Microwave Brownie in a Mug

An easy and forgiving way of making cakey brownies. I originally got this from a YouTube video but they put way to much oil in it. I only use half or less of their amount. These brownies taste great on their own and are even better with a scoop of ice cream or a glass of milk.

Update 2019-08-11: I had been over cooking these! They should not be cooked until they look dry; They will taste dry if you do. They should be cooked until they spring back when poked.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp (13 g) flavorless oil or butter (make sure it’s soft or melted)
• 4 Tbsp (58 g) sugar
• 1 (60 g) egg
• a splash (4 g) of vanilla extract
• 2 Tbsp (11 g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1 Tbsp (8 g) flour
• dash of salt (optional)
• a pinch of espresso powder (optional)

Directions

1. If you’re a perfectionist, get two extra bowls and carry on. If you can’t be bothered, skip steps 2 though 6 and just mix everything in the mug.
   • You can get away with mixing everything directly in the mug, though you may not get an even consistency and the batter that gets up on the sides will not cook right.
   • Steps 2 through 6 follows what is known as the creaming method. This method helps to get everything thoroughly mixed without over mixing wet flour.
2. Use some of the oil to grease the mug.
3. In a bowl mix the oil and sugar together until creamy. Then mix in the egg and vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl mix the flour, cocoa powder, and salt together.
5. Mix the dry mix into the wet mix.
   • Don’t over mix. When the flour gets wet it starts developing gluten and mixing (or kneading) speeds that up. Too much gluten will make the brownie tough and chewy.
6. Pour batter into the mug.
7. Microwave until it looks spongy and springs back when poked. About 1 to 2 minutes but don’t rely on timing; Just watch it.
   • There is a lot of variation in cooking times. Between the microwave’s power, the shape of your mug, and measurement errors it’s anyone’s guess. You really just need to watch it.
   • They may still be a little gooey when done. That is fine. They just need to be spongy and springy.
   • Do not overcook. They will taste dry if you do.
8. Let cool.
   • These brownies taste better warm than hot.
   • If you serve with ice cream (which I recommend you do) you really need to let them cool or else the ice cream will melt far to fast.