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Brownie in a Mug

Gooey chocolate mug cake served on a white plate with a gold spoon

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This isn’t just another “cakey” microwave dessert. It’s a dense, rich, and gooey brownie designed for those late-night cravings when you want chocolate now but don’t want to wash a pile of dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar (or brown sugar for more chew)
  • 1/4 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1 pinch Salt (don’t skip this!)
  • 1/4 cup Milk (room temperature works best)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • 1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract

Instructions

  1. Prep the Mug: Grab a microwave-safe mug (12 oz or larger).
  2. Whisk Dry Ingredients: Toss in the flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a fork to stir until the color is even. Crucial step: Smash any cocoa clumps with your fork so you don’t get bitter dry spots.
  3. Mix in Liquids: Add the milk, oil, and vanilla. Stir until the batter is glossy and thick. Make sure to scrape the bottom “corners” of the mug to catch hidden flour.
  4. Microwave: Cook on high for 60 seconds. Check it—the top should look matte/set but the center should still have a tiny bit of wobble. If it’s still liquid, add 15 seconds. Watch closely: Overcooking turns this into a hockey puck!
  5. The 2-Minute Rest: This is the hardest part. Let the brownie sit for 2 minutes. The residual heat finishes the center, making it fudgy rather than steaming hot mush.

Notes

Serving Suggestions:

  • A La Mode: Top with a big scoop of cold vanilla ice cream.
  • Fancy Finish: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a swirl of salted caramel.

Tips & Tricks:

  • Healthy Swap: Replace oil with unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana.
  • The “Lava” Center: Drop a tablespoon of peanut butter or a few dark chocolate chunks into the middle before cooking.
  • No Whisk? Use a fork! It’s actually better at breaking up cocoa lumps than a spoon.

Storage & Reheating:

  • Fresh is Best: These are best eaten immediately.
  • Leftovers: Cover the mug for up to 24 hours at room temperature.
  • Reheat: Sprinkle a teaspoon of water on top and zap for 10-15 seconds to bring back the moisture.