Brownie in a Mug
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This easy mug brownie recipe is my go-to when I want a quick chocolate dessert without baking a full pan. Made with brownie mix and cooked right in the microwave, it comes together in minutes with a rich, fudgy texture every time. I’ve been making and tweaking this recipe for over ten years to get the timing and ratio just right, and it’s still the version I come back to whenever a chocolate craving hits.
Why You’ll Love This Mug Brownie Recipe
- Ready in about 90 seconds for the ultimate quick dessert
- Perfect single serve brownie when you do not want leftovers
- Rich, fudgy texture without needing an oven
- Easy microwave dessert for late-night chocolate cravings
This mug brownie joined our family over ten years ago when I was reviewing my friend Aimee’s new cookbook, and honestly? I had my doubts. There was no way a brownie made in the microwave could actually taste good. But after one bite, I was completely shocked. It was rich, chocolatey, perfectly soft in the center, and ready faster than it takes to preheat an oven.
Since then, we’ve tested all kinds of variations and little tweaks. This microwave brownie has turned into one of our favorite quick dessert recipes. It’s the recipe we make for late-night cravings, movie nights, or those moments when someone wants brownies but nobody wants to deal with baking a whole pan. It’s the one that inspired our vast collection of mug treats!
Mug Brownie Ingredients
Since there are so few ingredients, the quality of the brownie mix and a few small tweaks can make a big difference in the final texture and flavor.
- Brownie Mix: Any boxed brownie mix will work here, but I’ve had the best luck with fudge-style mixes for that rich, gooey brownie texture. Ghirardelli is especially good if you want a more chocolate-forward flavor.
- Water: Helps bring the batter together without making the brownie heavy. Milk works too if you want a slightly richer flavor.
- Oil: A little oil keeps the mug brownie soft and fudgy instead of dry or cakey. Vegetable or canola oil are the easiest options, but melted butter can be swapped in for a slightly richer taste.
- Chocolate Chips (Optional): Not required, but highly recommended. A small handful melted into the center takes this microwave brownie from good to dangerously good.
That’s it. No complicated ingredients, no fancy equipment, and no trip to a specialty store. This is the kind of quick dessert recipe you can throw together in minutes and still end up with a warm, chocolatey brownie that feels homemade.
Jesseca’s Recipe Review
My favorite version is slightly undercooked with a handful of chocolate chips on top and vanilla ice cream melting into the center. It feels like a legit dessert without the effort of baking a whole pan.
Tip from Jesseca:
Start checking your mug brownie around the 60-second mark, especially if you have a newer microwave. It’s much better slightly underdone than overcooked, and it will continue to set as it cools for a minute or two.
Reader-Tested Variations
One of my favorite things about this microwave brownie recipe is that almost 200 of my readers have made it their own over the years. Some like it extra fudgy, some turn it into a lava cake situation, and others fully lean into the “pile on the toppings” approach. If you want to switch things up, these reader-tested ideas are a great place to start.
- Add a little oil or mayo for a fudgier texture: This was by far the most common suggestion from readers. Many found that adding ½ teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of oil or mayo helped create a softer, richer brownie.
- Swap the water for coffee: Several readers used brewed coffee instead of water to deepen the chocolate flavor. One even added coffee creamer for a caramel macchiato-inspired version.
- Turn it into a lava cake: Nutella, peanut butter cups, caramel, marshmallow fluff, frosting, and chocolate candies all melt beautifully in the center. Add them before cooking or drizzle over the top after microwaving.
- Mix in chocolate chips or candy: Mini chocolate chips, Reese’s chips, mint chips, walnuts, Oreos, and chopped candy bars were all reader favorites.
- Try different brownie mixes: Ghirardelli Double Chocolate and Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge were the most recommended options for a rich, gooey microwave brownie. Gluten-free readers also had success with LiveGFree and Betty Crocker gluten-free mixes.
- Top it like a sundae: Ice cream, whipped cream, strawberries, hot fudge, caramel sauce, and melted peanut butter all came up repeatedly in the comments.
- Play with the flavors: Readers added cinnamon, cayenne, dark cherry pie filling, red velvet cake mix, and even peppermint for fun twists on the classic chocolate brownie flavor.
Honestly, the comments section for this recipe has become almost as useful as the recipe itself. If you test a new variation, there’s a good chance someone else is wondering about it too.
The Mug Size Matters More Than You Think
The mug you use can completely change how this mug brownie recipe turns out. After lots of testing, I’ve found that a 10 to 12-ounce microwave-safe mug works best. It gives the brownie room to rise without overflowing.
A few quick tips before you start:
- Small mugs overflow easily as the brownie bubbles while cooking
- Wide mugs cook more evenly than tall narrow mugs
- Higher wattage microwaves cook faster and may only need 60 seconds
- Lower wattage microwaves may need closer to 90 seconds
If your brownie turns out rubbery, gooey in the center, or spills over the sides, the mug size and microwave power are usually the culprit.
Microwave Timing Chart
Every microwave cooks a little differently, which is why mug brownies can sometimes feel hit or miss. Use this quick guide as a starting point, then adjust based on how gooey or cakey you like your brownie.
| Microwave Wattage | Cook Time | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| 700 to 800 watts | 85 to 95 seconds | Soft and gooey |
| 900 to 1000 watts | 70 to 85 seconds | Classic fudgy brownie |
| 1100 to 1200 watts | 60 to 75 seconds | Rich and slightly cakey |
A few quick tips:
- The brownie will continue to set as it cools
- Slightly undercooked is better than overcooked
- If the center still looks very wet, microwave in 10-second bursts
- Avoid stopping and restarting too many times, which can make the texture chewy or rubbery
The Best Brownie Mixes for Mug Brownies
Not all brownie mixes work the same in the microwave. Some turn out rich and fudgy while others lean more cake-like. Here are the ones that tested best with readers:
- Ghirardelli Double Chocolate. My top pick. Rich chocolate flavor, extra fudgy texture, and the most reliable results overall.
- Betty Crocker Fudge. Softer and slightly more cake-like. Works best with a little less water or a small splash of oil.
- Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge. Great middle ground. Chocolatey, soft, and holds up well with toppings and mix-ins.
- Aldi LiveGFree Brownie Mix. Best gluten-free option readers tested. Tends to dry out faster, so avoid overcooking.
If you’re making mug brownies for the first time, Ghirardelli is the easiest and most foolproof place to start.
Brownie in a Mug, Questions You’ll Actually Want Answered
Yes. Milk gives the brownie a slightly richer flavor and softer texture.
Nope. This recipe uses the dry brownie mix only, not the eggs, oil, or water listed on the package directions.
It was likely overcooked. Mug brownies cook fast and continue setting as they cool.
Ghirardelli consistently gives the fudgiest texture, but Duncan Hines and Betty Crocker also work well with slight timing adjustments.
Absolutely. Slightly undercook it, add a few chocolate chips, or stir in a little oil or mayo for a softer center.
Yes! Those all work well as mix-ins or drizzled over the top after cooking.
You can, but it works best as a single serving dessert. Doubling the batter can make it cook unevenly in the microwave.
The top should look mostly set while the center still feels slightly soft. If it looks very wet, microwave in 10-second bursts.
Yes. A small microwave-safe bowl actually cooks more evenly than some mugs.
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How to Make Brownies in a Mug
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.
Notes
- Substitute the water for coffee.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of Nutella and 2 tablespoons water
- Add a heaping teaspoon of mayonnaise
Equipment
Nutrition
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.
I made it exactly as suggested, Ghirardelli mix, 3 tablespoons of water, 90 seconds in microwave, perfect! So delicious and easy, thank so much!
I made this mug brownie recipe using Pillsbury zero sugar brownie mix. I added one dove dark chocolate candy and this original ingredients in a 1000 watt microwave for 90 sec. It turned out great with the melted chocolate in the middle! Delicious thank you
Sandy, that sounds SO good. That melted Dove chocolate center is a genius move.
Best damb mug cake I have ever eaten!!!!! Thank you!!!
That makes my day. I’m so glad you loved it. Mug cakes can be hit or miss, so hearing this one is a winner means a lot. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
not to bad , used coffee instead of water
me and my kids love to make the mug cakes and brownies I always add different things in them like cream cheese powdered sugar and vanilla mix on top of the brownie or chocolate chips sprinkles or a drop of caramel in the mix before you cook it or a drop of peanut butter or Oreo cookies theres all kinds of goodies u can add to the mix before or after the cooking and makes it just amazing little sweet treat
That all sounds amazing! I love how creative you get with it. It sounds like those mix-ins take it to the next level. Now I’m craving a caramel and peanut butter version.
I used Betty Crocker fudge brownie mix. 3 tbls. of water and a 1/2 tsp. of oil. And microwaved for 90 seconds. It turned out deliciously perfect.
Love hearing that, Robin! Thanks for sharing your version—Betty Crocker for the win! That little bit of oil sounds like it gave it the perfect fudgy texture. So glad it hit the spot!
I used Hershey’s Double Triple Brownie Mix and this recipe is absolutely fantastic. At first I was a little skeptical about how easy this recipe seemed, however the results blew my mind! My previous attempts to make a mug brownie with other recipes failed miserably because they used egg and that flavor overpowered the chocolate. This time it was fudgie & chocolaty and I topped it with Pecan Praline ice cream and Strawberries. And Oh my goodness… It was delectable, and definitely satisfied my sweet tooth without the hassle of oven baking. Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe! 10/10 definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for an even easier way to make brownies. The only thing I would suggest is to use butter for a more classic brownie taste. Thank you again!!!!! Can’t wait to try out your other recipes! ❤
This totally made my day! I’m so happy you gave it a shot and loved it. Especially with that next-level topping combo (pecan praline ice cream and strawberries?! Genius). I completely agree about the butter swap for that classic flavor too. Thank you for the kind words and the 10/10. I’m grinning over here! Can’t wait to hear what you try next!
this is great, I topped with melted peanut butter and caramel sauce.
tastes like the caramel peanut butter 😋
Ok, malted peanut butter as a topping is genius! I can’t wait to give that a try!
Made per directions and it is just a bowl of mush.
Betty Crocker brand mix.
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!
Hi Sarah
I have the same Betty Crocker mix, and I’ve tried it with 3 tbsps of the mix, 1 tbsp of water and 1/2 tbsp of oil. The texture was much better, not 100% like an oven brownie, but still tasty. I also recommend a handful of chocolate chips on top right after it’s out of the microwave, so they add a melty chocolate layer on top! Hope this works for you 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing your version, Sophie! I love that you tested different measurements with the Betty Crocker mix. Sounds like a great tweak for texture. And yes, melty chocolate chips on top are always a win. I’m definitely going to try your method next time!
½ cup chocolate cake mix
3 flat soup spoons of water (spoon not measuring spoon)
60 seconds in the microwave
it came out like a job Louis cake lol at 30 seconds in I put a dallop of whipped chocolate frosting on top now im going to try vanilla frosting :p in the center lol by remixing in a cup, half the batter on the bottom, frosting, then top with batter. micro baking is fun and I hate microwaves lol
Joe* Louis
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!
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!
It just turned out as hot fudge topping instead of brownie.
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!
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.
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).
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.
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!
Hi Gina! Thanks so much for leaving your feedback. I’m sure this will help others.
“un-prepared brownie mix” what does that mean??
Brownie mix powder straight from the box. This is unprepared with the ingredients called for on the box.
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!
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
I mean live g free. I had to go back to look at the product.
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!
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
This is such a fantastic tip, Katie! Thanks for sharing.
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!
The Ghirardelli mixes are so hard to resist! Thank you for taking the time to leave suggestions and review, Naomi!
Ghirardelli’s chocolate leaves a dirty taste in my mouth
You can try a different brownie mix. Ghirardelli is just a personal preference.
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.
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!
Thanks for taking the time to comment and leave helpful feedback, Melanie!
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.
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
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.
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!
Thanks for the review and suggestions, Micki!
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!
Hi Jannie, thanks for taking the time to review and leave feedback. These comments are so helpful!
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!!
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.
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!
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.
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.
my house is filled with smoke now. in the middle of the night. yayy
That’s odd. I have made this over 45 times and have never had this problem. Could you have made a mistake somewhere?
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!
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.
Think I did it wrong since I ended up with a very thick goo of chocolate, still tasted good, like warm moose pudding.
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.
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.
Thank you for this helpful tip, Fran!
I made it as is but added 1/2 teaspoon of oil. It turned out perfect! Thanks for the simple recipe
I’ll have to test this out with your suggestion, Debby! Thanks for taking the time to review.
Ghirardelli mug mix has 65 grams about 1/2 cup and it says 4 Tea Spoons water
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.
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 👌
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 👌
Anyone ever tried this in an air fryer?
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.
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.
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!
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!
I’m so glad you liked this recipe, Ava! It is a family favorite for sure.
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!
Thanks for the tip of adding oil, Bonnie! I’m glad that you liked it.
How long did you microwave it in the bowl? How was the texture after adding oil… Was it fudger or so more cake like?
I’d suggest microwaving the same time called for in the recipe.
Why isn’t there a specific amount of mix and water put in¿ Makes it much harder to do this without measurements
Not really sure what you are referring to. There are specific measurements in the recipe card.
@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!
I like to put a spoon of marshmallow fluff in top.
Or a spoon of Carmel (Carmel apple dip).
What a great idea, Twila!
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!
Ok, I LOVE the idea of adding cinnamon or cayenne! Thanks for the suggestion, Shelly!
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.
Thanks for the tip, Steph!
Instead of vegetable oil, try butter.
This recipe doesn’t call for oil. Are you suggesting adding it in addition to the called for ingredients?
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.
Thanks for the tips, Kenneth.
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!!
It wouldn’t cook so i put it in longer and it started smoking…
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.
@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!
Thank you for sharing that!
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
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.
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.
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.
@Jesseca,
I think I had the same problem! Just have to let it cool for a while is all 🙂
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.
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?
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!
YES. I love the idea of using coffee in place of the water!
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.
YUM! What an excellent idea.
Adding 2 T dark Cherry pie filling made this already great brownie very special! Thank you so much for this recipe 💖
YUM! We can’t wait to try this. Sounds delicious!
Hi! any idea about calorie count?
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.
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!
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
I love this! It is like a chocolate lovers dream combo!
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!
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!
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.
They’re possibly missing the word, “unprepared” mix.
Try baking it for 60 seconds for a Molten lava cake yumm
That sounds delicious!
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.
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.
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 :/
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.
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.
That is a great observation! Thank you, Jessica!
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.
Thanks for the tip!
@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!
I love this!!
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!!
Thanks for giving the recipe a try!
Omg. I mixed half brownie mix and half red velvet cake mix 😍😍 amazing: My new favorite cheat meal!
Um, you might be my new favorite person. Just tried this and it is heavenly!!
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.
Mayo?? Kind of genius. I need to try this.
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.
Terrible result. Won’t use this recipe again
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.
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.
YUM! I will have to try this version ASAP. It sounds amazing.
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.
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.
Thanks for the tip TC!
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
I love the addition of strawberries! We will have to give that a try sometime.
Thanks for rating the recipe!
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
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!
Tried it and it was so good! Do you have one for cake mixes?
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!
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.
we liked this cake.
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!
DELECTABLE
this was terrible very chewy and disgusting don’t use this recipe ever!
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.
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
Oh. My. GOODNESS!! Reeses chips sound like heaven! I cannot wait to give that a try!
If you want to take the little cakes out for looks, use oven spray.
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!
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 😉
Thank you. Your two ingredients recipe is great. The brownie is so good. I added Walmarts and used butter in a small glass dish.
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).