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.
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!
Recipe Features
- 2 Ingredients: The base for this recipe is literally TWO ingredients. It does not get any easier than that.
- Single Serving: It makes a hefty single serving or two smaller servings.
- Easy to Customize: You can add so many mix-in items to make this more customized to your tastes (see below).
Can we talk brownies for a second? I have a deep love for those sweet chocolatey bars and they will always have a special place in my belly.
I dig homemade but am definitely not one to snub my nose at a box mix. So when I saw this cleverly titled book 50 Fixes for Brownie Mixes (affiliate), from my friend Aimee at Like Mother Like Daughter, I knew I needed to add it to my collection. The first recipe I knew I needed to make? This brownie in a mug!
Microwave Brownie Ingredients
This muI am absolutely in love with this simple small batch dessert. It is the go-to fix for when you are craving something sweet, but aren’t looking to make a mess in the kitchen. Rich, fudgy, and comforting in minutes. You just cannot beat it. Every brownie lover’s’ dream. Here is what you will need to get started:
- Brownie Mix: You’ve got two ingredients in this recipe, and this is the one that matters most. Pick a brownie mix you know you love. And since the recipe won’t use the entire mix, keep the leftover stored in a quality airtight container (affiliate) for future brownie fixes.
- Water: Whisking water into the brownie mix will give you that beautiful glossy batter. You can also opt to use milk in place of the water if you desire, but we find that it doesn’t make too much of a difference with this recipe.
What is the Best Brownie Mix?
You really cannot go wrong with any quality brownie mix. Our personal favorite is Ghirardelli Triple Chocolate Brownie Mix . I mean, it is so full of chocolate flavor that you just cannot beat it. However, Betty Crocker Triple Chunk Brownie Mix and Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix come in a close second.
How To Make A Brownie In A Mug
Since the mug brownie is made without cocoa powder, AND took less than 2 ingredients and 90 seconds, I knew they it was THE recipe for me.
- 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.
Hard to believe you can have a dessert ready in under five minutes, am I right? We topped ours with a little ice cream and chocolate syrup. We agreed that it gets two thumbs up.
It did turn out a little more cake like but that works for me since I prefer my brownies less fudge textured.
Helpful Recipe Tips
NOTE BEFORE YOU START: This is a mug recipe that only uses two ingredients. It won’t have the same oven baked taste that the classic recipe you know and love, but comes in a very close second place. Try adding a handful of chocolate chips, spoonful of Nutella or nut butter, or topping with whipped cream.
HOWEVER, they are still amazing and perfect for a quick treat!
Last tip, use a BIG mug or two smaller mugs.
Recipe Notes:
This makes a rather large brownie. I recommend using at least a 16 oz mug or a medium sized bowl.
Microwave cooking times will vary based on wattage. To avoid a chewy brownie, start by microwaving for 60 seconds, adding additional 15-30 seconds as needed.
This recipe has a love/hate relationship with my readers. Some people love it, some hate it. We’ve made it our mission to try ALL of the suggestions left below and here are a few of our FAVORITE mix in ideas:
Mini Chocolate Chips
A spoonful of Nutella
Vanilla Extract
Mayonnaise – Seems weird but a heaping teaspoon gives the brownies a fudgier finish.
Chopped pieces of your favorite candy bar.
Chopped nuts.
Mini marshmallows.
Crumbled cookies (hello OREO’s!)
Top with frosting or ice cream
Be sure to mist the inside of your mug with baking spray, or brush with butter. This brownie will stick to the inside of the mug if you don’t prepare in advance.
MORE MUG RECIPES TO TRY
- Oreo Mug Cake (my favorite)
- Nutella Mug Cake
- Chocolate Mug Cake
- Chocolate Chip Mug Muffin
- Over 200 Dessert Recipes You NEED To Try
- 3-Ingredient Oreo Mug Cake
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- The BEST Brownie Recipe
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- Chocolate Mint Brownies
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2 Ingredient Mug Brownies
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
- Substitute the water for coffee.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of Nutella and 2 tablespoons water
- Add a heaping teaspoon of mayonnaise
Nutrition
Equipment
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Comments & Reviews
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!!
Janet says
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.
Jesseca says
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!
Karen Spencer says
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.
Jesseca says
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.
theo says
my house is filled with smoke now. in the middle of the night. yayy
Jesseca says
That’s odd. I have made this over 45 times and have never had this problem. Could you have made a mistake somewhere?
EJ says
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!
Felix Whiston says
Think I did it wrong since I ended up with a very thick goo of chocolate, still tasted good, like warm moose pudding.
Jesseca says
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.
Fran says
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.
Jesseca says
Thank you for this helpful tip, Fran!
zackmann says
Ghirardelli mug mix has 65 grams about 1/2 cup and it says 4 Tea Spoons water
Jesseca says
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.
Jordan says
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 👌
Jordan says
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 👌
Maddy says
Anyone ever tried this in an air fryer?
Jesseca says
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.
Pam says
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.
Jesseca says
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!
Ava says
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!
Jesseca says
I’m so glad you liked this recipe, Ava! It is a family favorite for sure.
Bonnie says
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!
Jesseca says
Thanks for the tip of adding oil, Bonnie! I’m glad that you liked it.
Ann says
How long did you microwave it in the bowl? How was the texture after adding oil… Was it fudger or so more cake like?
Jesseca says
I’d suggest microwaving the same time called for in the recipe.
Eli says
Why isn’t there a specific amount of mix and water put in¿ Makes it much harder to do this without measurements
Jesseca says
Not really sure what you are referring to. There are specific measurements in the recipe card.
Pam says
@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!
Twila says
I like to put a spoon of marshmallow fluff in top.
Or a spoon of Carmel (Carmel apple dip).
Jesseca says
What a great idea, Twila!
Shelley says
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!
Jesseca says
Ok, I LOVE the idea of adding cinnamon or cayenne! Thanks for the suggestion, Shelly!
Steph says
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.
Jesseca says
Thanks for the tip, Steph!
Aruz says
Instead of vegetable oil, try butter.
Jesseca says
This recipe doesn’t call for oil. Are you suggesting adding it in addition to the called for ingredients?
Kenneth says
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.
Jesseca says
Thanks for the tips, Kenneth.
Pecos says
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!!
rachel says
It wouldn’t cook so i put it in longer and it started smoking…
Jesseca says
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.
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!
Jesseca says
Thank you for sharing that!
Jessica says
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
Jesseca says
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.
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.
Jesseca says
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.
Palais says
@Jesseca,
Palais says
I think I had the same problem! Just have to let it cool for a while is all 🙂
Chris says
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.
Jesseca says
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?
Michelle says
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!
Jesseca says
YES. I love the idea of using coffee in place of the water!
Catherine says
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.
Jesseca says
YUM! What an excellent idea.
Harmony Williams says
Adding 2 T dark Cherry pie filling made this already great brownie very special! Thank you so much for this recipe 💖
Jesseca says
YUM! We can’t wait to try this. Sounds delicious!
Irene says
Hi! any idea about calorie count?
Jesseca says
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.
Mary says
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!
bekah says
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
Jesseca says
I love this! It is like a chocolate lovers dream combo!
Tammy W. says
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!
Jesseca says
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!
Cinda says
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.
Cinda says
They’re possibly missing the word, “unprepared” mix.
Karen B says
Try baking it for 60 seconds for a Molten lava cake yumm
Jesseca says
That sounds delicious!
Christine Bastone says
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.
Jesseca says
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.
Jaden says
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 :/
Jesseca says
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.
Jessica says
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.
Jesseca says
That is a great observation! Thank you, Jessica!
Jahyd says
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.
Jesseca says
Thanks for the tip!
Amanda says
@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!
Jesseca says
I love this!!
Marissa says
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!!
Jesseca says
Thanks for giving the recipe a try!
Shauna says
Omg. I mixed half brownie mix and half red velvet cake mix 😍😍 amazing: My new favorite cheat meal!
Jesseca says
Um, you might be my new favorite person. Just tried this and it is heavenly!!
Skyjester says
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.
Jesseca says
Mayo?? Kind of genius. I need to try this.
Gia says
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.
Saher Ahmed says
Terrible result. Won’t use this recipe again
Jesseca says
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.
Scott says
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.
Jesseca says
YUM! I will have to try this version ASAP. It sounds amazing.
Mariah says
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.
TC says
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.
Jesseca says
Thanks for the tip TC!
Tracy says
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
Jesseca says
I love the addition of strawberries! We will have to give that a try sometime.
Thanks for rating the recipe!
Liona says
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
Jesseca says
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!
Gail says
Tried it and it was so good! Do you have one for cake mixes?
Jesseca says
Hi Gail,
I do not have a two ingredient mug cake. However, I do have a mug cake recipe that you can find here >> https://onesweetappetite.com/nutella-mug-cake-recipe/
I will work on a cake mix version!
Kendall says
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.
cathy says
we liked this cake.
Jen says
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!
Nasha Dembele says
DELECTABLE
ashley says
this was terrible very chewy and disgusting don’t use this recipe ever!
Jesseca says
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.
Felicity says
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
Jesseca says
Oh. My. GOODNESS!! Reeses chips sound like heaven! I cannot wait to give that a try!
xer says
If you want to take the little cakes out for looks, use oven spray.
Anne says
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!
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 😉