try, our suggestion would be to try and use a shallower mug. You could also try to cook it at 600W for 3 minutes, to try and help it cook more evenly. Hope this helps for now ✨

Evelyn - Aug. 18, 2024, 7:31 p.m.

Thank you for your advice! I've tried this two more times. On my second try I heated it for 2min 30sec from the start (in a non-glass mug) which baked it through much better. On the third try I followed your tip about using a shallower mug (cooking 2min 30sec again), which definitely helped it cook the most evenly of any attempt. I recommend using a shallow, wider mug to anyone trying this recipe. This recipe will definitely become a go-to for a quick cozy snack. Love from canada 🇨🇦

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Made it tonight after dinner and I absolutely loved every single bite of it! 😍

Made a triple batch and put it into a small loaf pan. 350 for around 8 minutes and it was the quickest breakfast. Quick, delicious and fun plus kid approved. I will be making this again and likely keeping in my rotation. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful recipe!

This was delicious, I made ours with coconut sugar and turned out great.

Love this recipe! It's so easy to make for an evening snack with a nice cup of tea. It has a lovely amount of sweetness to it. I like that it's not dry at all, really a banana bread in a mug!

It was a great breakfast option. We ended up, topping it with sliced strawberries and a little bit of hemp seed to the mix for extra protein.

Thank you so much!!!

PUL Team - May 6, 2024, 8:11 p.m.

So glad the mug cake was enjoyed with the additions, Edgardo!

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Easy and nice taste

Never had banana bread before so I wasn't sure what to expect. I love the texture difference between the soft cake with the chia seeds. Unfortunately I didn't have flax seeds so I swapped for chia which is still delicious! I expected the banana to be more overpowering, but maybe mine wasn't ripe enough yet which honestly I prefer.

Loved this cake! Subbed flour with a combination of protein powder and whole grain flour, left out baking powder, reduced sugar and oil but it still turned out super yummy! Totally unexpected. Great job PUL team!

PUL Team - March 26, 2024, 2:27 a.m.

So glad you enjoyed it, Rajoshi!

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This recipe works like magic its amazing:)
Can please bring the Viral Almond Croissant Cookies Recipe.

PUL Team - March 7, 2024, 1:38 a.m.

So glad it's being enjoyed, Sweta, and thanks for the request 😃

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i love this quick and easy fix for banana bread makes the perfect afternoon pick me up !!

Super cozy and delish. I think next time I’d use a full banana for even more flavor. But I just love these mug cake recipes - - they’re all so irresistibly cute💕

Very tasty!

Pretty good! Although mine didn’t have that much flavor, and was a little dry.

PUL Team - Jan. 29, 2024, 9:22 p.m.

Hey Kaitlyn, it's possible that the dryness may have been due to the mug cake being ovemixed or overcooked. In case it helps in the future, it can be tempting to get rid of all the clumps when mixing but we recommend mixing until just combined rather than stirring extra. To avoid overcooking, you could try reducing the cooking time by 30 seconds if you give the mug cake another try 😊✨

Kaitlyn Youmans - Jan. 29, 2024, 11:58 p.m.

Thank you I will try!!

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I had to substitute ground chia seeds for the flax and it still worked. I did use cow's milk and chocolate chips. It was delicious.

Nicole Mostofa - Jan. 21, 2024, 2:43 a.m.

Tried again withoyt flax seeds and with brown sugar. Also added 1 tbsp pecans. Still so delicious. 🍌😋

Nicole Mostofa - Feb. 1, 2024, 12:27 a.m.

Tried again, still with cow's milk. Omitted chia or flax seeds and omitted sugar. Turned out delicious as I ate it immediately.🍌

Nicole Mostofa - Feb. 2, 2024, 2:17 p.m.

Another time with help seeds instead of flax. So good with chocolate chips. No additional sugar added.

PUL Team - Feb. 2, 2024, 5:48 p.m.

Thanks for taking the time to share the updates, Nicole! ✨

Nicole Mostofa - Feb. 4, 2024, 2:55 p.m.

I love this recipe. Makes use of the over-ripe bananas when I don't have enough to make a full loaf. I have tried with olive oil and it sticks less to the sides. And I could barely sense the olive oil in it because banana is so overpowering.

Nicole Mostofa - May 15, 2024, 11:26 p.m.

Tried again with coconut oil and chickpea flour (besan). Delightfully surprised by how much it rose. No sugar. Plenty sweet for me. 🍌

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Added blueberries and walnuts plus subbed in maple syrup because we were out of sugar. It’s fluffy and delicious!

PUL Team - Jan. 9, 2024, 10:17 p.m.

Yayy we're so happy that the Banana Bread in a Mug was enjoyed, Maria 😊

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Love it!

Duper easy and delicious! A good 10 min breakfast that fills you up! I'm not the biggest fan of flaxseed and I'll try a replacement next time I make it. Even so, very good!

PUL Team - Dec. 15, 2023, 9:33 p.m.

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with the Banana Bread in a Mug, Mary! ☺️

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love it!

This is so good! Thank you 😊

Made this yesterday and it was so good that I’m making this again today 🥰

Great!

It is Yum! I have made it thrice already.

Super delicious! I did not use any sugar, as the banana was very ripe ❤️

Wow! This has to be my favorite mug cake ❤️ came out perfectly fluffy, sweet and moist 👌

Made all of the PUL mug cakes various times- they are UNFAILABLE*!
Even replacing the wheat flour for rice or corn flour or mixing up the taste-giving-ingredient (chocolate, berries, banana) for whatever else is at hand - it still works perfectly and tastes glorious.
*(correct word infallible)

Can we use chia seeds instead of flax seeds?

PUL Team - Dec. 31, 2022, 3:28 a.m.

Hey Lana, yes you can 🙂

Lana - Dec. 31, 2022, 12:05 p.m.

Thanks for replying! Just 1 more question, if i use chia seeds, am i supposed to ground it first? Or using it just like that is alright?

PUL Team - Dec. 31, 2022, 3:53 p.m.

Hey Lana, we find ground seeds work best. We've also heard a positive review for omitting the flaxseeds altogether if that's preferred 🙂

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Me and my mum had just finished cooking the Spicy Harissa Pasta recipe and, as a surprise dessert, I baked this recipe while she rested her injured knee.
Something about how the banana bread smells and tastes gives me memories of how she would take care of me when I was sick and not feeling well.

Thank you so much for this gorgeous recipe Sadia’s Team! Please know that your recipes aren’t just food to eat, they’re doors for making peace and happiness.

❤️

PUL Team - Sept. 5, 2022, 1:23 a.m.

Oh, Oliver, so kind of you to make it for your mum! Your kind words mean so much and we hope your mum gets better soon 💛

Oliver Green - Sept. 6, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

❤️

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We had one pretty ripe banana left, and I decided to look up a banana bread in a mug recipe. The only problem was that I didn't have cows milk. I only had almond milk! This recipe looked delicious. So yes, I used almond milk instead of soy (I usually always have soy but just ran out!) and we did not use chocolate chips. It was still so delicious and gave me a reason to use up some things in the pantry. Thank you for this recipe! My 3 year old son and I enjoyed it together :)

PUL Team - Aug. 23, 2022, 8:05 p.m.

Woop woop! Beyond happy to hear the mug cake was enjoyed, Analise 🙂

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Just made this mug cake and it is scrumptious ♥️ Am i surprised?? No 😉 everything that you make that i have tried is!!! I am definitely one of your biggest fans

PUL Team - Aug. 13, 2022, 7:59 a.m.

Aw thank you, Tiffani - you're the best! 💛

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Thanks so much for this lovely and delicious recipe! It's our favourite. Today I made too many of them and was wondering if I can store them. Maybe in the fridge? or at room temperature?
Thanks so much! 😊

PUL Team - Aug. 13, 2022, 4:08 a.m.

Hey Olga, this one is best enjoyed immediately. You could store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days though 🙂

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Super yummy mug cake recipe- one I keep coming back to!

Can I possibly swap the ap flour with whole wheat flour. And if yes, what would the ratios be?

PUL Team - June 26, 2022, 3:37 p.m.

Hey Chella, we haven't tested it out but we've had positive reviews for using whole wheat flour in our other mug cake recipes, such as our Blueberry Mug Cake here: pickuplimes.com/recipe/vegan-…. You may want to add a splash more plant milk since whole wheat flour will absorb a bit more liquid than all-purpose 🙂

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this was so good! very quick and easy to make, this made a great breakfast!

My favorite mug recipe! Sometimes when I'm out of flaxseed I leave it out and it still works well. My absolute favorite with a cup of coffee or tea!

PUL Team - May 7, 2022, 7:45 p.m.

We're so happy the mug cake is being enjoyed, Charlie, thank you!

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So delicious especially with the chocolate! And it's so easy to make 😀

PUL Team - April 30, 2022, 10:12 p.m.

Thank you, Celina!

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So yummy

Love this one! I use oat flour and coconut sugar. So yummy!

PUL Team - Feb. 16, 2022, 9:54 p.m.

So glad it's being enjoyed, Rain, thank you!

Julieth Gabriela Nino - Feb. 6, 2023, 1:59 p.m.

I was thinking of doing the same! I have both types of flour at home but for some reason I just prefer how oat tastes. Can I ask what ratio you did for the oat vs all purpose flour?

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It's so great, both my boyfriend and I love this recipe.

It is soo soo good ✨ im definitely doing this for my friends and family too

PUL Team - Jan. 27, 2022, 7:17 p.m.

Mmm so kind of you to make it for them, Catia!

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This has become one of my go-to-breakfast when I don't know what to do with my ripen bananas. It's so comforting and quick🥰💗

Came out a bit chewy.. And didn't raise.. I don't know why. Still tasted great though! 😇

PUL Team - Nov. 24, 2021, 9:22 p.m.

Hi there, Stevie, so sorry to hear about the unexpected texture. Were the listed ingredients and portions used? If so, we suspect the chewiness may have come from overmixing the batter or overcooking.

All-purpose flour when overmixed promotes more gluten to develop which creates a tougher texture. It can be super tempting to mix more, but only mixing the ingredients together until just combined helps avoid this. Baking the cake for too long can also lead to a rubbery texture. If you end up giving the mug cake another try and your microwave tends to be on the powerful side, we'd suggest starting with less than 2 minutes to start and then trying intervals of 15 seconds until done. We hope this helps for now and thank you again for the feedback, Stevie 🤗

Stevie - Nov. 25, 2021, 2:40 a.m.

Hi!! Thanks do much for your reply...
After reading your message I'm 100% sure that I must have overmixed!!
Sorry, I wish I could give the recipe the 5 stars it deserves now..
Thank you 😇🤗✨

PUL Team - Nov. 25, 2021, 6:34 p.m.

No problem at all, Stevie! We'll check if changing the rating is possible. We hope you enjoy the mug cake texture if you give it another try ✨

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This recipe is a good way to start your day :)

Great recipe! My husband, who's a fan of banana bread, really enjoyed this mug cake. Thank you!

This was my first ever mug cake, and it was so so good! Thanks a ton, PUL! We're going to make these for our guests and friends too!

PUL Team - Sept. 29, 2021, 6:30 p.m.

Aw so happy the first mug cake was a success! Thank YOU 😃

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Made these as regular muffins in the oven and they came out perfect! So delicious 👌🏻

I absolutely love this banana mug cake! Visiting family and friends almost always make a request for this or one of the other Pick Up Limes mug bread/cakes. Everyone gets their favorite dessert this way :-) Thank you for these recipes!!!

PUL Team - Aug. 28, 2021, 3:59 p.m.

Aw Jess, what a compliment! Thank you! 🤗

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Can you use oatmeel flower or whole spelt flower or... in stead of normal flower for the banana mug cake?

PUL Team - Aug. 5, 2021, 3:54 a.m.

Hi Iris, thanks for the question! We've had some positive reviews for the mug cakes, including this one, using oat flour in place of all-purpose flour. We haven't had a chance to test out spelt flour but if you give it a try let us know how it goes 🤗

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I am so happy! I finally found a mug cake recipe that I was able to do and it is so good! 😍 I already made it twice 😋 Surely I will try also the other ones 🥰

PUL Team - Aug. 1, 2021, 8:44 a.m.

We're so thrilled to hear this, Elena! Do let us know how the other ones go if you give them a try ☺️

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My favorite mug cake ever!! It’s absolutely yummy!

I am so happy that PUL got me started on mug cake recipes as they are fun and easy to make and such a great way to enjoy cake without the time and ingredients needed to make a big one.
I am a big banana bread fan and, out of all the PUL mug cake recipes, this one is my fave. I find that it only takes 1.5 minutes at 750W in the microwave to reach perfect consistency.

PUL Team - July 13, 2021, 4:52 a.m.

Thanks a bunch for sharing this with us, Charlotte! It means so much to hear 🥳

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That was a delicious surprise! ❤️ Thanks to this recipe I found out that it's possible to make mug desserts in the microwave. It's great as a spontaneous dessert - not much effort or many ingredients. And I love how the chopped chocolate melts! Tastes best with homemade icecream 😋

By the way, all your work - the videos, recipes, this page and more - is so impressive! Thank you so much and good luck with all your projects! Greetings from Northern Poland 😃

PUL Team - July 11, 2021, 2:44 p.m.

You're too kind, Agata! We're so happy you're enjoying the PUL content. Hugs to Northern Poland 🤗

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This is perfect when you don’t have time to bake banana bread. super easy and satisfying and the amounts are perfect for one serving.

Made a banana mug cake this morning. Once mixed, let it stand for 5-10 minutes just so that the baking powder starts working for sure. I put a strength on 8 out of 10 on my 1200W microwave.
Baked it for 2 minutes. So delicious!

PUL Team - July 11, 2021, 12:37 a.m.

Thanks for sharing this, Guli! So glad you enjoyed the banana bread 😊

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So good!

I just made the banana bread version for a quick coffee break and it’s soooo good! Thanks for that gorgeous recipe, I would recommend for anyone who loves a good homemade snack, but don’t want to stay in the kitchen for hours. 👍🏻

PUL Team - June 24, 2021, 5:49 a.m.

We're so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Paula! Thank you for taking the time to share 💖

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This was delicious! Thanks for the recipe, it's super versatile and will definitely be one I come back to.

I made the following basic edits based on what I had in the cupboard:
- Swapped vegetable oil for coconut oil
- Swapped chocolate chips for walnuts
- Swapped all-purpose for oat flour
- Swapped soy milk for cashew milk
- Swapped sugar for maple syrup

It still came out great, if a little sweet. I think I could probably leave out the sugar/maple as I was using a very ripe banana.

PUL Team - June 21, 2021, 6:47 a.m.

Thank you for your review and for sharing this, Hana! So glad the recipe turned out with the various substitutions 😃

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Mine didn't came out as puffy as pictured and I'd do it sugarless, but otherwise it's very tasty!

This is the 5th time I made this mug cake and it never gets old. I love that the instructions are so clear. My little sister doesn't love my food cause they are usually burnt, but this time she loved it. Thank you so much.

I just made this banana bread & it turned out great. My sister never eats anything banana flavoured but this time she did. Thanks.

PUL Team - May 22, 2021, 7:39 p.m.

Ooh we consider that a win! So glad you both enjoyed the banana bread in a mug, Samonty ☺️

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Made this for a Saturday morning breakfast for my family. Was so delicious and easy! Thanks so much Sadia !! :)

PUL Team - April 25, 2021, 1:06 a.m.

The thanks is to you, Amy, and so glad you enjoyed it ✨

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What a awesome little treat! I like the idea of switching it up for the almond and oat flour for a breakfast switch up which I know my Granddaughter will love!.
Thanks Jasmine for the idea and thank you Sadia for the recipe. 😋
😊

PUL Team - April 24, 2021, 3:29 a.m.

Aww we hope your granddaughter loves it, Darlene!

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i found this at a perfect time, as i had rather brown bananas to use up. i was feeling experimental and subbed the oil for another tablespoon of milk & used a mix of oat and almond flour instead of all-purpose. it came out delicious!

PUL Team - April 22, 2021, 3:02 a.m.

Thanks for sharing your substitutes, Jasmine! So happy you enjoyed the result :D

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Hey! Thank you for all the great recipes!
Do you think it's possible to bake it in the oven (old school..), assuming the mug is oven safe? I don't have a microwave :(
And with what temp. and how long would you think is ideal?

Thanks

PUL Team - April 20, 2021, 5:28 a.m.

Hey there, Hof! Totally - If you don't have a microwave, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15 - 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Just be sure to use an oven-safe baking dish as you mentioned 🤗

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Mmm so good! I think I overmixed it (my fault for being to eager not properly reading the instructions 🤦🏻‍♀️) so it was a bit stodgy, but it still tasted delish! Will definitely be making it again soon and trying out the other recipes as well 🥰

Also used this recipe as an excuse to try some gluten again as i've been wanting to reimplement it into my diet, but just small amounts at a time and this doesn't have much flour in it so it's perfect for that!

PUL Team - April 20, 2021, 5:20 a.m.

Hehe we've definitely over-mixed it for the same reason! So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Nina 🤩

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Hi Sadia & the PUL team, new website looks great!
If I don’t have flaxseeds for this banana bread mug cake recipe, what can I substitute that will help keep the texture?
Much love.

PUL Team - April 19, 2021, 3:18 a.m.

Hi Lauren, another ground seed, such as ground chia seeds or hemp seeds likely would work best 🙂 We hope you enjoy the recipe!

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I just did it and it's past midnight lol. omg, this is amazing, thank you!

PUL Team - April 19, 2021, 3:08 a.m.

Hehe got to love a good midnight snack! So glad you enjoyed the mug cake, Aline :)

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Another delicious, easy creation from Pick Up Limes! Thank you Sadia - I have never been disappointed in your recipes ❤️

PUL Team - April 19, 2021, 2:14 a.m.

We are so grateful to hear this, Amy! Thank you for the support 🥰

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I just made this for my snack with coffee. Then I went back and made another mug. And then another mug hahaha it's so yummy and addictive I'm in heaven <3

PUL Team - April 19, 2021, 2:06 a.m.

Hehe third time's a charm 😜 So glad you enjoyed it, Nethraa!

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