• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Alternative Dish
  • Recipes
  • Fall Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Fall Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Fall Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Dessert

    Vegan Mug Brownie (Easy 5-Ingredient Recipe)

    By Sarah Pilley · Published Jul 13, 2023 · Updated Jul 13, 2023

    • Share

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Vegan mug brownie with bite on fork. Background shows the rest of the mug brownie in blue bowl on top of white cloth with thin blue stripes and chocolate chips sprinkled on top. Text reads "Vegan" in fancy lettering and "MUG BROWNIE" in blue block lettering. Bottom says "AlternativeDish.com" in white text with blue background.

    This delicious Vegan Mug Brownie Recipe is the perfect single serving brownie for dessert tonight. It's moist, fudgy, and ready in less than a minute using the microwave.

    Vegan mug brownie in blue bowl with chocolate chips sprinkled on top. It's on top of white cloth with thin blue stripes. Chocolate chips sprinkled over cloth in background.

    Have a chocolate craving but don't want to make an entire batch of brownies? We have the perfect solution! Make this single-serve vegan mug cake recipe instead. You'll have instant portion control too!

    In case you're new to this concept. A mug cake combines all the essential ingredients of a regular cake recipe in a standard coffee mug. It doesn't get any easier than that.

    This vegan recipe only requires five basic ingredients. It is free of egg, dairy, and refined sugar. It doesn't even need baking powder or plant-based milk! It can also be made gluten-free and oil-free.

    This brownie is rich with double chocolate from cocoa powder and chocolate chips. Serve with a scoop of ice cream or pile with strawberries for a decadent and delicious treat.

    We've been loving mug desserts lately since they are so quick and easy to throw together. I mean, who doesn't love a single serving cake? They satisfy your sweet tooth in a matter of minutes! 

    Check out our chocolate zucchini mug cake recipe if you're looking for another easy microwave recipe. Its texture resembles a chocolate cake, while this is more like a fudgy brownie.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Mug Size
    • Directions with Pictures
    • Serving Ideas for Mug Brownie
    • FAQ
    • Other Quick & Easy Desserts
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients

    You'll need these simple ingredients to make this easy vegan mug brownie recipe:

    Picture of ingredients for vegan mug brownie recipe: Bag of all purpose flour, bowl of mini chocolate chips, bottle of maple syrup, cocoa powder, and stick of butter on white plate. Text reads "5 INGREDIENTS" in black on white bubble with blue border.
    • Vegan Butter - No need to wait for the butter to get to room temperature; Melt it in the microwave! Canola oil or melted coconut oil also work. Use apple sauce for an oil-free recipe.
    • Vegan Chocolate Chips - Use semi-sweet chocolate chips or chocolate bars to make this microwave mug brownie fudgy while adding to the sweetness.
      • We recommend using at least 2 tablespoons as there is only 1 tablespoon of liquid sweetener. You can always sprinkle more chocolate chips on top for extra chocolate flavor.
    • Maple Syrup - Date syrup or agave syrup would also work. We found that liquid sweetener resulted in the best brownie texture.
      • Granulated sugar, brown sugar, or coconut sugar work in a pinch but produce a grainier texture.
    • All Purpose Flour - A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend also works.
    • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder - Cacao powder also works but has a slightly more bitter flavor. Consider adding more chocolate chips to balance the sweetness.

    Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients with measurements, plus full recipe instructions.

    Mug Size

    This recipe yields about ½ cup of brownie batter and fits perfectly in an 8 ounce mug, with room for any toppings.

    We recommend a shallower container for a thinner brownie, like a microwave-safe ramekin or bowl. An 8-ounce coffee mug also works. Both ways taste delicious!

    Vegan individual microwave brownie in a small 8 ounce blue bowl. Hand holding the bowl to show shallow depth. Colorful striped cloth in background with fork and bowl of chocolate chips.

    Directions with Pictures

    Here's how to make a vegan mug brownie:

    Step by step instructions for vegan mug brownie recipe. Step 1 shows melted butter and chocolate chips in blue bowl. Step 2 shows butter, chocolate chips, and maple syrup mixed together. Step 3 shows all ingredients mixed together, a slightly thicker batter. Step 4 shows cooked mug brownie with chocolate chips sprinkled on top.
    1. Add vegan butter and chocolate chips to an 8-ounce ramekin or mug and melt in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Watch to make sure it doesn’t splatter out. You want the butter to be fully melted and slightly hot.
    2. Once melted, add maple syrup and whisk all the wet ingredients vigorously until a smooth and liquidy batter results.
    3. Add the dry ingredients and combine. The brownie batter should be slightly thick and fudgy. Smooth over the top to level the brownie batter.
    4. Microwave on high for 30-40 seconds. Cooking time will vary based on the wattage of your microwave. If needed, microwave for additional 10-20 second intervals.
      • The top will still look a little wet but will continue to firm up once you remove it from the microwave. The bottom of the mug will cook faster, and you don't want your brownie to burn! Use a towel or oven mitts to remove the mug from the microwave and cool for a few minutes. 

    Serving Ideas for Mug Brownie

    Here are some of the best things to serve with your fudgy vegan mug brownie:

    Vegan mug brownie in blue bowl with ice cream on top. Fork lifting out bite of mug brownie with ice cream. Background is white cloth napkin with thin blue stripes and chocolate chips sprinkled on top.
    • Serve with a scoop of vegan ice cream
    • Serve with mixed berries
    • Serve with a dollop of coconut whipped cream
    • Top with cookie dough for a brookie-style treat
    • Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top for a double chocolate effect
    • Sprinkle granola on top for an added crunch
    • Top with a dollop of peanut butter or almond butter for a protein brownie

    There’s no wrong way to enjoy this mug brownie!

    FAQ

    Why is the mug brownie too wet even after microwaving it for 40 seconds?

    Cooking time will vary based on the wattage of your microwave. If needed, microwave for additional 10-20 second intervals.

    A bit of a gooey brownie is okay, though!

    The top will still look a little wet but will continue to firm up once you remove it from the microwave. The bottom of the mug will cook faster, and you don't want your brownie to burn! 

    Vegan mug brownie bite on fork pulled out of mug. Mug brownie in blue bowl in background on top of white cloth with thin blue stripes and chocolate chips sprinkled over it.

    Other Quick & Easy Desserts

    • Bite of chocolate zucchini cake on fork lifted out of mug with more cake. White mug with text that reads "WOOF" on lip. On top of white cloth napkin with red stripes.
      Chocolate Zucchini Mug Cake (Easy Vegan Recipe)
    • Bowl of vegan cookie dough dip made with chickpeas and dates.
      Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip
    • Vegan date truffles in a bowl.
      Easy Cocoa Date Truffles

    Did you make this recipe?
    Please leave a rating and tell us how you liked it!

    📖 Recipe

    Vegan mug brownie in blue bowl with chocolate chips sprinkled on top. On top of white cloth with thin blue stripes. Chocolate chips sprinkled over cloth in background.

    Vegan Mug Brownie (Easy 5-Ingredient Recipe)

    This delicious Vegan Mug Brownie Recipe is the perfect single serving brownie for dessert tonight. It's moist, fudgy, and ready in less than a minute using the microwave.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 4 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 minute minute
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1 person
    Calories: 445kcal
    Author: Sarah Pilley

    Ingredients

    • 2 Tablespoons vegan butter
    • 2 Tablespoon mini chocolate chips
    • 1 Tablespoon maple syrup or alternative liquid sweetener; see notes below
    • 2 Tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour or gluten-free 1:1 baking blend
    • 2 Tablespoon cocoa powder or cacao powder

    Instructions

    • Add vegan butter and chocolate chips to an 8-ounce ramekin or mug and melt in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Watch to make sure it doesn’t splatter out. You want the butter to be fully melted and slightly hot.
    • Once melted, add maple syrup and whisk all the wet ingredients vigorously until a smooth and liquidy batter results.
    • Add the dry ingredients and combine. The brownie batter should be slightly thick and fudgy. Smooth over the top to level the brownie batter.
    • Microwave on high for 30-40 seconds. Cooking time will vary based on the wattage of your microwave. If needed, microwave for additional 10-20 second intervals. Use a towel or oven mitts to remove from the microwave and cool for a few minutes.

    Notes

    See more expert tips, pictures, and variations above for making this single serving brownie!
    • Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chocolate bars make this microwave mug brownie fudgy while adding to the sweetness. We recommend using at least 2 tablespoons as there is only 1 tablespoon of liquid sweetener. You can always sprinkle more chocolate chips for extra chocolate flavor.
    • Date syrup or agave syrup would work as liquid sweeteners. We found that liquid sweetener resulted in the best brownie texture. Granulated sugar, brown sugar, or coconut sugar work in a pinch but produce a grainier texture.
    • The top will still look a little wet but will continue to firm up once you remove it from the microwave. The bottom of the mug will cook faster, and you don't want your brownie to burn! 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 445kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 205mg | Potassium: 221mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 1137IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 2mg

    More Dessert

    • Dairy free apple crisp in a bowl with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream on top with cinnamon sprinkled over. The background shows the dish of vegan apple crisp, a red apple, green apple, and two sticks of cinnamon.
      Dairy-Free Apple Crisp (Vegan Gluten-Free Recipe)
    • Vegan protein powder waffle with mixed berries piled on top. The background shows more waffles and the bowl of berries on a white and blue striped cloth napkin.
      Vegan Protein Powder Waffles (Quick & Easy Recipe)
    • Vegan cranberry apple crisp in a bowl with a scoop of ice cream. The background shows a red and green apple and the crisp in a baking dish on top of a red and white gingham napkin.
      Best Vegan Cranberry Apple Crisp (Gluten Free Recipe)
    • 9 gluten-free vegan apple cider donuts on a wire rack on top of a wood background.
      Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Vegan and Gluten Free)
    • Share

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

    Vegan mug brownie with bite on fork. Background shows the rest of the mug brownie in blue bowl on top of white cloth with thin blue stripes and chocolate chips sprinkled on top. Text reads "Vegan" in fancy lettering and "MUG BROWNIE" in blue block lettering. Bottom says "AlternativeDish.com" in white text with blue background.
    Headshot of Sarah Pilley.

    Hi! I’m Sarah, and I’m so excited you stopped by! I'm thrilled to share my passion for tasty vegan food with you on the Alternative Dish. I focus on creating recipes that everyone can enjoy with allergy-friendly tips! 

    More about me →

    Fall Recipes

    • Vegan cranberry apple crisp in a bowl with a scoop of ice cream. The background shows a red and green apple and the crisp in a baking dish on top of a red and white gingham napkin.
      Best Vegan Cranberry Apple Crisp (Gluten Free Recipe)
    • 9 gluten-free vegan apple cider donuts on a wire rack on top of a wood background.
      Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Vegan and Gluten Free)
    • Slice of vegan sweet potato pie with dollop of whipped cream on top. Background shows the rest of the pie in a dish, a white plate, and a fall colored gingham napkin.
      Vegan Sweet Potato Pie (Gluten-Free)
    • Vegan brown gravy being poured over mashed potatoes on top of a red and white plaid napkin.
      Gluten Free Vegan Gravy (Quick & Easy Recipe)

    Popular Recipes

    • Cauliflower ceviche in a bowl.
      Cauliflower Ceviche
    • Spoonful of golden colored popped quinoa with bowl of toasted quinoa in background, sitting on top of red, orange, and blue cloth napkin.
      How to Make Popped Quinoa (Easy, Crunchy Recipe)
    • Vegan flourless chickpea brownies on a plate.
      Flourless Chickpea Brownies: Vegan & Gluten Free
    • Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut and Ginger
    • Fork holding noodles coated with beet pasta sauce.
      Pasta with Creamy Beet Sauce (Vegan, GF)
    • Slice of vegan avocado key lime pie on a plate.
      Avocado Key Lime Pie (Vegan, Gluten Free)

    New & Trending

    • Vegan fall harvest salad in a bowl on top of a white cloth with apple chips and pepitas scattered around.
      Vegan Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
    • Maple Dijon vinaigrette on a spoon dripping into a jar with more of the dressing.
      Maple Dijon Vinaigrette (Easy Vegan Recipe)
    • Homemade vegan flour tortillas stacked and wrapped in a white cloth napkin.
      Best Homemade Vegan Flour Tortillas Recipe
    • Maple dijon roasted carrots and apples with red onion and garlic on a serving spoon with the roasting pan in the background.
      Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples
    • Crostino with tofu ricotta, jammy tomato confit, basil chiffonade, and balsamic glaze. More vegan crostini appetizers are in the background.
      Best Vegan Crostini Appetizer with Tofu Ricotta
    • Crostini held by a hand with a baking sheet with more crostini in the background.
      How to Make Crostini from a Baguette (Easy Recipe)

    Footer

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

    Vegan mug brownie with bite on fork. Background shows the rest of the mug brownie in blue bowl on top of white cloth with thin blue stripes and chocolate chips sprinkled on top. Text reads "Vegan" in fancy lettering and "MUG BROWNIE" in blue block lettering. Bottom says "AlternativeDish.com" in white text with blue background.

    ↑ back to top

    Simple Sauce Guice &
    Join Our Mailing List!

    Unsubscribe at any time. Thanks for joining the Alternative Dish family.

    Privacy Policy | Accessibility Policy

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Alternative Dish