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.

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! 

Ingredients

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

• 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!

Directions with Pictures

Here's how to make a vegan mug brownie:

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:

• 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