When sudden chocolate cravings strike for something sweet but didn’t want to commit to baking a whole pan of brownies? Welcome to your new favorite treat: the brownie in a mug!
This quick and easy recipe is perfect for those moments when you need a chocolate fix, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. All you need is a mug, a few basic ingredients, and a couple of minutes. It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you never tried it before. Ready to whip up some dessert magic? Let’s get started with the ultimate brownie in a mug recipe!
❤️ Why Make a Brownie in a Mug?
- Quick Preparation: Who has the time or energy to bake a whole tray of brownies these days? With a brownie in a mug, you can have your chocolate fix in less than five minutes. Just mix your ingredients directly in the mug, pop it in the microwave, and voilà! Your brownie is ready before you know it.
- Minimal Cleanup: Hate washing dishes? Same here! One of the best things about making a brownie in a mug is the minimal cleanup. You mix, microwave, and eat from the same mug. No bowls, no pans, no fuss. A brownie in a mug means fewer dishes to wash, leaving you more time to enjoy your treat.
- Portion Control: Let’s be honest, an entire tray of brownies is dangerous territory. It’s all too easy to keep cutting “just one more piece.” A brownie in a mug offers perfect portion control. You get a single serving brownie that satisfies your sweet tooth without the temptation to overindulge. It’s a win-win!
- Instant Gratification: Got a sudden chocolate craving? A brownie in a mug is your quick ticket to dessert heaven. No need to wait for the oven to preheat or the timer to go off. In just a couple of minutes, you can go from craving to satisfaction. It’s practically instant gratification!
Still not convinced? Here are a few more perks:
- Customization: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or a scoop of ice cream on top.
- Flexibility: Great for dorm rooms, offices, or anywhere you have a microwave.
- Fun for Kids: Easy enough for kids to make with a little supervision.
🧾 Simple Ingredients Needed for Mug Brownie Magic
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Mini chocolate chips
- Milk
- Vegetable oil
- Pure vanilla extract
- Baking powder
- Salt
Optional Add-ins
- Nuts: Add some crunch with chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
- Marshmallows: A few mini marshmallows can make your brownie ooey-gooey.
- Peanut Butter: A dollop of peanut butter in the center can add a creamy surprise.
🍳 How to Make Easy Brownie in a Mug
Get the full list of ingredients, with measurements, and step-by-step instructions at the bottom of the post in the printable recipe card.
In a 8 to 12 oz mug, add the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
Then add the wet ingredients and stir well.
Add the chocolate chips on top.
Microwave mug brownie for 1 minute and 45 seconds, or add a few more seconds, if it still has lots of wetness.
Let it cool off for at least one minute.
Garnish with a little confectioners sugar, optional.
🍶 Topping Off Your Brownie Mug Cake
Congratulations! You’ve just created a gooey, chocolatey masterpiece in a mug. But why stop there? Elevate your mug brownie experience with some epic toppings and serving ideas that will take your dessert game to the next level.
Classic Toppings
You can’t go wrong with the classics. These toppings are tried-and-true favorites that everyone loves.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of your warm brownie. The contrast between hot and cold is simply divine.
- Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy touch. Sprinkle some cocoa powder or chocolate shavings on top for extra flair.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some rich chocolate sauce over your brownie for an extra layer of indulgence. You can never have too much chocolate, right?
🍽️ More Creative Additions for Easy Mug Brownie Recipe
- Fruit Compote: A spoonful of warm berry compote adds a tangy sweetness that complements the rich chocolate. Blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries work wonderfully.
- Crushed Cookies: Sprinkle some crushed Oreos or chocolate chip cookies on top for a delightful crunch. It’s like having two desserts in one!
- Caramel Drizzle: A little caramel sauce can turn your mug brownie into a caramel-chocolate dream. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for that sweet-and-salty combo.
Nutty Twists
Nuts add a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate. Here are some nutty ideas:
- Pecans or Walnuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a classic nutty touch. Toast them first for extra flavor.
- Almond Slivers: Almond slivers add a delicate crunch and a subtle nuttiness. For an extra treat, toast them with a bit of sugar and cinnamon.
- Nut Butters: Add a swirl of peanut butter, almond butter, or Nutella to your brownie before microwaving. It’s like finding hidden treasure in your dessert!
Fun and Festive
Make your mug brownie party-ready with these fun and festive toppings:
- Sprinkles: Who doesn’t love sprinkles? Add a handful of colorful sprinkles to give your brownie a celebratory vibe.
- Mini Marshmallows: Top your brownie with mini marshmallows and give it a quick zap in the microwave to melt them slightly. It’s like a s’more in a mug!
- Candied Bacon: Feeling adventurous? Crumble some candied bacon on top for a sweet and savory twist that’s sure to surprise and delight.
Seasonal Flavors
Celebrate the flavors of the season with these seasonal topping ideas:
- Pumpkin Spice: In the fall, add a sprinkle of pumpkin spice and a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy, autumnal treat.
- Peppermint Crumbles: During the winter holidays, top your brownie with crushed candy canes or peppermint bark. It’s like a winter wonderland in a mug!
- Fresh Berries: In the summer, top your brownie with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a refreshing, fruity twist.
These topping ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. Feel free to mix and match to create your perfect mug brownie masterpiece. After all, the best part of making a brownie in a mug is the endless possibilities for customization. Enjoy every delicious bite!
💭 Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Mug Brownie
Crafting a perfect brownie in a mug might seem like a breeze, but a few tips and tricks can elevate your dessert from good to phenomenal. Let’s dive into the essential advice you need to create a brownie that’s rich, gooey, and utterly irresistible.
Avoid Overcooking
One of the most common pitfalls when making a mug brownie is overcooking it. A dry, crumbly brownie isn’t what you’re aiming for, right?
Microwaves can be tricky because their power varies widely. To avoid overcooking, start by microwaving your brownie for a shorter time, say 60 seconds. Check the texture after the initial cook. If it’s still too gooey, microwave it in 10-15 second intervals, checking each time. The brownie should look set but still be soft in the center. Remember, it will continue to cook a little bit even after you take it out.
Here’s a quick tip: if you like your brownie extra gooey, undercook it slightly. It’s better to have a gooey center than a dry, overdone brownie.
🥄 Flavor Variations
Why stick to a standard chocolate brownie when you can mix things up? With just a few tweaks, you can explore a world of flavors! Here are some exciting ideas to get you started:
- Mint Extract: Add a drop or two of mint extract to the batter for a refreshing twist. It’s like having a chocolate mint cookie in brownie form!
- Cinnamon: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon to give your brownie a warm, spicy kick. Perfect for cozy nights in.
- Espresso Powder: Boost the chocolate flavor by adding a teaspoon of espresso powder. This will give your brownie a rich, mocha taste. Plus, it’s a great pick-me-up!
- Orange Zest: A bit of grated orange zest can add a citrusy zing to your brownie, creating a lovely balance of flavors.
- Chili Powder: Feeling daring? Try a pinch of chili powder for a brownie with a little heat. It pairs surprisingly well with chocolate!
Dietary Adjustments
If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, fear not! You can still enjoy a delicious mug brownie with a few simple substitutions.
- Vegan: Replace the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Instead of regular butter or oil, use coconut oil or vegan margarine.
- Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 substitution so you don’t alter the texture too much.
- Low-Sugar: Cut back on sugar by using a sugar substitute like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener. Keep in mind that these substitutes often have different levels of sweetness, so adjust the quantity accordingly.
Making your mug brownie vegan, gluten-free, or low-sugar doesn’t mean skimping on flavor. These adjustments ensure that everyone can indulge in this delightful treat.
❔ Frequently Asked Questions
The secret to an extra gooey brownie lies in the cooking time and ingredients:
Cooking Time: Undercook the brownie slightly. Start with 60 seconds and add 10-second intervals until it reaches your desired gooeyness.
Extra Chocolate: Add a handful of chocolate chips or even a few pieces of a chocolate bar into the batter just before microwaving. They’ll melt into gooey pockets of deliciousness.
Peanut Butter: Swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter into the batter before microwaving. This adds a creamy, gooey surprise in every bite.
Choosing the right mug is essential for the perfect brownie. Look for these features:
Microwave-Safe Mug: This is non-negotiable. Check the bottom of the coffee cup or packaging to make sure it’s microwave-safe.
12 Ounces or Larger Size Mug: The mug needs to be big enough to contain the brownie batter as it rises. A mug that holds at least 12 ounces is perfect.
Sturdy and Tall: A mug with thick walls and a taller build helps the brownie cook evenly without spilling over.
Absolutely! This recipe is so simple that it’s a fantastic project for kids with just a bit of supervision. Here are a few tips to make it a fun family activity:
Measure Ingredients: Pre-measure the ingredients to make it easier for them.
Mixing: Let them mix the ingredients—kids love stirring things up!
Microwave Safety: Make sure an adult handles the microwave part. Microwaves can get hot, and safety is a priority.
More Mug Cake Recipes
- The Best Blueberry Mug Cake Recipe
- Strawberry Muffin in a Mug – Regular, WW and Keto Version
- Keto Chocolate Mug Cake
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Lava Mug Cake Recipe
Need to change the number of servings? You can click on the number of servings and change the number. This will adjust the ingredient measurements to what you need.
If you love this recipe, come back and give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Brownie in a Mug
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp pure cane sugar
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp mini chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp milk I used soy milk
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Directions
- In a 8 to 12 oz mug, add the dry ingredients; all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt and sugar. Mix until well combined.
- Then add the wet ingredients, milk, oil, vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Add the chocolate chips on top.
- Put in the microwave for 1 minute and 45 seconds, or add a few more seconds, if it still has lots of wetness.
- Let it cool off for at least one minute.
- Garnish with a little confectioners sugar, optional.
Debi
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