Mug Brownie Recipe

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It’s late at night; you’re curled up on your couch under the softest blanket you own, binge-watching your latest TV series obsession. Suddenly, a craving hits you—a craving so powerful, it can only be described in three words: Warm. Chocolate. Bliss. But the thought of baking a full-on dessert feels more like a chore than a treat, and that’s where I step in, armed with the ultimate weapon against such cravings—a mug brownie recipe that is not only quick and divine but also tailored just for you.

How to make Mug Brownie

A Mug Brownie is a quick and easy dessert you can make in a mug, usually in the microwave. It’s a single-serving brownie that’s perfect for satisfying a chocolate craving without having to bake a whole batch.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup of white granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder (Ensure it’s of good quality for a richer taste)
• A pinch of salt (Enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully)
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (Canola or sunflower oil work great too)
• 3 tablespoons of water (Milk can be used for a richer texture)
• A tiny splash of vanilla extract (For that extra layer of flavor)
• Optional: A sprinkle of chocolate chips, nuts, or a scoop of your favorite ice cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In your favorite microwave-safe mug (make sure it’s a big one to prevent overflow), mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Clump-free is the goal here.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour in the vegetable oil, water (or milk), and a dash of vanilla extract to the dry mix. Stir until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps. Consistency is key—you’re looking for a brownie batter that’s easy to mix but not too runny.
3. Microwave Magic: Place your mug in the microwave and cook on high for about 60-90 seconds. The timing can vary based on your microwave’s power, so keep an eye on it. You’ll know it’s done when the top is set but still a tad gooey. Remember, thanks to the heat of the mug, it will continue to cook slightly once out of the microwave.
4. Cool and Enjoy: Allow your brownie to cool for a minute or two—this patience pays off, trust me. Then, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, top it off with a scoop of ice cream, a sprinkle of chocolate chips, or nuts. Dive in with a spoon and enjoy the warm, chocolatey goodness.

Tips for Mug Brownie Perfection:

• Mug Size Matters: Use a large mug to prevent the batter from spilling over as it cooks. This will save you from cleaning up a messy microwave.
• Adjust to Taste: Feel free to alter the amount of sugar or cocoa depending on your taste preferences. Mug recipes are forgiving and quite versatile.
• Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on your brownie as it cooks. Overcooking can lead to a dry, crumbly mess rather than the moist and gooey delight you’re aiming for.
• Experiment: Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, don’t be afraid to experiment. Add-ins like peanut butter, caramel, or banana slices can take your mug brownie to the next level.

What to serve with

A mug brownie is a marvel of culinary simplicity and instant gratification. Yet even the most perfect chocolate delights benefit from a companion to elevate the experience from wonderful to sublime.

Classic Companions:

• Ice Cream is the quintessential partner for any brownie. A scoop of vanilla ice cream atop a hot mug brownie creates a delightful contrast between hot and cold, creamy and rich. For a twist, consider flavors like salted caramel, coffee, or mint chocolate chip for a delightful flavor contrast.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy complement to the dense, chocolaty brownie. For an added zing, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top of the whipped cream.
• Fresh Berries: The tartness of raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries can cut through the richness of the brownie, providing a refreshing balance. Their natural sweetness and acidity bring a wonderful complexity to every bite.

Decadent Drizzles:

• Salted Caramel Sauce: The sweet and salty combination of caramel sauce with a hint of sea salt can accentuate the deep chocolate flavors of the brownie, creating an irresistible flavor profile.
• Chocolate Ganache or Sauce: Because can there ever be too much chocolate? A warm chocolate drizzle will not only enhance the chocolatey goodness but also add a beautiful gloss, making it visually appealing.
• Nutella or Peanut Butter: Either heated up to become runny, these spreads can be drizzled over the brownie for a nutty, creamy element that complements the rich chocolate.

Tasty Toppings:

• Nuts: A sprinkle of toasted nuts (think chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans) adds a delightful crunch and nuttiness, creating a satisfying texture contrast.
• Toffee Bits: For sweet tooths, toffee bits offer a caramelized sugar crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft, moist brownie.
• Sea Salt: A light sprinkling of flaky sea salt can enhance flavors and add a sophisticated touch to your mug brownie, highlighting the chocolate’s depth.

Beverage Pairings:

• Coffee: The bitterness of a good cup of coffee can counterbalance the sweetness of the brownie, enhancing its chocolate flavor and creating a harmonious match.
• Milk: Sometimes, simplicity reigns supreme. A cold glass of milk alongside a warm brownie evokes comforting, nostalgic memories, perfect for a cozy night in.
• Dessert Wines: For those of age, a dessert wine like a Port, sherry, or late-harvest Riesling can complement the brownie with its sweetness and complexity.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re looking to make a mug brownie but find yourself missing an ingredient or two, fear not. There are numerous substitutes that can help you whip up this delightful treat without having to dash to the store. Here are some common brownie ingredients and the alternatives you can use:

Flour Substitutes:

All-Purpose Flour

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend is an excellent alternative for those avoiding gluten.
• Almond Flour: For a protein-rich, gluten-free option, though it might alter the texture and flavor, increasing the nuttiness.
• Oat Flour: This can also be used; it’s healthy and provides a slightly chewy texture.

Sugar Substitutes:

Granulated Sugar

• Brown Sugar: It will give a deeper, more caramel-like taste to your brownie.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: You can use liquid sweeteners, taking care to reduce other liquid ingredients to balance out the moisture slightly.
• Coconut Sugar: A more health-conscious substitute that provides a unique taste profile.

Egg Substitutes:

Eggs

• Applesauce: Use a 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce to replace one egg, providing moisture to your brownie.
• Mashed Bananas: Similarly, 1/4 cup of mashed banana can work as an egg replacement while adding a mild banana flavor.

Fat Substitutes:

Butter or Oil

• Applesauce: Use unsweetened applesauce for a fat-free option, though it may change the texture.
• Yogurt: Greek yogurt can add moisture to your brownie without the added fat.
• Avocado: Mashed avocado provides healthy fats and a creamy texture.

Chocolate Substitutes:

Cocoa Powder

• Chocolate Chips: If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can melt some chocolate chips or a bar of chocolate. You may need to adjust the sugar in your recipe accordingly.

Dairy Substitutes:

Milk

• Any Non-Dairy Milk: Almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk can all be substituted in equal amounts for dairy milk.
• Water: In a pinch, water can also be used, though it may result in a less rich brownie.

Leavening Agents Substitutes:

Baking Powder

• Baking Soda + Acid: To replace 1 teaspoon of baking powder, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon of an acid (like lemon juice or vinegar).
• Whipped Egg Whites: Whipping the egg whites before adding them to the mixture can help provide lift to your brownie although this is more difficult in the context of a mug brownie.

Final Thoughts

This mug brownie recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a ticket to instant joy, a quick way to indulge your chocolate cravings without the hassle of baking a full-blown cake or batch of brownies. 

More Brownie Recipes:

• Easy 3 Ingredient Mug Brownie Recipe
• Little Debbie Brownies with Nuts Recipe
• How to Make Brownies from Scratch
• Sonic Chocolate Chunk Brownie Blast Recipe
• Copycat Brenda Gantt Brownie Recipe