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Quick & Decadent: Master the 2-Ingredient Brownie in a Mug in Minutes

Are you experiencing an undeniable chocolate craving? Or perhaps a sudden, overwhelming urge for a warm, gooey brownie that needs to be satisfied right now? Look no further! You’ve stumbled upon the perfect solution. This wickedly simple, yet wonderfully satisfying, brownie in a mug recipe comes together in mere seconds and cooks in just one minute. Imagine being enveloped in chocolate heaven before you can even exclaim, “Willy Wonka’s Whiskers!” This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a doorway to instant dessert gratification, requiring minimal effort and delivering maximum deliciousness. (Skip to recipe.)

Experience Pure Chocolate Magic in a Mug

What if we told you that pure chocolate magic is not only real but also incredibly easy to create in your own kitchen? That’s precisely what this 2-ingredient brownie in a mug embodies: pure, unadulterated magic. It’s hard to believe that with just two humble components – a single egg and a dollop of creamy Nutella – you can conjure up something so incredibly scrumptious, moist, and decadently chocolatey. It truly feels like there must be some culinary wizardry involved to achieve such a luxurious, deeply satisfying dessert with so little effort and so few ingredients.

The profound beauty of this recipe lies in its elegant simplicity. You don’t need a pantry stocked with specialized baking ingredients, nor do you need to be a seasoned pastry chef. Just two common household items, a microwave, and your favorite mug are all it takes to transform a basic chocolate craving into a delightful reality. While the exact scientific explanation for how these two ingredients combine to create such a perfect brownie texture might be intriguing, the immediate enjoyment of its results is undoubtedly even more compelling. You don’t need to understand the magic to revel in its deliciousness!

And the absolute best part? You can join in on this magical dessert experience in less than two minutes from start to finish. From the moment you gather your simple ingredients to the blissful instant you take that first warm, chocolatey spoonful, the journey to delectable brownie indulgence is astonishingly quick. It’s the ultimate solution for those spontaneous moments when time is short but the desire for a homemade, comforting treat is undeniably strong. Say goodbye to lengthy baking times, endless cleanup, and hello to instant gratification with this easy microwave brownie.

The Easiest Brownie Recipe for All Ages: Fun for Kids, Fast for Adults

One of the many charms of this 2-ingredient microwave brownie is its universal appeal and astonishing ease of preparation. This recipe is an absolute dream for children eager to experiment in the kitchen; they can whip up these delightful chocolate morsels quickly and with minimal supervision. It’s a fantastic, low-stress project for budding young chefs, teaching them basic cooking steps while yielding an almost instant and incredibly rewarding treat. The simple, straightforward process makes it accessible and enjoyable for kids, boosting their confidence in the kitchen and fostering a love for baking.

But let’s be entirely honest, adults are certainly not immune to the irresistible allure of this mug brownie either! (Speaking from extensive personal experience, all in the noble name of rigorous recipe research, of course 😉). For busy grown-ups, it’s the ultimate hassle-free dessert solution. There are no elaborate mixing bowls to wash, no complicated multi-step instructions to follow, and certainly no extensive cleanup required afterwards. It’s the perfect, guilt-free treat after a long and demanding day, a quick pick-me-up during a midday slump, or a wonderfully satisfying late-night snack without the major commitment of baking a full batch of brownies.

Simple Steps to Instant Brownie Bliss

The process couldn’t be simpler, truly. First, in a small bowl, you’ll beat your single large egg until it’s nicely blended and slightly airy. Next, you’ll incorporate the rich, creamy Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread, adding all that luscious flavor and moisture. Continue beating the mixture thoroughly until you achieve a wonderfully smooth, uniform, and glossy chocolatey batter that promises pure indulgence. Then, carefully pour this luscious mixture into your chosen microwave-safe mug – ensuring it’s the right size, of course. Finally, pop it into the microwave, set the timer for a mere minute, and let the magical transformation unfold right before your eyes.

That’s truly all there is to it. The simplicity is astounding, and the result is nothing short of miraculous. Once the minute is up, and after a brief cooling period, you’re ready to grab a spoon and dig into your own personal chocolate dream! This microwave brownie offers unparalleled convenience and satisfies those urgent cravings with remarkable speed.

From Pan to Mug: The Inspiration Behind Our Single-Serving Brownie Creation

The delightful idea for these individual microwave brownies sprouted from the renowned Nigella Lawson’s classic Nutella Brownies recipe, a truly decadent treat featured in her wonderful cookbook, Simply Nigella Feel Good Food. Her traditional version is a fantastic recipe, calling for 4 extra-large eggs, a pinch of salt, and a full cup of rich Nutella, all baked in an 8-inch pan for 17-20 minutes in a 350°F oven. While her full-sized creation is undoubtedly incredibly delicious, we embarked on a dedicated culinary adventure to adapt this concept for a smaller, faster, and more convenient format.

Our goal was to perfect the ideal ratio of egg to Nutella specifically for a single-serving, microwave-friendly mug brownie. This experimentation process was, I must confess, exquisitely delicious! Every test batch was a joy to taste, and the dedication involved in refining the proportions truly paid off. We’ve done you a considerable favor by meticulously refining this recipe, transforming a family-sized dessert into a personal indulgence. Instead of grappling with the delicious but perhaps overwhelming temptation of an entire pan of brownies staring at you from the counter, you can now effortlessly indulge in a perfectly portioned treat.

This single-serving brownie allows you to satisfy your chocolate craving completely and immediately, without any risk of overindulging or having leftovers that might tempt you later. It’s a brilliant solution for mindful enjoyment and portion control, making it easier to stick to your dietary goals while still enjoying a rich, homemade dessert. All you need is a mug, a spoon, and one perfect, warm brownie to call your very own, whenever the mood strikes.

Essential Tips for Your Perfect 2-Ingredient Mug Brownie

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Achieving brownie perfection in a mug is incredibly straightforward, but a few key tips from the Kitchen Frau will ensure consistent, delightful results every single time:

Choose the Right Mug Size: This is arguably the most crucial step. You must select a mug that is adequately sized to prevent any messy overflows. It needs to comfortably hold at least 8 ounces or 1 cup (240ml) of liquid. You can easily test this by pouring water into your chosen mug beforehand. This capacity is essential because the brownie batter will rise dramatically during cooking in the microwave – often expanding up to three times its initial height – before settling back down as it cools. A mug that’s too small risks an unfortunate and messy eruption in your microwave.
Always Avoid Metallic Decor: Before placing your mug in the microwave, always double-check it for any metallic paint, gold or silver rims, or other metal decorations. Metal in the microwave can cause dangerous sparks, lead to arcing, and potentially damage your appliance. It is vital to use only mugs made from microwave-safe ceramics, glass, or plastic that are explicitly free of any metallic elements.
Grease for Easy Release: To ensure your delicious brownie doesn’t stick to the mug and to guarantee effortless cleanup, lightly grease the entire inside surface of your mug. A small pat of butter, a drizzle of neutral cooking oil (like canola or vegetable oil), or a quick spray of cooking oil will do the trick perfectly. This seemingly minor step makes a significant difference when it’s time to dig in or clean up.
Egg Size Truly Matters: This specific 2-ingredient recipe was carefully developed and tested using a standard large egg. If the egg you’re using is significantly larger or smaller, you might need to adjust the amount of Nutella slightly to maintain the correct batter consistency. A smaller egg might require a touch less Nutella to avoid a greasy brownie, while a larger egg could benefit from an extra half-tablespoon of Nutella to ensure it remains moist and flavorful. The goal is a smooth, glossy, and well-combined batter.
Understand Microwave Variations: It’s important to remember that microwave wattages can vary widely between different models and brands, directly affecting cooking times. While one minute on high power is a generally excellent starting point for this recipe, some microwaves might require a few extra seconds. After the initial 60 seconds, check your brownie for doneness. If it still appears too wet in the center, microwave it in additional short bursts of 10-15 seconds until it’s set but still wonderfully moist and slightly soft in the middle – remember, it will continue to cook slightly as it cools. Be cautious not to overcook, as this can lead to a dry, rubbery brownie.
Patience is a Virtue (Especially for Cooling): Although the aroma of a freshly cooked brownie is incredibly tempting, allowing your brownie to cool in the mug for several minutes after microwaving is highly recommended. This crucial cooling period helps the brownie set properly, allows its texture to become perfectly fudgy, and, importantly, prevents you from burning your mouth on molten chocolate. Additionally, the flavors tend to meld and deepen beautifully as it cools slightly, making for an even more enjoyable experience.
Embrace the Unique Shape: Don’t be surprised or disheartened if your mug brownie doesn’t always come out perfectly symmetrical or level. Sometimes it might wedge itself charmingly at an angle up the side of your mug, much like Meredith’s did in some of the delightful photos, and other times it will stay more uniformly level. Each brownie has its own unique character and charm, and that’s all part of the fun and homemade appeal!

2-Ingredient Brownie in a Mug: The Recipe

Indulge your chocolate cravings with this unbelievably easy and quick 2-ingredient microwave brownie. Perfect for a single serving or a shared treat, this rich and moist brownie is ready in just minutes!

Ingredients:

1 large egg
3 tablespoons Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread

Instructions:

In a small bowl, use a whisk or fork to thoroughly beat the large egg until it is well blended and slightly frothy. This helps incorporate air and ensures a smooth consistency.
Add the 3 tablespoons of rich Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread to the beaten egg. Continue to beat the mixture vigorously until it is completely smooth, lump-free, and takes on a beautiful, uniform, glossy sheen. Ensure no streaks of egg or Nutella remain separate.
Select a microwave-safe mug that has a capacity of at least 8 ounces or 1 cup (240ml). Lightly grease the entire inside surface of the mug with butter, cooking oil, or a quick spray of cooking oil. This step is crucial for preventing the brownie from sticking and for easy removal or consumption directly from the mug.
Carefully scrape all the brownie batter into the prepared mug. Use a spatula to ensure you get every last bit of that delicious, glossy batter out of the bowl and into the mug, minimizing waste.
Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high power for exactly one minute. Keep a close eye on it; the batter will rise dramatically, often up to three times its original height, during cooking. It will then settle back down as it cools. (Note: Microwave wattages vary. If your brownie isn’t quite set after one minute, microwave in additional 10-15 second bursts until it’s cooked through but still wonderfully moist in the center.)
Once cooked, carefully remove the hot mug from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel. Allow the brownie to cool in the mug for at least 3-5 minutes. This cooling period is important for the brownie to set properly, for its texture to become perfectly fudgy, and to prevent you from burning your mouth.
Grab a spoon, dig into your perfectly cooked, warm, and gooey brownie, and enjoy your instant chocolate heaven!

Notes:

Serving Size: This recipe typically serves 2 people if enjoyed as a modest treat, or one very lucky person with a truly serious chocolate craving.
Delicious Toppings: Elevate your mug brownie experience by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a sprinkle of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or some fresh berries on top after it has cooled slightly.
Naturally Gluten-Free: Since both Nutella and eggs are naturally gluten-free ingredients, this 2-ingredient brownie is an excellent and safe dessert option for those following a gluten-free diet.

Guten Appetit!

If you loved creating and devouring this quick and easy dessert, you’ll be thrilled to discover more engaging cooking projects suitable for kids and families. Explore our comprehensive ‘Cooking With Kids’ series here for inspiration and a multitude of fun culinary adventures designed for all skill levels.

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