Brownie in a Mug (6 Variations)

AlainaF's Note:

If you are thinking about making a tin of brownies, or baking a cake, or even going to the store and buying donuts, stop. Don't proceed. Instead make this amazing chocolate brownie in less than 2 minutes. Indulging in a treat like this is perfect for those of you (me included) on a diet, who are craving dessert but don't want to go overboard by baking a dozen cookies or so. A single serving is very satisfying, and I've included 6 different variations so you can adjust the toppings/mix-ins to your taste. I tried the mounds one tonight and it was AMAZING! I also used hersheys special dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa, and it came out extra rich and chocolatey. Perfect with a glass of milk, or a scoop of ice cream, enjoy!!!

• Total Time: 4 mins
• Prep Time: 2 mins
• Cook Time: 2 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 1

Yield: 1.0 brownie

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons cocoa
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 5 tablespoons water

Directions:

1. Add all of dry ingredients to mug.
2. Mix well with a fork or small whisk until blended.
3. Add oil and water.
4. Mix well (add mix-ins if using).
5. Put in the microwave and cook on high heat for 1 minute 40 seconds - 2 minutes.
6. Add toppings or a scoop of ice cream and enjoy!
7. Variations:.
8. Mounds: add 1-2 tablespoons chocolate chips and a sprinkling of sweetened flaked coconut on top of cooked brownie.
9. Peanut Butter Swirl: add 1-2 tbsp creamy peanut butter into mix before microwaving, or add 1 tablespoons on top of brownie after its cooked.
10. Berry Jam: top cooked brownie with 1-2 tablespoons melted berry jam (strawberry, raspberry or blackberry is best. Just heat in microwave until melted then pour over brownie).
11. S'mores: top cooked brownie with mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs.
12. Candy Bar: mix in 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite chopped chocolate candy bar into the mix before heating, or add m&ms.
13. Caramel Sea Salt: drop 2 salted caramels into the middle of the mix before heating, and once done top with a light sprinkle of sea salt.

Reviews

[Muffin Goddess]

Rich, sweet, fudgy, easy to make, and versatile --- seriously, what's not to love? It was satisfying enough that I suspect I could've happily shared it with someone (I didn't, just sayin', lol). I didn't have any salted caramels for the version I wanted, so I improvised a bit: handful of mini Rolo's, sprinkling of Fleur de Sel, and a small dollop of some Mexican cajeta. Oh, and a squirt of whipped cream for good measure. I didn't want to make it too cakey, so I used the minimum amount of cook time. Definitely a keeper! I see myself whipping this one out more often than I should, lol. Thanks for posting! Made for the 2013 Variety is the Spice of Life event

[flower7]

This was good and easy. I was afraid there was too much batter for my mug so I used a bowl. Added a couple crushed mini Butterfinger candy bars (and another on top for garnish!) Might add some vanilla next time as it seemed to be lacking something for my taste and am thinking that might be what it needs. Thanks for sharing! [Made for Variety is the Spice of Life 2013]

[Jostlori]

This was a tough one to rate! I made two variations of these brownies for Variety is the Spice of Life 2013. I made one with peanut butter, marshmallows and chocolate chips for DH, and a Sea Salt Caramel one for me. The marshmallows made the cup overflow and was not very pretty, but it tasted fantastic and was rich and fudgy. The sea salt caramel tasted good, but the texture of the brownie wasn't quite right and it looked and tasted a bit flat. That being said, I'm looking forward to making the peanut butter swirl again (without marshmallows!) and perhaps some of the other variations. These are great for a quick dessert and there are no leftovers, so it's good for that ever-expanding waist! Thanks for posting!