Name: Easy 3 Ingredient Mug Brownie
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons of Nutella (or any other chocolate hazelnut spread); 3 tablespoons of All-purpose flour; 1 large Egg

There are days when the craving for something sweet and decadent becomes an insatiable whisper, one that can only be hushed by the rich, luxurious taste of chocolate. But who says giving into your dessert desires has to be complicated? As someone who appreciates the finer things in life but also values the simplicity of quick and easy treats, I’ve discovered the ultimate indulgence that meets both criteria: the 3 Ingredient Mug Brownie.

Table of Contents

How to make 3 Ingredient Mug Brownie

The Easy 3 Ingredients Mug Brownie is a simple, quick recipe for a single-serving brownie made in a mug using just three main ingredients. It’s great for satisfying a sweet craving without baking an entire batch.

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons of Nutella (or any other chocolate hazelnut spread): This acts as the cornerstone of your brownie, providing both the chocolate flavor and the sweet, silky texture.
3 tablespoons of All-purpose flour: This is what gives your brownie its structure; it transforms your liquid ingredients into a cake-like delight.
1 large Egg: The binding agent that holds all your ingredients together, giving your brownie its rich, moist interior.

Instructions:

Preparation: Start by finding your favorite mug. It should be microwave-safe and large enough to allow the brownie to rise without spilling over.
Mix the ingredients: In the mug, combine the Nutella, flour, and egg. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth batter. It’s essential to blend well to avoid lumps of flour in your finished product.
Cook: Microwave your concoction on high for about 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Microwaves vary greatly, so the first time you try this recipe, keep a close eye on your mug. You’re looking for a rise and a surface that looks cooked but is still slightly gooey—you don’t want to overcook it, as the brownie will continue to cook from the residual heat after it’s out of the microwave.
Cool and Enjoy: Let it cool for a couple of minutes. The brownie will be very hot right out of the microwave. Then, grab a spoon, perhaps a little ice cream or whipped cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent, and dive in.

Tips for the Perfect Mug Brownie:

Flavor Variations: Consider stirring in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to elevate the flavors. A scoop of peanut butter or a few chocolate chips mixed in before cooking can also add a delightful surprise.
Texture Tweaks: Reduce the cooking time by a few seconds for a fudgier brownie. If you prefer a cake-like texture, add an extra tablespoon of flour.
Serving Suggestions: A dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or some fresh berries can transform your simple mug brownie into a gourmet treat in seconds.
Microwave Considerations: Since microwave powers can vary dramatically, finding the perfect timing for your specific appliance might take a few tries.

Ingredients Substitutes

The beauty of a 3 ingredient mug brownie recipe lies in its simplicity, but sometimes you might find yourself missing an item or just feel like experimenting. The good news is that with a mug brownie, substitutions are possible and can bring an exciting new dimension to your treat. Here’s how you can shake things up with alternative ingredients for the classic 3 ingredient mug brownie:

Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Alternatives:

Any Chocolate Spread: If you’re out of Nutella or you’d like to try something different, chocolate spread, including dairy-free or nut-free spreads, can be used.
Chocolate Chips + Oil or Butter: Melt about 1/3 cup of chocolate chips with a teaspoon of coconut oil or butter in the microwave before adding it to the mix. This can mimic the rich and moist qualities of a chocolate spread. Plus, this option lets you control the level of sweetness and the type of chocolate (dark, milk, or white).

Flour Substitutes:

Gluten-Free Flour: If you are gluten-intolerant, you can directly substitute your preferred gluten-free flour blend.
Almond Flour: For a lower-carb and gluten-free option, almond flour can be used. Note that it may create a denser and moister brownie.
Oat Flour: For a bit more fiber and a different flavor profile, oat flour can work as a substitute. You can make your own by finely grinding oats.

Egg Alternatives:

Mashed Banana: About half a mashed banana can be substituted for an egg. This switch will, however, impart a mild banana flavor to your brownie.
Applesauce: Use a quarter cup of unsweetened applesauce to bind the ingredients like an egg would. This will make your brownie a bit lighter in texture and add a slight fruitiness.
Egg Replacers: If you’re looking for a vegan option, there are various commercial vegan egg replacers that you can use according to the package instructions.

Final Thoughts

This easy 3 ingredient mug brownie is more than just a dessert; it’s a quick escape to a world of chocolatey pleasure, with no mess and minimal effort required.

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