One-Minute Microwave Brownie — When chocolate cravings strike, make this EASY brownie recipe in one bowl, without a mixer, and it’s ready in ONE MINUTE!! Rich, FUDGY, decadent, and accidentally vegan!! (no dairy, no butter, no eggs!)
Easy Microwave Mug Brownie Recipe
I was tempted to call this recipe One-Minute Microwave Brownie For One, but if you have some restraint and self-control you can split it with someone and it becomes For Two.
I make it for my daughter and I when a craving for chocolate in the baked and gooey form comes over us and handfuls of chocolate chips or nibbles of chocolate bars from the pantry just won’t do.
There’s something about warm, molten chocolate that is just so satisfying, and when you need your chocolate fix in this fashion and have no patience to wait, this microwave brownie is the recipe to make.
It’s extremely easy, made in one small bowl without a mixer, and your brownie is ready in one minute, give or take, depending on your microwave’s strength.
I have a 2013 recipe for a Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Microwave Mug Cake, and while that recipe is great, there’s an egg involved.
This new mug brownie recipe is egg-free (and dairy-free), which makes it accidentally vegan. That’s great for those of us who like our brownies more along the lines of raw and gooey rather than well cooked.
Not that I haven’t eaten my fair share of raw eggs in cake batter, brownie batter, and cookie dough and am still alive to tell wonderful tales all about those batters and doughs, but I digress.
There’s no baking powder or baking soda in this easy mug brownie recipe, which is great for a few reasons. The texture stays denser and more brownie-like rather than cakey.
And if you’ve ever ‘baked’ anything in the microwave, you know that things have a tendency to rise and overflow with no warning. That’s less likely to happen with this recipe sans baking powder or soda.
The texture isn’t as densely chewy as typical baked brownies, but ‘beggars can’t be choosers’ is what comes to mind with this recipe. It’s a brownie ready in one minute, it’s warm, decadent, and studded with chocolate chips throughout. Enough said.
Ingredients for a Microwave Brownie
For this supremely easy single serve brownie recipe, you’ll need:
- Granulated sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Water
- Vegetable oil
- Light brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- All-purpose flour
- Chocolate chips
No really, that’s it! Just make sure your chocolate chips are vegan if you’re strict about that kind of thing. Most semi-sweet chocolate chips are naturally vegan, but it doesn’t hurt to double check!
I also like to top my microwave mug brownie with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, but that’s optional.
How to Make a Brownie in a Mug
To make a gooey brownie in a mug, simply add all the mug brownie ingredients into a large mug or bowl and stir to combine, making sure not to overmix (otherwise you’ll activate the gluten in the flour and your brownie may become tough).
Microwave the brownie for about 1 minute, or until it’s as set in the center as you’d like.
Wait a few seconds before diving in, as the brownie in a cup will be piping hot when you first take it out.
Can I Make This With Gluten-Free Flour?
I haven’t tried making this microwave brownie recipe with gluten-free flour, but I’ve had readers say it worked out for them!
You may need to play around with this recipe a bit to figure out what works for you. Please leave me a comment if you find a way to make this gluten-free that you like!
Can I Omit the Chocolate Chips?
Yes, but they add extra flavor and make the brownie super gooey! You can also try using peanut butter or butterscotch chips, just saying.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Sure, why not! Pretty much any baking chip will work, as would chopped nuts or dried fruit. You can add up to 1/3 cup of your favorite mix-ins.
How Long Should I Cook a Microwave Brownie?
All microwaves, bowls, ingredients, and preferences for doneness vary, so you will need to experiment with how long it takes to cook given your variables.
I recommend stopping to check at the 45-second mark and going from there in 15-second bursts as necessary.
What Size Mug Should I Use?
This single serve brownie recipe can be made in either a large coffee mug or a bowl. Make sure to choose something that’s large enough as you don’t want the brownie to overflow as it cooks.
Also, it goes without saying that you should use a microwave-safe mug or bowl for this recipe.
Tips for Making a Microwave Mug Brownie
- I stuck to chocolate chips, but you’re welcome to use any baking chip(s) you’d like in this mug brownie recipe.
- Since this is a microwave dessert, I recommend enjoying the brownie right away. It doesn’t keep as well at room temperature like regular brownies do.
- I like to mix all of the ingredients together in the bowl or mug I plan on microwaving the brownie in. That way, I don’t had to dirty any extra dishes.
Pin This Recipe
One-Minute Microwave Brownie
When chocolate cravings strike, make this EASY brownie recipe in one bowl, without a mixer, and it’s ready in ONE MINUTE!! Rich, FUDGY, decadent, and accidentally vegan!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips*
- ice cream or whipped topping, optional for serving
Instructions
- To a small microwave-safe bowl, add the granulated sugar, cocoa, water, oil, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and whisk to combine.
- Add the flour and stir until just combined, don’t overmix.
- Add the chocolate chips and stir to combine.
- Cook on high power in the microwave for about 1 minute, or until the brownie is as set in the center as desired. All microwaves, bowls, ingredients, and preferences for doneness vary, so you will need to experiment with how long it takes to cook given your variables. I recommend stopping to check at the 45-second mark and going from there in 15-second bursts as necessary.
- Optionally add ice cream or whipped topping and serve immediately. Brownie is best warm and fresh.
Notes
*Double check that your chocolate chips are vegan, if you want this recipe to be 100% vegan.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 637Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 128mgCarbohydrates: 87gFiber: 4gSugar: 66gProtein: 7g
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I LOVED this recipe. It turned out amazing! I did have to microwave it for about 3 minutes or so, but I paused it in between and persevered. I usually get really nervous about baking things in the microwave, so I was amazed when this turned out delicious. This brownie was gooey, warm, and everything you’d want! Thank you for sharing this recipe! :)
I’m so glad to hear that you loved the recipe, and that it worked out so well for you! Anytime someone is cooking some thing in the microwave, it definitely takes a bit of trial and error since all microwaves are different, and the exact type of bowl or dish that you use in the microwave also impacts things, but glad everything worked out great for you!
I’ve tried making this recipe several times and I think I’ve finally solved it. I’ve tried mugs and bowls (mugs work better) with varying but similar results – burnt top/sides, raw middle. So today, as I’m giving it one last shot, I decided to add a 1/4 tsp baking soda and a small egg to the batter. And voilà , a perfect mug brownie!!
Thanks for persevering with this one and glad it came out perfectly finally!
Good, but…. a *little bit* disappointing. I ended up microwaving it for over 13 minutes, in little time chunks, and it was still kind of goopy, although burnt. I was also stirring it every now and then in the microwave. I’m sure this is a me problem, though, and although it was rich, it still provided a delicious snack and cured my chocolate craving. For this reason I’m still giving this recipe 5 stars.
Thanks for giving this 5 stars despite it being a little difficult for you. Microwave-able desserts are a tricky area because everyone’s machine + the mug you cook it in vary, and therefore results and overall experience can vary, by a lot sometimes. Thanks for trying the recipe!
I know this post is almost 3 years old but I just have to comment and tell you that I have lost count of how many times I’ve made this. It’s gotten me through 2 pregnancies 😂 it’s delicious, easy, I always have the ingredients on hand and it never disappoints. There’s a lot of microwave brownie/cake posts on the internet but when I finally discovered this one, there was no looking back.
Thanks for the 5 star review and I’m glad this has been an invaluable recipe for you – including two pregnancies! It’s actually older than 3 years (I reposted it 3 years ago with updated info, but it originated in 2017 actually!)
This was absolutely delicious. I used butter instead of oil and a chopped chocolate bar instead of chips. Oh and I used black cocoa bc that’s all I had. But this was everything I was hoping for in a mug brownie!!Â
Thanks for the 5 star review and I’m glad this this was absolutely delicious and that butter, chopped chocolate and the black cocoa all worked out great!
This was good but almost too sweet/rich for me. I like sweets a lot so this is saying something 😂
Followed the recipe exactly and I’ve cooked the brownie 4 times now for 1 minute each. It’s still super gooey. Everyone else in the comments seem to have had success but I can’t seem to get it to workÂ
Then I suggest simply cooking it longer. Not all microwaves have the same strength and power.
I had the same trouble. One minute is simply not enough for this amount of batter in a bowl. If you used a flat baking dish, one minute may work.
One minute is a guideline, but all microwaves very dramatically. And some of them are real scorchers and some aren’t. Of course cook it until it’s done based on your microwave.
I just saw this recipe, had all of the stuff, so I made it. OMG – it is so good!!! And used Cool whip as I didn’t have any ice cream. Will use that next time. Thank you for those of us who are choco-holics – this is just what is called for when you have a chocolate attack.
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad this was OMG good for you and that it helped you out with your chocolate attack :)
Can this be made with olive oil?
Thanks!
Yes but it will have a more pronounced flavor and taste than using a more neutral oil.
Averie, I love this recipe! I have made it many times. I use 1TB Hershey’s cocoa and 2 TB raw cocoa, and mexican vanilla, divide into 3 ramekins and microwave each one for 31 seconds and sprinkle with a tiny bit of sea salt. It is so delicious and I get a lovely little treat while staying on track with fitness goals! Thank you so much!
Thanks for the 5 star review and I am glad that you love this recipe and have made it often!
Just right and very yummy!!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad it was just right!
This looks amazing! I totally need to try this soon! I’ve been living under a rock and have never made these microwave treats before!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Sound great, but too many ingredients for a mug brownie. I like fast and simple. Might as well make a whole pan!
There’s basically two sugars, oil and water, flour and cocoa.
It’s really not that many things IMO in order to make something that tastes like a brownie in *one minute* but we all have our opinions what constitutes too much.
Can you cook in oven instead of microwave?
Probably yes.
Hi Avery:
This looks amazing. Can i use whole wheat pastry or oat flour?
I have only used AP flour so can’t say how the others will work.
Made this tonight for small dinner party, added rasberries on the side, main was your slow cooked lamb shanks, I am soooo happy, I’m not a very good cook, but the feedback from the dinner quests was 10/10 for both courses, thanks so much, you are a gem for putting these on your web site. Viv
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad you enjoyed this
This was the greatest recipe I’ve tried so far with microwaved brownies! Every recipe I’ve tried always came out WAY too fudgy. This one had a perfect balance. Thank you so much for the recipe!
Glad this is your favorite microwave brownie!
Made this. Super gooey and good! Used Hershey’s syrup instead of chocolate chips, had to cook for 1 min 30 sec. honestly, I don’t recommend trying to eat the whole thing without ice cream, it’s almost too much without something to break it up.
I dont have chocolate chips currently/cause my mom hides them, but I have peanut butter; so maybe i could put a tablespoon in the center. 🤔
So yummy! I made this tonight and halved it for myself. Perfect size. I followed the recipe exact and it was great. I think I will try peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips next time to change up the flavor.
Thanks for the five star review and I’m glad it was perfect! PB chips sound great too.
are chocolate chips optional?
Yes although they do add extra flavor.
Make sure you mix this thoroughly, otherwise, you’ll end up with a goopy mess.
Just tried this out! Followed the ingredients completely except for the chocolate chips and cocoa (I used less chocolate chips and a very dark cocoa for a little less sweetness). I ended cooking it for a lot longer than 1 minute, I added a lot of additional 20 seconds! (Probably because my microwave isn’t up to snuff!) While this isnt oven baked brownie good, I love that this doesn’t require eggs or milk; it’s a perfect treat for when you dont have anything in the house but are craving something sweet!
All microwaves can vary so much so timing is always variable but glad you loved this! And yes I agree with everything you said – when you’re in a mood for a quick treat, this is perfect!
Yummy Deliciousness! I used Coconut oil and Gluten Free Flour. I microwaved it for 1:30 . (Used 15 sec increments after first 45 secs.
Glad it worked out for you with coconut oil and GF flour!
I make this with 30ml brown sugar, 30ml white, a teaspoon ground flaxseed and a bit of extra water to make it more healthy (it’s the thought that counts…)
LOL and yes it is. I hope it tasted great!
So yummy! I followed the recipe exactly but halved it for just myself. By far the best mug brownie I’ve tried. Perfectly cakey and moist for me. I did have to cook a little longer, about 1min and 15 seconds for my microwave!
Thanks for the five star review and I’m glad that this was the best mug brownie you’ve tried!
This is tasty. Satisfies my chocolate craving for the day… Maybe even the next two or three!
Great to hear that!
Oh sweet jesus this is dangerous.
You know it!
SO rich and good! Definitely best for two people! Great recipe for intense chocolate lovers!
Yes it’s so rich and good! Probably better to share it :)
hey girl- this is right up my alley! So yummy!
I am so tempted to make this microwave brownie right now! So easy and looks so fudgy! Pinning!
You should! Thanks for pinning :)
Averie The One Minute Microwave Brownie Looks like fun in a Mug Thank you for the cute idea .
You’re welcome!
I need to make this for my husband. He is a chocoholic for sure. He would make this a ‘for one’ dessert. HA!
LOL :)
Love the pictures. The ice cream oozing into the brownie … sigh.
I know. This is a very dangerous recipe :)
Oooh I love small-scale recipe like this, and the fact that it’s only 1 minute? I’m 120% sold!
Just found your site and am already loving it
Thank you so much!
This looks fudgy and delicious! I have tried other microwave mug cakes with egg and baking powder but sometimes they came out a little “spongy”. It’s good to know the egg isn’t necessary when a craving hits!
This one is not AS dense as say a baked brownie but it’s realllllly good, given the 1 minute investment. If you have a chocolate craving out of no where, this will tame it :)