Healthy 1 Minute Brownie in a Mug (Easy Dessert for Moms)

Easy Microwave Brownie for Busy Parents

If you have kids, you know how hard it can be to find the time to bake, even when you or your kids are craving a fresh, homemade chocolate dessert. And that is why this healthy 1 minute brownie in a mug is so amazing!

It literally takes about 5 minutes to dump the necessary ingredients for this microwave brownie into a mug and mix them up. After that, you just pop it into the microwave for 45 seconds and viola! You have a homemade decadent dessert 🙂

This recipe is great because it is also an easy single serve dessert. Whether you want to make a quick treat for your kids or you just need some indulgent self-care you don’t have to share, this quick healthy brownie recipe is the perfect solution to any sweet tooth craving.

I don’t know how many times I have had a craving for something chocolatey and delicious, but I didn’t have the time or energy to make myself a treat. With this easy homemade brownie recipe, there is very little time or energy required.

As a matter of fact, that’s the story behind how I created this healthy 1 minute brownie in a mug to start with. I knew I needed to crank out a new recipe for the website and I was even in a creative mood.

But, pregnant with my third child and caring for my sick toddler, I didn’t have an abundance of energy to spend hours in the kitchen. So I knew whatever I created needed to be simple to develop and even more simple to follow the recipe.

Because regardless of how many kids you have or what ages they are, you are likely feeling as burned out as I am much of the time. Being a parent is a joy but it is also draining. Making a simple, healthier chocolate dessert to enjoy – whether for yourself or for your kids – should not be another drain on your energy.

As a matter of fact, if this is one of those especially tiring days for you when you just need something to be easy and rewarding, an easy microwave brownie is exactly what you need to make today!

When to Make a 1 Minute Mug Brownie

This guilt-free brownie was designed to be ready within 10 minutes of a craving. So you can quickly and easily make a refined sugar free brownie as soon as that sweet tooth hits and be satisfied within minutes.

This is especially important for busy moms who often have a precious and limited “break” during nap time. Or, for parents needing an easy way to say, “yes” to dessert without feeding their kids processed sweets from a package.

Regardless of whether you are needing an easy healthy chocolate dessert for yourself or your kids (or both!), this time-saver recipe is a huge win every time 😀

But on the flip side, this naturally sweetened brownie can also be saved in the fridge and is just as delicious cold as it is warm. So even if you do want to make this effortless and healthy 1 minute brownie in a mug ahead of time, you totally can.

The best part about saving this single server brownie for later is that it’s so easy to store. No need to use up more of your pyrex food storage containers you’re always running out of.

Simply place some foil or plastic wrap over the top of the mug once it cools and stick it in the fridge. Easy peasy!

And bonus! Making this refined sugar free mug brownie won’t heat up your kitchen, so this recipe is an ideal treat for summer 🙂 It’s also great for quick and easy after-school-snacks.

Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Oil helps to keep the brownie moist. I use olive oil in this recipe to keep it dairy free and to prevent the clumping problem inherent with coconut oil. Use extra virgin olive oil if possible.

• Dairy-Free Milk: Oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, etc. are all fine for this recipe. If you don’t need it to be dairy-free, you can also just use regular cow’s milk.

• Maple Syrup: Maple syrup is the natural sweetener in this refined sugar free brownie in a mug recipe. Make sure you have genuine Grade A maple syrup.

• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds just that little bit of necessary flavor to the brownie. Make sure to use 100% pure vanilla extract.

• Flour: I use organic unbleached all-purpose flour from Costco.

• Cocoa Powder: Just the right amount of cocoa powder provides the chocolate flavor without too much bitterness.

• Salt: The tiniest bit of salt ensures all of that wonderful brownie flavor reaches its full potential.

• Chocolate Chunks or Chips: This is optional but it does add a lot of richness to the brownie. You can either make my super easy honey-sweetened chocolate bar recipe for this or buy refined-sugar-free chocolate chips such as Hu brand.

Instructions

Step 1

In a small heat-safe mug, measure out all ingredients except chocolate chips.

Step 2

Mix until fully combined, scraping the bottom and edges with a spatula.

Step 3

If using, add in chocolate chips or pieces and briefly mix with a fork to evenly distribute them.

Step 4

Microwave for 45 seconds.

Step 5

Allow to cool to a safe temperature before serving to children.

Top with refined-sugar-free ice cream or honey-sweetened whipped cream.

Substitutions & Tips

• This is a dairy-free mug brownie by default, but if you don’t need it to be dairy-free, you can substitute in dairy options.

• If you want to make this brownie gluten free, you can sub in gluten free flour. I have also made this with straight arrowroot powder instead of wheat flour. It does make the texture more chewy but it is still pretty good.

• Adding in chocolate chunks or chocolate chips is optional, but I highly recommend it as it elevates this healthy 1 minute brownie in a mug to a whole new level of rich satisfaction.

• If you need some good topping suggestions that are refined-sugar-free, I recommend this mint chocolate chip ice cream, honey-sweetened whipped cream or maple syrup marshmallows.

• To make this single serve brownie with a homemade marshmallow melted on top, first only cook the brownie for 25 seconds. Add the marshmallow and then finish cooking for another 20 seconds. This is SO good!

• Even though this makes an excellent last-minute microwave dessert, don’t forget that it also makes for delicious leftovers. If you have extra or someone doesn’t finish their mug brownie, just cover the top of the cooled mug and stick it in the fridge for some lucky sweet tooth to indulge in later.