Ingredients
Scale
To embark on this delightful journey to a warm, chocolatey haven, you’ll need just a handful of everyday ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor that makes this microwave brownie in a cup so irresistibly good. Here’s what you’ll need, with precise measurements and a little insight into why each ingredient is essential:
- 4 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of our brownie, providing structure and body. All-purpose flour is readily available and creates a tender crumb in the final product. Make sure to measure it accurately for the best texture.
- 4 tablespoons Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key in any brownie, and granulated sugar delivers just that. It also contributes to the brownie’s moistness and helps in achieving a slightly chewy texture. You can adjust the amount slightly if you prefer a less sweet brownie, but this quantity is generally perfect for a classic brownie sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For that rich, intense chocolate flavor we all crave in a brownie, unsweetened cocoa powder is essential. It provides depth and a slightly bitter note that balances the sweetness perfectly. Opt for good quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate experience.
- ¼ teaspoon Baking Powder: This is our leavening agent, responsible for giving the brownie a slight rise and a light, airy texture. Just a tiny amount is needed in this single-serving recipe to prevent it from becoming too dense.
- Pinch of Salt: Salt enhances flavors, and in baking, it’s crucial for balancing the sweetness and bringing out the chocolate notes. A small pinch is all you need to elevate the overall taste of your brownie.
- 3 tablespoons Milk: Milk adds moisture to the batter, creating a fudgy and tender brownie. You can use any kind of milk you have on hand – dairy or non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk all work beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil: Oil contributes to the moistness and richness of the brownie. Vegetable oil is neutral in flavor, allowing the chocolate to shine through. You can also use melted coconut oil or another neutral oil if you prefer.
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a touch of warmth and complexity. It complements the chocolate beautifully and makes the brownie taste even more decadent. Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor, but imitation vanilla can also be used.
- Optional: 2 tablespoons Chocolate Chips: For an extra burst of chocolate and a delightful melty texture, chocolate chips are a fantastic addition. You can use semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference. They add pockets of gooey chocolate goodness to every bite.
Instructions
Creating this microwave brownie in a cup is incredibly simple and fast, perfect for satisfying those sudden dessert cravings. Follow these easy steps to make your own warm, delicious brownie in just minutes:
- Choose Your Mug: Start by selecting a microwave-safe mug that’s large enough to hold the batter and allow it to rise slightly. A standard 10-12 ounce mug works perfectly. Ensure the mug is microwave-safe to avoid any accidents.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In your chosen mug, add the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Using a fork or a small whisk, thoroughly mix these dry ingredients together until they are well combined. This step ensures that the baking powder and cocoa powder are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for consistent texture and flavor in your brownie. Breaking up any clumps of cocoa powder at this stage will prevent any bitter pockets in the final brownie.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: To the mug with the dry ingredients, add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Now, using your fork or whisk, gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined and you have a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix; just mix until there are no visible streaks of flour left. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, which can make the brownie tougher rather than tender.
- Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): If you’re using chocolate chips, now is the time to gently fold them into the batter. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter so you get chocolatey goodness in every bite. You can also reserve a few chocolate chips to sprinkle on top before microwaving for an extra melty chocolate topping.
- Microwave to Perfection: Place your mug in the microwave and microwave on high power for 60-90 seconds. Microwaves vary in power, so start with 60 seconds and check for doneness. The brownie is ready when it has risen slightly and the top looks set, but the center may still be slightly soft and fudgy, which is exactly what we want! If the top is still very wet or liquidy after 60 seconds, continue microwaving in 10-second intervals until it reaches the desired consistency. Be careful not to over-microwave, as this can make the brownie dry and rubbery.
- Let it Cool Slightly: Once microwaved, carefully remove the mug from the microwave (it will be hot!). Let the brownie cool for a minute or two in the mug. This allows it to set a bit more and cool down enough to enjoy without burning your tongue. The brownie will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat as it cools.
- Enjoy Warm: Your microwave brownie in a cup is now ready to be devoured! Enjoy it warm, straight from the mug. You can eat it as is, or elevate your experience with some delicious toppings (check out our serving suggestions below!). The warm, fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor are incredibly satisfying, especially when enjoyed fresh out of the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20 grams