When we’re craving something chocolatey, but just don’t have the patience to bake, this brownie in a mug recipe is where we turn. Jump to the Brownie in a Mug Recipe or read on to see how we make it.
Within five minutes, you’re in chocolate brownie heaven. One mug is usually enough for the two of us to share — especially when we top it with a big spoonful of ice cream or whipped cream.
There are lots of mug cakes, mug brownies and mug cookies around the internet, so I guess we’re not the only ones who need a quick fix every once in a while. This recipe for chocolate brownie in a mug is our favorite. It’s easy, quick and while it doesn’t rival our absolute favorite brownie recipe, it does quench our chocolate cravings.
You May Also Like our Fudgy Brownie Recipe starring cocoa powder, butter and the tiniest bit of flour. We love it so much, we’ve even made a recipe video showing you how to make it. The next time you’re in the mood for baking a whole batch of brownies, try this one, you won’t regret it! There’s also this spin with almonds.
Chocolate Brownie Quick Fix: How to Make a Brownie in a Mug
Making a mug brownie only takes 5 minutes. You could try mixing everything in the mug itself, but we’ve found that doing everything in separate bowls keeps things less messy when it comes to the sides of the mug.
We start by sifting flour and cocoa powder together — you can whisk them, but sifting really is best. Cocoa powder often has a bunch of lumps and sifting breaks them up.
In another bowl, we mix melted coconut oil, brown sugar, coffee and a little vanilla extract together. We love the flavor coconut oil adds to the brownie, but you can just as easily use butter or other oil. Keep whatever you use light in flavor, though.
Coffee and chocolate work so nicely together — the coffee seems to make the chocolate taste more chocolatey. If you don’t have any on hand, simply use water or milk (dairy or non-dairy).
We love how versatile the recipe is, you really can change it to your liking. If you don’t have unsweetened cocoa powder, you can try hot chocolate mix. Just keep in mind, you may need to reduce the sugar a little.
We whisk everything together until a batter forms then carefully pour it into the mug. Try your best not to drip the batter down the sides of the mug — they overcook in the microwave and make things hard to clean when you are done.
If you do drip, just wipe it clean before microwaving.
We microwave the brownie (without peeking) for 1 minute and 30 seconds. We’ve found any longer just dries the brownie out. You may find you need to tweak timing a little since all microwaves and mugs are going to be a little different.
How to Serve Your Microwave Brownie
You can serve it immediately and eat straight from the mug (just be careful it is really, really hot at first). Or, turn it upside down and place it onto a plate. The brownie is best enjoyed warm and is absolutely amazing when topped with a little salt and ice cream!
Recipe updated, originally posted June 2015. Since posting this in 2015, we have tweaked the recipe to be more clear and added a quick recipe video. – Adam and Joanne
Easy Microwave Brownie in a Mug Recipe
- PREP
This recipe makes one pretty generous brownie. Adam and I will often split one and enjoy it with a big scoop of ice cream on top. We love the added flavor of coconut oil in our brownie, but you can certainly use something else. Try a lightly flavored, fruity olive oil, grapeseed oil or other neutral flavored oil. Melted butter will work, too. If using coconut oil or butter, we melt them in 10 second bursts in the microwave — and actually use the mug we plan to use for the brownie. Once it is melted, let it cool for 30 seconds before mixing with the egg.
You Will Need
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted and not hot (melted butter, lightly flavored olive oil or neutral oil like grapeseed also work)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons coffee, at room temperature (water or milk — dairy or non-dairy)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg (leave out for extra fudgy brownie, see notes below)
Salt, optional
Directions
Sift the flour and cocoa powder together over a bowl.
In another bowl, whisk the melted coconut oil, brown sugar, coffee, egg, vanilla and a very small pinch of salt together until blended then pour into the bowl with sifted flour and cocoa powder. Whisk until combined then carefully pour into the mug.
Clean any drips around the edges of the mug then microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 1 minute and 45 seconds. Serve with a sprinkle of salt on top, if you like. Top with your favorite brownie topping — ice cream is always a good choice.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Egg-Free Mug Brownie: We really enjoy the structure the egg provides, but if you’re looking for a fudgy, more molten brownie or don’t eat eggs, you can eliminate it from the recipe. Instead of an egg, increase the liquid to 4 tablespoons (this can be coffee, water or milk).
- Brown Sugar vs. Granulated Sugar: We use brown sugar in our brownie recipe since it makes the brownie more moist. Granulated sugar will still work well, in fact, the brownie will likely rise a little more in the mug.
- What Mug to Use? Specialty or glazed mugs aren’t your best option when it comes to this recipe. Use a plain, microwave-safe coffee cup that holds at least 12 ounces. We have also noticed the thinner and taller the mug is, the better the brownie rises (like our photos). Don’t worry though, even if your brownie doesn’t rise above the rim of the cup, it should still taste great!
- A note about our microwave: Our microwave is a 1000-Watt microwave. If you have a more powerful microwave, you may want to consider reducing the cook time or power setting.
- Nutrition facts: The nutrition facts provided below are estimates. We have used the USDA Supertracker recipe calculator to calculate approximate values.
If you make this recipe, snap a photo and hashtag it #inspiredtaste — We love to see your creations on Instagram and Facebook! Find us: @inspiredtaste
Great taste but terrible texture. Too dry.
Yummiest
Best mug brownie recipe I have tried by far! I didn’t add an egg instead I used 4 tbsp of milk for the liquid and it came out so moist and gooey!
I tried the version with eggs and I was quite disappointed. It came out with a rubbery texture and lacked the “fudginess” that I like. But I got the idea of cooking it an extra 30 seconds and I added frosting on top making a decadent chocolate cake…10/10 recommend this cake that I had made, but maybe not the brownies.
Delicious! I wanted something quick and a small portion so I’m not tempted to eat it tomorrow. Made this – super quick! Topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of butterscotch, chocolate sauce, and a dash of sea salt. Whoa! Awesome guys!
This was delicious! Made the eggless version. Came out gooey and delicious! Thanks for the recipe!!!
This tasted great but lacked that uwey gewey texture
Hi Matt, getting a texture similar to regular baked brownies is tough. We have found that removing the egg from our mug brownie recipe, it makes a fudgier brownie than with it. Next time, eliminate the egg from the recipe to see if that gets closer to a texture you are happy with. Hope that helps!
Came out rubbery. Worst mug brownie recipe I’ve tried to date.
Hi Megan, So sorry the brownie didn’t work as expected.
Hi, was excited to try however mine didn’t even rise to halfway up my mug….
Kimberly, It’s possible the mug was larger than what we used. Also, the brownie does eventually fall once you take it out of the microwave.
Which microwave mode is best for baking brownie in a mug and do we need to preheat it?
You do not need to preheat the mug/microwave. We do not choose a specific setting for the microwave.