Name: Fudgy Mug Brownie Recipe
Prep time: 4 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 tbsp dutch process cocoa powder; 1 1/2 tbsp all purpose flour; 2 tbsp granulated white sugar; 2 tbsp oil (canola, vegetable or olive oil); 2 tbsp water; 1 1/2 tbsp chopped dark chocolate

Nothing quite hits the spot like a rich, warm chocolate treat you can whip up in minutes. This Fudgy Mug Brownie Recipe is my go-to when I want indulgence without the wait or fuss. It’s dense, chocolatey, and just the right size to satisfy your sweet tooth instantly.

A close-up view of a single-layer chocolate mug cake in a white mug, sitting on a white marbled surface. The top layer is dark, rich chocolate cake with a rough, moist texture. Large patches of melted, shiny chocolate pieces are spread unevenly on the surface, creating a glossy contrast against the dark cake. In the background, chunks of chocolate and a spoon resting on a light fabric can be seen softly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Fudgy Mug Brownie Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Fudgy Mug Brownie Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Fudgy Mug Brownie Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely love how this Fudgy Mug Brownie Recipe gives you that perfect molten brownie experience in a matter of minutes. It’s like having a little slice of chocolate heaven whenever you want, and I promise it’s easier than you think to nail it every time.

Ultra Fast: Ready in about 5 minutes start to finish — perfect when you need a quick chocolate fix.
No Oven Needed: It all cooks in the microwave, so no heating up the kitchen or dirtying pans.
Rich and Fudgy Texture: Dense and chocolate-packed, not dry or cakey like some mug brownies can be.
Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you probably already have, so no last-minute store runs.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a specific role, resulting in that rich, fudgy texture I love. Also, everything is so simple that sourcing these won’t be a hassle—even on a lazy day.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of deep brown dutch process cocoa powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fine all purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated white sugar with sparkling crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of golden yellow oil, a small white ceramic bowl of clear water, a small white ceramic bowl filled with irregular pieces of glossy dark chocolate chunks, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Dutch Process Cocoa Powder: Gives a deep chocolate flavor that's smooth and less acidic than natural cocoa.
All Purpose Flour: Provides just enough structure without making the brownie cakey.
Granulated White Sugar: Sweetens and contributes to that slightly crisp top layer after microwaving.
Neutral Oil (Canola, Vegetable, or Olive): Keeps the brownie moist and fudgy without overpowering the chocolate taste.
Water: Combines everything smoothly into a batter and keeps it light.
Chopped Dark Chocolate: Adds melty pools of chocolate inside and a subtle crunch on top for texture contrast.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Fudgy Mug Brownie Recipe depending on my mood or what I have on hand. Don’t be shy about making it your own — whether adding nuts or swapping oils, it’s all about what tastes good to you.

Variation: Sometimes I swap 1 tablespoon of water for a whisked egg for a slightly firmer brownie crumb—especially if I’m sharing, and want a bit more structure.
Add-ins: Toss in a pinch of sea salt or a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to amplify that chocolatey vibe.
Dietary: Use coconut oil in place of neutral oil for a subtle tropical twist, or gluten-free flour if needed.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Fudgy Mug Brownie Recipe

The image shows a white round ramekin filled with a dark, crumbly chocolate dessert with soft melted chocolate patches scattered on top. A silver spoon lifts a portion of the dessert from the center, showing thick, moist, and rich texture with chunks of glossy, melted chocolate embedded within the crumbly dark chocolate base. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients First

Start by combining the cocoa powder, flour, and sugar right in your microwave-safe mug. I use a mini whisk to break up any lumps—you want a nice smooth texture before adding the wet ingredients. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients and Blend Thoroughly

Pour in your oil and water, then whisk briskly. You’re looking for a smooth batter without dry spots or clumps. It’s tempting to eyeball it, but a thorough mix will give you that perfectly fudgy bite.

Step 3: Stir in Half the Chocolate, Sprinkle the Rest

Fold half your chopped dark chocolate into the batter—this creates those gooey chocolate pockets you'll love. Then sprinkle the remaining chunks on top. They melt just enough during cooking to add a lovely texture contrast.

Step 4: Microwave and Watch Closely

Pop your mug into the microwave for about 40 seconds on full power (I use a 1000 watt model). Don’t worry if the top still looks slightly moist — it’s perfect when warm. Overcooking can dry it out fast, so keep an eye the first time you try this.

Top Tip

After a few rounds making this Fudgy Mug Brownie Recipe, I’ve learned that timing is everything to get that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Measure Precisely: Using a sturdy 8 oz mug prevents spillovers and helps the brownie cook evenly.
Microwave Wattage Matters: If your microwave is less powerful, add a few seconds; stronger ones might need a little less time.
Wait Before Diving In: Letting the brownie cool a minute or two allows it to set slightly but still retain its gooey charm.
Don’t Skip the Chocolate Bits: Those chunks make all the difference for texture and flavor bursts.

How to Serve Fudgy Mug Brownie Recipe

Garnishes

I often top my mug brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—it melts right into the top and adds a dreamy creaminess. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt also brings out the chocolate’s depth and keeps you coming back for more.

Side Dishes

Pair it simply with fresh berries or a handful of toasted nuts to add crunch and a fresh note. For an extra special touch, serve alongside a warm mug of coffee or milk to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or gatherings, I spoon the brownie into cute mini ramekins and dust with powdered sugar or cocoa for a classy look. You can even layer pieces between ice cream in a clear glass for a decadent dessert parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Although best enjoyed right away, if you have leftovers, cover your mug tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It keeps reasonably well for up to 2 days, but you’ll notice the texture becomes a bit less fudgy as it cools completely.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing because the delicate fudgy texture can change and become crumbly once thawed. Instead, I prefer making fresh single servings as needed—so easy and fast.

Reheating

To reheat, nuke the brownie in the microwave for about 15 seconds. It will warm through nicely, regaining some of that gooey texture. Avoid overheating to keep it from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch process?

Natural cocoa powder is more acidic and can change the flavor and color of your fudgy mug brownie. Dutch process gives a smoother, less bitter taste, but natural cocoa can work—just expect a slightly different flavor profile.

Why is my mug brownie dry or rubbery?

Overcooking is the most common culprit. Microwaves vary, so try reducing cooking time in 5-second increments. Also, ensure you whisk the batter well and use the correct mug size to keep it moist and fudgy.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the all purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup the same. Just be sure your blend doesn’t already contain any extra leaveners that could alter texture.

Why doesn’t this brownie have an egg?

I left eggs out on purpose to keep things simple and mess-free. Eggs normally add structure, but in this recipe, the fudgy texture comes from a balance of wet and dry ingredients. You can add 1 tablespoon whisked egg if you want a firmer texture, but I find the eggless version perfect as is.

Final Thoughts

This Fudgy Mug Brownie Recipe is one of those little kitchen miracles—a swift chocolate fix with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. I love how it turns a simple craving into a warm, cozy moment. Give it a try like I did, and soon you’ll have your own go-to chocolate comfort treat whenever you want.