The Ultimate 7-Minute Fudgy Brownie in a Mug: Your Quick & Easy Chocolate Fix
Craving a warm, decadent brownie but don’t want to bake an entire batch or dirty a sink full of dishes? Our quick and easy brownie in a mug recipe is your ultimate solution! Ready in just 7 minutes from start to finish, this single-serving treat uses simple pantry staple ingredients to deliver a perfectly fudgy, deeply chocolatey brownie that will instantly satisfy those sweet cravings. It’s the ideal personal indulgence for a late-night treat, a speedy dessert, or simply when you need a little chocolate happiness, fast.
Why This Microwave Brownie Recipe is a Game-Changer
This brownie in a mug recipe is truly a marvel of convenience and deliciousness. It proves that you don’t need extensive baking experience or a long list of fancy ingredients to create an unbelievably satisfying dessert. The magic lies in its simplicity: a handful of common pantry items like brown sugar, all-purpose flour, milk, rich cocoa powder, a touch of vegetable oil, and a dash of vanilla extract come together effortlessly. All these ingredients are combined directly in an 8-ounce microwave-safe mug, then cooked to perfection in the microwave in just about 2 minutes.
What makes this microwave brownie recipe so brilliant? First, the incredible speed. From measuring to your first bite, you’re looking at a mere 7 minutes – far less time than it takes to preheat a conventional oven for a traditional brownie batch. Second, it’s designed for a single serving, which means no leftovers to tempt you and no risk of overindulgence. It’s portion control at its finest! Third, the minimal cleanup is a huge bonus; all you need is one mug and a spoon, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a spontaneous craving. The resulting brownie is consistently fudgy, moist, and wonderfully rich, especially when topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of extra chocolate chips. It’s the ultimate no-fuss chocolate fix.
We’re big fans of “in a mug” recipes because they perfectly marry speed and satisfaction. You can quickly toss the ingredients together, pop the mug in the microwave, and enjoy. We’ve explored various mug creations in the past, from our delightful chocolate mug cake to savory options like muggies (scrambled eggs in a mug for a super quick breakfast). These types of recipes are invaluable for saving time when you’re on the go, or when you crave a sweet treat late at night without the desire to make a mess in the kitchen. This brownie in a mug fits right into that category, offering gourmet-level satisfaction with minimal effort.
Essential Ingredients for Your Fudgy Mug Brownie
Creating this perfect brownie in a mug requires only a few basic ingredients that you likely already have on hand. It’s truly a testament to how simple ingredients can yield such extraordinary results. For the precise measurements and a full breakdown of the recipe, make sure to check out the printable version at the very end of this post. But first, let’s explore the key components that bring this delicious brownie to life.
Ingredient Information & Smart Substitutions
Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that perfect fudgy texture and rich flavor. Here’s a closer look, along with some handy substitution ideas to make this recipe even more flexible:
- OIL: We recommend using vegetable oil or any other neutral-flavored oil you have on hand, such as canola oil or sunflower oil. These oils contribute to the brownie’s moistness and tender crumb without imparting any distinct flavors. If you prefer, you can certainly use unsalted butter. Simply melt it before adding it to your mug with the other wet ingredients. Melted butter will give your brownie a slightly richer, more buttery flavor profile.
- CHOCOLATE CHIPS: For an extra layer of gooey chocolate bliss, don’t hesitate to double the amount of chocolate chips suggested in the recipe. To ensure they’re distributed throughout the brownie and melt beautifully, stir half of them into the batter before microwaving, and then sprinkle the remaining half on top immediately after cooking. This creates pockets of melted chocolate that are simply irresistible. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips too – milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips can add an interesting twist.
- ADDITIONS for Enhanced Flavor: To elevate the brownie’s richness and deepen its chocolate flavor, we highly recommend adding just 1/8 teaspoon of espresso powder. Don’t worry, you won’t taste coffee in the final product; instead, the espresso acts as a flavor enhancer, intensifying the chocolate notes and making your brownie taste even more decadent. It’s a secret weapon for any chocolate dessert!
- FLOUR: All-purpose flour is the standard here. For a slightly different texture, you could try a gluten-free all-purpose blend, though results may vary slightly. Avoid using self-rising flour unless you adjust other leavening agents.
- COCOA POWDER: Unsweetened cocoa powder is key for that intense chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give you a darker brownie with a milder, less acidic chocolate taste, while natural unsweetened cocoa powder will yield a lighter color and a more robust chocolate flavor. Either works well!
- BROWN SUGAR: Light brown sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the brownie’s moistness and chewy texture. Its molasses content helps keep the brownie soft. If you only have granulated sugar, you can use it, but the brownie might be slightly less fudgy.
- MILK: Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond or soy milk) will work perfectly here, providing the necessary liquid for the batter.
- VANILLA EXTRACT & SALT: These are crucial for balancing and enhancing all the flavors. Don’t skip them!
Mastering the Art of Brownie in a Mug: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this single-serving fudgy brownie is incredibly straightforward. With just a few simple steps, you’ll go from craving to indulging in minutes. These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe with ease. Remember, for the full printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Lightly spray the inside of your chosen microwave-safe mug with cooking spray. This crucial first step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup even easier, ensuring your brownie comes out perfectly.
- Add all ingredients except the chocolate chips to your microwave-safe 8-ounce mug. Use a small whisk or a fork to stir everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher brownie. Mix until there are no dry streaks of flour or cocoa powder visible.
- Microwave the mug (uncovered) on high power for 60 seconds. After the initial minute, carefully check the brownie. It should look super gooey in the center but set around the edges. If it still appears too wet, continue microwaving in 10-second intervals for up to an additional 20 seconds. The key is to remove it from the microwave when the top still looks a touch wet in spots; it will continue to set and firm up as it cools, ensuring that delightful fudgy texture. Overcooking will result in a dry brownie.
- Once cooked, let your brownie sit in the mug for 2 minutes. This resting period is important as it allows the residual heat to finish cooking the brownie and helps it set properly, resulting in a more stable and delicious texture. After resting, sprinkle on the chocolate chips. The warmth of the brownie will gently melt them, creating luscious pockets of chocolate.
- Serve your brownie warm, ideally with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts into the warm brownie to create an unforgettable dessert experience. Enjoy your instant fudgy delight!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for the Perfect Mug Brownie
This recipe is perfectly portioned for an 8-ounce microwave-safe mug. This size allows the brownie to rise without overflowing and ensures even cooking. If you don’t have an 8-ounce mug, a 6-ounce mug will also work effectively, but keep a close eye on it during cooking as it might cook slightly faster and be more prone to overflowing if your microwave is particularly powerful. Conversely, a larger mug (e.g., 10-12 ounces) will result in a flatter, thinner brownie, but will still be delicious. Just ensure there’s enough room for the batter to expand a bit while cooking.
Determining doneness can be tricky since microwave wattages vary significantly. Generally, after the initial 60 seconds, your brownie should appear mostly set around the edges but still look a bit gooey and shiny in the center. The top should have a slightly wet appearance in a few spots. If it looks too liquid or completely raw in the middle, continue to microwave in short bursts of 10 seconds, checking after each interval, for up to an additional 20 seconds. The brownie will continue to set and firm up as it cools, so it’s better to slightly undercook it for that desirable fudgy texture than to overcook it, which can lead to a dry, cakey result. Resist the urge to cook until completely dry!
While this brownie is best enjoyed immediately after cooking for that ultimate warm, gooey experience, you can store any rare leftovers. Simply cover the mug tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the brownie to an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave (10-20 seconds) to restore some of its warmth and fudginess before enjoying. You can also pre-mix the dry ingredients in a small bag or jar for an even quicker grab-and-go option later!
Overflowing usually indicates that your mug was too small for the amount of batter, or your microwave is very powerful and the brownie rose quickly. Ensure you are using at least an 8-ounce mug. If it continues to overflow, try reducing the cooking time slightly or lowering the power setting of your microwave (if adjustable) and increasing the cooking time in small increments.
Absolutely! This brownie in a mug recipe is incredibly versatile. Beyond chocolate chips and espresso powder, consider stirring in a tablespoon of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), a sprinkle of shredded coconut, mini marshmallows (added in the last 10 seconds of cooking), a tiny drop of peppermint extract for a mint chocolate brownie, or even a swirl of peanut butter before cooking. The possibilities for customization are endless!
Decadent Serving Suggestions for Your Mug Brownie
While this fudgy brownie in a mug is utterly delightful on its own, it truly shines when paired with a few thoughtful toppings. For the ultimate indulgence, serve your warm brownie with an optional generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the warm, gooey brownie with cold, melting ice cream is a classic combination that’s hard to beat. Drizzle with a little extra chocolate syrup or caramel for an added touch of luxury, and sprinkle with more chocolate chips for textural variety.
Don’t stop there! Get creative with your toppings. Consider adding some chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups for a nutty, chocolatey explosion, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a handful of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a hint of tartness. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also beautifully enhance the chocolate flavor. Whether you prefer a simple garnish or a full-on dessert masterpiece, this brownie in a mug serves as the perfect canvas for your culinary imagination.
Discover More Irresistible Chocolate & Brownie Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and deliciousness of this brownie in a mug, you’re in for a treat! We have a wide array of other brownie and chocolate-inspired recipes that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. From crispy variations to rich, classic fudgy batches, explore these related recipes:
- Brownie Brittle: For those who love the crispy edges of a brownie, this thin and crunchy snack is an absolute delight.
- Slutty Brownies: An indulgent layered dessert featuring chocolate chip cookie, Oreo, and brownie all in one decadent bite.
- Fudge Brownies: The quintessential classic fudgy brownie recipe that’s rich, dense, and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Peanut Butter Brownies: A heavenly combination of rich chocolate brownie swirled with creamy peanut butter.
- Chocolate Mint Brownies: Refreshing mint meets deep chocolate in these festive and flavorful brownies.
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Brownie in a Mug
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- cooking spray
- 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar lightly packed
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 Tablespoons milk
- 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- ½ Tablespoon chocolate chips optional as garnish
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream optional for serving
Things You’ll Need
-
8 ounce mug microwave safe
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Microwave
Before You Begin
- If you don’t have an 8-ounce mug, a 6-ounce mug will also work well for this recipe. Be mindful that it might cook a little faster due to the smaller volume.
- You can use vegetable oil, or any neutral-flavored oil you like (like canola or sunflower oil). Alternatively, unsalted butter can be used; just melt it before mixing into the brownie batter for a richer flavor.
- For an extra dose of gooey chocolate in your brownie, feel free to double the amount of chocolate chips. Stir half of them directly into the batter and sprinkle the rest on top after cooking.
- To achieve a richer, more profound chocolate flavor that truly stands out, consider adding 1/8 teaspoon of espresso powder. This addition won’t make your brownie taste like coffee but will subtly amplify and deepen the natural chocolate notes.
Instructions
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Lightly spray the inside of your chosen microwave-safe mug with cooking spray to ensure the brownie releases easily and cleanup is a breeze.
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Add all the ingredients – light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt – into the microwave-safe 8-ounce mug. Reserve the chocolate chips for later. Stir thoroughly with a fork or small whisk until all the ingredients are just combined and no dry pockets of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
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Microwave the mug (uncovered) on high power for 60 seconds. After this initial minute, check the brownie’s doneness. It should still look quite gooey and somewhat wet in the center, especially on top. If it appears too raw, continue to microwave in short 10-second intervals for an additional 10 to 20 seconds. Remember, it’s crucial to slightly undercook for a truly fudgy texture, as it will continue to set as it cools.
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Once out of the microwave, let the brownie sit undisturbed for 2 minutes. This resting period allows the internal heat to finish the cooking process and helps the brownie achieve its perfect fudgy consistency. Then, sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips over the warm brownie. The heat will gently melt them, creating delightful pools of chocolate.
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Serve your warm, fudgy brownie immediately, topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired for an extra-special treat. Enjoy your instant chocolate indulgence!
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
Embrace the simplicity and satisfaction of this ultimate brownie in a mug recipe. It’s the perfect testament to quick, easy, and incredibly delicious homemade desserts. No more waiting, no more excessive cleanup—just pure, unadulterated chocolatey bliss, ready when you are. Happy indulging!