Mug Brownie

A few years back, and still today, my edible cookie dough remains one of my most popular recipes. I put making a brownie in a mug on my to-do list and four years later I am just getting around to making it.

 

Looking for something to satisfy those chocolate cravings but don’t want to make a whole pan of brownies? A mug recipe is the answer. Purposely made to be one serving, this brownie mug cake is quick and easy to whip up.

Rather than making a whole batch of brownies from scratch, this fudgy mug brownie recipe allows you to make a single-serve brownie that is the perfect sweet treat after dinner.

I like a fudgy brownie (versus cake-like) so expect a little gooiness here. It is a cross between a cooked brownie and brownie batter. And top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? Pure deliciousness and sure to satisfy your brownie craving.

Brownie in a Mug

The challenge here is that the mixture is cooked and to get the right texture, but not too dry and not too fudgy, you still can’t really use an egg. One yolk or white and it is still too much.

I really took one for the team recipe testing and tasting over 5 mug brownie recipes. Yes, 5.

Some didn’t make enough, others left you wanting more, I didn’t like having to mix the dry ingredients, melt butter in another and then mix. I just wanted to basically have a dump cake in a coffee mug.

Don’t use a standard coffee mug. You’ll want something oversized around 14 or 16 ounce should work.

Also note that that they get super hot in the microwave. Be mindful that if it has metallics on it, it could spark or get even hotter. Stay away from those.

Cooking Times

Cooking times are going to vary. I know I’ll get a billion comments about how theirs didn’t cook right so I am going to talk about this issue here and also in the recipe notes.

You can two variables (three if you count altitude): the wattage of your microwave and the shape of your mug. A higher wattage will cook faster. A squattier, wide mug will cook faster.

I recommend testing the time in 10-second increments until you find your sweet spot.

Add Ins

You had no idea there were so many things to consider when making a mug brownie, did you? Now to the fun stuff…

What to mix in! Here are some of my favorite toppings and mix ins. Keep in mind that some of the candies might also require a little longer cook time (only by 15 seconds or so), but they are still quick and easy.

• Peanut butter, butterscotch or chocolate chips
• Caramel sauce or Dulce de leche
• Whipped Cream
• Sprinkles
• Fresh fruit
• Flakey sea salt
• Fudge Sauce
• Chopped candy
• Vanilla ice cream (any flavor, really)
• Cinnamon
• White chocolate chips
• Instant espresso or coffee
• Substitute flavored coffee creamer for milk
• Substitute oat or almond milk for milk

Ingredients

These simple ingredients can probably all be found in your pantry the next time your sweet tooth is craving a single serving brownie.

• Flour – I used all purpose flour here. I haven’t tried using a gluten free flour like almond flour, but let me know in the comments if you do.
• Sugar – Just white granulated sugar is all we need here.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – I always have a container of this in my pantry, and I’m sure you do too. It’s the powdered stuff found in the baking aisle.
• Coarse Kosher Salt – Keep in mind that different salts measure differently, so make sure you’re using the correct salt for this chocolate mug brownie.
• Unsalted butter – If using salted butter, omit the salt from above. Some people substitute this with coconut oil or vegetable oil. I’ve never used olive oil.
• Milk – I prefer to use full fat milk, but you could easily substitute something like coconut milk or almond milk to make this easy mug brownie recipe.
• Vanilla – Vanilla extract helps to round our the flavors and adds a sweet and subtle touch to this microwave brownie.

How to Make a Brownie in a Mug

So here is my version (the BEST version) of a mug brownie.

1. Stir together dry ingredients, sugar, flour, cocoa powder and a pinch of salt.
2. Add wet ingredients including milk, cubed butter and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter is in small cubes so it melts evenly.
3. Stir until all dry mixture is slightly damp. There will clumps of butter.
4. Microwave mug brownie for a few seconds, remove and stir well. The butter should be melted.
5. Heat for another minute or so on high heat. Check and if center is still wet, heat for 15 second intervals until your brownie in a mug is fully cooked. FULL INSTRUCTIONS WITH TIMES ARE BELOW!

More Dessert Recipes

• Single Serve Peanut Butter
• Single Serve Sugar Cookie Dough
• Edible Cookie Dough
• Chocolate Chip Mug Cookie
• Oreo Mug Brownie