Microwave Mug Brownie for One (No Eggs)
This single serve brownie is mixed and cooked in one mug: flour, sugar, cocoa, milk, oil and a few chocolate chips, with no eggs. It microwaves for about 60 to 75 seconds, rests for 1 minute and comes out fudgy, at about 360 calories. Start to finish takes 5 minutes.
Quick answer
In a 12-ounce microwave-safe mug, whisk 2 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp cocoa and a pinch of salt. Stir in 2 tbsp milk, 1 tbsp oil and 1/4 tsp vanilla bean powder until smooth, then 1 tbsp mini chocolate chips. Microwave on high for 60 seconds, check, and add 10 to 15 seconds if the batter still looks wet. Rest 1 minute before eating. Total 5 minutes.
Single Serve Brownie
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Single Serve Brownie Ingredients
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp neutral oil or melted butter
- 1/4 tsp vanilla bean powder (optional)
- 1 tbsp mini chocolate chips, plus a few for topping (optional)
How to Make a Single Serve Brownie
- In a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 12 ounces, whisk the flour, sugar, cocoa and salt with a fork until no lumps remain.
- Add the milk, oil and vanilla bean powder and stir until smooth, scraping the bottom edge of the mug.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Microwave on high for 60 seconds. If the center still looks wet and glossy, cook in 10- to 15-second bursts until the top looks just set. Most 1,000-watt microwaves take 60 to 75 seconds.
- Let the single serve brownie rest for 1 minute; it keeps setting as it cools. Add a few extra chips on top if you like and eat with a spoon.
Nutrition Facts
Per brownie (1 serving) (estimated)
- Calories: 360
- Total fat: 19 g
- Saturated fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 33 g
- Protein: 4 g
Estimated from USDA FoodData Central SR Legacy values for all-purpose flour, sugar, unsweetened cocoa (FDC 169593), whole milk, canola oil, salt and semisweet chocolate (FDC 167976, 11 g). The vanilla bean powder and extra topping chips are not included.
Why This Single Serve Brownie Has No Egg
A whole egg is far too much for 2 tablespoons of flour. It makes a mug brownie spongy and cake-like. Leaving it out, and using milk and oil for moisture, gives a dense, fudgy center instead. The small amount of flour and the short cook time keep the texture soft.
Single Serve Brownie Microwave Times
Microwaves vary a lot, so start with 60 seconds and check. The brownie is done when the top looks set and only the very center is slightly glossy. Overcooking by even 20 seconds turns it rubbery.
| Microwave power | First check | Usual total |
|---|---|---|
| 700 watts | 75 sec | 85–95 sec |
| 900 watts | 65 sec | 70–80 sec |
| 1,000–1,100 watts | 60 sec | 60–75 sec |
| 1,200 watts | 50 sec | 50–60 sec |
Is It Safe to Eat a Mug Brownie Soft in the Middle?
The brownie needs to be cooked through, even if it looks fudgy. The FDA says raw flour is not a ready-to-eat ingredient (see its flour safety guidance) and that you should not eat raw batter or dough. A thin glossy spot on top is fine once the rest has set and steamed; a wet, liquid center needs more time. Do not taste the batter before cooking.
Tips for the Best Single Serve Brownie
- Use a big mug. A 12- to 16-ounce mug stops the batter from bubbling over.
- Mix in the mug well. Pockets of dry flour stay floury. Scrape the bottom edge with the fork.
- Mini chips melt better in the short cook time than full-size chips.
- Rest it. The minute off the heat finishes the cooking and lets it cool enough to eat.
Mug Brownie Variations
- Peanut butter swirl: drop 1 tsp peanut butter on top before cooking.
- Mocha: add 1/4 tsp instant coffee to the dry ingredients.
- Dairy-free: use oat or soy milk and oil.
- Gluten-free: use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Oven version: bake in a greased ramekin at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes.
What to Serve With a Single Serve Brownie
A small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream on the warm brownie is the classic way. Fresh raspberries or strawberries cut the richness. If you need more than one, the double chocolate chip cookies make a full batch.
Storing a Mug Brownie
A single serve brownie is best eaten warm, right away. It hardens as it cools. If you do save it, cover the mug and refrigerate it for up to a day, then warm it for 10 seconds.
Single Serve Brownie FAQ
Can I make a single serve brownie without cocoa powder?
Yes. Melt 1 oz chopped chocolate with the oil and leave out the cocoa. The brownie will be a little softer.
Why is my mug brownie rubbery?
It cooked too long. Next time check at 50 to 60 seconds and stop when the top is just set.
Can I use butter instead of oil?
Yes. Melted butter gives more flavor; oil keeps it a little softer.
How many calories are in this single serve brownie?
About 360 calories, using whole milk, canola oil and 1 tbsp chocolate chips, based on USDA FoodData Central values.
Can I make it in the oven?
Yes. Bake it in a greased ramekin at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes, until the top is set.
Sources
Featured photo: Unsplash
