I have to be honest, when I received this cookbook and started perusing it, I wondered if I had committed to reviewing a book that either the recipes weren’t going to work or I wasn’t going to like. I was led to those reservations because I never, ever cook in a microwave.
Double Chocolate Brownie Mug Cake – Photos by Ellen Folkman
If it weren’t for my husband wanting one in the kitchen I wouldn’t even own one. So I was nervous to pick a recipe, especially since they are written to be made in an 800W microwave oven. I have two actually; one that’s 700W and one that’s 1000W. Never cooking with a microwave, I was nervous to make adjustments fearing it wouldn’t cook or would explode into a giant mess.
So, after drooling over recipes like cookie dough mug cake, boozy berry mug cake, crushed up cookie mug cake, chocolate orange marble mug cake in Miracle Mug Cakes, I settled on making the double chocolate brownie mug cake. I found a suitable mug, one that is microwave safe and of normal size, not too big, not too small. It’s great that the ingredients are mixed in the mug. Fewer dishes to wash. I recommend using a fork to combine the ingredients. The tines will get into all areas of the mug.
Don’t worry if there’s some mess at the top of the mug, just try to combine as gently as possible. Each of the mug recipes makes one serving. If you are making a few, mix up each mug but I suggest cooking one at a time. The cooking time is so short, your family or guests won’t be waiting long.
So I get everything mixed in the mug and decide that in my 700W microwave oven it needs more time so I set it for one minute and 30 seconds. With about 20 seconds left I think to myself, “this is not going to work.” It is smelling like a brownie though. Then, the last 15 seconds or so, is when the magic happens. This beautiful, chocolaty cake appears above the rim of the mug. The microwave stops, I open the door and there is this plump cake that proceeds to sink. But that’s OK, that’s what it is supposed to do. It doesn’t sink much.
You can leave this cake to cool 10 minutes for a fudgier brownie but I couldn’t wait. I topped it with some whipped cream and mini chocolate chips then dove it. Yes, it was hot but, boy, was it delicious.
I am now a believer. I will definitely be making it again as well as others in the cookbook.
Not all recipes are made in a mug or a microwave. Some that are not are the cookies and cream icebox cake, turtle brownie bites, apple pie pastry pockets, soda pop dump cake and cookie-stuffed cookies to name a few. These are all made in what I would call a “traditional” fashion, using familiar techniques and pans in the oven.
But if you’re the adventurous type, try mug cakes. The recipes in this cookbook really do work and are impressively delicious. They are even company worthy, because who doesn’t like getting their own individual dessert? Make a mixed selection and let your guests choose. Or, set out ingredients for a couple of recipes and let guests make their own. This would be a fabulous slumber party activity!
Double Chocolate Brownie Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa
- pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons flour
- pinch of baking powder
- 1 tablespoon white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to serve
Instructions
- In a coffee mug mix together the oil and cocoa until you have a thick chocolatey liquid. Add in the salt and sugar and stir thoroughly until smooth.
- Using a fork, beat in the egg until fully combined.
- Carefully stir in the flour and baking powder, making sure both are completely incorporated.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Microwave 1 minute for 800W oven. The cake will rise, then sink a little and should still be a bit
- wet to the touch. It may also drip a little down the side of the cup.
- If you prefer a fudgier brownie leave the mug cake to cool 10 minutes before eating. Serve with
- a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Makes 1 serving.
Notes
A pinch equals about 1/8 of a teaspoon
Mix the chocolate chips together then sprinkle a small amount of flour. Toss together before adding to mug. This will keep them from sinking to the bottom.
Depending on the power of your microwave, adjust the cook time. Mine is 700W and I cooked for 1 minute 40 seconds.
I used a regular size coffee mug. © 2017 Suzy Pelta. Recipe published courtesy of Ryland Peters & Small
yarnaddicted says
I would love to try the Hidden Oreo mug cake, thanks!
Kim Reid
Eileen Boyce says
Cookie dough mug looks yummy.
Donna Kozar says
after dinner mint
Mary Ellen says
Looks so delicious! I will have to try this.
mylifecookbook says
Mug cakes are one of the best inventions IMO. This looks wonderful as I have a sweet tooth but I don’t have the patience to bake something big and elaborate. Great recipe!