Microwaved Mug Brownie with Salted Caramel

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, fudgy brownie cooked in minutes in a mug, topped with a drizzle of salted caramel for a quick indulgence. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 6 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 1, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 1 min Serves 1 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a microwave-safe mug (12 oz size), whisk together 4 tbsp all-purpose flour, 4 tbsp granulated sugar, 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/8 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 tbsp vegetable oil, 3 tbsp water, and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth and no lumps remain.
  3. Step 3: Microwave the mug on high for 60-70 seconds, watching closely to avoid overcooking; the brownie should be set but moist in the center.
  4. Step 4: Let the brownie cool for 1-2 minutes, then drizzle 2 tbsp salted caramel sauce evenly over the top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Microwaved Mug Brownie with Salted Caramel take to make?

Total time is about 6 minutes (5 min prep + 1 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Microwaved Mug Brownie with Salted Caramel?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Microwaved Mug Brownie with Salted Caramel?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Microwaved Mug Brownie with Salted Caramel for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Microwaved Mug Brownie with Salted Caramel?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Equipment for this recipe

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