Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (2024)

Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Calling all sweet-toothed pals, if you’re in need of a quick chocolate fix, look no further than this magical mug brownie recipe! It’s the ultimate dessert hack, featuring just two ingredients and a microwave. Get ready to indulge in the easiest and tastiest mug brownie you’ve ever experienced!

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 or Lemon Mug Cake!

Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (1)

Why you’ll love this easy Mug Brownie Recipe

  • 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!

Imagine rich, decadent chocolate goodness with a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s like a warm, comforting hug from your favorite dessert. The sweetness is perfectly balanced with a hint of bitterness from the cocoa, creating a symphony of flavors that’s downright irresistible. In short, it tastes like pure chocolatey bliss in a mug!

Save This Recipe!

Add your email below and we’ll send it straight to your inbox + you’ll receive all our newest recipes!

Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (2)

Microwave Brownie Ingredients

I 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 for a Brownie Mug Cake?

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.

Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (3)

Mug Brownie With Brownie Mix

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.

  1. Spray a large mug with baking spray.
  2. Combine the brownie mix and water in the mug and stir to combine , about 30 seconds with a fork.
  3. Microwave 60 to 90 seconds.
  4. 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.

Don’t forget to pick up your copy of Aimee’s Book and browse some of her other delicious Brownie Recipes.

Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (4)

Tips for making Brownie in a Cup

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.

Mug Brownie Toppings and Variations

Mug brownies are a delightful treat that can be customized with various toppings and variations. Here are some suggestions to enhance your mug brownie experience:

  • Top your warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Dollop some whipped cream on top of the cooked brownie for an extra creamy and light touch.
  • Drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the top to add an extra layer of decadence.
  • Add some texture and crunch to your brownie by sprinkling chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds on top.
  • If you enjoy the combination of coffee and chocolate, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to your mug brownie batter for an extra depth of flavor.
Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (5)

Mug Brownie FAQs

What size mug do I need to use?

This makes a rather large brownie. I recommend using at least a 16 oz mug or a medium sized bowl.

My brownie came out chewy?

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.

What can you add to a microwave brownie?

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

How do you keep the brownie from sticking to the mug?

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.

Can I use coffee instead of water in brownie mix?

For this recipe, yes you can. Coffee works as a flavor enhancer in coffee and is a great substitute for water.

What if you use milk instead of water for brownies?

Yes. Milk will work in place of water for a mug brownie.

Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (6)

More Mug Recipes

  • 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

Still Hungry? Follow One Sweet Appetite onInstagram,Pinterest, andFacebook!

Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (7)

4.53 from 166 votes

Easy Brownie Mug Cake

Created by: Jesseca


Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Prep Time 2 minutes minutes

Cook Time 2 minutes minutes

Total Time 4 minutes minutes

1 -2

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.

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

See comments for great suggestions from my readers! Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Substitute the water for coffee.
  • Stir in 1 teaspoon of Nutella and 2 tablespoons water
  • Add a heaping teaspoon of mayonnaise

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 325kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 259mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g

Did You Make This Recipe?

Share it with me on Instagram @1sweetappetite and follow pinterest for more!

Amazing Brownie Recipes

  • Brownie Cookies
  • Guinness Brownies
  • The BEST Brownie Recipe
  • Nutella Brownies
  • Chocolate Mint Brownies
  • Toasted Marshmallow Brownies

More Favorites from One Sweet Appetite

  • Hamburger Buns
  • Peach Smoothie
  • Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe
  • Snickerdoodle Cookies
  • Stuffed Shells with Meat
  • White Wine Pasta Sauce
Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (11)

Reader Interactions

Find even more recipes!

Be sure to share it in the comments below and follow me on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram for even more delicious recipes.

    Leave a Review!

    Comments & Reviews

  1. Gina says

    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!

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      Hi Gina! Thanks so much for leaving your feedback. I’m sure this will help others.

      Reply

  2. Michael Brady says

    “un-prepared brownie mix” what does that mean??

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      Brownie mix powder straight from the box. This is unprepared with the ingredients called for on the box.

      Reply

  3. Rose says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (12)
    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!

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      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

      Reply

      • Ashley R Moses says

        I mean live g free. I had to go back to look at the product.

      • Jesseca says

        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!

    • katie says

      Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (13)
      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

      Reply

      • Jesseca says

        This is such a fantastic tip, Katie! Thanks for sharing.

  4. Naomi says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (14)
    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!

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      The Ghirardelli mixes are so hard to resist! Thank you for taking the time to leave suggestions and review, Naomi!

      Reply

    • Michael Brady says

      Ghirardelli’s chocolate leaves a dirty taste in my mouth

      Reply

      • Jesseca says

        You can try a different brownie mix. Ghirardelli is just a personal preference.

  5. Dianne says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (15)
    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.

    Reply

  6. Melanie says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (16)
    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!

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      Thanks for taking the time to comment and leave helpful feedback, Melanie!

      Reply

  7. Savannah says

    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.

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      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.

      Reply

  8. Micki says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (17)
    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!

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      Thanks for the review and suggestions, Micki!

      Reply

      • Jannie says

        Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (18)
        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!

      • Jesseca says

        Hi Jannie, thanks for taking the time to review and leave feedback. These comments are so helpful!

  9. 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!!

    Reply

  10. Janet says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (19)
    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.

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

  11. Karen Spencer says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (20)
    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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  12. theo says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (21)
    my house is filled with smoke now. in the middle of the night. yayy

    Reply

    • 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?

      Reply

    • EJ says

      Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (22)
      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!

      Reply

    • Pam says

      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.

      Reply

  13. Felix Whiston says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (23)
    Think I did it wrong since I ended up with a very thick goo of chocolate, still tasted good, like warm moose pudding.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

      • Jesseca says

        Thank you for this helpful tip, Fran!

      • Debby says

        Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (24)
        I made it as is but added 1/2 teaspoon of oil. It turned out perfect! Thanks for the simple recipe

      • Jesseca says

        I’ll have to test this out with your suggestion, Debby! Thanks for taking the time to review.

    • zackmann says

      Ghirardelli mug mix has 65 grams about 1/2 cup and it says 4 Tea Spoons water

      Reply

      • 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 👌

      Reply

    • 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 👌

      Reply

  14. Maddy says

    Anyone ever tried this in an air fryer?

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  15. 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.

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

  16. 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!

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      I’m so glad you liked this recipe, Ava! It is a family favorite for sure.

      Reply

  17. 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!

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      Thanks for the tip of adding oil, Bonnie! I’m glad that you liked it.

      Reply

    • 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?

      Reply

      • Jesseca says

        I’d suggest microwaving the same time called for in the recipe.

  18. Eli says

    Why isn’t there a specific amount of mix and water put in¿ Makes it much harder to do this without measurements

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      Not really sure what you are referring to. There are specific measurements in the recipe card.

      Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

  19. Twila says

    I like to put a spoon of marshmallow fluff in top.
    Or a spoon of Carmel (Carmel apple dip).

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      What a great idea, Twila!

      Reply

  20. 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!

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      Ok, I LOVE the idea of adding cinnamon or cayenne! Thanks for the suggestion, Shelly!

      Reply

  21. 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.

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      Thanks for the tip, Steph!

      Reply

    • Aruz says

      Instead of vegetable oil, try butter.

      Reply

      • Jesseca says

        This recipe doesn’t call for oil. Are you suggesting adding it in addition to the called for ingredients?

  22. 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.

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      Thanks for the tips, Kenneth.

      Reply

  23. 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!!

    Reply

  24. rachel says

    It wouldn’t cook so i put it in longer and it started smoking…

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

      • Jesseca says

        Thank you for sharing that!

  25. 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

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  26. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

    • Palais says

      @Jesseca,

      Reply

    • Palais says

      I think I had the same problem! Just have to let it cool for a while is all 🙂

      Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

      • 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?

  27. 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!

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      YES. I love the idea of using coffee in place of the water!

      Reply

      • Catherine says

        Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (25)
        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.

  28. Harmony Williams says

    Adding 2 T dark Cherry pie filling made this already great brownie very special! Thank you so much for this recipe 💖

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      YUM! We can’t wait to try this. Sounds delicious!

      Reply

  29. Irene says

    Hi! any idea about calorie count?

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  30. 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!

    Reply

  31. 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

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      I love this! It is like a chocolate lovers dream combo!

      Reply

  32. 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!

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

  33. 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.

    Reply

    • Cinda says

      They’re possibly missing the word, “unprepared” mix.

      Reply

  34. Karen B says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (26)
    Try baking it for 60 seconds for a Molten lava cake yumm

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      That sounds delicious!

      Reply

  35. Christine Bastone says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (27)
    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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  36. Jaden says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (28)
    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 :/

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

      • Jessica says

        Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (29)
        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!

  37. 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.

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      Thanks for the tip!

      Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

      • Jesseca says

        I love this!!

  38. 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!!

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      Thanks for giving the recipe a try!

      Reply

  39. Shauna says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (30)
    Omg. I mixed half brownie mix and half red velvet cake mix 😍😍 amazing: My new favorite cheat meal!

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      Um, you might be my new favorite person. Just tried this and it is heavenly!!

      Reply

  40. Skyjester says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (31)
    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.

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      Mayo?? Kind of genius. I need to try this.

      Reply

  41. Gia says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (32)
    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.

    Reply

  42. Saher Ahmed says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (33)
    Terrible result. Won’t use this recipe again

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  43. Scott says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (34)
    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.

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      YUM! I will have to try this version ASAP. It sounds amazing.

      Reply

  44. Mariah says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (35)
    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.

    Reply

  45. TC says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (36)
    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.

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      Thanks for the tip TC!

      Reply

  46. Tracy says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (37)
    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

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      I love the addition of strawberries! We will have to give that a try sometime.

      Thanks for rating the recipe!

      Reply

  47. Liona says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (38)
    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

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

  48. Gail says

    Tried it and it was so good! Do you have one for cake mixes?

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

  49. Kendall says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (39)
    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.

    Reply

  50. cathy says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (40)
    we liked this cake.

    Reply

  51. Jen says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (41)
    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!

    Reply

  52. Nasha Dembele says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (42)
    DELECTABLE

    Reply

  53. ashley says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (43)
    this was terrible very chewy and disgusting don’t use this recipe ever!

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  54. Felicity says

    Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (44)
    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

    Reply

    • Jesseca says

      Oh. My. GOODNESS!! Reeses chips sound like heaven! I cannot wait to give that a try!

      Reply

  55. xer says

    If you want to take the little cakes out for looks, use oven spray.

    Reply

  56. 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!

    Reply

  57. 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 😉

    Reply

    • Dorie says

      Thank you. Your two ingredients recipe is great. The brownie is so good. I added Walmarts and used butter in a small glass dish.

      Reply

      • Jesseca says

        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).

Mug Brownie Recipe (2 Ingredients) - One Sweet Appetite (2024)

FAQs

How to make brownies more sweet? ›

Salt enhances the sweetness in your brownies. You might think that adding salt would make brownies, or any chocolate, salter, but it actually brings out the sweet quality in these types of desserts.

Can you make Duncan Hines brownies in the microwave? ›

Microwave Instructions: Step (1) Blend: Blend brownie mix and water in large bowl with rubber spatula until well blended. Pour batter into the greased pan and spread evenly. Step (2) Microwave: 1200 Watt: Microwave brownie on high 2 minutes 10 seconds. 1000 Watt: Microwave brownie on high 2 minutes 40 seconds.

How to make box brownies better bon appétit? ›

When the back-of-box instructions call for water, try some instant espresso or strong-brewed coffee for roasty, toasty notes that pair impeccably with chocolate. Or use milk or half-and-half for even more richness. And for cakey instead of fudgy brownies, add an extra egg for more lift and spring.

How to improve Betty Crocker box brownies? ›

Swap Fats. For a subtle upgrade, swap out the called-for vegetable oil with an equivalent amount of melted butter or coconut oil. The results are so incredibly rich and fudgy, they'll fool even the most die-hard of brownie snobs into thinking these are scratch-made.

Which sugar is better for brownies? ›

Brown sugar also adds more moisture than white sugar, which can be a good thing depending on what you want in a brownie (fudgier brownies use more moisture). Just bear in mind that even with brownies, it's still possible to have too much moisture and they won't set. You may need to add some extra flour to compensate.

What to add to brownie mix to make it better? ›

Add nuts – Add a handful of finely chopped pecans or walnuts if you love brownies with nuts. Add mix ins – Jazz up a basic brownie mix with chopped mini peanut butter cups, white chocolate chunks, or your favorite chopped up candy bar. Add a swirl – Swirl in spoonfuls of peanut butter or Nutella before baking.

Can I bake cake in plastic container in microwave? ›

Some experts say no plastic containers should be used in the microwave—ever. "The material contains chemicals that may leach into food when it's heated," says Olga Naidenko, Ph.

Can a microwave cook a cake? ›

Yes, you heard that right! Microwave oven, a kitchen essential for short and handy cooking, can also function as a tool for baking cakes and other goodies. However, it is always better to use a microwave-safe glass cookware like a mug or bowl to bake a cake in a microwave.

Can we bake cake in plastic container in microwave? ›

No, you cannot use plastic to bake a cake in a regular or convection oven, as plastic melts at just 265° farenheit. If you are averse to using metal, you can use teflon bakeware as an alternative. You can use plastic to bake a cake in a microwave oven.

What does adding an extra egg to brownie mix do? ›

If you opt to add more eggs, say double the amount, something interesting happens. Even though you are adding more moisture, the air bubbles that you catch in the extra eggs add volume, which decreases the density of your final product. This makes your brownies rise and gives them a much more cake-like texture.

How to doctor up boxed brownies? ›

Adding a layer of cream cheese, marshmallow fluff, caramel, or peanut butter goes a long way towards turning a mix into something special. You can add this layer before or after baking the brownies.

Are Ghirardelli brownies chewy or fudgy? ›

When you want a delicious brownie for a baking emergency—or just to treat yourself—look no further than a box of Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Brownies. These fudgy brownies were packed with that Ghirardelli chocolate flavor that so many of us love.

Can I use butter instead of oil in Betty Crocker brownies? ›

That is a great question. You can absolutely substitute butter for the vegetable oil. Use the same quantity specified in the directions (for example, if it calls for 1/3 cup of oil, use 5 1/3 tablespoons of butter).

Can I use milk instead of water in brownie mix? ›

Use Milk Instead of Water

We've encountered mixes in which water is the only liquid. Replace it with a richer, more flavorful liquid, such as milk, buttermilk or coconut milk. The extra fat from the milk will turn a normal box of brownies into a moist and gooey treat.

What to do if your brownies are too bitter? ›

Dark chocolate also plays an important role in the texture. If you're finding your brownies too bitter, look at alternative recipes containing more sugar and / or less cocoa powder.

What effect does sugar have on brownies? ›

Small sugar particles increase sweetness intensity perception in chocolate brownies. Small sugar particles enhance the soft and moist texture of chocolate brownies. Sugar particle size manipulation significantly affects appearance, texture and colour liking of chocolate brownies.

Is it better to use cocoa powder or chocolate in brownies? ›

As compared to those made with just chocolate or a combination of the two, cocoa brownies are reliably superior in terms of texture and flavor.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Nathanial Hackett

Last Updated:

Views: 5618

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nathanial Hackett

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: Apt. 935 264 Abshire Canyon, South Nerissachester, NM 01800

Phone: +9752624861224

Job: Forward Technology Assistant

Hobby: Listening to music, Shopping, Vacation, Baton twirling, Flower arranging, Blacksmithing, Do it yourself

Introduction: My name is Nathanial Hackett, I am a lovely, curious, smiling, lively, thoughtful, courageous, lively person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.