Mug Brownie

This 2-Ingredient Mug Brownie is here to save the day (and your sweet tooth) with zero fuss and maximum chocolate payoff. No eggs, no mixers, no waiting—just a microwave and a minute of your time. If you’re craving dessert now and don’t feel like sharing, this one’s for you.

Try this Gooey Mug Brownie topped with creamy vanilla ice cream or homemade chocolate sauce for the perfect single serve dessert! OR opt for something different like my Cinnamon Mug Cake or Lemon Mug Cake!

mint colored ramekin with a brownie and ice cream with a spoon and bite full hovering over the top


 

“I just made this recipe for the first time and it came out perfectly! I used the Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge brownie mix with a handful of Nestle’s chocolate chips mixed in. 90 seconds was the right amount of time. Thanks for the recipe. I will definitely make this again.” – Karen

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy dessert recipe: Perfect for when you want something sweet with zero effort or cleanup.
  • Single serve brownie: No need to bake a full pan—this mug brownie is made just for you.
  • Quick chocolate fix: Ready in under two minutes, it’s ideal for satisfying sudden cravings.
  • Brownie mix hacks: A fun way to use boxed brownie mix in a totally new (and easier) way.

Let’s talk brownies—because there’s always room for a rich, chocolatey treat, right? I’m all for homemade, but I’ll never turn down a good box mix. When I spotted 50 Fixes for Brownie Mixes (affiliate) by my friend Aimee from Like Mother Like Daughter, I knew I had to try something—and this brownie in a mug was first on my list.

It’s warm, fudgy, and tastes like pure chocolate comfort in under two minutes. Basically, your new go-to dessert when cravings hit fast.

50 Fixes for Brownie Mixes cookbook sitting on a white wooden tabletop

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need two ingredients to make this fudgy little miracle happen. It’s the perfect low-effort dessert when you’re short on time (or patience).

  • Brownie Mix: Any boxed brownie mix will do! Just make sure it’s the kind that only calls for oil, eggs, and water on the back—nothing too fancy. Stick to classic or fudge-style mixes for the best texture and flavor.
  • Water: Yep, just plain ol’ water. It thins the mix enough to cook evenly in the microwave. Cold tap water works fine—no need to overthink it.

That’s it! No eggs, no oil, no mess. Just stir, microwave, and enjoy a gooey, rich brownie in minutes.

Jesseca, author of One Sweet Appetite.

I was skeptical—two ingredients and a microwave? But this mug brownie totally delivered. It’s warm, chocolatey, and dangerously easy. It’s not the super fudgy kind you’d cut into squares, but if you’re craving a quick, single-serve brownie fix… this hits the spot. Bonus points for zero dishes and being ready in under 2 minutes.


Tip from Jesseca:

Microwaves cook fast and hot, so keep an eye on your brownie. Start at 60 seconds and check it. The top should look set, but slightly soft in the center—that’s how you get that perfect gooey bite. Overcook it, and it turns into chocolate rubber.

Substitutions and Variations

These can be customized with various toppings and variations. Here are some suggestions to enhance your mug brownie experience:

  • Top your warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Dollop some whipped cream on top of the cooked brownie for an extra creamy and light touch.
  • Drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the top to add an extra layer of decadence.
  • Add some texture and crunch to your brownie by sprinkling chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds on top.
  • If you enjoy the combination of coffee and chocolate, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to your mug brownie batter for an extra depth of flavor.
Cookbook open to a page that reads "microwave mug brownies"

How to Make a Mug Brownie Recipe

Since the mug brownie is made without cocoa powder, AND took less than 2 ingredients and 90 No cocoa powder, no eggs, no fuss—this 2-ingredient mug brownie is my kind of dessert. It takes less than 90 seconds to cook and totally hits the spot.

  1. Spray your mug. Lightly coat a large (12 oz) microwave-safe mug with baking spray so nothing sticks.
  2. Mix it up. Add the brownie mix and water directly to the mug. Stir with a fork for about 30 seconds until smooth.
  3. Microwave. Cook for 60 to 90 seconds. The top should look set, but still a little soft in the center.
  4. Top and enjoy! Add whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or a sprinkle of chocolate chips—go wild.

Seriously, dessert in under five minutes? Yes, please. We topped ours with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup and gave it two enthusiastic thumbs up. It’s a little more cake-like than fudgy, which works for me—I like my brownies on the lighter side anyway!

Don’t forget to pick up your copy of Aimee’s Book and browse some of her other delicious Brownie Recipes.

Expert Tips

  • Use a large mug. A 12-ounce microwave-safe mug is ideal. Anything smaller could overflow during cooking.
  • Don’t overmix. Stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, chewy brownie instead of a soft, cake-like texture.
  • Microwave in short bursts if needed. Start with 60 seconds and add time in 10–15 second increments if the top still looks wet. It’s easy to overcook mug desserts, and nobody wants a rubbery brownie.
  • Let it rest. After microwaving, let the brownie sit for a minute. It continues to cook slightly and will be easier to eat (and top!).
  • Make it your own. Stir in a few chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or a spoonful of peanut butter before microwaving to level up the flavor.
  • Watch your brownie mix. This recipe works best with standard boxed mixes—not “double fudge” or mixes that already contain add-ins, which may need slight adjustments to water.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

This mug brownie is best eaten fresh—straight out of the microwave while it’s still warm and gooey. That said, here’s what to do if you’ve got leftovers (or want to prep ahead):

  • To Store: Let the brownie cool completely in the mug, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 1 day. Reheat in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds before enjoying.
  • Make-Ahead: This isn’t the best dessert to make in advance, but you can portion the dry brownie mix into mugs ahead of time. When the craving hits, just add water, stir, and microwave. Easy peasy.

Note: The texture changes a bit once it cools, becoming more cake-like. If you’re into that, go ahead and save a bite for later—but I personally vote for enjoying it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top.

Measuring cup hovering over a glass mixing bowl that is filled with brownie baking mix

Recipe FAQs

Can I use any brownie mix?

Most standard boxed brownie mixes work well—especially ones that call for oil, water, and eggs. Avoid mixes with a lot of add-ins (like fudge swirls or chocolate chunks) unless you adjust the liquid slightly.

Why is my brownie dry or rubbery?

It was probably overcooked. Start with 60 seconds, then check the center. Add time in small increments if needed. Microwaves vary a lot, and even 10 extra seconds can make a difference.

What size mug should I use?

A 12-ounce mug is ideal. Smaller mugs may overflow, and larger mugs can make your brownie cook unevenly.

Can I add mix-ins?

Absolutely! Stir in a few chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a dollop of peanut butter before microwaving to make it extra special.

Can I double the recipe?

You can, but it’s best to make one mug at a time for even cooking. Doubling in one mug may cause uneven texture or overflow.

two mint colored ramekins filled with brownies sitting on a white and blue striped napkin

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4.48 from 171 votes

Easy Brownie Mug Cake

Author Jesseca
Prep: 2 minutes
Cook: 2 minutes
Total: 4 minutes
Serves: 1 -2
This easy Mug Brownie Recipe comes together in minutes which makes it the perfect dessert to help satisfy your craving. Fudgy, delicious, and easy to customize! Made with only 2-ingredients and ready in 5 minutes.

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1/2 cup unprepared brownie mix
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 spoonful chocolate chips (optional)
  • Ice cream or whipped cream (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Spray a large mug with baking spray.
  • Combine the brownie mix and water in the mug and stir to combine , about 30 seconds with a fork.
  • Microwave 60 to 90 seconds.
  • Top with whipped cream, ice cream, or chocolate chips.

Video

Notes

See comments for great suggestions from my readers! Here are a few of our favorites:
  • Substitute the water for coffee.
  • Stir in 1 teaspoon of Nutella and 2 tablespoons water
  • Add a heaping teaspoon of mayonnaise

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 73gProtein: 6gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 259mgFiber: 1gSugar: 27g

The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Course Desserts
Cuisine American

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4.48 from 171 votes (133 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




148 Comments

  1. 1 star
    Made per directions and it is just a bowl of mush.
    Betty Crocker brand mix.

    1. Oh no! That’s definitely not the result we want. This recipe works best with a thicker brownie mix—some brands have a higher liquid-to-mix ratio, which can affect the texture. Try using a little less liquid next time, or let it sit for a minute after microwaving to firm up. Let me know if you give it another go!

  2. 5 stars
    This is a great recipe, thank you! I used Pillsbury dark chocolate brownie mix and microwaved for 1 min and 15 seconds. My brownies came out cooked and fudgy. So good!

  3. Christina says:

    I make this with half a cup of brownie mix, 3 tablespoons of water and a heaping tablespoon of mayo. Microwaved for 90 seconds. Turned out perfect!

  4. 💥Kelsie Stamper💥 (I Have Crippling Depression) says:

    1 star
    It just turned out as hot fudge topping instead of brownie.

    1. Oh no! It sounds like it needed a little more time in the microwave. Mug brownies can be tricky since every microwave is different. Try adding 10-15 second intervals until it firms up like a brownie. Let me know if that helps!

  5. Chelsea R says:

    5 stars
    I read through the comments because I have celiac and wanted to know if it needed modifications. I did exactly what the recipe called for plus added one tbsp of light mayo (it’s what I had) and it was delicious! I did microwave for 90s. I used the LiveGFree Brownie mix.

  6. 2 stars
    I tried this as written with the Live G Free brownie mix from Aldi, which is an extremely reliable mix when I make it the traditional way, and it exploded in my 1.7 kWh microwave. I tried again using a little oil instead of some of the water, and it essentially made a thick chocolate syrup. I stirred a tablespoon of cocoa powder and an egg into that syrupy attempt and microwaved it another minute, and that gave me a chocolate cake ish mug cake that was edible. Reading through other comments, I would not recommend making this without adding a tablespoon of mayo (I didn’t have any on hand).

    1. Hi ruth. Thanks for giving us a little insight on a gluten free option. As I’m not gluten free, this recipe was not tested with that option.

  7. I just made this twice in a row. First time used 1/2 cup mix plus 1 tbsp oil, 2 tbsp water. Microwaved just under a minute. It was ok, top was spongy but very wet on the bottom. I ate it. 🙂
    Then I made it again with 1 tbsp less of brownie mix, added 1 tbsp of cocoa, 1 tbsp oil, 1 tbsp water & 1 tbsp egg white. Microwaved 50 seconds. Top was smoother & just set. Put about 10-12 chocolate chips on top & let sit a couple min while they melted. Added whipped cream. It was delicious!

    1. Hi Gina! Thanks so much for leaving your feedback. I’m sure this will help others.

  8. Michael Brady says:

    “un-prepared brownie mix” what does that mean??

    1. Brownie mix powder straight from the box. This is unprepared with the ingredients called for on the box.

  9. 4 stars
    I tried this with Krusteze Gluten-free brownie mix with chocolate chips in the mix. It was very gooey after 90 minutes so I cooked for another 30 seconds and it was too much – crunchy. I’ll try again and add the Mayo instead of water. I couldn’t see any other gluten-free comments. I want this to work!

    1. I used live green brownie mix from aldis and it worked pretty well. I put it in for 90 seconds and everything was cooked and it was a very rich flavor

      1. Ashley R Moses says:

        I mean live g free. I had to go back to look at the product.

      2. Thanks, Ashley! Any chance you’d share the brand of gluten free you used? I’m thinking others might really be interested and it could help them out!

    2. 5 stars
      Betty crocker has the best gluten-free brownie mix. omg! it’s not going to get firm like normal brownies because there’s no gluten so if you like fudgy gooey brownies… Betty crocker should be your go-to for gluten-free. I didn’t try it with the mug brownie cake recipe though but I’m sure it’s delicious

      1. This is such a fantastic tip, Katie! Thanks for sharing.

  10. 5 stars
    Amazing! I used Ghirardelli’s Double Chocolate brownie mix because that’s my favorite and I added 2 tbsp water and 1 canola oil. It was perfect! I also made a chocolate frosting/glaze which melted nicely on top and added whip cream! I think it’s better than making the brownie mix and it’s great for portion control! Thank you!

    1. The Ghirardelli mixes are so hard to resist! Thank you for taking the time to leave suggestions and review, Naomi!

    2. Michael Brady says:

      Ghirardelli’s chocolate leaves a dirty taste in my mouth

      1. You can try a different brownie mix. Ghirardelli is just a personal preference.

  11. 5 stars
    Made this using the Ghirardelli Ultimate mix (I wasn’t sure how much of the chocolate syrup to use, so I didn’t add that). Made per the recipe with a tsp. of oil in this cute little stoneware baking dish. It was perfectly fudgy, just like I like it. I Googled the recipe at the grocery store with the box of mix in my hand, lol. Thanks for helping me satisfy my craving without polishing off a whole batch.

  12. 5 stars
    After reading some of the comments, I used 1/2 c brownie mix, 2 T water a 1 T oil. 60 seconds in the microwave. It was perfect!

    1. Thanks for taking the time to comment and leave helpful feedback, Melanie!

  13. This recipe is a complete fail. I’ve made this numerous times now as written and it just doesn’t work. I’ve only tried numerous times because I don’t want to throw the mix out after opening it since I can no longer bake it.
    It needs either less water ( maybe 2 tblsp) or more brownie mix ( heaping 1/2 cup) and definitely needs 1/2 tablespoon of oil or it’s completely inedible.
    I have to cook mine until the top looks dry or else you’re eating batter.

  14. wish we could submit a picture cuz idk if mine came out correctly..
    it looked like it wanted to become spongy but in the center it was still gooey ish… I cooked for 90 sec then an additional 20
    I did add a few marshmallows
    help

    1. Hi Leslie, can you let me know which brand of mix you used? I’ll pick it up today and try to recreate your marshmallow mix to see if we can see what happened.

  15. 5 stars
    I added mayo and coffee and really was pleasantly surprised! Nice quick treat when you don’t want a big mess hot kitchen plus a huge batch of temptation.
    I put ice cream on top and it was really delicious.
    Thanks for the idea!

    1. Thanks for the review and suggestions, Micki!

      1. 5 stars
        I just got done eating this and omgosh it was perfect. I took some advice from other comments and I added 3T Water, 1tsp oil, and 1tsp of creamy peanut butter, microwaved for 60 seconds, and it was just delicious! Turned out the consistency of a chocolate cake/brownie hybrid. Just awesome. Thank you!

      2. Hi Jannie, thanks for taking the time to review and leave feedback. These comments are so helpful!

  16. Peggy Kirk says:

    I will have to try this to figure out the ratio measurements for one mug brownie. Last night we made 3-2-1 mug cake (the base is- 1 box angel food cake plus 1 box any cake mix). We store in a jar and measure out, for one mug- 3 T mix, 2T water, 1 min microwave. Making one serving at a time is so practical!!

  17. 5 stars
    I read through the reviews and decided to give this a try with the mayo added. I have a 1200 watt microwave and was a little unsure of the cooking time. I cooked for 60 secs and, to me, it was perfect, and soft. A bit more cake like than a traditional brownie, but delicious. I did let it sit for about 3 -4 mins before eating it.
    It was the perfect solution to my craving for something chocolate and carb. I have had the brownie mix in the cabinet forever not making them because I am single and don’t want a whole pan of brownies around to overindulge on or end up throwing out.

    1. Hi Janey, I am so glad this recipe worked out for you! Reading through the comments for this recipe specifically is gold. There are so many great tips. I’ll have to try adding a bit of mayo and see how mine turns out!

  18. Karen Spencer says:

    5 stars
    Hi! I just made this recipe for the first time and it came out perfectly! I used the Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge brownie mix with a handful of Nestle’s chocolate chips mixed in. 90 seconds was the right amount of time. Thanks for the recipe. I will definitely make this again.

    1. Hi karen, thanks for taking the time to comment and review! I’m so glad you like the recipe as much as I do! It’s handy for a quick treat.

  19. 3 stars
    my house is filled with smoke now. in the middle of the night. yayy

    1. That’s odd. I have made this over 45 times and have never had this problem. Could you have made a mistake somewhere?

    2. 5 stars
      This has become our go-to fix when chocolate cravings strike! In our old 1350 watt microwave without a carousel, 90 seconds straight through, no pauses, seems to come out just right in a ceramic soup mug. We keep powdered egg on hand, so adding about a teaspoon each of that plus vegetable oil or butter along with the 3T of water…and a few tablespoons of chopped nuts and chocolate chips…gives us the consistency we like best. Of course, whipped cream or ice cream on top of the hot brownie is a must! One brownie is so generous and filling that we are usually content to share just the one mug between the two of us (not that we couldn’t actually manage one each if our waistlines were not rebelling!). We’re looking forward to trying some of the other recommendations for additions and substitutions (mint chocolate, red velvet, Nutella, marshmallow fluff…oh my!). Thanks for this terrific recipe!

    3. I make this all the time and that’s never happened to me. Maybe you cooked it too long. I only microwave it for 1 minute.

  20. Felix Whiston says:

    4 stars
    Think I did it wrong since I ended up with a very thick goo of chocolate, still tasted good, like warm moose pudding.

    1. Hi felix, it sounds like something could have gone wrong. Have you read through the comments section? It’s filled with tips and tricks that might be helpful.

    2. Did your brownie mix have chocolate chips or chunks in it? If so, it’s likely that the finer powdered ingredients settled to the bottom of the bag while the larger chocolate pieces were resting on top. Make sure to give your bag a quick shake before spooning out your single serving portions since you’re tasting is most likely just melted chocolate.

      1. Thank you for this helpful tip, Fran!

      2. 5 stars
        I made it as is but added 1/2 teaspoon of oil. It turned out perfect! Thanks for the simple recipe

      3. I’ll have to test this out with your suggestion, Debby! Thanks for taking the time to review.

    3. Ghirardelli mug mix has 65 grams about 1/2 cup and it says 4 Tea Spoons water

      1. Not sure what this comment is intending. Is this a question? This recipe is not based off of a mug mix. It’s based off of a regular brownie mix.

    4. I had the exact same thing happen, no matter what mix I used! Finally realized that just using water is essentially making candy, you have to add some oil and egg usually. about half a tablespoon of mayo works wonders 👌

    5. I had the same thing happen several times, no matter what mix I used. Finally realized that just using water is essentially making candy in the microwave. About half a tablespoon of mayo works wonders 👌

  21. Anyone ever tried this in an air fryer?

    1. Hi Maddy, I’ve never made a mug cake in the air fryer, so I can’t be certain if it would work. But I did a quick search online and noticed there are a few from scratch mug cake options. So, maybe? Let us know if you try it.

  22. I used mint chocolate chips in it and topped it with mint chocolate chip ice cream. Delicious! So quick and easy for that night time sweet tooth.

    1. Hi Pam, I LOVE the idea of adding mint chocolate chips. We’re big fans of the chocolate mint combo. I can’t wait to give this a try!

  23. Thanks so much for this recipe! It surely satisfied my chocolate craving in a pinch! Used your original recipe but cooked it in a small bowl instead of a mug. YUM!!! Easy clean up too! Yay! Thanks again!

    1. I’m so glad you liked this recipe, Ava! It is a family favorite for sure.

  24. I made this but added 1 tablespoon of oil in addition to the water. Also used a little microwave safe bowl instead of the mug. It turned out sooo good. Will definitely be my new treat. Thank you!

    1. Thanks for the tip of adding oil, Bonnie! I’m glad that you liked it.

    2. How long did you microwave it in the bowl? How was the texture after adding oil… Was it fudger or so more cake like?

      1. I’d suggest microwaving the same time called for in the recipe.

  25. Why isn’t there a specific amount of mix and water put in¿ Makes it much harder to do this without measurements

    1. Not really sure what you are referring to. There are specific measurements in the recipe card.

    2. @Jesseca, he missed have missed the short little recipe. Thanks for this recipe. I really enjoy an occasional night time treat. This really hits the spot!

  26. I like to put a spoon of marshmallow fluff in top.
    Or a spoon of Carmel (Carmel apple dip).

    1. What a great idea, Twila!

  27. This hit the spot! I used a cheap browning mix and put in the 3 tbsp of water, about a tsp and half of mayo and about half tsp of vanilla and chopped walnuts. Cooked for 90 seconds and it was delicious! Next time I’m gonna throw in a little cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Thanks for this recipe. It’s perfect for when you’re having a craving!

    1. Ok, I LOVE the idea of adding cinnamon or cayenne! Thanks for the suggestion, Shelly!

  28. Brownie mix has vegetable oil. While I’m not a fan of using vegetable oil, nothing about this is good for us. Lol. I mixed the ingredients as written and added a teaspoon of vegetable oil. Made all the difference. Then topped it with mini chocolate chips after the 90 seconds. Perfect fix for a sweet tooth moment.

    1. Thanks for the tip, Steph!

    2. Instead of vegetable oil, try butter.

      1. This recipe doesn’t call for oil. Are you suggesting adding it in addition to the called for ingredients?

  29. ATTENTION!
    Cook for 90 seconds! Watch as it cooks. When it starts to bubble less, take it out!
    You can stop a mug cake then put it back in. Will not work!

    Nutella will usually only work with the fudgy high end brands!

    Mayo added is the trick! The fat and egg give it a little extra fudgy consistency.

    1. Thanks for the tips, Kenneth.

  30. Easy Quick fix when you’re jonesing for chocolate! I like to add cinnamon and a touch of cayenne pepper to make a Mexican chocolate brownie treat. Muy bueno!!

  31. It wouldn’t cook so i put it in longer and it started smoking…

    1. Honestly haven’t had this happen before. Do you have specifics? What type of cake mix? Wattage of the microwave? How long is “longer”? I’d love to help troubleshoot.

    2. Jace McComiskey says:

      @Jesseca,
      This has happened to me twice before. Once when I made them in a friends microwave and the wattage was much higher than mine, and once when I pulled it out too early and put it back in. I discovered that they need to be cooked in one go for the best results. Hope this helps!

      1. Thank you for sharing that!

  32. Not sure where I went wrong. I did the directions…sprayed the cup, mixed dry brownie mix with…I did the tsp of Nutella and 2 TB of water. I put it in for 60 seconds and it was still raw. I put it in for a little longer (30 sec max) and it still wasn’t the way it should be. I gave it a try anyway and topped it will a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It ended up being really chewing and got hard…too hard to eat. It seems that it may be over cooked, but yet wasn’t cooked enough.
    It still tasted good, as I’m not real picky with chocolate. I will definitely be trying again, but I might need some tips on what to do diffrrently. My microwave is 1100

    1. We’ve found that some box mixes don’t work well with the nutella mixed directly into the cake. We have started heating the nutella in the microwave and drizzling it over the top and then adding ice cream. It also will have a slightly different texture, but it shouldn’t be hard and chewy. I’ll test this version again today and see what I can figure out for you.

  33. Barbara Orth says:

    My brownie turned out like tar. It was not burned; just nearly inedible with the consistency of tar. What did I do wrong? I followed the directions of water + mix.

    1. Hi Barbara. I would love to help troubleshot this. Can I ask what brand of mixed you used? I’d like to try it myself so I can better understand what happened.

    2. I think I had the same problem! Just have to let it cool for a while is all 🙂

    3. I did the same thing. It was like lava. It ended up like a brown tar. Then it got hard and a rock. Using Duncan Hines brownie mix and followed the measurements exactly.

      1. Hi Chris, I just tested this recipe and it worked fine for me. I’m not sure what is causing the tar consistency, but the comments below mentioned theirs was the same until it started to cool? Did that help at all?

  34. Almost too easy! It really is foolproof! I used cold coffee on place of the water and topped with a scoop of ice cream! Oh the possibilities are endless!

    1. YES. I love the idea of using coffee in place of the water!

      1. Catherine says:

        5 stars
        I did the coffee thing but tweaked the recipe so I could add creamer to the mix and it turned out like a caramel macchiato brownie.

      2. YUM! What an excellent idea.

  35. Harmony Williams says:

    Adding 2 T dark Cherry pie filling made this already great brownie very special! Thank you so much for this recipe 💖

    1. YUM! We can’t wait to try this. Sounds delicious!

  36. Hi! any idea about calorie count?

    1. Sorry. I couldn’t be sure. It will depend on the mix used. I’d check the back of the box and calculate it out that way.

  37. Really good! Considering I’m camping and didn’t have a measuring cup.. I made it kinda thick w just water and mix.. I had to put it on 160 seconds anymore was a burn.. I added Hershey chocolate pieces on top afterwards.. it was chewy and cakey as well. Perfectly the way we wanted it! Thank you!

  38. i did one tbs of oil and then the other two water and it was pretty dense which i liked. also put chocolate chips in it which was super good and choc ice cream and hot fudge on top…can u tell i like chocolate lol

    1. I love this! It is like a chocolate lovers dream combo!

  39. People who post negative comments amongst all the great reviews should first consider and acknowledge the fact that it “just might” be an error or issue on their end. Please do not discourage others from possibly missing out on a GREAT recipe for people who don’t need a whole batch of “brownies” laying around. It’s a quick indulgence you can even play with and CUSTOMIZE! Maybe two ingredients is just too simple for some. SMH!
    Thank you for this recipe hack!! My oven broke and I’m craving chocolate! First try was yummy with a teaspoon of mini semisweet chips. Second try with a teaspoon of Nutella and only 2T water… YUMAAAY!! Both using 90 seconds in a little countertop SHARP microwave. Ceramic microwave safe mugs and plain Pillsbury Chocolate Fudge Brownie mix. If you like a gooey but mostly cake like “brownie” in less than 5 mins start to finish… this ones for you!

    1. Thank you for reviewing, Tammy! I can’t wait to try your tips. Especially the Nutella! My ten year old is going to flip over that version!

  40. For those whose brownie results were unfavorable are probably adding the ingredients mentioned on the brownie box. I read through all the comments and this wasn’t mentioned as a potential problem. Do not add the oil, egg, water, etc., just the brownie mix.

    1. They’re possibly missing the word, “unprepared” mix.

  41. 4 stars
    Try baking it for 60 seconds for a Molten lava cake yumm

    1. That sounds delicious!

  42. Christine Bastone says:

    5 stars
    I loved it! No, it was not quite as good as a brownie cooked in the oven. But it was definitely good enough. I find it makes for one huge serving. I might have to reduce it somehow. And my mug wasn’t the easiest thing to wash even though I had sprayed some cooking spray first. But it was yummy just the same.

    1. I agree, it’s hard to beat traditional brownies, but this recipe is good for a quick fix! I’ll have to see if there’s an easy way to keep the cleanup simple and update the recipe.

  43. 1 star
    I did everything right I put it in for 90 seconds and the bather was still raw I put it in for a few more seconds and I burned it :/

    1. Every microwave cooks differently. I’d check your wattage and adjust the cooking time accordingly. We just made this recipe in a vacation rental and had to do some test runs to find the best time.

      But I appreciate you pointing out the fact that this could be an issue. I’ll see if I can find a great reference to cooking in a microwave to share.

      1. 5 stars
        May I also point out- you need to make sure your mug is microwave safe to prevent burning.

        I do mine for 60-90 sec and it always turns out fine. I have a small cheap-o microwave purchased from wal-mart. I agree, the wattage is also a factor when baking in the microwave.

      2. That is a great observation! Thank you, Jessica!

  44. I think 2 tbsp of water and 75 seconds in a 1000 watt microwave is the way to go if you like a fudgier brownie! I like the Ghirardelli mix the best, it already has chocolate chips in it.

    1. @Jahyd, oh my gosh! I went to Costco the other day and got a 6 pack of this brownie mix, I saw your comment, tried all your suggestions, and IT WAS DELICIOUS! thank you!

      1. I love this!!

  45. Fantastic! I added a 1/2 tsp butter cut thin, 2 tbsp water 1 tbsp milk and cooked for 75 seconds. I added fresh vanilla whipped cream and chocolate chips. Soooooo good! Thank you!!

    1. Thanks for giving the recipe a try!

  46. 5 stars
    Omg. I mixed half brownie mix and half red velvet cake mix 😍😍 amazing: My new favorite cheat meal!

    1. Um, you might be my new favorite person. Just tried this and it is heavenly!!

  47. Skyjester says:

    5 stars
    Ghirardelli’s Supreme brownie mix is our go-to for mug brownies. Fill a large mug slightly less than halfway with the mix, add 2T water, 2 tsp. of the included chocolate syrup and 1 heaping tsp. of Best Foods mayonnaise (it replaces the missing egg for texture and gives a wonderful flavor boost) in each mug. Stir well and microwave on high for 90-120 seconds, depending on your oven. Let cool several minutes.

    1. Mayo?? Kind of genius. I need to try this.

  48. 5 stars
    I left mine in for 45 seconds and it was fine so I guess it depends on the microwave people who said it was terrible probably aren’t doing it
    right.

  49. Saher Ahmed says:

    1 star
    Terrible result. Won’t use this recipe again

    1. I’m sorry you didn’t like it. Thank you for taking the time to comment and review the recipe.

      If you ever want to make it again let me know. I’ll help troubleshoot and find out what went wrong.

  50. 5 stars
    The Costco Ghirardelli brownie mix was made for this recipe. Perfect results. Pushed a trader Joe’s dark chocolate pb cup into it after cooking for a delicious lava cake effect.

    1. YUM! I will have to try this version ASAP. It sounds amazing.

  51. 5 stars
    Added a dash of butter, went a little lighter on the water, and microwaved for 75. We like our brownies a little fudgy, and that did the trick. Thank you for guidance on a quick chocolate fix.

  52. 5 stars
    You may have a higher power microwave. I know I do so I didn’t cook it as long, I did 1 min and then 15 seconds.

    1. Thanks for the tip TC!

  53. 5 stars
    I love this and my boyfriend with a small occasional sweet tooth did as well. Perfect size for us. I added ice cream and strawberries

    1. I love the addition of strawberries! We will have to give that a try sometime.

      Thanks for rating the recipe!

  54. 5 stars
    Hi! If the brownie mix suggest eggs should i just leave them out? Would it still work? Looking forward to trying this recipe! Thanks in advance

    1. Hi Liona,
      We make it with just the two ingredients. No eggs needed.

      I do suggest watching it closely to make sure it doesn’t over cook and topping with chocolate chips, ice cream, or chocolate syrup. Super tasty and super easy!

  55. Tried it and it was so good! Do you have one for cake mixes?

  56. 5 stars
    We liked these. However, I did add chocolate chips and microwave it a little less time. It is what it is. A two ingredient brownie. Not the best ever but good in a pinch. We will make this again.

  57. 5 stars
    Just made this at work. I was nervous because of the negative review but with a few changes thought this was amazing! I added a tablespoon of mini chocolate chips right in to the batter. Skipped the ice cream but frosted the top with chocolate frosting. I also only microwaved it for one minute and it was perfect! On a side note, I think this could be chewy if you microwave it for too long. My bestie made one for the full 90 seconds and it wasn’t as good as mine. Maybe our microwave is a higher wattage?

    Thanks for the good and easy dessert!

  58. 1 star
    this was terrible very chewy and disgusting don’t use this recipe ever!

    1. Hi Ashley,
      I’m sorry this recipe wasn’t for you. We have made it several times and have always enjoyed the end result. I’d be happy to help you troubleshot what went wrong if you’d like.

  59. 5 stars
    Just tried this with some reeses chips and it was great, if you don’t want to use vegetable oil you can use 1 tbsp of butter

    1. Oh. My. GOODNESS!! Reeses chips sound like heaven! I cannot wait to give that a try!

  60. If you want to take the little cakes out for looks, use oven spray.

  61. It is really great to know these recipes. I like making some simple cakes and this one should be one of my target. My kids also love cakes with chocolate. Thanks for sharing!

  62. aimee @ like mother like daughter says:

    Jess, I thought I commented sooner but apparently I didnt. Thank you so much for helping me out with this cookbook tour, and for all your sweet words! Its so fun to see what everyone chooses to make first from the book, and I’m glad you picked a great one 😉

    1. Thank you. Your two ingredients recipe is great. The brownie is so good. I added Walmarts and used butter in a small glass dish.

      1. Hi Dorie, thank you for being so kind to my sweet friend! Be sure to check out her cookbook or browse her website for more insanely delicious brownie recipes (plus so much more).

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