This vegan mug brownie is dairy-free, egg-free, and refined-sugar free! It's easy to throw together in just two minutes so you can satisfy all your chocolate cravings using only the microwave.
Sorry kids, sometimes mom just needs an individual brownie in a mug, no sharing allowed.
Not just any brownie will do though. I'm pretty passionate about both brownies and single serving desserts, so when you put them together I'm going to have some serious opinions!
I've baked dozens of single serving brownies, and eaten plenty of safe, edible brownie batter. This recipe is based off those, with a few minor tweaks to make it microwave friendly.
I need a brownie that is moist, gooey, fudgy, and easy to mix and bake. This recipe calls for no nut butter or fruit purées. Instead we're using simple ingredients. Let's see what we've got!
Vegan mug brownie ingredients
- Coconut oil
- Pure maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder
- All-purpose flour
- Sea salt
- Water
- Chocolate chips
How to make vegan brownies in a mug
- Mix coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Add cocoa powder, flour, and sea salt. Stir to combine.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Pour into a small microwave safe mug and top with additional chocolate chips and salt.
- Microwave for 45 seconds.
Top tips and questions
What is the difference between a mug brownie and a mug cake?
Just like a regular brownie, a mug brownie is moist without a lot of rise. A mug cake is fluffier with a light and tender crumb.
They're both deliciously chocolatey. If you prefer a cake consistency, be sure to check out my vegan chocolate mug cake.
Where can I find vegan chocolate chips?
I like Enjoy Life brand chocolate chips. They are free from most common allergens, including dairy. I usually find them in the natural and organic aisle of the grocery store, near the gluten-free products or baking items.
Will pancake syrup work in place of pure maple syrup?
Please do not use pancake syrup to make this mug brownie recipe. Chemically it does not have the same properties as pure maple syrup, and will not bake properly.
You could experiment with substituting honey (not vegan), date syrup, or brown rice syrup in place of the maple syrup if you prefer.
What kind of salt should I use for desserts?
I've been putting salt on my brownies since I was a kid and accidentally did it when I was salting my tv dinner. Any salt will do really, but I prefer a big, flaky salt like fleur de sel, Greek sea salt, or coarse kosher salt.
What size mug should I use?
I used a fairly small mug (it holds 8 ounces to the top), and I think the brownie would get lost in a large one. That being said, a larger mug would not pose a baking problem, and you probably don't own a mug too small, so any size will do.
Make sure the mug you're using is microwave safe, and be careful when removing it from the microwave since it will be hot.
Can I mix the brownie right in the mug?
If you want to save on dishes, mix up your mug brownie right in the mug. It might make the sides a little messier, but there should be plenty of room in the mug for mixing since you'll be baking it in there anyways.
Why did my coconut oil get chunky?
Cold coconut oil won't mix well into the batter. When adding cold maple syrup to the melted coconut oil, it's important to mix it quickly and thoroughly.
The mixture should get a little thicker but not separate. If your coconut oil gets too cold and becomes chunky, you can put the oil/maple syrup mixture in the microwave for a few seconds just until it melts again.
Can I make this in the oven?
If you'd like a single serving brownie cooked in the oven, just head over to my recipe for that! The recipe itself is very similar except it doesn't use water, uses a ramekin instead of a mug, and it only needs 8 minutes in the oven.
Tips for customizing
- Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free
- Add a scoop of vegan ice cream, drizzle of nut butter or vegan caramel, or sprinkling of organic powdered sugar after baking
- Stir in 1 teaspoon finely chopped walnuts with the chocolate chips
- Add a few raspberries after microwaving
More single serving desserts
- Vegan Cookie Dough for One
- Vegan Cookie for One
- Edible Brownie Batter
- Lemon Mug Cake
- Vegan Single Serving Brownie
- Healthy Banana Mug Cake
- Vegan Chocolate Mug Cake
- Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
- Peanut Butter Cookie Dough for One
If you make this recipe, be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!
Recipe
Vegan Mug Brownie
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon fleur de sel salt or other coarse salt, divided
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 teaspoons dairy free chocolate chips, divided
Instructions
- In a small bowl or mug (8 ounces or larger), whisk together maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla with a fork.
- Add flour, cocoa powder, and half the salt. Stir until just incorporated.
- Add the water and stir until combined.
- Add half the chocolate chips and fold in.
- Transfer the batter to your mug if needed and smooth out the top. Sprinkle with the remaining chocolate chips and salt.
- Microwave 40-45 seconds or until a toothpick comes out clean (watch out for any chocolate chips). Let rest one minute before enjoying.
Notes
Tips for customizing
- Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free
- Add a scoop of vegan ice cream, drizzle of nut butter or vegan caramel, or sprinkling of organic powdered sugar after baking
- Stir in 1 teaspoon finely chopped walnuts with the chocolate chips
- Add a few raspberries after microwaving
To make this in the oven
- Omit the water, pour batter into a ramekin or other small oven safe dish and bake for 8 minutes at 350ºF.
Sophie says
So easy! Thank you so much for this great recipe!
Becca says
This is phenomenal. Very forgiving. I used cassava flour instead of regular flour. I didn't even use a true tablespoon (I'm not in the US)! Thank you!
Klara says
The max power on my microwave is 800 watt, I tried putting the mug brownie in for a minute, it was completely raw, at two minutes it wasnt burnt, just very dry. Idk if I baked it too long, or messed up the recipe. So for how long should I put it in the microwave?
Lindsay Moe says
This recipe was tested in an 1800 watt microwave, so I can't say for sure, but based on your comment I would recommend trying a minute and a half. It would only take a few minutes in the oven too if you prefer to try that route. Also, be sure to measure carefully. With a recipe like this even small changes can make a big difference in the final texture.
May says
Quick, easy, and delicious! I didn’t read the note to let the mug cake sit for a minute and ate in all its ooey-gooey glory.
Molly says
Quick, easy dessert that takes 5 mins or less to make. Adding strawberries on top is amazing!