Mug Brownie Recipe Easy

I am convinced that a craving for chocolate needs to be satisfied immediately.

This easy mug brownie recipe delivers on that promise with a rich, fudgy texture and the ultimate surprise inside: a gooey salted caramel core. This mug brownie recipe easy to make provides a single-serving dessert for kids and adults, ready from pantry to plate in about 5 minutes. We will guide you through making this decadent treat with ingredients you likely already have. This version uses a layering technique to ensure that molten caramel center every time.

Ingredients

• 30 g (1/4 cup) All-Purpose Flour: The base for our brownie structure. Use standard all-purpose flour for a light, tender crumb. Do not substitute with almond flour or coconut flour in this specific recipe.
• 40 g (3 tablespoons) Granulated Sugar: Provides necessary sweetness and helps retain moisture in the final brownie. You can use brown sugar for a slightly deeper flavor, but granulated sugar keeps the texture lighter. Do not significantly reduce sugar, as it affects texture more than just taste here.
• 15 g (2 tablespoons) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers the rich, chocolate flavor. We prefer unsweetened cocoa powder for control over sweetness; avoid using hot cocoa mix, which contains extra sugar and milk solids. Use a high-quality cocoa powder for better flavor depth.
• 2 g (1/4 teaspoon) Baking Powder: The leavening agent that gives the brownie a slight lift in the microwave. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for proper rise and tenderness. Do not confuse this with baking soda, which requires an acid to activate.
• 1 g (pinch) Fine Sea Salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness. A small pinch is enough for a single serving; fine salt dissolves easily. This small amount is key to preventing the brownie from tasting flat.
• 45 ml (3 tablespoons) Milk: Adds moisture and richness to create a fudgy texture. Whole milk works best, but 2% milk is also suitable. For a dairy-free option, almond milk or soy milk can be used.
• 45 ml (3 tablespoons) Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist, tender, and fudgy crumb. Use a neutral-flavored oil like canola oil or light olive oil. Avoid butter here, as oil generally yields a better texture in microwave recipes.
• 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate and caramel notes. Using alcohol-free vanilla prevents any unpleasant bitter aftertaste from cooking in the microwave. This small amount makes a big difference in rounding out the flavors.
• 30 g (2 tablespoons) Soft-Set Caramel Sauce (alcohol-free), divided: The star ingredient for the gooey center and topping. Ensure the caramel sauce is thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to melt when heated. Avoid very thin, watery syrups or extremely hard, chewy caramels.
• 1 g (pinch) Flaky Sea Salt, for garnish: Used to sprinkle over the finished brownie. The flaky texture contrasts beautifully with the gooey caramel. This garnish completes the salted caramel flavor profile.

Instructions

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a microwave-safe mug (we recommend a 350 ml or 12 oz capacity mug), combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Whisk thoroughly with a fork until all ingredients are fully combined and there are no lumps of cocoa powder remaining. A large mug helps ensure the brownie doesn’t overflow during cooking.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients and Mix Batter

Pour the milk, vegetable oil, and alcohol-free vanilla extract directly into the mug with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with the fork until just combined, being careful to scrape the bottom to ensure no dry flour pockets remain. Avoid overmixing; stop stirring as soon as the batter looks uniform and glossy to prevent a tough, rubbery texture in this mug brownie recipe.

Step 3: Create the Caramel Core

Spoon about half of the prepared brownie batter (approximately 1/4 cup) into the bottom of the mug, spreading it lightly to create an even base layer. Place exactly 1 tablespoon (15 g) of the soft-set caramel sauce directly in the center of this batter layer. Ensure the caramel does not touch the sides of the mug, which prevents it from scorching during microwaving.

Step 4: Cover and Cook

Gently spoon the remaining brownie batter over the caramel layer, ensuring the caramel is fully covered by the batter. Do not stir or swirl the caramel into the batter at this point. Microwave on high power for 60 to 90 seconds (note that cooking time varies greatly based on microwave wattage).

Step 5: Check Doneness and Rest

The brownie is done when the edges appear set and slightly firm to the touch, but the center still looks slightly moist and jiggly. Avoid overcooking, which results in a dry brownie and hardens the caramel core. Let the brownie cool for 2-3 minutes directly in the mug to allow residual heat to finish cooking and to set the texture. If your mug brownie looks dry, it’s overcooked; reduce cooking time by 10 seconds next time for a fudgier mug brownie fix.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Carefully remove the mug from the microwave (it may be very hot). Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 g) of soft-set caramel sauce over the top of the warm brownie. Finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt directly over the caramel drizzle for the perfect contrast in this family-friendly mug brownie recipe easy to make.

Variations for Your Next Mug Brownie Fix

Once you’ve mastered this mug brownie recipe easy enough to make in under five minutes, these simple tweaks offer ways to customize your next single-serving dessert. The beauty of this quick method is how adaptable it is to different flavors and toppings. For a family-friendly twist, I often add mini semi-sweet chips when my kids make this easy brownie recipe.

• Chocolate Chip Brownie: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter before cooking for extra melted chocolate pockets.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Instead of caramel, layer a tablespoon of soft peanut butter in the center and swirl lightly with a toothpick before microwaving.
• Classic Vanilla Topping: Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top instead of the caramel drizzle.
• Mint Chocolate: Add 1/4 teaspoon of mint extract to the wet ingredients and fold in mint chocolate chips.

Troubleshooting for a Perfect Gooey Texture

Why did my brownie come out rubbery?

This is usually caused by overmixing the batter. The goal is to stir just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough texture. This mug brownie recipe easy to make relies on a light touch.

Why did the caramel disappear?

If the caramel sauce was too thin, it may have fully dissolved into the batter during cooking. Ensure you use a soft-set caramel sauce rather than a thin syrup. Also, check that you covered the caramel completely without stirring it in.

My brownie overflowed in the microwave!

Your mug may be too small for the recipe volume. Use a large mug (12 oz minimum) and ensure your baking powder isn’t expired, as fresh baking powder causes more lift. This easy mug brownie recipe needs space to expand.

FAQs

Can I make this mug brownie in the oven instead?

No, this specific recipe is formulated for the microwave and will not work properly in a conventional oven. The cooking method for an easy mug brownie recipe relies on microwave radiation for its unique texture.

What size mug should I use?

A standard coffee mug with a capacity of 10-12 oz (300-350 ml) works best for this single serving. I’ve found that using a slightly larger mug prevents any risk of overflow while microwaving.

Can I substitute butter for the vegetable oil?

Oil generally gives a better texture in microwave recipes, keeping the brownie fudgy and moist. Butter tends to make the texture denser and drier, but you can try melted butter as a last resort in this mug brownie recipe.

How do I store leftovers?

This recipe is best enjoyed immediately. If you must store it, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days, but it will lose its fresh, gooey texture when reheated in the microwave.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can combine the dry ingredients in a jar ahead of time. When ready to bake, add the wet ingredients directly in the jar, mix, and transfer to a mug to cook as instructed for a quick meal prep solution.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, to make this mug brownie recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Do not use almond or coconut flour, as they require significant adjustments to wet ingredients.

Conclusion

This mug brownie recipe easy to make delivers maximum indulgence with minimal effort, offering a quick treat for busy weeknights. The combination of rich chocolate and a warm, gooey salted caramel core makes for the perfect quick meal solution when a craving hits. Pin this recipe for later and enjoy your dessert tonight!

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