Craving chocolate but don’t want to wait an hour for oven preheating? Our microwave Nutella brownie mug transforms pantry staples into a single-serving lava cake faster than you can say “dessert emergency.” This recipe skips the dishes, the wait, and the self-restraint—because sometimes, you just need that warm, fudgy hug in mug form.
Why make this? It’s dangerously easy: four ingredients, one mug, and a microwave. No eggs, no fuss, no sharing. Perfect for midnight cravings, lazy weekends, or bribing yourself through a Tuesday.
We’ll walk you through ingredients, microwaving tricks, and even how to fix a dry brownie (spoiler: more Nutella). Let’s turn your mug into a chocolate escape pod.
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Microwave Nutella Brownie Mug
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: DessertCuisine: American1
5
minutes1
minute300
kcal6
minutesCraving something sweet and chocolatey? This Microwave Nutella Brownie Mug is the ultimate solution for a quick dessert. In just a few minutes, you can enjoy a warm, fudgy brownie made with Nutella that requires no oven or extensive preparation. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, it's simple to make with ingredients you likely already have at home.
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
cocoa powder
sugar
salt
Nutella
milk
vegetable oil
vanilla extract
optional: whipped cream or ice cream for serving.
Directions
- In a microwave-safe mug, combine 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
- Stir the dry ingredients together until well mixed.
- Add 3 tablespoons of Nutella, 3 tablespoons of milk, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the mug.
- Mix all the ingredients together until a smooth batter forms.
- Microwave the mug on high for 30-60 seconds, checking at the 30-second mark.
- The brownie should be set but may appear slightly molten in the center.
- Let the brownie cool for a minute before serving.
- Enjoy it straight from the mug or topped with whipped cream or ice cream if desired..
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the brownie as it can become dry. The perfect brownie should be fudgy and moist. You can also add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for extra texture. This recipe is perfect for a quick dessert, and you can easily double it if you're sharing or craving more!
What is a Nutella Brownie Mug?
A Nutella brownie mug is your golden ticket to single-serving indulgence—think molten chocolate cake meets lazy genius. We mix Nutella, flour, milk, and a pinch of salt directly in a mug, nuke it, and boom: dessert in 5 minutes. No oven mitts, no sharing, just you and that spoon.
My grandpa once “helped” me test this recipe during a holiday party. He kept sneaking tastes mid-microwave, muttering, “Science never tasted this good!” The beauty? Even his butterfinger approach couldn’t ruin it. The batter is forgiving, and the microwave does the heavy lifting.
Can You Microwave a Nutella Brownie Mug?
Absolutely! Microwaving is the secret weapon here. The intense heat cooks the batter from the inside out, creating that signature fudgy center. Just ensure your mug is microwave-safe—look for “microwave-safe” stamped on the bottom or stick to ceramic or glass. However, caution is essential when it comes to compostable containers—microwaving them can lead to dangerous fumes or degradation of materials.
Avoid metal-handled mugs (sparks aren’t festive) and skip the fancy china with gold trim. For a 1000-watt microwave, 60-90 seconds is the sweet spot. Lower wattage? Add 10-second bursts until it puffs like a chocolate volcano. If it smells like burnt nostalgia, you’ve gone too far. For a quick and tasty meal, consider making a cheap microwave tuna melt mug, which combines all the comforting flavors of a traditional tuna melt in a single serving that cooks in minutes.
Now that we’ve microwaved our way to confidence, let’s talk about what this beauty tastes like—spoiler: it’s better than grandpa’s fruitcake. Many foods actually taste even better when microwaved, enhancing their flavor and texture. It’s fascinating to discover which nine foods truly shine when cooked this way.
What Does a Microwave Nutella Brownie Mug Taste Like?
Imagine biting into a warm fudge bomb with crispy edges and a molten core that oozes Nutella like a chocolate geyser. This mug brownie sits perfectly between cake and goo—dense enough to feel indulgent but airy enough to avoid feeling like a brick. My college roommate once accused me of witchcraft when I whipped this up during finals week. “This tastes like my childhood birthday party,” she said, “but faster.” In just a few minutes, you can create a delightful treat that embodies those nostalgic flavors. The microwave Nutella mug cake brings that same joy with an easy and quick recipe that anyone can master.
The magic lies in Nutella’s hazelnut undertones balancing the cocoa’s bitterness. No egg means no custardy aftertaste—just pure, unapologetic chocolate chaos. If you’ve ever licked the brownie batter spoon, this is that flavor, but legal (and safer).
Also See: Honey Glazed Carrots (Microwave-tender) – Quick & Easy!
Ingredients for Microwave Nutella Brownie Mug
Essential Ingredients & Nutella Substitutes
You need four staples: Nutella (4 tbsp), all-purpose flour (3 tbsp), milk (2 tbsp), and a pinch of salt. Out of Nutella? Swap in peanut butter for a Reese’s vibe or Biscoff spread for caramelized spice. Even jam works in a pinch—my strawberry-swirl version once saved a Girl Scout meeting. For a quick twist, consider using microwave Nutella to make a warm, gooey version that enhances the flavors even more.
Flour Alternatives for Mug Brownies
All-purpose flour gives structure, but we’ve tested swaps. For gluten-free, use 1:1 almond flour (adds nuttiness) or oat flour (chewier texture). Coconut flour? Beware—it’s thirsty. Use 1 tbsp + 1 extra tbsp milk. Pro tip: sift any alternative flour to avoid lumpy surprises. Almond flour is also a fantastic choice for creating a quick and easy microwave cornbread, especially with an Anyday dish hack.
Also See: Quick Microwave Garlic Asparagus: Ready in Minutes!

How to Make a Nutella Brownie Mug in the Microwave
Step-by-step Mixing Instructions
- Grab a 12-oz mug (we’ll talk size later). Add 4 tbsp Nutella. Microwave 10 seconds to soften—this prevents wrist cramps while stirring.
- Mix in 3 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp milk, and salt. Scrape the mug’s sides with a fork. Lazy stirring = flour pockets. Vigorous stirring = workout + smooth batter.
Microwave Timing and Power Settings
700-1100W microwaves vary wildly. Start with 60 seconds at 100% power. If your brownie jiggles like a belly dancer, add 10-second bursts. Mine peaks at 75 seconds—the top cracks like a crème brûlée, signaling gooey perfection. Over 90 seconds? Welcome to Chocolate Sahara.
Fun fact: Microwaves heat from the center out, creating that lava core. Let it rest 1 minute post-zapping—the residual heat firms it up without overcooking. For optimal reheating, consider using microwave lava rocks, which help maintain even heat distribution and enhance the cooking process.
Now that your batter’s ready, let’s tackle mug safety. Because no one wants a chocolate explosion (unless it’s intentional). Keeping safety in mind is especially important when trying fun microwave treats like a chocolate peanut butter mug, which requires careful monitoring.
What Size Mug is Safe for Microwaving Brownies?
We recommend a 12-ounce ceramic mug—it’s the Goldilocks zone. Too small (under 8 oz), and your brownie might volcano over the edges. Too big (over 16 oz), and microwaving becomes uneven. My cousin once used a teacup; let’s just say her counter looked like a chocolate crime scene. For the perfect treat, a microwave raspberry brownie mug combines simplicity and deliciousness in just a few minutes.
Can You Use a Metal Mug in the Microwave?
Never! Metal reflects microwaves, creating sparks that could turn your dessert into a light show. Stick to microwave-safe ceramics or heat-resistant glass. If your favorite mug has a metallic design, retire it for coffee duty. The hidden risk extends beyond just foil; ceramic items with metallic accents can also pose dangers when microwaved. We learned this the hard way during a “let’s see what happens” experiment—RIP, polka-dot mug.
Why Did My Microwave Nutella Brownie Turn Out Dry or Hard?
Two culprits: overcooking or too much flour. Microwaves vary wildly—my 900W needs 70 seconds, while my neighbor’s 1100W nukes it in 55. Start low, then add 10-second bursts. If your brownie resembles the Sahara, drizzle ½ tsp vegetable oil into the batter next time. It’s like ChapStick for baked goods.
How to Adjust Texture for a Fudgy Center
For lava-like gooeyness, underbake by 5-10 seconds. The brownie will firm up as it rests. Add 1 tsp extra Nutella to the batter or top with a cold scoop of ice cream post-microwave. My aunt swears by poking a hole in the center and injecting caramel syrup—because why not? A quick, delicious brownie recipe can be made in the microwave for a tasty treat in just a few minutes. It’s the perfect solution for satisfying your chocolate cravings with minimal effort.
Toppings and Variations for Nutella Mug Brownies
Go wild! Crushed hazelnuts add crunch, while sea salt flakes balance sweetness. Marshmallows? Microwave 5 extra seconds for a s’mores twist. My roommate once sprinkled chili powder on top—surprisingly brilliant. For a “brookie” mashup, layer cookie dough under the batter.
Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor
- Chocolate chips: 1 tbsp for melty pockets
- Espresso powder: ¼ tsp to deepen chocolate flavor
- Peanut butter swirl: Drop ½ tsp into batter before microwaving
Craving something tropical? Mix in shredded coconut and top with mango chunks. We tried it during a beach trip—10/10, would recommend with a tiny umbrella.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of mug brownie customization, let’s talk about keeping them fresh (if you have leftovers, which we never do). One delicious way to enjoy a quick treat is by whipping up a microwave brownie batter mug. This tasty dessert is perfect for those moments when you crave something sweet and need it fast.
Now It’s Your Turn to Whip Up This Decadent Treat!
With just a few pantry staples and 90 seconds in the microwave, you’ve got a warm, fudgy Nutella brownie ready to devour. The hardest part? Waiting those agonizing 30 seconds for it to cool before diving in with your spoon.
We’d love to hear how your mug brownie turned out—did you add sea salt, peanut butter swirls, or go classic? Share your creations with fellow microwave dessert enthusiasts!