There’s nothing better than this small-batch dessert for when you’re craving something chocolatey but don’t want a whole tray of brownies. This brownie in a mug recipe is so simple but hits the spot every time. This is also the perfect alternative if I’m out of eggs, as this brownie mug cake is eggless. Simply scale it up, and you and your family can each have their own individual dessert.
The texture of this mug brownie is soft, fudgy, and chocolatey, just like my homemade brownie recipe but made in a fraction of the time. Plus, cleaning up is easy as everything is mixed and made in a single mug. All you need are a few simple pantry staples, and you’ll have this dessert ready in no time. If you’re interested in another single serve dessert recipe, then try my cookie in a mug recipe or my mug cake recipe.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Unsweetened cocoa powder — I like using natural 100% cocoa powder. However, black or Dutch processed cocoa will work in place for this easy mug brownie recipe.
Oil — due to the oil not having much of its own flavor, it allows the chocolate flavors to shine. The oil also leads to a more tender and fudgy brownie.
Chocolate chips — you don’t want to skip out on the chocolate chips in these brownie mug cakes. They add additional chocolatey flavor to the brownie. Since the mug isn’t very large, if you have mini chocolate chips, even better!
How to Make Brownie in a Mug
1. Combine cocoa powder, flour, sugar, and salt in a 10- to 12-ounce microwave-safe coffee mug.
2. Add the milk, oil, and vanilla.
3. Stir just until the dry ingredients are almost combined. Add the chocolate chips, and stir until well combined.
4. Sprinkle a few more chocolate chips on top. Place the mug in the microwave and microwave on high power for 1 minute. Then continue cooking in 10-second intervals if the batter still looks raw. Let the brownie cool for a few minutes before serving with ice cream.
Pro Tips for Making This Recipe
- Make sure to measure your flour correctly. If you add too much flour to the recipe, you will have a less dense and fudgy mug brownie. I highly recommend always using a scale to measure. However, if you don’t have a scale, be sure to fluff your flour with a spoon and then spoon it into your cups before leveling it off with a knife. This method is the best way to measure flour without overpacking the measuring cup.
- Use real vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- A shorter, wider mug is ideal as it allows for more even cooking. I recommend a heavy ceramic mug with no metal.
- Avoid overcooking your brownie in a cup, as you will end up with a dry brownie.
- Do not over mix the batter, as it will lead to a tough brownie.
- The center will continue to bake and set after you remove the mug from the microwave, so don’t worry if they seem a bit too soft and fudgy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some variations I can make?
- Add peanut butter: swirl a spoonful of peanut butter into the batter before microwaving. Chocolate and peanut butter are such a classic combination. You could also use peanut butter chips.
- Add Nutella: add a few dollops of Nutella before or after microwaving the mug brownie for even more chocolate flavor.
- Add jam: add a spoonful of strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry jam to the middle of the batter before microwaving for a sweet, fruity bite.
- Add chocolates or nuts: chocolate such as M&M’s and nuts such as chopped walnuts add texture to the brownie.
What are more toppings to try?
Other than ice cream, try drizzling some caramel on top, adding a few dollops of homemade whipped cream, or spooning some hot fudge sauce over the microwave mug brownie.
Why do I need to let the mug brownie rest?
Just like traditional brownies, a brownie inside of a mug takes a few minutes to set. Resting the brownie allows it to set and for the texture to develop. Plus, you don’t want your ice cream on top to melt before you get a chance to enjoy it.
Can I double this recipe?
You certainly can. I recommend mixing the ingredients in a separate bowl so you can incorporate the ingredients better without over mixing. It is best to microwave the mugs individually.
If you love this recipe try these out!
If you’ve tried this Brownie in a Mug recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
Brownie in a Mug
Video
Equipment
- Mug
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- generous pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2½ tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips plus more for sprinkling
- ice cream to serve
Instructions
- Combine cocoa powder, flour, sugar, and salt in a 10- to 12-ounce microwave-safe coffee mug. Using a fork, stir until well combined. Add the milk, oil, and vanilla. Stir just until the dry ingredients are almost combined. Add the chocolate chips, and stir until well combined. Sprinkle a few more chocolate chips on top, if desired.
- Place the mug in the microwave and microwave on high power for 1 minute. The brownie should have risen and still appear moist in spots on the top. Continue cooking in 10-second intervals if the batter still looks raw. Let the brownie cool for a few minutes before serving with ice cream.
Notes
- Make sure to measure your flour correctly. If you add too much flour to the recipe, you will have a less dense and fudgy mug brownie. I highly recommend using a scale to measure your flour. However, if you don’t have a scale, be sure to fluff your flour with a spoon and then spoon it into your cups before leveling it off with a knife. This method is the best way to measure flour without overpacking the measuring cup.
- Use real vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- A shorter, wider mug is ideal as it allows for more even cooking. I recommend a heavy ceramic mug with no metal.
- Avoid overcooking your brownie in a cup, as you will end up with a dry brownie.
- Do not overmix the batter, as it will lead to a tough brownie.
- The center will continue to bake and set after you remove the mug from the microwave, so don’t worry if they seem a bit too soft and fudgy.
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