3-Ingredient Mug Brownie
Yes, I’m making a brownie from a box. And no, I’m not following the directions on the back! This little trick turns a few tablespoons of brownie mix into a fudgy single-serving mug brownie, complete with melty chocolate chips. All it takes is a mug, three simple ingredients, and 60 seconds in the microwave. The hardest part? Letting it cool before that first spoonful 😉
If you’ve made my Chocolate Mug Cake, you know how much fun we can have with a boxed mix. Here, we’re going for true brownie texture, so grab a mix labeled “fudgy.” And while there’s no sneaky vegetable or bean blended into this one, there’s still a smart strategy at play: Make just the portion you want and save the rest of the mix for another day. Each mug brownie comes in at about 140 calories.
I’m definitely a sucker for low-effort, high-reward desserts… and the evidence is right here: My 5-Minute Apple Piedelivers that apple-cinnamon fix without rolling out a crust, while my Carrot Mug Cake comes complete with a cream cheese frosting. If you’re a pumpkin lover, I’ve got you covered with my Pumpkin Mug Cake, too. And when you want enough chocolate to share, try my Chocolate Cherry Mud Cake. It also uses just three ingredients, but we’re graduating from a mug to a whole baking dish. Bring extra spoons (and friends)!
Brownie points: Tips for the best mug brownie EVER
- One box delivers plenty of single-serve treats. You’re using just three tablespoons of dry mix, so seal up the rest for your next brownie craving. Future you will be very pleased.
- Chocolate chips are part of the plan. They melt into the batter, leaving little pockets of chocolate that make this feel extra special. When you mix, stir all the way down to the bottom of the mug so every bit of brownie mix gets incorporated.
- That peanut butter drizzle, though. It’s optional… but warm chocolate with a little melty peanut butter? You know where I stand. Add a teaspoon on top and let it work its magic.
As a dietitian, I’m a big believer that dessert belongs in a healthy lifestyle. The trick is making it easy to enjoy a satisfying amount without a whole pan of brownies calling your name from the kitchen counter. This mug brownie does exactly that: one perfectly sized portion, made fresh in about a minute. This is what I call a mug-nificent dessert!
For another way to tame a chocolate craving, whip up my Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Spread and enjoy it with sliced fruit!
3-Ingredient Mug Brownie
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons fudgy “boxed” brownie mix
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mist a microwavable mug or ramekin with nonstick spray and pour in all ingredients. Microwave for 60 seconds. Let cool, then dig in.
- For a tasty topper, add 1 teaspoon of melty peanut butter and a few chocolate chips. Add ~40 calories for the decorations.
Sounds delicious and easy…Can I add some collagen or protein powder for a little protein so I don’t have a sugar spike?
Cheryl, great thinking! I haven’t tried it with added protein, but either should work. Unflavored collagen dissolves easily and shouldn’t change the texture much. Protein powder (use chocolate or vanilla-flavored) soaks up liquid, so add a little extra water, and keep an eye on it since it can turn a bit rubbery in the microwave. Another easy option: add the peanut butter topper or enjoy it with a glass of skim or 1% milk (or add protein powder to your cup of coffee), since the protein (and fat if you go with the PB topper) help slow down that sugar spike too. Let me know how it goes! xx
Fabulous easy to make taste delicious. !’
So happy you enjoyed this easy brownie creation, Ann! xx
Love the fudge mug brownie – so easy & delicious. What great treat.
So happy you enjoyed this simple recipe, Leslie! xx