How to Make Brownies in the Microwave

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11 Recipe Ratings | Success Stories

Reviewed by Jennifer Levasseur

Last Updated: December 9, 2024 References

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Brownies are a tasty chocolate treat. However, making brownies can be a hassle, especially for those who struggle to bake. They take quite a bit of time to bake, they require so many careful steps, and can be easy to mess up. Making brownies by microwave is a lot less time consuming, requires less baking knowledge, but it still leaves a dazzling taste!

Ingredients

Standard Brownies ^{[1]
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1 cup (225 grams) sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
½ cup (115 grams) butter, melted
¾ cup (75 grams) all-purpose flour
½ cup (50 grams) baking cocoa (powder)
1 cup (125 grams) chopped walnuts (optional)
½ cup (90 grams) chocolate chunks or chips

Serves 9 to 12

Single-Serve Brownies ^{[2]
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¼ cup (25 grams) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (55 grams) granulated or brown sugar
2 tablespoons (30 grams) cocoa powder
2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk or water
2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil
¼ teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Serves 1

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Making Standard Brownies

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1
Combine the sugar and eggs in a bowl until a pale-yellow paste forms. Then, mix in the vanilla and salt. Smaller servings of microwave brownies can be made directly in a mug, but because you are working with such a large amount, you'll need to mix it in a separate bowl first.
- If you are vegan, mix 2 tablespoons (14 grams) of flaxseed meal with 5 tablespoons (74 milliliters) of water in a small dish. Wait 5 minutes for it to thicken, then add to the recipe. ^{[3]
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- If you are using the vegan option, consider adding ½ to 1 teaspoon (2.5 to 5 grams) of baking soda as well. This will help make the brownies more tender. ^{[4]
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Add the melted butter to the bowl and mix until blended. The melted butter will help the ingredients mix together better, giving you a denser brownie in the end. ^{[5]
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Use a fork to break up any lumps, clumps, or chunks. Mixing these two ingredients separately will help them mix into the rest a little more evenly.
4
Sift the flour mixture into the sugar, butter, and egg mixture, and fold the batter until evenly mixed. Sifting will help the batter to not have lumps and will result in a smoother batter with no grainy texture. There should be no lumps, clumps, or chunks when you are done. Be careful not to over-mix, however, or your brownies will end up too tough and chewy.
- Consider adding 1 cup (125 grams) of chopped walnuts for a crunchy texture. ^{[6]
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  Research source} If you don't like walnuts, you can try another type of nuts, such as pecans or pistachios.
The ideal size to work with is 8 by 8 by 2 inches (20.32 by 20.32 by 5.08 centimeters). For extra texture, scatter ½ cup (90 grams) of chocolate chips or chunks on top of the batter after you have poured it. ^{[7]
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6
Microwave the brownies, uncovered, on high until cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes. After every minute, you will want to pause the microwave and rotate the baking dish. Keep cooking until there is a 1¼ inch (3.18 centimeters) wide moist spot in the center.
- Cooking times will vary depending on the strength of your microwave. A 1,100-watt microwave will cook brownies in about 3 to 4 minutes. ^{[8]
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Don't worry if the top looks moist. The brownies will continue to cook on the inside even after you take them out. ^{[9]
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You can serve them as they are, or with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or hot fudge. If you love coffee, you might like your brownie with a scoop of coffee ice cream.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Making Single-Serve Brownies

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For a twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a granule of instant coffee. ^{[10]
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Make sure that there are no lumps or clumps. If there are any, use your fork to break them up.
If you'd like a vegan option, use water instead. You can also try using another type of milk, such as soy. If you are not a fan of vanilla and would like something more bitter, try coffee extract instead. ^{[11]
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Be careful not to over-mix, however. If you over-mix, your brownie will turn out too rubbery. ^{[12]
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5
Place the mug into a microwave, and heat on high until cooked, about 1 minute and 40 seconds. How long you cook your brownie will depend on how strong your microwave is. A 1000 watt microwave will cook a brownie in abut 1 minute and 40 seconds. ^{[13]
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Research source} When cooked, there will be no liquid left. The brownie will still look a little moist, however. You do not need to cover the mug when cooking it.
- If you don't know how strong your microwave is, start at 1 minute, then cook at 30-second intervals until fully cooked.
Take it out of the microwave using an oven mitt, and set it down on a stable surface until it cools down enough to eat. As it cools, it will also finish cooking inside.
You can eat it as is, straight out of the mug, or you can add some goodies, such as a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of hot fudge. If you are a fan of coffee, you might like a scoop of coffee ice cream on yours.

How Can You Enhance A Boxed Brownie Mix?

Community Q&A

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Question

Can any type of microwave cook a brownie?

Community Answer

Yes, any type of microwave can cook a brownie. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the strength of your microwave.

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Can we make it without vanilla extract?

Qamar

Top Answerer

Yes, you can. Vanilla extract only adds flavor.

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Can I substitute normal sugar for the brown sugar?

Community Answer

Yes, but the texture will be different and you won't get the golden-brown color.

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Tips

Microwave brownies are typically eaten straight from the mug. If you'd like to eat yours on a plate, prepare the batter in a separate bowl first, then pour it into a greased mug. After baking, turn the brownie out onto a plate. ^{[14]
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Consider placing a dish beneath your mug in case the brownie overflows.

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To avoid burning or overflowing batter, check on the brownies in intervals.

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Warnings

Do not use any metal baking pans in the microwave. Use only microwave-safe glass or ceramic.

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Things You'll Need

Standard Brownies

2 bowls
Mixing utensils
Glass baking dish
Microwave

Single-Serve Brownies

Mug
Fork

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How to Make Brownies in the Microwave

Ingredients

Standard Brownies ^{[1]
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Single-Serve Brownies ^{[2]
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