Gooey, fudgy gluten-free mug brownie (easy tips)

Single serving gluten-free brownie in a mug

Faced with a gluten-free dessert emergency? In the mood for something sweet and immediate, meaning all the ingredients should be stocked and ready to go? A fudgy gluten-free mug brownie is the perfect option!

A microwave brownie in a mug can be made, start to finish, in less than a few minutes, and uses many easy tricks for the best results every time. Enjoy the same delicious flavor of these highly-reviewed homemade gluten-free brownies, but in a single-serving size.

While the end result is quick and simple to make, the recipe was tested over and again to ensure the best results. While some gluten-free mug brownie recipes omit an egg, I found texture to be too wet and gooey, almost like undercooked brownie batter.

Adding a yolk, rather than a whole egg, helps with binding and gives the crumb more lift, so it’s not as moist and goopy. Along with that, boosting the amount of unsweetened cocoa powder helps absorb the moisture while amping a rich chocolate flavor.

However, through all the testing I discovered many more variations and tricks. Like cakey brownies? I have an easy fix for that! Need an egg-free or dairy-free recipe? Not a problem!

It’s all here. Learn how to make a the best gluten-free mug brownie, along with ingredient substitutes, serving and mix-in ideas. This microwave mug brownie is guaranteed to be made on repeat with great results every time!

Ingredient Notes

Through recipe testing, I’ve discovered different workable adaptations to make a single-serving gluten free brownie diary-free or vegan. The ingredient substitutes are listed below, but also see the dairy-free and egg-free sections for more details. 

• All Purpose gluten-free flour blend – Since there is such a small amount used, a variety of flour blend brands will work. Personally I use and recommend Cup4Cup because it mimics the taste and texture of traditional brownies the best.
• Brown sugar – I prefer light brown sugar because it adds to the fudgy crumb. You can also reduce the amount to two tablespoons to save on calories, replace with coconut sugar, granulated sugar, or a sugar-free sweetener.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – The perfect balance is essential when it comes to chocolate desserts. Adding a little more gives a nice, rich flavor like in this popular gluten-free chocolate cake recipe, but also helps absorb moisture for the right texture.
• Oil– Use any preferred oil, such as canola, coconut oil, or vegetable oil.
• Milk – Adds moisture to the brownie. For a dairy-free recipe, replace with almond milk, soy milk, or any preferred dairy-free milk.
• Egg yolk – When adding a whole egg the mug brownie wasn’t quite as fudgy, so I experimented with just adding the yolk. Success! For a cakey texture, replace the yolk with the egg white and microwave about 20 seconds longer.
• Chocolate Chips – I use miniature baking chips to evenly disperse throughout the brownie, but regular-sized semi-sweet may also be used. If you omit the chocolate chips, the brownie won’t be quite as gooey. For dairy-free mug brownie, omit or use non-dairy chocolate, such as Enjoy Life brand.

how to make Gluten-Free Mug Brownie

(Below shows step-by-step photos and modified instructions. For the complete recipe, along with ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.)

1. Grease a microwave-safe 10 ounce mug or ramekin with nonstick cooking spray. With a fork whisk together the egg yolk, brown sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Add the gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking. Stir well, making sure to scrape the bottom of the mug to get the dry ingredients worked in.
3. Stir in 1 tablespoon chocolate chips. Sprinkle the remaining ½ tbsp on top. In a 1000 watt microwave, cook for 1 minute, or until the top is just firm and shiny, being careful to not overcook. Let rest for 1 minute before enjoying.

Fudgy or Cake Mug Brownie Option

Love fudgy brownies? Make the recipe as directed. Prefer a cakier option, or even a single-serving gluten-free chocolate mug cake? There’s an easy fix for that!

When testing the recipe, I tried it several different ways. One of my versions used an egg white versus an egg yolk in the brownie batter. The result? I taller, fluffier texture, similar to chocolate cake.

Because the egg white contains more liquid you will need to microwave it for 20 seconds more. Also be sure you have a large enough capacity mug. I recommend at least a 10 ounce mug or ramekin.

Egg-free modification

I wanted to have options for different diets, including a vegan gluten-free mug brownie, so I also tested the recipe without the egg yolk.

The easy option is to replace the egg yolk with 2 additional tablespoons of dairy-free milk and be sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips. I do want to point out, though, that it does change the texture.

The brownie will be a little more condensed and doesn’t rise as much as made with the egg yolk. Also, it gets fairly more gooey, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Because there is more liquid, you will need to microwave the brownie for about 30 seconds more.

Dairy-free modification

Since there is no butter used in the recipe, it’s quite simple to make a dairy-free gluten-free brownie in a mug. Swap out the milk for your favorite dairy-free variety and use non-dairy chocolate chips.

When choosing a gluten-free flour, you will also want to read the ingredient label. My preferred brand, Cup4Cup, does contain milk powder so it’s not a good option for those on a gluten-free dairy-free diet.

Serving Ideas and Mix-ins

For best taste, enjoy warm out of the microwave oven. To make this a truly decadent gluten-free dessert, top with one of the suggested toppings below or add mix-ins for different flavors.

While a single-serving gluten-free brownie helps portion control, it can easily be divided into two servings, especially when adding toppings or mix-ins.

• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh berries
• Orange zest
• Nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or candied pecans
• Whipped cream
• Dollop of peanut butter or Nutella
• Fruit jams, such as raspberry swirled in before microwaving
• Chocolate sauce or hot fudge

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