Mug Brownie Chocolate Cake (Printable)

Rich and fudgy chocolate baked in a mug for a fast, satisfying dessert experience.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
02 - 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 1 pinch salt

→ Wet Ingredients

05 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
06 - 3 tablespoons milk
07 - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Optional Add-ins

08 - 1 tablespoon chocolate chips
09 - 1 tablespoon chopped nuts

# How to Make It:

01 - In a microwave-safe mug (minimum capacity 12 ounces), combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir thoroughly with a fork to distribute evenly.
02 - Add vegetable oil or melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth and free of dry pockets.
03 - Fold chocolate chips and/or chopped nuts into the batter if desired, ensuring even distribution.
04 - Microwave on high power for 50 to 70 seconds, until the brownie rises and the surface appears set. Timing may vary depending on microwave wattage; avoid overcooking.
05 - Allow the mug brownie to cool for one minute before consuming directly from the mug.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's faster than ordering takeout and tastes infinitely better than anything from a box.
  • No pans to wash, no mixing bowls scattered everywhere, just one mug and pure chocolate satisfaction.
  • The texture is genuinely fudgy and rich, not cake-y or dry like some microwave desserts turn out.
02 -
  • Overcooking by even 15 seconds turns it from fudgy to cake-like, so start checking around 50 seconds and pull it out the moment the top looks set but still slightly soft.
  • The mug matters more than you'd think—a thin-walled mug heats differently than a thick ceramic one, so adjust your timing if you switch mugs.
03 -
  • Buy decent cocoa powder because it's the star of this show. The difference between grocery store cocoa and something a bit better is honestly noticeable in something this simple.
  • Keep a mug brownie in your back pocket as a trick for when unexpected guests show up and you want to offer them something homemade that somehow feels impressive despite taking less time than brushing your teeth.
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