This Microwave Brownie Recipe Is Ready in Just 5 Minutes — So Easy + Fudgy
Sometimes, a craving for a warm, fudgy brownie hits, and you need a solution — fast. But the thought of spending an hour in the kitchen to whip up a batch seems less appealing. Well, we have some good news: you can make an easy and delicious brownie in your microwave! And it's so easy to do with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. No baking tools required, just a mug (what easy clean up!) Plus, we included some expert tips and fun add-in ideas so you can get creative. Here’s how to make a decadent microwave brownie that tastes like it just came out of the oven.
What is a microwave brownie?
A microwave brownie is a single-serving brownie made quickly and conveniently in the microwave. This recipe typically uses a mug or small baking dish as the baking vessel. The process takes just a few minutes from start to finish, so think of it as an express brownie!
Turns out, you can bake a lot using the microwave. In fact, mug recipes and microwave meals on social media have surged in popularity. Why? First, they offer a solution for those who crave homemade treats but don’t have a lot of time. Additionally, recipes like a microwave brownie cater to good portion control and personalized flavor preferences. Just check out this TikTok video to see the hype.
How does it compare to a baked brownie?
Compared to a traditional baked brownie, a microwave brownie has a denser texture. Microwave cooking doesn’t allow for the same level of rising and air incorporation as baking in the oven. However, what it lacks in fluffiness, it makes up for in speed and convenience. You don’t need to get your kitchen dirty or use many baking tools. Plus, the flavor and fudgy texture are still undeniably delicious.
Microwave brownies also have a simplified ingredient list. While they use essentials like chocolate, sugar and flour, microwave brownies typically use oil or melted butter instead of softened butter, which makes them super fudgy. Additionally, they don't require eggs, instead using water or milk to help bind.
"To make it extra chocolatey, add chocolate chips," says keto food blogger Olivia Wyles. You can even make a lighter brownie! "To make it healthy, substitute milk for almond milk, sugar for natural sweetener like Monk fruit, and flour for almond flour or coconut flour."
See also: ‘Iron Chef’ Judge Says You Need This Salty and Unexpected Condiment to Bake Brownies
Tips for the best microwave brownie
While you can probably make a microwave brownie in your sleep, a few key tips can make it taste like you spent an hour baking. These tricks below will ensure you achieve the perfect moist texture, rich flavor and avoid any microwave mishaps.
1. Choose the right vessel
"I reach for a mug or ramekin labeled microwave-safe," says Joanne Gallagher, co-founder, recipe developer and writer at Inspired Taste. "Make sure that it holds at least 8 ounces so the brownie batter has enough space to rice without overflowing." Gallagher recommends ceramic or stoneware mugs, but other options include glass and silicone mugs or small ceramic baking dishes. Be cautious when handling glass, as it can get very hot.
2. Use a liquid fat
"Melted butter is the key to a good brownie in a mug recipe, no substitutions!" says Wyles. You can also you neutral oil, like coconut or avocado. This helps the fat distribute evenly throughout the batter, resulting in a richer flavor and fudgier texture. "You must mix it really well until there are zero streaks of egg (if adding an egg)."
"Don't forget to grease the mug beforehand," adds Wyles. For this, you can use cooking spray or butter.
3. Don’t over-mix
Over-mixing can be the enemy of a fudgy brownie, whether in the microwave or the oven. Mix the dry and wet ingredients until just combined. A few lumps are okay — they’ll contribute to those desirable fudgy pockets.
Gallagher also advises preparing your batter in a separate bowl first. "I know it's tempting to mix your brownie batter right in your mug, but making the batter in a separate bowl and pouring it into the mug makes a better brownie."
4. Watch the wattage
Different microwaves vary in power. Start with a shorter cooking time recommended in the recipe, then add more in 10-second increments if needed. This prevents overcooking, which can leave your brownie dry and crumbly.
"Microwave for 30 seconds, check it, then microwave for another 20 seconds to make sure it's not overdone," says Wyles.
Microwave a bit dirty? This easy citrus hack will have it sparkling clean in minutes!
Quick microwave brownie recipe
Sugar craving hitting hard? Make your own microwave brownie today, and you won’t regret it. This recipe from Bigger Bolder Baking cooks for about 1 minute in the microwave. It also uses semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra rich flavor.
Microwave Brownie In A Mug
Ingredients:
4 Tbs. all-purpose flour
3-4 Tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder
3 Tbs. dark brown sugar
Pinch of salt
6 Tbs. milk
2 Tbs. flavorless oil
½ tsp. vanilla extract
1 Tbs. semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
Active Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 6 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
In a medium microwavable mug (roughly 1 cup), mix the flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar and salt.
Into the dry ingredients, add in the milk, oil and vanilla extract, then mix until just combined.
Mix in the chocolate chips. (If you don’t want to cook them off straight away, then place them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours).
Microwave for 1 minute and 40 seconds to 1 minute and 50 seconds, or until it has risen and the batter doesn't look wet. (Timing is based on my 1200W microwave).
Delicious add-ins ideas for your microwave brownie
Craving a little more than just a basic chocolate fix? We got you. This recipe is a blank canvas for creativity. Below, some ideas to personalize your microwave brownie.
1. Peanut butter
For a creamy, nutty twist, add a dollop (around 1 Tbs.) of peanut butter or your favorite nut butter to the batter. Then, swirl it with a spoon before microwaving. You can also top with a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
2. Ice cream
You can’t go wrong with a refreshing scoop of vanilla ice cream (or any flavor you want). Wait until your microwave brownie cools before topping it, and you have yourself a homemade brownie sundae.
3. Coffee
Gallagher's secret ingredient might not be one you expected in a brownie: coffee. But as it turns out, it can do wonders. "A little coffee [can] really amp up the chocolate flavor. Trust me, it's incredible!"
4. Salty snacks
We love a salty-sweet dessert duo. So, add some crushed pretzels or chopped toffee bits for a delightful textural contrast and touch of salty flavor. You can also try crumbled popcorn.
For more easy microwave recipes, check out these:
You’ll Love ‘Lazy’ Cinnamon Rolls: They’re Sweet, Fluffy + Microwave in 2 Minutes
This ‘Lazy’ Oreo Mug Cake Satisfies Your Decadent Dessert Cravings in 5 Minutes
How to Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Microwave — Chef’s Trick for Perfect Results in 5 Minutes
