Chocolate Brownie Mug Cake Recipe
This Chocolate Brownie Mug Cake is a rich, fudgy, single-serving treat that captures the indulgence of a classic brownie — but made in a mug, using your microwave!
It’s perfect for those sudden dessert cravings when you want something warm, chocolaty, and quick.
To make this mug cake, you’ll need cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, sugar, milk, oil, vanilla extract, and a pinch of baking powder.
Simply stir everything in a mug, microwave for a minute or so, and dig into a gooey, brownie-like texture.
Want extra fudginess? Add chocolate chips or a spoonful of nut butter before microwaving.
Prep & Cook Summary
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 minutes | 1–2 minutes | 5 minutes | Dessert | American | 1 |
Ingredients (With Alternatives)
| Ingredient | 1 Serving | 2 Servings | Notes / Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 3 tbsp | 6 tbsp | Can sub almond flour (reduce to 2 tbsp) |
| Unsweetened Cocoa Powder | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp | Use dark cocoa for intense flavor |
| Granulated Sugar | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp | Use brown sugar or coconut sugar |
| Milk | 3 tbsp | 6 tbsp | Dairy or plant-based |
| Vegetable Oil | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp | Can sub with melted butter or coconut oil |
| Vanilla Extract | 1/4 tsp | 1/2 tsp | Boosts chocolate flavor |
| Baking Powder | 1/4 tsp | 1/2 tsp | Optional, adds lightness |
| Salt | Pinch | Small pinch | Enhances flavor |
| Chocolate Chips (Optional) | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | Makes it extra gooey |
Tools You’ll Need
| Tool | Purpose | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Microwave-Safe Mug | Cooking & Mixing | Small bowl + cup |
| Fork or Spoon | Mixing ingredients | Mini whisk |
| Microwave | Cooking | Oven (350°F for 10–12 mins) |
How to Make Chocolate Brownie Mug Cake – Step-by-Step
Lets see the steps.
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
In your mug, add 3 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 2 tbsp sugar, ¼ tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Mix these thoroughly to break up any lumps and evenly distribute the leavening agent.
Step 2: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Add 3 tbsp milk, 2 tbsp oil, and ¼ tsp vanilla extract. Stir everything together until a smooth, thick brownie batter forms. Scrape down the sides and mix well.
Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips (Optional)
If you’re using chocolate chips, stir in 1 tbsp or sprinkle them on top. You can also place a small spoon of peanut butter in the center for a molten middle.
Step 4: Microwave
Microwave on high for 60 to 90 seconds. The cake should rise but still look slightly gooey in the center — like a brownie. Don’t overcook, or it will become dry.
Variations to Try
Chocolate Banana Brownie Mug Cake
Add 2 tbsp mashed banana to the wet mixture before microwaving. It makes the brownie extra moist and naturally sweet.
Peanut Butter Swirl
After Step 2, drop 1 tsp peanut butter in the center of the batter and swirl with a toothpick before microwaving.
Spicy Mexican Brownie
Add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne pepper to the dry mix for a warm, spicy twist.
Serving & Decoration Tips
- Serve hot for a gooey center, or let cool slightly for a firmer texture.
- Top with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or Greek yogurt.
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup or melted peanut butter.
- Garnish with a few extra chocolate chips or shaved chocolate (you can use a chocolate shaver to make this).
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers (if any) for up to 2 days in the mug or a sealed container. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
- Freeze by scooping the cooled mug cake into a freezer-safe container. Thaw and microwave when ready to eat.
- For meal prep, pre-mix all dry ingredients in a small container and just add wet ingredients when ready to cook.
Common Mistakes & Solutions
| Mistake | What Happens | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| Overcooking | Dry, tough texture | Microwave only 60–90 seconds |
| Skipping oil | Cake becomes rubbery | Always use at least 2 tbsp oil |
| Not mixing thoroughly | Uneven texture and pockets of flour | Stir well until smooth |
