Description:
Indulge in a warm, gooey, chocolatey brownie in minutes with this easy Brownie in a Mug recipe. Perfect for those late-night cravings or when you need a quick and satisfying dessert, this single-serving treat is ready in just a few minutes. This recipe delivers all the rich, fudgy goodness of a traditional brownie, without the hassle of baking an entire batch.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
- 1 pinch salt
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk (whole milk or your preferred alternative)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for added flavor)
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chunks or chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark chocolate recommended)
- 1 tablespoon beaten egg (from a large egg)
Preparation:
This brownie-in-a-mug recipe is incredibly simple, and the steps are quite straightforward. Before you start, make sure that you have a microwave-safe mug and that it’s between 6 to 8 ounces. If you use a mug that’s too large, the brownie will be too flat.
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients. In your microwave-safe mug, add the flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and salt. Stir these ingredients thoroughly with a fork or small whisk until they are well combined. This step is essential to ensure that there are no clumps of flour or cocoa powder, which could result in a less-than-perfect texture. Make sure that the dry ingredients are completely mixed before moving on to the next step. A well-mixed base will allow the wet ingredients to blend seamlessly, setting you up for a perfectly textured brownie.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg. In a small bowl, crack a large egg and beat it with a fork until it is uniformly mixed. Measure out exactly 1 tablespoon of the beaten egg. Any extra egg can alter the consistency of the brownie, so precision is key. Once you have measured your tablespoon of egg, add it to the mug. The egg will act as a binder, helping the ingredients to come together to create a deliciously chewy brownie.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients. To the mug, add the vanilla extract, milk, and vegetable oil. The vanilla extract enhances the chocolate flavor, while the milk adds moisture to the brownie. The vegetable oil will keep your brownie moist and fudgy. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and the batter is smooth. This is another crucial step in ensuring that your brownie has the desired texture.
Step 4: Incorporate Chocolate Chunks. Add half of the chocolate chunks or chips (1 tablespoon) into the batter and stir them in gently. This will distribute the chocolate throughout the brownie, giving you a burst of chocolatey goodness in every bite. After stirring in the chocolate chunks, sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of chocolate chunks or chips over the top of the batter. This makes for a beautiful and tempting presentation when the brownie is finished.
Step 5: Microwave to Perfection. Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 1 minute to 1 minute and 15 seconds. The exact cooking time will vary depending on your microwave’s power, so it’s important to keep a close eye on the brownie as it cooks. The brownie is done when it no longer appears wet across the top. It should be firm around the edges and slightly soft in the center. Keep in mind that the brownie will continue to cook slightly as it cools.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just a few minutes, this recipe is perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings.
- Single-Serving: No need to bake an entire batch when you only want one delicious brownie.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your preferences – add nuts, different types of chocolate, or a dollop of peanut butter for a personalized treat.
- Minimal Cleanup: Only one mug and a couple of utensils to wash!
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, gooey, and chocolatey – the perfect way to end the day or brighten up a gloomy one.
Serving Suggestions:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Top your warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich brownie.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the brownie for extra sweetness and indulgence.
- Fresh Berries: Add fresh raspberries or strawberries for a pop of color and a touch of tartness.
- Dusting of Cocoa Powder: Dust the top with cocoa powder for an elegant presentation.
- Hot Fudge Sauce: Drown your brownie in hot fudge sauce for an intensely chocolatey experience.
Tips:
- Microwave Variance: Microwave power varies, so start with 1 minute and add 15-second intervals until the brownie is cooked through.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking will result in a dry, rubbery brownie.
- Mug Size Matters: Use a 6-8 ounce microwave-safe mug for the best results.
- Dutch-Process Cocoa: Dutch-process cocoa powder gives a richer, smoother chocolate flavor. If you only have natural cocoa powder, it will still work, but the flavor may be slightly different.
- Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts, peanut butter chips, or other favorite mix-ins to the batter.
- Experiment: Try different types of chocolate chips for a unique flavor profile.
Prep Time: 2 minutes Cook Time: 1-1.15 minutes Total Time: 3-4 minutes
Nutritional Information:
*Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories *Protein: 5-7 grams *Sodium: 100-150 mg
Conclusion:
This Brownie in a Mug recipe is a lifesaver when you need a quick and satisfying chocolate fix. It’s easy to make, customizable, and incredibly delicious. Enjoy this single-serving indulgence whenever the craving strikes. It’s the perfect answer to “I need chocolate NOW!” This recipe is simple enough to make with kids, and the results are always a hit! It’s a great way to experiment with flavors and ingredients. So grab your favorite mug, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a warm, gooey brownie in just a few minutes!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I make this recipe without an egg?
A1: Yes, you can! The egg adds a slight chewiness and helps with leavening, but the brownie will still be delicious without it. Simply omit the egg from the recipe. However, be aware that the texture might be slightly different, resulting in a denser, fudgier brownie. If you want to replace it with another ingredient, try adding an extra tablespoon of milk to compensate for the lost moisture.
Q2: Can I use a different type of flour, like gluten-free flour or almond flour?
A2: Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, but keep in mind that the texture might change. A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend is typically the best option. Almond flour can also be used, but it tends to produce a denser brownie. You might need to adjust the amount of liquid to achieve the desired batter consistency. Start with the recommended amount of almond flour and then add a little more milk if the batter seems too dry.
Q3: What if I don’t have brown sugar? Can I use white sugar instead?
A3: While brown sugar is preferred for its richer flavor and added moisture, you can substitute it with white sugar in a pinch. However, the brownie might not have the same depth of flavor. If using white sugar, consider adding a tiny drop of molasses to mimic the brown sugar flavor.
Q4: My brownie is still wet in the middle after 1 minute and 15 seconds. What should I do?
A4: Microwaves vary in power, so it’s common for cooking times to differ. If your brownie is still wet, continue to microwave it in 15-second intervals until the top appears set and no longer wet. Be careful not to overcook it, as this will result in a dry brownie. Once it looks nearly done, take it out of the microwave as it will continue to cook from the residual heat.
Q5: Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this recipe?
A5: Absolutely! Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite mix-ins. Chopped walnuts, pecans, peanut butter chips, or even a swirl of Nutella would be delicious additions. Add them in with the chocolate chunks for a customized treat. Just don’t add too much or else the brownie will not fully cook, or rise correctly.
